If it's too warm for full overshoes but your toes are starting to go a little numb on rides, toe covers are the optimal autumnal solution. The Q36.5 Termico Toecovers are incredibly thin and lightweight while still offering protection to rival the many chunkier neoprene toe covers on the market. Their impressive ThermalShell fabric really does perform to keep your toes dry and toasty, though I had some issues with fit.
The toe covers come up true to size and cover more of the shoe than most similar products for a little extra warmth.
The lightweight fabric fits easily around the cleat underneath, meaning clipping in and out of pedals is never an issue, unlike some bulkier neoprene alternatives.
Q36.5 says the toe covers are 'shaped to leave access to shoe ratchet and dial systems such that you are able to adjust your shoes on the fly while still maintaining maximum coverage'. I found that this was not the case, though, and the tops of the covers sat awkwardly over the dials on my shoes with nothing to hold them in place. It wasn't a massive problem, though, as when riding they stayed in place and were just slightly bunched up below the dial.
> Read our guide to essential wet weather gear
Like any toe or shoe cover I've used, within a few outings they started to scuff. Unfortunately, due to the thin fabric, the Termicos' scuffs quickly became small holes. While they're still currently warm and waterproof, I fear their impressively light design means they are far less durable than many alternatives.
At £26.99 it's not a bad price for the warmth and protection they offer, but a bit steep considering they won't last that long and might not fit properly over the closure system on some shoes.
Verdict
Impressive protection and super-light, but they lack durability and the fit hasn't quite been perfected
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Q36.5 Termico Toecover
Size tested: 40-43
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Q36.5 says: "Not your average toecovers. Cut for maximum protection and minimal obstruction. Made from Q36.5's UF Thermal Shell.
44 g & very essential."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Materials
49% Polyester
19% Polyamide
13% Elastane
19% Polyurethane
Performed well, especially impressing me on colder rides compared with other neoprene toe covers I have used.
The fabric around the toe covers scuffed quickly and started to wear within three weeks of regular use.
Fit a little awkwardly over the dials on my shoes but are otherwise stretchy and very easy to get on and off.
Came up just right.
Really impressed with the protection you get from such a lightweight item.
Despite the cuffs not staying in place too well over the dials on my shoes, I had no problems while riding and they kept my toes warm on some very cold rides.
I would expect them to be more durable for the price.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Had no problems with washing so far.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Performed well in terms of warmth and protection, and I like the way they cover more of the shoe than your typical toe cover, but I had some issues with the fit.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Warm and comfy without being chunky.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Annoying fit around the top of my shoes, they started to wear quickly and personally I wasn't a fan of the colour scheme.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Maybe
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your score
Impressive protection and weight, but balanced against their poor durability and not quite perfected fit I think a 6 is about right.
About the tester
Age: 19
I usually ride: Boardman Team Carbon My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 5-10 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, commuting, club rides, track
Ashia is a Maths student at the University of Bath and has been riding and racing bikes for the past 6 years after a track taster session at her local velodrome had her hooked. Most weekends, she can be found out racing, be it track, road, criteriums, time trials, triathlons, or cyclocross. Whilst she is fiercely competitive and loves to race, she is still on the look out for anyone hiring a "full time cafe rider" when she graduates.
10 comments
Don't know about you but I have never once got down to the garage and thought I could do with some toe covers this morning but I'll leave the rest of my feet open to the elements. Do people really buy these things?
Exactly my thoughts. If it is cold/wet enough for covers then my ankles need them too.
Really? I wear toe covers all the time - well, in that inbetweeny time. No longer warm but still in 3/4 or shorts, but toes get cold in the morning... Just that little bit of extra protection, and no faffing about removing it to get your foot out.
Toe covers rock. Have them on from Sept and race in them in March. As I suffer from rubbish circulation, i use them in deep winter, under overshoes, for extra protection.
Only a tenner for a good set and everyone should try them.
i have some Mavic ones and they run for 8 or 9 months a year! i have full Endura overshoes (the FS260 ones that require inhuman dexterity to get on/off and just seem to accumulate sweat..) but find the Mavics do 99% of the job 99% of the time. Essential where i live...
I almost always wear toe covers under any other shoe cover for October through May. I always have toe covers under oversocks, and if I get out on a really cold day, I wear toe covers, oversocks, and some slightly large Castelli Estremo shoe covers. Now, my toes will go numb at 55F, so I need any extra layers I can get.
As to your question about only toe covers, I usually do not do that. Every once in a while if they are already on my shoes and it's going to be too warm for oversocks, I may leave them on, but I'd wear only an oversock before wearing only a toe cover in most any circumstance.
i have a pair of these and they are great for keeping the rain out in showers and just for keeping the chill off on cold mornings if you suffer with and sort of bad circulation and suffer with cold extremityies toe covers are great at any time of the year and is also one of those things on murky days you can put in your back pocket incase the rain comes as they are not as bulky as a set of overshoes.
Suitably chastened by the obvious popularity of toe covers I shall get me coat .....
Lol, every time there are any toe covers reviewed on here we get the same reaction from people who haven't tried them, it's quite strange.
Personally, I'm not a big fan of shoe covers, I've got a couple of pairs and find them to be a pain to put on etc.
Toe covers just offer a bit more protection from the wind chill, haven't used mine yet this winter, but wish I had stuck them on on Sunday...
Yep, I can't quite figure that out.
I recently bought a pair of Galibier toe covers (£9, road.cc review) and found them to be great for cool, dry mornings. Haven't tried them in the rain yet but don't expect them to stop much water. But I wouldn't pay £27 for a pair.