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review
Overshoes

Q36.5 Termico Toecover

6
by Ashia Fenwick
Wed, Nov 02, 2016 15:45
10
£26.99

VERDICT:

6
10
Impressive protection and super-light, but they lack durability and the fit hasn't quite been perfected
Weight: 
38g
Contact: 
www.swinnertoncycles.co.uk

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.

> Buy these online here

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.

Q365 Termico Toecover - underside.jpg

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

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Performed well, especially impressing me on colder rides compared with other neoprene toe covers I have used.

Rate the product for durability:
 
4/10

The fabric around the toe covers scuffed quickly and started to wear within three weeks of regular use.

Rate the product for fit:
 
6/10

Fit a little awkwardly over the dials on my shoes but are otherwise stretchy and very easy to get on and off.

Rate the product for sizing:
 
8/10

Came up just right.

Rate the product for weight:
 
9/10

Really impressed with the protection you get from such a lightweight item.

Rate the product for comfort:
 
8/10

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.

Rate the product for value:
 
4/10

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.

Overall rating: 6/10

About the tester

Age: 19  Height: 164cm  Weight: 56kg

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

Q36.5 Termico Toecover 2016
Q36.5 Termico Toecover
Q36.5 2016
Q36.5
Ashia Fenwick

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.

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