The Oxford Bright Shoes 2.0 are subtly black by day but reflective by night, which is a nice touch, and when it comes to waterproofing and windproofing they are hard to knock. The sizing comes up really small, though, so they are definitely a try before you buy option.
- Pros: Impressive waterproofing, reflective fabric
- Cons: Sizing is really small
A moving object is often touted as being more noticeable than a stationary one, so adding reflectives to a cyclist's feet and the constantly revolving pedalling action is one of the best options for visibility.
> Find your nearest dealer here
The Bright Shoes 2.0 use a material that is fully reflective and it really is very noticeable, lighting up silver. Just to add a little more to the mix they also have normal reflective strips either side of the rear zip which glow up even brighter.
You're definitely going to be seen then, but what about their performance against the elements?
Well, that's impressive too.
I've worn these in some proper deluges and if it wasn't for the usual water running down your legs into the top of the overshoe, you would stay dry thanks to the fabric coating and the taped seams.
Rain water and road spray just bead off, and the windproofing keeps your feet warm even if the temperature is nudging zero.
The care label inside says that the Bright Shoes are good for a 30°C wash for up to 40 washes. I was a bit worried about whether they were going to disintegrate or self destruct when this target was met, but all they have done is lost some of the waterproofing. A wash cycle with some waterproof treatment will soon bring them back, but saying that, I don't think I've ever washed a pair of overshoes in my life. That's what the rain does!
> Buyer's Guide: Essential wet weather cycle clothing and gear
Sizing is the real issue for me. They are available from small through to extra large, and with size 10 feet I'm a large in most brands, even a medium in some.These are the XL and they are a stretch. I can get the zip done up and the Velcro tab underneath, but they are being pulled away from the bottom of the shoe as they are being pulled so tightly from front to rear. (They're photographed on Tass's size 40 shoes.)
It's a shame, as on the whole they are a really good set of overshoes for winter riding. They keep the weather out without being bulky and when it comes to the price they do well. For this level of protection, £32.99 is a good shout.
> How to keep your feet warm while cycling in the cold
They keep the rain out even better than the Lusso Windtex Red Overboot, which cost an excellent 30 quid, and they come in way cheaper than the waterproof Shimano S-Phyre.
If you have small enough feet then they are a very good option indeed.
Verdict
Great performers and they'll get you noticed, but sizing is way off
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Oxford Bright Shoes 2.0
Size tested: XL
Tell us what the product is for
A fully reflective overshoe that offers great resistance to whatever the weather can throw at you.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Oxford says:
Full reflective Upper
Waterproof and Windproof
Reinforced heel and toe
Weatherproof zip
Way too small for their size.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Each wash reduces the waterproofing slightly so will need replenishing.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Keep the rain and wind out very well indeed.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Great job against the elements.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The biggest size isn't big enough.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
Pricing is very good considering the performance.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? No, because the biggest size is still just too small.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, as long as they haven't got hobbit feet.
Use this box to explain your overall score
Really good overshoes but those with larger feet will struggle to get them to fit.
About the tester
Age: 40
I usually ride: This month's test bike My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed
With 20 years of road cycling and over 150,000 miles in his legs it's safe to say Stu is happiest when on the bike whatever the weather. Since writing his first review for road.cc back in 2009 he has also had a career in engineering including 3D-CAD design and product development, so has a real passion for all of the latest technology coming through in the industry but is also a sucker for a classic steel frame, skinny tyres, rim brakes and a damn good paintjob.
His fascination with gravel bikes is getting out of control too!