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Overshoes
VeloToze Toe Cover VeloToze Toe Cover
VeloToze Toe Cover

VeloToze Toe Cover

6
by Stu Kerton
UPDATED Wed, Mar 23, 2016 15:47

First Published Mar 23, 2016

0
£9.99

VERDICT:

6
10
A simple windproof covering good for layering options and keeping the spray off
Weight: 
23g
Contact: 
velobrands.co.uk
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VeloToze has added a toe cover to its overshoe lineup, for those cool and foggy days when you need some warmth and to keep the drizzle out of your summer shoes. Unfortunately, they don't offer any insulation against the cold, but are slim enough to fit as a layer under overshoes.

We reviewed the full length VeloToze overshoes a few months ago and were mightily impressed with their ability to shrug off wet weather, if not their lack of breathability. The toe covers are made from the same rubber material so offer the same ability to keep the rain off the front of your shoe.

> Find your nearest dealer here

Although road spray and the like is kept at bay no issue, if it's raining heavily your feet aren't going to stay dry. VeloToze recommends them for foggy days, those spring days when you head off before the mist has burnt off, and true, they are beneficial here, with the water just beading off the front.

The only issue is that if it's foggy it tends to be chilly too, and the VeloToze toe covers offer no insulation whatsoever, so I'd be reaching for some sort of neoprene covers like the Caratti or Lizard Skins I've previously tested. These do just as good a job of keeping the rain out but keep your toes toasty too.

So where do the VeloToze come into favour then?

Well, there is the (minimal) aerodynamic benefit, as they possibly smooth the air flow over the vents of your shoes and lower straps.

VeloToze Toe Cover.jpg

They are also great for layering beneath full overshoes in the winter, adding another layer of windproofing and water resistance for your toes. They are so thin that they'll fit easily underneath even the tightest of overshoes without restricting movement, and can make a real difference when the temperature plummets.

They are a one-size-fits-all affair, and I certainly had no issues stretching them over my size 10s, covering up past the second strap. And there is so much stretch in the material that they still remain tight on much smaller shoes. They're easy to get on and off too.

> Check out our guide to gear and kit to keep you dry when the weather's not

At £9.99, they're not massively expensive, but you can get a decent pair of neoprene overshoes like those I mentioned earlier for the same money, which you are likely to get more use out of.

Overall, I can see why VeloToze has added a toe cover to its range, and perhaps they would be beneficial for some. For me, though, they kind of fall short of fulfilling any real purpose. If I'm thinking of wearing toe covers it's normally because it's chilly, and it's here that the VeloToze don't really work.

Verdict

A simple windproof covering good for layering options and keeping the spray off

road.cc test report

Make and model: VeloToze Toe Cover

Size tested: One Size, Viz Green

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?

VeloToze says: "veloToze Toe covers are designed for road cycling on cool, foggy days. Whether it's race day, training day or just another commute day, veloToze Toe covers will keep your feet comfortable."

They don't really work in terms of insulating your toes but they make a great windproof or for keeping road spray at bay.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Water-resistant: designed to cover the toe of your shoe with a water-proof material that keeps fog, mist and road splash off your shoes

Windproof: windproof materials keep your feet warm, even on cool mornings (10C/50F to 18C/65F)

Lightweight: made of a flexible, lightweight material that doesn't retain water when wet

Aerodynamic: smooth, flexible material creates a form-fitting design

Easy to Remove: as you warm-up on your ride, quickly slip them off

Compact: easily fits in jersey pocket or saddle bag

Sizing: One size fits all

Colours: Black, Red, Yellow, Green, Pink, Orange & White

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

A simple latex construction so not much to go wrong here.

Rate the product for performance:
 
6/10

As veloToze says, these aren't really designed to keep your feet dry in rain, more fog and drizzle, which they do. They offer a bit of protection from windchill but they aren't insulating so your feet will still get cold below 10 degrees. They are nice and snug for a little aero advantage and they work as great layering beneath a pair of neoprene overshoes.

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

Increased thickness for strength around the cleat hole is a nice touch and as long as you are careful putting them on they should last a while.

Rate the product for fit:
 
7/10

Easy to pull on and off without too much stretching and once in place they don't move about.

Rate the product for sizing:
 
7/10

One size fits all and my size UK10 shoes still had plenty of toe coverage. Plenty of stretch in the material means they are still snug on smaller shoes.

Rate the product for weight:
 
8/10

There is nothing to them.

Rate the product for comfort:
 
8/10

They provide a tight fit without restricting movement within your shoes.

Rate the product for value:
 
4/10

We've had neoprene toe covers in at the same price offering more warmth and protection from the elements.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Easily cleaned by wiping with a wet cloth.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Okay, they keep small amounts of water at bay and the worst of the wind. But at the temperatures I'd normally wear toe covers, the VeloToze wouldn't be warm enough.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Easy to get on and off.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Not one thing in particular, they just don't really excel anywhere.

Did you enjoy using the product? They were okay.

Would you consider buying the product? No

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Not really.

Use this box to explain your score

A bit of an odd one really. They don't really offer much insulation or respite from the elements, plus the aero advantage is minimal. It's normally cold and dry when I wear toe covers so the VeloToze wouldn't be the ones I'd be grabbing for a chilly evening ride.

On the plus side they are easy to get on and off, and because of their thinness they are great for layering beneath overshoes.

Overall rating: 6/10

About the tester

Age: 37  Height: 180cm  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: This month's test bike  My best bike is: Mason Definition

I've been riding for: 10-20 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

VeloToze Toe Cover 2016
VeloToze Toe Cover
VeloToze 2016
Stu Kerton

Since writing his first bike review for road.cc back in early 2009 senior product reviewer Stu has tested more than a thousand pieces of kit, and hundreds of bikes.

With an HND in mechanical engineering and previous roles as a CNC programmer/machinist, draughtsman and development engineer (working in new product design) Stu understands what it takes to bring a product to market. A mix of that knowledge combined with his love of road and gravel cycling puts him in the ideal position to put the latest kit through its paces.

He first made the switch to road cycling in 1999, primarily for fitness, but it didn’t take long for his competitive side to take over which led to around ten years as a time triallist and some pretty decent results. These days though riding is more about escapism, keeping the weight off and just enjoying the fact that he gets to ride the latest technology as part of his day job.

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