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review

Prendas Ciclismo Aquatex overshoes

8
£29.95

VERDICT:

8
10
Well made and reasonably priced performance overshoes
Weight: 
99g
Contact: 
www.prendas.co.uk

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Prendas Cyclismo Aquatex Avershoes aren’t waterproof or even overly water resistant in the commonly accepted sense but in practice, twenty minutes is all that separates them from heavier duty foul-weather specific models. And like other neoprene overshoes, even when saturated feet remain warm plus the stretch panel fabric dries rapidly, thus offering good defence against winter chill while protecting expensive shoes from the ravages of salt, slush and generic seasonal gloop.

They’re fashioned from an interesting blend of Aquatex and Windtex panels, which, as their names suggest consist of vinyl texture uppers protecting against rain and spray, while the side panels, reminiscent of heavy duty Lycra insulate against icy winds and geneal chilliness. Double stitched reinforced sole and heal sections sport a rubberised mosaic pattern designed for greater traction on wet/greasy surfaces compared with the traditional nylon/neoprene types. Elsewhere, Scotchlite logos and reflective piping provide nocturnal security and cuffs prevent the zipper from retracting and letting the elements in.

Snug fit doesn’t compromise dignified and swift entry/exit while riders preferring sportier touring and mtb footwear through the darker months will be delighted to hear our 43/44 test samples were ready hosts for such footwear. Heel cut outs mean they’re much safer to potter around in too, whether punting away through stationary traffic, or making a beeline for the loo at rest stops and the mosaic type sole pattern has offered reassuringly tenacious grip on all but wet decking and laminate flooring.

September showers proved interesting, the seamless aquatex panel unaffected by drizzle and road spray whereas heavier/more persistent cloud burst rolls off the top, soaking straight through the side panels but even after forty-five minutes steady rainfall, ours never once looked or felt cumbersome. Being a breathable membrane, the inner climate doesn’t become too clammy in mild weather; even atop shoes made from synthetic hides.

Verdict

Nicely made and reasonably priced performance overshoes.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Prendas Ciclismo Aquatex overshoes

Size tested: Black, 43/44

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?

"These fourth-generation overshoes are a unique combination of Aquatex (waterproof and windproof membrane) and WindTex Stretch fabric". Very capable overshoes that keep feet warm as removed from bone dry.

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

"By adding the WindTex Stretch fabric the overshoes is more flexible and making it easier to get on/off your cycling shoes and therefore places less strain on the zip".

Also new are 3M ScotchLite piping at the rear and a Velcro heel tab to ensure snug fit and to increase zip life.

Other improvements include better stitching on the heel and

•Stitched heel and cleat holes

•Lightweight

•Made in Italy

•3M Scotchlite Stripes

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

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

The overshoes are excellent at keeping feet warm, thus preventing chill and general rider discomfort but aren't waterproof or overly water resistant in the commonly accepted sense. Fit is snug, yet compatible with most types of road orientated footwear and I'm pleased to report slipping them on and off isn't a major operation.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Stylish, comfortable fit that keep feet at an ambient temperature while protecting expensive shoes from the ravages of winter grime.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing particularly of note.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 36  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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