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review

Spatz Roadman 2 Overshoes

9
£84.99

VERDICT:

9
10
These take riding comfort to new levels in the most atrocious conditions – simply brilliant
Very warm
Excellent water repellency
Durable materials
Putting them on isn’t straightforward
Add some width to your shoes
Weight: 
282g

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The Spatz Roadman 2 overshoes are the latest design from the British company that specialises in clothing for harsh conditions. They might look odd, but if you ride in wet and cold conditions typical of UK winters, these take comfort to new levels.

Let's start with the looks, as that is without a doubt what makes these stand out – and might be enough to put some off. Just bear in mind that the calf height neoprene is brilliant – and when you think about it, high performance cycling gear can often be function over form...

> Buy this online here

The overshoes are made from hydrophobic, waterproof neoprene with reinforced kevlar material in key areas that might see some abrasion, including under the toe cap and the inside of the heels. The thickness of the neoprene varies, with some areas such as the toe being a thicker 4.5mm to provide extra insulation.

2021 Spatzwear Roadman 2 Super-Thermo Reflective Overshoes with Kevlar - front.jpg

There's a knack to putting on these overshoes; if you try putting them on like 'normal' designs you will probably end up frustrated and potentially damage the overshoes by overstretching them.

My eventual method is simple and reasonably quick:

  1. Fold the calf area down in half
  2. Put the overshoe onto the leg before the shoe
  3. Put the shoe on and tighten as normal
  4. Lift the toe over the shoe and tie Velcro under the sole
  5. Unfold the calf area

The lack of a zip might seem like it makes them more of a challenge to put on, but using the method above it's surprisingly quick. No zip might also mean they last longer – my experience with other overshoes is that the zip area usually fails before the material.

2021 Spatzwear Roadman 2 Super-Thermo Reflective Overshoes with Kevlar - back.jpg

The Roadman 2s will not stop heavy, torrential rain seeping down through bib tights, and water getting in through the sole of some shoes. However, the difference compared with ankle height overshoes is dramatic, and the same is true for winter boots in my experience – in wet weather they will also end up soaking inside and this can impact warmth. Another benefit over winter boots is that the Roadman 2s will dry out in a few hours, rather than days.

2021 Spatzwear Roadman 2 Super-Thermo Reflective Overshoes with Kevlar - sole.jpg

They do keep your feet dry on virtually all rides, especially where standing water is the main factor, as almost all the spray being thrown onto the overshoe's waterproof fabric simply rolls off, but the best feature of the Roadman 2s is the warmth they provide. In reality, it is impossible to keep your feet dry in the worst British weather, but if you can keep them warm you can keep riding in comfort.

I have tested the overshoes on some incredibly long rides in temperatures close to zero, with rain and standing water, and my feet have stayed warm every time. Even on dry days below zero, they've kept my feet warm in normal 'summer' shoes and mid-weight socks.

The warmth they provide is really noticeable when you take them off – which is best done in the reverse order to putting them on – and as you roll down the calf area with the thermal lining present, the warmth they've retained is instantly evident.

2021 Spatzwear Roadman 2 Super-Thermo Reflective Overshoes with Kevlar - inside detail.jpg

There is an upper limit to temperatures when the Spatz will be still be effective, and for me this was just above 10°C. It will be different for everyone, but for me around this temperature the warmth increases to a point that your shins get a little damp with sweat. I'd argue this is still preferable to soaking wet feet if the weather is particularly wet, but you might find something like a Velotoze more comfortable. The Spatz are far less fragile than Velotoze, though, and easier to put on.

Comfort is really excellent too. The tight fit initially felt like a compression sock, but after just a short ride I completely forgot I had them on. There is no added resistance, nothing that rubs or causes any form pain. You just ride and forget they are on. Perhaps the biggest accolade I could give them is that I chose to wear these for my 500km non-stop Festive 500 ride, and they were simply fantastic, not once causing a problem but just giving warmth and water repellency in some tough, wet and cold conditions.

The ability to use your favourite shoes year-round and keep them clean could be a big factor for some, especially if you struggle with foot comfort, as they remove the need to wear thicker socks or use a different winter shoe/boot.

The one potential downside is that the overshoes add a little width overall; for any pedal/crank setup that is running very close without an overshoe, it could lead to the foot rubbing in use, or require you to push the cleat in a little on your shoe. It won't affect all setups, but it's worth checking.

Value and conclusion

At £85 the Roadman 2s are expensive – more so than almost all other overshoes we've tested on road.cc. A quick look at more recent reviews shows just two that cost more: the GravelR siblings I tested for our sister site off.road.cc, at £120, and the Ekoi Heat Concept Overshoes that were £149.95 (though they're currently reduced to £80).

That said, they are only a fiver more than some high-end designs, such as Rapha's Pro Teams and the Assos Assosoires Winter Booties, and the Spatz are calf high, providing extra protection.

> Buyer’s Guide: 16 of the best cycling overshoes

Durability and overall life will be a big factor, and if they can last longer, or at least as long as other overshoes, the added performance may then be worth the outlay. While everyone is different, for me overshoes are almost a yearly renewal, with soles or zips wearing out after heavy and frequent use. The materials on the Spatz seem promising, with no wear at all showing. If you often walk in your cycling shoes, wear may become an issue on the front around the toe, although this is one area where the Roadman 2s are reinforced.

Given their level of warmth and performance is close to or better than winter boots in some conditions, the price in comparison is more favourable, although a pair of winter boots should last longer.

> How to keep your feet warm while cycling through winter

If you keep riding outdoors year round and in all weathers, the Spatz Roadman 2 overshoes add warmth and extend the chances of having dry feet in even the foulest winter conditions. Some might say they look funny, but you'll be the one laughing with nice warm feet.

Verdict

These take riding comfort to new levels in the most atrocious conditions – simply brilliant

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

road.cc test report

Make and model: Spatzwear Roadman 2 Overshoes

Size tested: Small

Tell us what the product is for

Spatz says: 'The SPATZ 'Roadman 2 Overshoe' is the next logical step in the evolution of the Roadman. Re-engineered with extended Kevlar toe area and targeted Aero-Armour super tough neoprene around the foot to guard against rips and tears.

'Integrated thermal lined shin panel to provide warmth and water management where you need it most. An industry first for an overshoe. Ride longer. Ride Roadman 2...

'Warmer. Visibly reflective. Tougher. But just as sleek and aero as before. Made for the commute. Made for rain. Made for the road, the gravel, the epic adventures.'

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

Spatz lists these features:

Super insulating 4.5mm Kevlar toe box for the ultimate in warmth and abrasion resistance without adding excess bulk/weight.

Super Reflect 360 detailing for that 6am commute or epic night-time training sesh.

Tough Abrasion Resist fabric guards against heel rub.

Waterproof neoprene throughout with targeted panel thickness for exceptional insulation, fit and comfort. Intelligent water-dispersing lining. Hydrophobic outer layer. Heat welded and taped seams. Liquid seal gripper seals top and bottom. Wrinkle-free 'pro' cut.

Stretch velcro faster behind the cleat.

Made to keep you warm and visible.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

Strong materials, good thickness, abrasion resistance where needed. Thick enough to be warm without being restrictive.

Rate the product for performance:
 
10/10

Simply perfect. Keep your feet warm in the harshest conditions, with no negatives.

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

Early days... Excessive walking will accelerate wear to the material around the toe cap, but with no zip and quality Velcro used under the sole area, there is little else to go wrong.

Rate the product for fit:
 
7/10

They are tight, but that is to be expected. I am at the top of the recommended size for the small (I'm a 41 shoe size) and they fitted fine. You might have an issue if attempting to use them on shoes that are not 'normal' road style clip-in shoes. With mountain bike trail shoes or flat shoes you may struggle, but they're not designed for those styles.

Rate the product for sizing:
 
7/10

They are tight at first, although do stretch. For road shoes they should fit as intended. For mountain bike shoes, be aware that you might need a size larger.

Rate the product for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort:
 
9/10

Feel a little like a compression sock at first, but you soon forget you are wearing them. No issues with pedalling or long term use. I used them for an 18-hour ride non-stop with absolutely no issues or discomfort.

Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

They certainly aren't cheap, but they are only £5 more than some high-end designs from Rapha and Assos, and if you struggle with cold feet and ride in all weather, you will think they are worth every penny.

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

Simply rinse after use. Don't wash in a machine. They dry quickly when left somewhere suitable.

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

Exceptional performance. Used in truly awful weather, both cold and wet, and they kept my feet warm throughout which is something I often struggle with.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The level of warmth provided.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing. I have no issues with the look of them, but appreciate some will.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

They are more expensive than almost all other overshoes, bar their GravelR siblings and the Ekoi Heat Concept Overshoes. They are only a fiver more than some high-end designs, though, such as Rapha's Pro Teams and the Assos Assoisoires Winter Booties, and the Spatz are calf high, providing extra protection.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Definitely

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

I have used numerous pairs of overshoes over the years and nothing has provided the level of warmth and protection that the Spatz Roadman 2s give. They keep your feet drier for longer, and create no issues when riding. They are exceptional – even with that price tag.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 35  Height: 168  Weight: 62

I usually ride:   My best bike is: Cannondale SystemSix

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: road racing, cyclo cross, sportives, mtb, Lots of gravel style riding

Matt is an endurance nut who loves big rides and big events. He's a former full-time racer and 24hr event specialist, but now is also happy riding off-road on gravel bikes or XC mountain bikes and exploring the mountains and hills of Mid Wales.

Add new comment

10 comments

Avatar
CennenDiesel | 3 years ago
0 likes

Good write-up @mattpage. I have a generation 1 of the original Spatz Pro Overshoes back in May of 2018. I think they are the best sealing overshoes i.e. there is no ingress at the top of the overshoe. To get something smiliar, i have used GripGrab gaiters to seal the top of Endura and GripGrab overshoes. It does work but most overshoes do not go as tall as Spatz. Unlike the pictures you posted i wear my leg warmers over the spatz overshoes when it is raining. This prevents water coming down the leg warmers and ultimately into the shoe. From an aesthetics perpesctive it may not look great but when it's raining heavily this reduces rain entering shoe. Also the method of putting them on as you describe is spot on. I would just add that cyclists should avoid getting their finger nails too close to the overshoes when pulling them up. I have a small split in mine due to a sharp thumbnail. I had a similar incident with some Castelli bib tight shoulder strap. Great to see at last some independent and real-world testing of the overshoes.

Avatar
Welsh boy | 3 years ago
0 likes

If your shoe rubs your crank you need to move your cleats in, not out. 

Avatar
Freddy56 replied to Welsh boy | 3 years ago
0 likes

Being pedantic? I spent too long getting my cleats right, so Im not going to move them for wellies.

Avatar
Matt Page replied to Freddy56 | 3 years ago
0 likes
Freddy56 wrote:

Being pedantic? I spent too long getting my cleats right, so Im not going to move them for wellies.

It might not be a problem that everyone will have and it will depend on individual shoe/pedal/crank arm combinations along with the cleat position you already have.

For anyone who really notices changes in cleat position then also having a pair of different shoes/boots in the winter to their summer shoes it will present the same problems with different constructions and insoles, even when keeping the brand the same.

Avatar
Matt Page replied to Welsh boy | 3 years ago
0 likes
Welsh boy wrote:

If your shoe rubs your crank you need to move your cleats in, not out. 

Yes, sorry. You know what I mean though.

Avatar
excy replied to Matt Page | 3 years ago
0 likes

How about just adding some pedal washers instead to move the pedals out a little...  Gotta be easier than moving the cleats and messing up your fit.

Avatar
Dicklexic | 3 years ago
1 like

Please tell me that Spatz also do these in a more 'subtle' option. I know they are well regarded by all those that use them from a funtional perspective, but to me they look absolutely horrendous with all that crazy patterning going on. Plain black with some simple reflective elements would be far more appealing.

Avatar
Rapha Nadal replied to Dicklexic | 3 years ago
0 likes

Yeah, was wondering the same.  Would love to try some, especially the gravel ones, but they need to be toned down a bit! 

Edit: they make plain ones but they all got sent to World Tour teams.

Avatar
VecchioJo replied to Dicklexic | 3 years ago
1 like

I was *really* bothered by the aesthetic of these (such things bother me too much) but they're so good I've stopped caring, I think I stopped caring about ten miles into my first cold and wet ride. You'll maybe get the odd "Power Ranger" comment from other riders (and this is a reminder that to any non-cycling people you look stupid in your kit anyway) but you'll not be bothered because your feet are warm and dry and you won't have to wait for your feet to warm up before you can get in the shower/bath. You can even wear these under your tights if it's such a big worry. I've tried most all the overshoes out there and these are a complete game-changer when it comes to Winter riding so don't let it bother you.

Avatar
dogenzenji replied to Dicklexic | 3 years ago
0 likes

The Pro 2 model has much less reflective patterning but there's still some. Please note they are a little pricier as they have more kevlar reinforcement and more fleece.

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