Review: DexShell Lightweight Fleece Overshoes

Overshoes are an important and even integral part of cycling in bad weather, partly because they protect expensive shoes from damaging road muck. More importantly, they go some way to keeping feet and ankles warm, dry and comfortable in poor riding conditions.

There’s a little more to it than that, of course. Effective overshoes are snug but not too tight, easy to pull on and off, durable without feeling like a pair of galoshes and flexible enough to offer no impediment to pedalling.

DexShell’s Lightweight Fleece Overshoes meet these requirements nicely, with a slick design that uses multiple panels to achieve a close, tailored fit. The upper uses a thin, stretchy polyester-fleece fabric with a showerproof polyurethane coating.

The under-toe area has a panel of tough, abrasion-resistant fabric. This, an elasticated lower edge and an adjustable hook-and-loop strap under the instep keep the overshoe tight to the shoe itself while leaving an opening big enough for the shoe heel and any cleat system.

It is suitable for both road and mountain bike shoe soles, and leaves enough of the latter exposed to permit easy walking. The under-toe fabric may get dirty but should resist wearing through for a couple of seasons at least.

Pulling the DexShells on is fairly easy, although the size L tested was a tight fit over size 45 Shimano MTB shoes and needed some manipulation for an even fit. The thin fleece fabric offers little insulation; thick socks will be needed in colder weather.

Detailing is comprehensive. The zip closure has reflective piping on either side and an internal flap to minimise water ingress. A robust hook-and-loop-secured tongue at the top keeps the sturdy zipper pull tucked away safely.

And a ‘gripper’ band around the inside top edge keeps tights from riding up. The DexShell logo appears on the elasticated top band and on the side of the forefoot, which leads to my one gripe…

I find it easier to use an overshoe zipper when it is on the inside of the foot. As the cut of these is symmetrical, they can be worn on either foot with the zipper on the inside or out as preferred.

The forefoot decal is on the same side as the zipper and therefore sits on the inside of the shoe when worn as I like it. A minor detail, for sure, but worth a mention given that the product is so good overall.

Verdict

A snug-fitting, sleek-looking and well-made pair of overshoes packed with neat details and with enough weather protection for all but the coldest and wettest of conditions.

Other options

Sealskinz Barsham £55

Water-repellent neoprene overshoes with a full-length side zipper, large sole opening and an integral heel LED light. Sizes S-XL.

Endura Men’s Road Overshoe £37.99

Sturdy neoprene overshoe with an offset rear zip. Available in black or black and yellow. Sizes S-XXL.

First published in Cycle magazine, April/May 2025 issue. All information correct at time of publishing.