Spatzwear Legalz Overshoes Review

Amidst a range primarily focused on protection against adverse weather (cold and rain), the Legalz model from the British brand Spatzwear endured several rides in difficult conditions with extremely satisfying results in a sector where the vast majority of products available on the market only delay the “wet feet” effect.

Text: Olivier Dulaurent – Photos: 3bikes.fr, Spatzwear

If there is one area of cycling hosiery that rarely brings satisfaction, it is in the realm of overshoes designed to protect against rain. Indeed, like many cyclists, I have worn out several pairs of these protectors that were supposed to guarantee me a return from a ride with dry feet. But in reality, after 20 minutes of heavy rain, and sometimes much less, all the models I’ve worn have given up.

This is where Spatzwear comes in, a brand whose main goal is to equip cyclists for typically… English conditions. It must be said that the brand’s birth truly lies in this quest for training with the best possible comfort in the worst weather conditions. On this subject, a presentation of the genesis of Spatzwear was made in a previous article, which can be found here.

A complete range to cover all needs but not easy to “read”

Faced with the range available on spatzwear.com, cyclists have reason to hesitate, especially since the names given to some models are not the most intuitive. While consumers will easily associate GravelR with gravel (or mountain biking), or the Legalz we are interested in here with an idea of legality, it will be difficult for them to find their way when adding to the hesitation when reading the descriptions of the Roadman 3, Fasta, Pro 2 or Legalz Glo models (especially an aesthetic and visibility issue in this case).

What guided the choice to specifically test the Legalz is the fact of having a versatile, all-around model, for a price set at €84.90, but the brand is generous with promotions, regularly. It should be noted that in the Spatzwear range there are even more protective (Roadman 3) or “faster” (Fasta) models.

In real conditions, true effectiveness

While most overshoes at best reach slightly above the ankle, the Spatzwear Legalz extend up to mid-calf or even higher. The idea behind this particular cut is obviously to delay or, better yet, prevent water from running down the front of the tights (in conditions where the thermometer indicates less than about 15°C) and then into the overshoe itself. The height of the Legalz model can be maintained for training or reduced so that it is adjusted for UCI-sanctioned races (hence the name “Legalz”). This height is marked on the overshoe.

Carefully placed panels, following internal tests, with heat-sealed and taped seams, also eliminate the need for zippered openings. This removes some of the potential weaknesses of a typical overshoe, both in terms of water entry and durability. In this case, the brand has only opted for a Velcro strap under the shoe.

Putting them on is slightly longer than for a more classic model: you need to put them on before slipping your foot into your shoes. But given the sticky nature of the material (neoprene), you will have to force it slightly to get the overshoe in place around the ankle. It should be noted that the whole seems very resistant and no signs of wear or stretched material are to be reported.

The fit around the foot is achieved with another material, which prevents the heel from rubbing against the crank. Thus, while one might have feared that the whole would give a coarse, “clog-like” appearance, in fact the Legalz are close to the foot and should not weigh down the pedal stroke.

On rides with the Legalz, I preferred to use them with long tights. Indeed, when wearing bib shorts, the contact of the material with the skin is less pleasant, especially if the rain stops, which creates a rather annoying “pressure cooker” effect.

In use, the Spatzwear Legalz clearly set a new benchmark. Indeed, this model surpasses everything I had tested: the extra height combined with the overall cut, and the perfectly fitted neoprene on the top, resists road spray so well that a front mudguard is no longer necessary on wet roads. But above all, the common flaw of most overshoes is eliminated: while water usually ends up entering by capillary action along the tights, here the process exists but stops before entering the shoes. The water is simply stopped. Even when riding in torrential rain, the overall and unique design of the Spatzwear works perfectly. The only possible entry point for water is through the external sole of the shoe. Indeed, some particularly well-ventilated shoe models have vents that are not necessarily covered by the neoprene.

Furthermore, in the cold, the thermal insulation is very good and probably reinforced by the fact that the overshoe extends high up the leg, thus continuing to ensure good blood circulation and therefore good protection, although it should be noted that perspiration is rather high in dry weather and as soon as the thermometer tends towards 5°C and above. In dry weather (even cold), there are probably better alternatives than this model. Overall, it remains a model for rain or at least genuinely wet roads and temperatures compatible with riding in tights, so probably less than 15°C.

Ultimately, the impression left by the Spatzwear Legalz is that this model (and even this family of models, as there are others within the range) is a game-changer in how to manage rides in the rain and cold.

The effectiveness is astounding, and the feeling of a ride in the rain is a completely different experience. Not that it’s a real pleasure, but if there’s one unpleasant sensation, wet feet rank high among the “secondary and unpleasant” effects of strictly followed training or an unwelcome surprise en route. This sensation is finally absent with the Legalz, and long winter rides in complicated conditions can now be approached with more optimism than usual.

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