Specialized Neoprene Gloves and Shoe Covers Review

Specialized is not just a bike brand; it also offers a complete collection of clothing and accessories for road and off-road cycling. Among its range of cyclist protection, there are new neoprene gloves and overshoes designed for rainy and cold rides, as sometimes encountered in early spring. We put them to the test these past few days, enduring rainy rides despite ourselves.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos ©3bikes.fr

Neoprene is a synthetic material highly prized in water sports, as well as in disciplines exposed to harsh weather conditions, such as cycling. This synthetic rubber acts as a thermal insulator, as it is composed of closed, air-filled cells. In a very humid environment, a very thin film of water infiltrates under the neoprene, but it retains the user’s body temperature thanks to the material’s properties.

Two neoprene overshoes in the Specialized range

In its range, Specialized offers two models of neoprene overshoes: a classic height model that goes up to mid-calf, and a “tall” model that covers the entire calf. We chose to test the latter for its innovative aspect. Indeed, the product’s design is supposed to prevent water infiltration, or at least delay it, with a cuff that extends the actual neoprene part. In principle, the moisture that the cyclist receives on the lower part of the leg, mainly from road spray, runs off the product without infiltrating through the upper opening. For greater comfort and effectiveness, Specialized’s neoprene overshoes do not have a zippered closure, and the seams are perfectly sealed. Despite their thickness, they remain quite flexible in use and do not hinder ankle movements.

To wear the overshoes, you must put them on through the ankles, before putting on your shoes, leaving the lower part completely open. After putting on your shoes, you fold the lower part of the overshoes over them, then secure the Velcro strap under the sole to hold everything in place. This system makes the product compatible with all types of soles or cleats, whether for road or mountain biking. However, the waterproofing is not totally guaranteed on this side, and it is better to obstruct the air inlets of the shoe soles to delay water infiltration in case of heavy rain.

In use, you don’t feel any particular discomfort while pedaling, except that the thickness limits access to the Boa dials of the shoes, as well as the ability to tighten the shoes firmly while riding. Note that an anti-abrasion coating is placed in strategic locations to increase the product’s lifespan. No problem on the road, but be careful, as the neoprene could still prove a bit fragile off-road due to stones, rocks, or branches that the feet may come into contact with.

Neoprene gloves for difficult conditions

Specialized neoprene gloves are designed for the same conditions. They are a little less spectacular in the sense that many brands offer this type of product. But here we notice the care taken in the finish, with waterproof seams between the inserts, a palm with anti-slip dots, and an elastic wrist that facilitates donning while closing well to limit water entry. The gloves do not go excessively high, but since they perfectly hug the forearm, they can easily be slipped under a jacket with tight sleeves. This allows water to run off the outside and delay as much as possible the moment it eventually enters. The gloves are quite tight, and it is better to opt for a size larger than usual for good comfort.

Just like the neoprene overshoes, the gloves are quite easy to maintain, as most of the time you just need to rinse them under water after a wet ride to remove dirt. Drying, however, is done by turning the gloves inside out, to prevent moisture from remaining trapped inside before the next ride.

On the road with Specialized Neoprene gloves and overshoes

In light rain, Specialized’s neoprene gloves and overshoes limit water entry for at least two hours. But in heavy downpours, water penetrates more quickly, mainly due to the principle of capillarity. When, for example, tights are soaked by water spray, moisture eventually infiltrates through material contact, despite the height of the overshoes. Not to mention the spray that directly hits the soles of the shoes. Nevertheless, even with wet feet, the ankles and tendons remain protected, and I never felt cold even after a 4-hour ride in the rain with a perceived temperature of 4 to 5°C. Note that to further delay the appearance of water inside the overshoes, it is possible to wear the cuff under the tights. But I found that more uncomfortable.

The same goes for the gloves, which nevertheless suggest the worst at the beginning of each ride. Indeed, the gloves are not lined like the overshoes, and they are worn directly on the skin. So you feel a certain coolness at your fingertips during the first few kilometers. But it is interesting to note that this never gets worse, and that once you are soaked in moisture, these gloves protect you from the cold. The grip on the handlebars is very satisfactory, even if the hold is not as comfortable as with mid-season gloves, due to the relative stiffness of the material.

Neoprene gloves and overshoes are primarily designed for riding in the rain. In cold but dry conditions, the protection is not as effective, especially due to the perspiration induced by the material. Below 4 or 5°C, you still feel some moisture under the gloves, due to the heat produced by the body. And you can quickly get cold hands, especially if the intensity of the effort decreases. For the overshoes, I was also surprised by the amount of perspiration that could be produced even in dry cold. I found myself with very damp socks, shoes, and lower tights, but from the inside. Fortunately, unlike the gloves, the protection against the cold is quite effective down to 2 or 3°C, despite the observed humidity.

Ultimately, Specialized Neoprene gloves and overshoes are high-quality accessories, but particularly specific to very particular conditions, namely cold and wet weather. The gloves are classic for this type of product, but they stand out for their very well-designed cut. The tall overshoes are very high-end and rank among the best on the market in terms of weather protection. The price is high, but can be justified for those who ride a lot, regardless of the conditions.