SealSkinz Neoprene Halo Overshoes

The SealSkinz Neoprene Halo Overshoes incorporate a powerful LED light in the heel, a clever idea that I'm surprised has never been done before. Don't discount them as being a gimmick, they really do work well and are ideal for regular after dark cyclists.

The overshoes are constructed from a neoprene material with taped seams, a silicone leg gripper and storm flap lined rear zip. The zip has to be mounted on the side of the overshoe because of the LED, but getting them on and off isn't hampered at all. A Velcro tab secures the top of the overshoe around the ankle, and there's another underneath the shoe. Getting a good snug fit isn't difficult.

The key selling point is found in the heel of each overshoe, a four-lumen LED, powered by a replaceable CR2032 coin battery that offers a claimed 240 hours on flash mode and 120 on continuous. SealSkinz claim a visibility from over 500 metres; a lot of factors will influence that distance of course. The light is turned on and off simply by pressing the light cover.

They're a boon for night time riding, especially on the dark unlit country lanes that make up the majority of my cycling. I certainly felt safer in the knowledge that I had done as much to make myself visible on such dark roads, but of course you're still relying on other road users to be paying attention. There is research that shows the up and down motion of pedalling really catches the eye of other road users. Testing the overshoes with another cyclist, the up and down motion really does stand out especially from a distance, and when combined with regular bicycle lights does help to make you stand out.

A couple of reflective details add further visibility, and are handy when you have the LED lights switched off. I found myself switching on the right overshoe light even during the daytime, especially gloomy and cloud days. For night time riding I switched both on to the flashing mode.

The lights are well sealed. I've been riding through lots of wet weather this winter and have even pointed a hose pipe at them after a ride while washing my bike, and they continue to operate just fine.

The sole is reinforced around the heel and toe with a tough Kevlar material, and durability is very good. The overshoes are lightweight and offer good weather protection most of the time, but really heavy rain or really cold mornings will overcome the neoprene. Most of the time they're just right.

The fit is very good over my size 45 shoes, and they provide adequate weather protection, keeping out the rain and providing a good level of insulation. The integration of the LED light and battery hasn't impacted the fit, and there's a negligible weight penalty.

Verdict

Decent weather protection and the extra visibility of twin four-lumen LED lights in the heel