Altura Etape II Overshoe

Altura has been producing brilliant overshoes for years, and the new Etape II Overshoes are no different. They combine very good crud protection with breathability, easy access and a lightweight construction. While not fully waterproof, they do a great job when a pair of Velotoze would be overkill.

With the Altura Thermostretch II overshoes covering the deep winter cold, the Etape II is designed with a lighter construction in mind. As such, their warmth comes primarily from blocking the elements and trapping warmth from your feet.

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According to Altura, its Shield technology is 'engineered to provide protection from wind and water'. Having taken the overshoes out on some of the worst roads, with fords at the bottom of nearly every hill, I'm happy to say that the Etape IIs kept out the worst.

Being water resistant is no good if you get sodden feet from sweat. Thankfully, the Etape IIs give good waterproofing while still offering high levels of breathability, as Altura claims. After being out on wet, muddy roads for over two hours, I came home with warm and dry feet.

As with nearly all overshoes, the main water ingress occurs at the top of the overshoe. Water will slowly make its way down from your shin. It's only an issue with very heavy rain and lots of standing water, when I'd reach for a pair of Velotoze, or just seal the cuff with electrical tape.

Altura has also added its ultra-thin 'Thermo technology soft fabric, made with 'thermosuede fabrics', which it claims will deliver body-warming insulation and warmth. Out on the road, I found that I could use the overshoes right down to freezing temperatures without my feet feeling cold. Below that, I wanted a little more insulation, but they performed admirably in some tough conditions. I put this down to the windproof qualities of the outer membrane; keeping the majority of the cold out allowed the Thermo technology to insulate without being bulky. It's a great combination that, with a pair of merino wool socks, can work down to some pretty chilly temperatures.

> Buyer's Guide: The best overshoes for cycling

Altura has also included 'strategically located retroreflective trims' to increase your visibility. It's a good place to have reflective strips. When I'm commuting, I'll have reflective strips anywhere. It's never my primary visibility source, but the more reflectiveness, the better.

The rear zipper worked perfectly and I've had no issues with it, or the stitching around it. The locking at the top keeps the overshoes zipped up and the Velcro strap has a large attachment area for different leg shapes.

Mediums fitted my size 42 Lake shoes well, with good space for the cleat and heel. There was a little excess material around my ankle, but my ankles are very skinny. Putting them on was also very easy; I've been slipping them on every morning for the ride to the office. I've also put them through the washing machine a few times without compromising weatherproofing.

The competition in the overshoe department is extensive, but I think Altura has produced a high end product, with no gimmicks, for a reasonable price. Madison's Sportive PU overshoes are £8 cheaper, but for me the fit of the Etape IIs is better, being sleeker.

For a lightweight overshoe, these perform very well. The windproof outer and thin thermal inner combine to give you warm but not sweaty feet.

Verdict

Lightweight, weatherproof and breathable – great for everyday riding