It’s a zipperless design to maximise sealing against the elements, and is oversewn along the front to ensure that the three neoprene panels provide the very best fit and protection. It’s often difficult to trust an overshoe which has stitching along the front, but the quality and design and the panels are expertly thought out, making sure that it does work and you are kept warm and dry. In fact, not even a high icy wind can penetrate the stitching, as we’ve found out on many rides.

There’s Kevlar reinforcing to the toe and engineered design around the heal area to add protection too. In terms of fitting,it simply pulls down over the shoes and is fastened underneath, where the sole is opened up except for the addition of a super secure velcro style fastening. The cuff is a separate neoprene panel, trimmed with strong elastic to hold it firm, and when used with the new GripGrab Cycling Gaiter, you have the ultimate protection. And GripGrab have developed their Intelliseal fabric design to ensure that the overshoes provides improvement in the following areas:

Better Fit – closer and more secure fit around the sole of the shoe.

Better Durability – rubber protected stitches enhance the durability of the shoe cover.

Better Water Resistance – tight fit keeps water out for longer, reduces the tendency of shoe covers getting wet on the inside due to the wicking effect of the material along the edge of the shoe cover.

There’s even a neat little hi-vis fastener at the heal to hook a light too, adding to safety in busy winter roads. On the road, and indeed through winter forded streams on the mtb it def does the job well, and best of all the feet stay warm in all temperatures. It’s Intelliseal fabric is super tough and strong, meaning that this will be an investment for years to come.

The high level of stretch within both fabrics is particularly noticeable when putting on, and taking off the Overshoes, making the process easy! Subtleties like this are appreciated when getting ready to head out, or after a long ride in winter conditions.

Other distinct features are the zip and trim. The zip is at an angle across the back of the Overshoe. This offers improved comfort and minimises pressure on the calf area. I really like the bright green trims which are eye catching, assist visibility, and give that distinct Q36.5 style. Low light or night time visibility is factored into the design, with reflective thread used for the zip stitching. I began using the Termico Overshoe at the start of this winter. Since then, I have ridden in rain, sleet, high winds, and dry cold. The temperatures have ranged from just below zero up to around 10°C. The terrain has varied from flatland to the mountains of the Lake District.

I love the overall experience of riding. For this to be at it’s best, neither the equipment used nor the elements should detract from it. Unlike more traditional designs, the low bulk, stretch and protection of this Overshoe translates into a garment which you put on and forget it’s even there. Perfect! This remains constant, as the fabrics Q36.5 incorporate allow vapour transfer, preventing perspiration build-up, to avoid that clammy feel followed by sudden coolness, that wearing neoprene overshoes can give.

Q36.5 design their products to work in conjunction with each other, and their website contains recommendations regarding optimum clothing combinations for different temperatures.

This winter I have found the Be Love Zero Sock and Termico Overshoe to be a great combination, and will move to the Plus Sock as the weather warms. In very cold conditions Q36.5 recommend combining the Termico Overshoe with their Toe Cover, but fortunately this has not been necessary for me this winter. This is a resilient product; after one Winter’s use the Overshoes are showing very little sign of wear, assisted by the opening for the pedal cleat being appropriately sized to avoid the fabric surround being damaged (I use the Look Keo pedals).

The overall performance and design has led to this becoming a firm part of my essential equipment collection.