Lusso Windtex Stealth Over Boots

The Lusso Windtex Stealth overboots offer a large working temperature range across a myriad of different weather conditions. And don't let that Windtex name fool you – these booties will also keep the rain at bay for way longer than you'd expect of a fabric this light and thin.

• Pros: Impressive barrier against wind and rain, easy to get over your shoes
• Cons: Not quite thick enough for sub-zero riding

I'm nitpicking a bit with that 'con' of not being thick enough for sub-zero temperatures, because Lusso does only say that the Stealth overshoes will work from 0°C through to 14°C, and it was only on rides where the mercury was nudging freezing that I was right on the level of my comfort zone. Any lower and I'd have to think about thicker socks or sneaking a sandwich bag in there. Many people don't ride when it's freezing outside, so for most it won't be an issue.

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Windtex is a bit of a wonder material, especially for something that doesn't have a whole lot of bulk behind it. According to its manufacturer, Windtex is a "light stretch heat regulating membrane that blocks wind and water". The outside has a smooth feel to it, almost like a softshell material but with a lot more movement and flex.

It works, too. Even on days with an icy wind blowing you don't get any negative effects and your feet will remain warm thanks to the fleecy backing that traps bodyheat around the shoe.

> Buyer's Guide: 10 of the best cycling overshoes

Staying dry isn't an issue either thanks to Windtex's waterproof qualities, backed up by the main seam that runs up through the centre of the overshoe being taped. Water just beads off the surface, and it takes quite a drenching before it is overwhelmed. I'd say that if you are riding with a decent set of mudguards on wet roads to keep the spray down, you'll be dry on all but the longest of rides.

If it is actually raining, water will still get in around the ankle as it drip feeds its way down from your tights, but this is a common theme with all overshoes and not exclusive to the Lussos. (Unless you take the Jez Ash approach: "With some overshoes, I can get a good overlap with the bottom of my bib tights, which serves to prevent the water running down my legs and straight into my shoes.") Here, if the water does get in you stay warm anyway, so it's no biggy.

I'm not a huge fan of zips at the rear of overshoes, especially if they clash with those on your bib tights, but here on the Lussos they're pretty unobtrusive so no real issues. A neat touch is the zip garage at the top, which stops any rubbing on the back of the leg.

The sole is made of a stronger material that is also dimpled for a bit of grip should the need arise. I've done a bit of walking around in them and to date there is no wear at the toe end, while the rear has a heel cutout to allow your shoe bumper to rest on the floor.

The cutout for the cleat is the perfect size for Shimano SPD-SLs and has the length for something like Speedplay's offerings so clearance won't be an issue. I have my SPD-SL cleats set as far back to the heel as the shoes allow in most cases, and this was right on the limit of the cutout.

When it comes to sizing, these mediums fit nice and snug without any excessive stretch or load on the zips. They were very easy to get on and off in fact. The reason I'm highlighting this is because Lusso's sizing actually says that I'd require a large for my size 10 feet rather than the 7.5 to 8.5 size range of the mediums.

If you wear shoes with bulky ratchets or a thick sole I'd recommend sticking to Lusso's size guide.

This style of bootie tends to range from around £25 (Galibier's Barrier) to £35 (Sugoi Resistor), so it's great to see the Lussos sitting here bang in the middle, especially when you take into account just how well they perform against the elements. The last few overshoes coming through the road.cc doors show you can pay quite a bit more...

The Lussos are warm, well made, weatherproof and don't cost the earth. They'll definitely get plenty of use through the rest of winter and into the early spring.

Verdict

An excellent choice of fabric makes for a top-performing, lightweight set of overshoes