Castelli Diluvio 16 overshoe review

Castelli’s Diluvio is a popular choice for wet weather riding: indeed so popular is it that it is available in three different models. We’ve tested the longer 16cm cuff version, but there’s also a shorter variant as well as the Diluvio AR (for All Road) which is designed to work will road and mountain bike shoes.

Compared to some other overshoes the Diluvios lack fancy features. However, it is the lack of unnecessary bulk that makes them attractive. The very stretchy 3mm thick neoprene material makes slipping them over your shoes extremely easy and provides a close fit, while they are also seam-sealed to help keep out rain.

There’s a waterproof zipper which runs down the rear of the 16cm cuff and is flanked by reflective stripes running down to the heel to improve visibility. The zip functions well but the addition of a heel loop would be helpful and – unlike with the shorter version – there is no Velcro strap at the top to keep them done up.

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With cleat and heel cut-outs you shouldn’t slip about when off the bike either, but since there’s no reinforcement to the soles – which are an extension of the uppers in the same material – I would have concerns about their long term durability and resistance to abrasion.

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When riding on cold mornings the Castelli Diluvios kept my feet warm. There are warmer options out there, however, and if the temperature drops towards zero a thicker pair of socks is definitely advisable. Like other neoprene covers they do not keep out heavy rain – in a severe downpour you’d want something more water resistant.