Castelli Diluvio 16 overshoe review
We've tested the Castelli Diluvio 16 overshoe. It's an unfussy design and a close fit, but long-term durability may not be great
Very stretchy for a close fit and reasonably water-resistant, but longer term durability may not be great
-
+
Unfussy design
-
+
Close fit
-
+
Sealed seams
- +
-
-
Questionable durability
-
-
Wet out in heavy rain
- -
You can trust Cycling Weekly.
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.
>>> How to dress for winter racing
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.
>>> Best winter cycling gloves
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.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Paul started writing for Cycling Weekly in 2015, covering cycling tech, new bikes and product testing. Since then, he’s reviewed hundreds of bikes and thousands of other pieces of cycling equipment for the magazine and the Cycling Weekly website.
He’s been cycling for a lot longer than that though and his travels by bike have taken him all around Europe and to California. He’s been riding gravel since before gravel bikes existed too, riding a cyclocross bike through the Chilterns and along the South Downs.
-
Rain shouldn't mean no riding - How to enjoy cycling in downpours
The Tre Valli Varesine may have been abandoned in the wet, but we have some tips that will see you through
By James Shrubsall Published
-
Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins to reunite on the bike to raise money for US hurricane relief
The British knights will be joined by Jan Ullrich at the Gran Fondo Hincapie next week
By Adam Becket Published
-
Rider says safety concerns were 'ignored' in women's Tre Valli Varesine race, men's event cancelled due to heavy rain
Only 35 riders finished women's event
By Tom Davidson Published