Castelli Diluvio C Shoecovers 16 review
The Castelli Diluvio C Shoecovers aren't waterproof but the the neoprene keeps your feet warm when wet
The neoprene's insulating properties keeps your feet warm even if they do get a bit wet
-
+
Tight fit
-
+
Great insulation
-
+
-
-
Waterproofing
-
-
Water seeps in
You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to The Pick. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
The Castelli Dilvuio C shoe cover's 3mm neoprene material doesn't sound very thick but its snug fit makes it surprisingly insulating. The top sits close to the ankle, I prefer to wear them with tights rather than knee warmers but, importantly, they don't slip down like some other over shoes can do and they hug shoes very tightly.
Testing these, I found that they were waterproof in light rain, or if the ground was wet, but if it was lashing it down over a sustained period time water would seep in at the cuffs – it took around 40 minutes on one ride in the heavy rain. What's important though is when it did ingress, it didn't result in chilly feet because of the insulating properties of the neoprene.
Watch: Buyer's guide to overshoes
Neoprene doesn't breathe very well, and at the end of rides I would find I had damp socks. Whether this was from water leaking in or due to my own sweat wasn't clear but the important thing was my feet never got cold because of it.
A long zip makes it easy to slip the shoe covers over your riding shoes, and the zip closes without feeling stretched or being pulled too taught. An easy pull tab and a little give in the neoprene also takes some of the chore out of getting these on, avoiding the winter morning wrestle other overshoes can challenge.
Finishing details include reflective additions on the heel and zip. It's enough to offset the black of the overshoe but if you want a bit of colour they also come in fluorescent yellow and bright red.
On seriously wet days I'd opt for something more waterpoof but in light rain or riding over wet ground the Castelli Diluvio C Shoecovers 16 do the job very nicely.
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!
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
E-bike rebates: Are you taking advantage of your city or state programs?
A nation-wide rebate program could be coming soon but here’s how to save on an e-bike purchase now
By Charles Miller Published
-
Gallery: The cyclocross race that existed before gravel was cool
The annual Three Peaks Cyclo-Cross race traverses the Yorkshire Dales annually - here's our gallery from Britain's toughest race
By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan Published
-
Is Chris Froome - in 2023 - a professional cyclist, or an influencer?
The seven-time Grand Tour winner hasn't raced since July, but has taken to being interesting on social media
By Adam Becket Published