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Overshoes
Galibier Barrier Overshoe Galibier Barrier Overshoe Galibier Barrier Overshoe Galibier Barrier Overshoe
Galibier Barrier Overshoe

Galibier Barrier Overshoe

7
by Ashia Fenwick
UPDATED Sat, Jan 07, 2017 09:45

First Published Jan 7, 2017

2
£23.77

VERDICT:

7
10
Perfect for toasty toes on cold rides, but not the most waterproof
Weight: 
130g
Contact: 
galibier.cc
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One of the worst feelings on a cold, wet day is having numb feet mid-ride. Galibier combats this with its Barrier Overshoes, a hybrid of warm neoprene and a lightweight, waterproof PU fabric. The combination of fabrics means they don't feel at all bulky, unlike full neoprene overshoes, but don't compromise on warmth.

They are relatively easy to put on and a simple but ingenious flap at the base of the zips means they are very easy to do up, unlike a lot of other overshoes I've used. The zips have been offset away from the Achilles, which Galibier claims is to prevent possible irritation, and I certainly found no problems with comfort here.

> Buy these online here

Like many cyclists, I have relatively large calves compared with your average person and have struggled to find overshoes that actually do up without cutting off my circulation. Galibier has evidently considered this and the overshoes are a great fit, tight enough to stay up, but still easy to do up. I did wear a large, though, which fit well over my size 41 shoes, but is specified as a 43-44, so I would advise sizing up.

Galibier Barrier Overshoe - velcro and zip.jpg

The base of the overshoes feature an intentionally large cleat hole and I found no problems at all clipping in and out while wearing them.

Galibier Barrier Overshoe - underside.jpg

The thick reinforcement on the base of the toe area proved very hardwearing and has so far showed no signs of wear after a few weeks of regular use.

> Buyer's Guide: The best overshoes

I was a little disappointed in the waterproofing, as after an hour in heavy rain my toes were still dry but water leaked through to my heels and ankles. However, in cold and light rain conditions these are the perfect solution for toasty toes without feeling bulky or irritating when riding.

Verdict

Perfect for toasty toes on cold rides, but not the most waterproof

road.cc test report

Make and model: Galibier Barrier Overshoe

Size tested: Large

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Galibier says they are made for winter road riding, to be warm and protective without restricting pedalling.

It seems to have considered every minor detail and the overshoes perform brilliantly, defeated only by heavy rain.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Composition Base: 84% Neoprene, 16%PU

Composition Upper 12,ooo/6,000

Waterproof seam sealing

Strong, Strong, YKK Zip

Road specific sole design

Neat reinforcement on toe area

Zip has been offset, away from the Achilles to remove any possible irritation.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
6/10

Neoprene ensures they're warm while the thinner waterproof material on the crank side doesn't compromise on temperature and keeps the weight down. However, they started to let water through in heavy rain.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Very impressed with the hardwearing material on the base of the overshoes, and saw no signs of wear after a month's regular use commuting and riding.

Rate the product for fit:
 
8/10

I have typically large cyclist's calves and often struggle to get overshoes done up. These were a very good fit without being too loose.

Rate the product for sizing:
 
5/10

Come up a little small. I wore a large which Galibier says is 43/44 and I'm a 41/42 in most shoes.

Rate the product for weight:
 
8/10

Lightweight and don't feel at all bulky.

Rate the product for comfort:
 
8/10

Thinner PU material on the crank side means they don't feel bulky and fit nicely around my calves without being too tight.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Not super-pricey and they do deliver.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very warm and one of the most comfortable pairs of overshoes I've ever ridden in. Waterproofing was good in most conditions, but in heavy rain water started to leak through around the ankles and heel area.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Love the mixture of materials used, which means they are protective and durable without feeling bulky.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Waterproofing leaves room for improvement.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your score

Comfortable, not too pricey, easy to get on and off, and performed well in the cold. They're good – but would be very good with better waterproofing.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 19  Height: 164cm  Weight: 56kg

I usually ride: Boardman Team Carbon  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, commuting, club rides, track

Galibier Barrier Overshoe 2017
Galibier Barrier Overshoe
Galibier 2017
Galibier
Ashia Fenwick

Ashia is a Maths student at the University of Bath and has been riding and racing bikes for the past 6 years after a track taster session at her local velodrome had her hooked. Most weekends, she can be found out racing, be it track, road, criteriums, time trials, triathlons, or cyclocross.  Whilst she is fiercely competitive and loves to race, she is still on the look out for anyone hiring a "full time cafe rider" when she graduates.

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2 comments

Avatar
Yorky-M | 7 years ago
1 like

They are Great

 

Avatar
Freddy56 | 7 years ago
2 likes

Ive bought these in September and have used them 3ish days a week and love them. I like the offset zip and the sleek profile.  They are not as warm as my Endura MTs,  I have on my mountainbike shoes, but are half the weight and half the price. Durability is good as they still look great.

I use Giro empire shoes, size 45 and use the XL. 

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