OXFORD BRIGHT 2.0 OVERSHOES Seven Day Cyclist

OXFORD BRIGHT 2.0 OVERSHOES

138g XL £32.99

Oxford’s Bright 2.0 Overshoes offer snug waterproof protection to your feet. Whilst overshoes v waterproof socks rumbles on as a debate - though not amongst the belt ‘n’ braces brigade – there’s no doubt that these have functioned well in challenging circumstances. However, they are very snug and some might require a more generous cut.

Pros: do just what they say.

Cons: very snug fit.

Oxford Cycling bicycle cyclist over shoe cover bright reflecgive safety

Spec 3.5/5

90% polyester mixed with 10% elastane gives a decent amount of stretch to the fabric, and is pretty typical at this price-point. Neatly stitched hems and reflective strips, don’t seem to detract from the waterproofing, and there’s a sturdy zip with Velcro-type fastener and baffle to keep the weather out. This is further enhanced by a gripper around the ankle top.

Unlike some of my old favourite wrap-around models, the Oxford Bright 2.0 are a slip-on style overshoe. Slip into the reinforced toe and stretch the heel over the back of the shoe, secure the strap under the instep, and you are away.

I’m increasingly keen on reflectives on feet – movement makes a little go a long way, so the reflective top makes for plenty of presence.

Size 3/5

Our XL are the largest available – small, medium, large, are the others. Size 44 SPD trainer type touring shoes are my go-to. It came as a bit of a surprise to find just how snug the fit was. Initial trepidation at the amount of stretching needed to pull them over the heel, was misplaced. They went on ok, but they were a tougher fit than I’d like when hurriedly donning wet weather gear at a roadside. Having said that, I do have a broad foot and trainer style SPDs generally have a more prominent heel than sleeker models.

Classic leather touring shoes have caused no such problems, nor office brogues. Even so, my 44 comes into the middle of the suggested XL range, so bigger feet might need a kinder cut.

Length-wise, an above the ankle cut is more than adequate.

Cleaning 4/5

Machine wash at 30C and drip dry. I’ve noticed no evidence of shrinking.

Performance 3.75/5

First use was in steady drizzle. No challenge. In fact, when heavy downpours of snow, sleet, and rain, things stayed dry – with the proviso that open-bottomed overshoes are always vulnerable to surface spray. I’d paired them up with DexShells Pro Visibilty waterproof socks, and with wind-chill down to freezing point there was only the gentlest hint of nippiness around the toes. I’ll look forward to some warm showery summer days to check out climate control.

On tour, spending a few minutes here or there wandering about, I was pleased to notice that there’s been no hint of the lower parts scuffing. Mind you, that’s partly because the hem ran around the welt rather than just under the sole. So, a plus for ambling tourists, at the cost of some security of tenure and overall protection.

Cycling waterpoo commute tour over shoe cover oxford

Judging presence at night is not a precise science, but general reports are that they work well.

The gripper holds the top in place without constricting the circulation. They’re not as high above the ankle as my old Altura overshoes, but are perfectly adequate when hidden under over-trousers, such as Proviz Nightrider Waterproof Overtrousers. Paired on rainy days out with Stolen Goat’s Deep Winter Bib-tights, coverage remains more than adequate.

Conclusion

With the proviso that I would like a larger size, the Bright 2.0 overshoes are effective and do just what they say. I’ve come to see them as perfect for commuting and times when keeping shoes nice and tidy is high on the list. A few pounds more will get you the more generously-sized Proviz Reflect 360 Shoe Covers, also perfect for the commute. I’ve used the Oxford Bright 2.0 for touring, too, but would prefer a more road-side downpour -panic-friendly fit.

Verdict 3.5/5 Well-made overshoes with several nice features, but check the size out carefully and err on the safe side.

Steve Dyster

http://www.oxfordproducts.com

PUBLISHED MAY 11th

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