Spatz Pro Stealth overshoe overview: Ultimate overshoe safety

In November final yr, I reviewed the Spatz Fasta overshoes, however this time round I’m reviewing that mannequin’s larger brother, and the Spatz’ flagship overshoe; the Pro Stealth. Both overshoe fashions at present sit in our greatest biking overshoes information, and Spatz choices have been a number of the greatest overshoes in the marketplace since their inception. 

The Pro Stealth is an overshoe ‘system’ from Spatz comprised of a pair of neoprene toe covers, which Spatz calls the Pro Toez, and the Pro Stealth overshoes themselves, which could be worn over the toe covers as a secondary layer to spice up foul climate safety or individually relying on the situations. 

The overshoes are tall, simply masking most of your calves and decrease legs, and they’re insulated inside which boosts decrease leg heat and safety total. In overshoe critiques, I are likely to say that no overshoe in the marketplace is at present utterly impervious to water ingress and heat clever all of us really feel the chilly in another way, however the Pro Stealth overshoes are comfortably one of many best possible choices on the market proper now. 

The system has a retail worth of £104.99 / $131.99 / €125.99 and Spatz claims there has by no means been an overshoe like this earlier than. I’ve been using within the overshoes for over a yr throughout two winters. 

Design and Aesthetics 

Aesthetics-wise, these overshoes retain the distinctive Spatz styling that has develop into in style over a number of years and are a classy proposition, that means you possibly can have an excellent commonplace of winter safety and nonetheless feel and look good, which is all the time a plus. Spatz has up to date its strains with tempo over the previous few years and several other iterations of fantastic overshoes have come and gone. You might nicely have ridden or personal the Pro 2 overshoes, and the Pro Stealth builds on that platform. They have much less inside insulation than the Pro 2 which was totally insulated inside. The Pro Stealth neoprene seems to be thicker, nonetheless.  

Branding is minimal in comparison with previous fashions, the toe covers have a ‘Spatz ProToez’ wordmark on the forefoot and the overshoe have a ‘Spatz Pro Stealth’ wordmark on the rear of the calves and on the skin of every foot, which helps you differentiate between toes. They are available in one color, however every overshoe is damaged up by black, darkish gray and textured panels relying on the fabric.

These overshoes are made in China and are comprised of some completely different supplies. They are largely neoprene however use completely different coatings in numerous areas to enhance sturdiness and shield the neoprene from being torn and nicked, which is one thing authentic Spatz fashions have been prone to. Some panels are kevlar-covered neoprene, some as cordura-covered, and elsewhere the neoprene is nylon-covered. 

On the inside of the overshoes and exterior of the toe covers, silicone aqua seal seams assist the 2 supplies grip one another, they definitely appear to make sure a good match. On the topic of match, these overshoes are tight-fitting; Spatz has intentionally tightened issues as much as assist minimise water ingress. The overshoes are simple to tug on, and as soon as you might be acquainted, you’ll solely get faster. The toe covers are the marginally difficult ones for me, they’re tight. I’ve been testing a M/L pair of overshoes with a spread of EU 43 sneakers, they usually have been tight throughout the board. It’s no huge deal, and follow makes good, however sit down and allocate a couple of minutes while you’re getting modified to get them on correctly.

The entrance and sides of the calves have added insulation within the inside of every overshoe within the type of mild fleece, all of it contributes to protecting your decrease legs much more comfy on lengthy, freezing days.

As you’d anticipate from a top-level overshoe, all of the seams are sealed very nicely, so water breaching the overshoes in heavy rain or spray is a non-issue. Tough-covered neoprene sections may also be discovered on the toe field and heel sides for defense when strolling and from crank rub, and after months of use mine nonetheless seem like new which is reassuring.

Putting them on is just like different previous fashions: Pull the overshoe on, then put your shoe on, match the Pro Toez cowl if you’re carrying them, after which pull the overshoe down and over your shoe, fastening is then achieved with a sturdy velcro tab. It’s simple to do and Spatz has directions on the web site to assist.

Performance 

It’s simple to neglect typically simply how good fashionable winter biking package is. I keep in mind the times of freezing, painful toes on winter rides they usually have been largely banished to reminiscence now. I am unable to actually keep in mind the final time I had frozen toes on a experience. Of course, there shall be exceptions, however until you choose the mistaken package or are using in correctly excessive situations, chilly, moist toes are nearly a factor of the previous.

The Spatz Pro Stealth system gives a large quantity of safety to your toes and legs throughout chilly and moist winter miles, let’s break it down into the 2 primary jobs overshoes have to do: Keep your toes heat, and preserve them dry. 

First up is heat, and considerably unsurprisingly the Pro Stealth do a unbelievable job of protecting your toes heat and insulated. Neoprene is not an excellent insulator by itself, however the added insulation contained in the overshoe leg sections is definitely a welcome addition. I’ve used these overshoes on some bleak rides for hours at simply above freezing they usually have achieved an excellent job, a current experience was on a day when the remainder of the membership run simply determined to remain in mattress one freezing, chilly Saturday morning.  

These are nice overshoes, however heat is not otherworldly for me, do not anticipate consistently toasty, heat toes when utilizing this method. I’ve had barely chilly toes every now and then at simply above freezing, and maybe the tight match takes away from the heat providing barely. For temperatures round 5C / 41F and above, I’d say most riders are going to be very comfy in them. The moist and heat impact will happen, and your legs and toes will sweat barely within the overshoes and even find yourself a little bit damp relying on how exhausting you might be using, the secret’s that it will likely be heat although. I eliminated the overshoes on the finish of three bleak hours with damp bibtights and socks, however largely heat, comfy toes. I’d name {that a} win, however that is what you need to anticipate at this worth level. 

The waterproofing of the Spatz Pro Stealth overshoes is excellent. The neoprene itself does a wonderful job, and the seam sealing can be top-notch throughout the board which retains a lot of water at bay. The tall peak of the overshoes means nearly all of spray from a wheel hits the neoprene at shin stage and simply runs down, not excessive of the overshoe to soak your bibtights, which is able to work down into your shoe and toes, as with loads of different overshoes which do not prolong as excessive.

The tight match of the Pro Toez covers additionally does a wonderful job at protecting water at bay from beneath, usually a weak spot on overshoes, if you’re heading out into the rain, the Pro Toez will add further safety from rain and spray and I’d advocate utilizing them as nicely. Add mudguards into the combination and also you’re laughing.

I’ve skilled a little bit little bit of minor crank rub from the total system when utilizing a barely wider pair of sneakers, so that is one thing to remember, however his goes to rely in your cleat and shoe setup largely.

Durability-wise, my check pair has stood up very nicely to over a yr of normal use. The solely put on I can see is across the cleat opening on my clipping-in foot on the Pro Toez cowl, there additionally appears to be a slight tear within the silicone seal as a result of tight match but it surely’s minimal. I noticed a buddy’s pair lately that had been used day in and time out for commuting for over a yr they usually have been in a sorry state, so it’s going to pay to attempt to take care of them as a lot as you possibly can. Spatz recommends hosing the overshoes down if they’re actually mucky and letting them dangle to dry in a heat place. I’ve discovered when mine have been sweaty inside they take some time to dry out, so bear this in thoughts, the neoprene may find yourself getting a bit smelly when you slack on the post-ride package cleanup and drying.

Value 

I believe when you’re searching for top-class winter safety this represents cash nicely spent. Used collectively the system could be very succesful and also you’re investing in your individual consolation. 

The worth issue can be boosted by the included toe covers, which can be utilized on their very own, or underneath one other pair of overshoes if you wish to put on one thing lighter for instance. 

Verdict 

The Pro Stealth overshoes are one other profitable chapter within the Spatz overshoe story. If I’m heading out for a chilly, windy and bleak winter experience, that is what I’m reaching for proper now, particularly when using at decrease depth. The twin layer retains you extra protected, and crucially the tight toe cowl match boosts waterproofing from beneath. 

Protection is the phrase I consider relating to these overshoes. The total safety on supply from chilly and moist just about beats the rest in the marketplace proper now.