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review

Lusso Windtex Stealth Over Boots

9
£30.00

VERDICT:

9
10
An excellent choice of fabric makes for a top-performing, lightweight set of overshoes
Weight: 
107g
Contact: 

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The Lusso Windtex Stealth overboots offer a large working temperature range across a myriad of different weather conditions. And don't let that Windtex name fool you – these booties will also keep the rain at bay for way longer than you'd expect of a fabric this light and thin.

  • Pros: Impressive barrier against wind and rain, easy to get over your shoes
  • Cons: Not quite thick enough for sub-zero riding

I'm nitpicking a bit with that 'con' of not being thick enough for sub-zero temperatures, because Lusso does only say that the Stealth overshoes will work from 0°C through to 14°C, and it was only on rides where the mercury was nudging freezing that I was right on the level of my comfort zone. Any lower and I'd have to think about thicker socks or sneaking a sandwich bag in there. Many people don't ride when it's freezing outside, so for most it won't be an issue.

> Buy these online here

Windtex is a bit of a wonder material, especially for something that doesn't have a whole lot of bulk behind it. According to its manufacturer, Windtex is a "light stretch heat regulating membrane that blocks wind and water". The outside has a smooth feel to it, almost like a softshell material but with a lot more movement and flex.

It works, too. Even on days with an icy wind blowing you don't get any negative effects and your feet will remain warm thanks to the fleecy backing that traps bodyheat around the shoe.

> Buyer's Guide: 10 of the best cycling overshoes

Staying dry isn't an issue either thanks to Windtex's waterproof qualities, backed up by the main seam that runs up through the centre of the overshoe being taped. Water just beads off the surface, and it takes quite a drenching before it is overwhelmed. I'd say that if you are riding with a decent set of mudguards on wet roads to keep the spray down, you'll be dry on all but the longest of rides.

If it is actually raining, water will still get in around the ankle as it drip feeds its way down from your tights, but this is a common theme with all overshoes and not exclusive to the Lussos. (Unless you take the Jez Ash approach: "With some overshoes, I can get a good overlap with the bottom of my bib tights, which serves to prevent the water running down my legs and straight into my shoes.") Here, if the water does get in you stay warm anyway, so it's no biggy.

I'm not a huge fan of zips at the rear of overshoes, especially if they clash with those on your bib tights, but here on the Lussos they're pretty unobtrusive so no real issues. A neat touch is the zip garage at the top, which stops any rubbing on the back of the leg.

Lusso Windtex Stealth Over Boots - heels.jpg

The sole is made of a stronger material that is also dimpled for a bit of grip should the need arise. I've done a bit of walking around in them and to date there is no wear at the toe end, while the rear has a heel cutout to allow your shoe bumper to rest on the floor.

The cutout for the cleat is the perfect size for Shimano SPD-SLs and has the length for something like Speedplay's offerings so clearance won't be an issue. I have my SPD-SL cleats set as far back to the heel as the shoes allow in most cases, and this was right on the limit of the cutout.

Lusso Windtex Stealth Over Boots - sole.jpg

When it comes to sizing, these mediums fit nice and snug without any excessive stretch or load on the zips. They were very easy to get on and off in fact. The reason I'm highlighting this is because Lusso's sizing actually says that I'd require a large for my size 10 feet rather than the 7.5 to 8.5 size range of the mediums.

If you wear shoes with bulky ratchets or a thick sole I'd recommend sticking to Lusso's size guide.

This style of bootie tends to range from around £25 (Galibier's Barrier) to £35 (Sugoi Resistor), so it's great to see the Lussos sitting here bang in the middle, especially when you take into account just how well they perform against the elements. The last few overshoes coming through the road.cc doors show you can pay quite a bit more...

The Lussos are warm, well made, weatherproof and don't cost the earth. They'll definitely get plenty of use through the rest of winter and into the early spring.

Verdict

An excellent choice of fabric makes for a top-performing, lightweight set of overshoes

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

road.cc test report

Make and model: Lusso Windtex Stealth Over Boots

Size tested: Medium

Tell us what the product is for

Lusso says, "The Lusso Stealth Winter Overboots are ideal for Temperatures from 0-14 degrees and still remaining Thermal, Windproof and Water repellent for the Cold British winter. Rear zip opening with Reflective elements and logo."

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

From Lusso:

* Windtex Membrane Thermal Fabric

* Rear Zip with Velcro closure with reflective Elements and Logo

* Windproof and highly Water Repellent

* Breathable

* Thermal and Fleeced Lined

* Reflective Logo and Rear Zip

* Road and MTB Shoe Cleat cut out

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for fit:
 
8/10
Rate the product for sizing:
 
8/10

The sizing guide on Lusso's website looks to be spot on, although there is so much stretch in the fabric that you could easily get away with a size smaller.

Rate the product for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort:
 
9/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Easy peasy, if they do need a wash then just chuck them in on a 30°C wash and then hang to dry.

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

For riding in cool temperatures they are great to use, with the added benefit of being able to resist rain.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Performance of the fabric.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

No good if you ride in sub-zero temperatures.

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 overall score

Simple, well-made overshoes that do an excellent job as long as your rides don't take place in freezing conditions. They're windproof and impressively waterproof considering the lightweight fabric, and a good price.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 38  Height: 180cm  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: This month's test bike  My best bike is: Kinesis Aithein

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed

As part of the Tech Hub here at F-At Digital, our senior product reviewer Stu uses the knowledge gained from putting well over a 1,000 products through their paces (including hundreds of bikes) to write in-depth reviews of a huge range of kit. After first throwing his leg over a race bike back in 2000, Stu's ridden more than 160,000 miles on road, time-trial, track, and gravel bikes, and while he's put his racing days behind him he still likes to smash the pedals rather than take things easy. Although, as he spends a fair bit of his time reviewing ebikes these days he's becoming an expert in letting the motor take the strain. He's also waiting for 23mm race tyres to make a comeback!

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5 comments

Avatar
flyingpitman | 3 years ago
0 likes

Going to show my age here.I started off using Wonderloaf bags over my feet with elastic bands around them.Oh how times have changed.I have had quite a few pairs of overshoes over the years,from them sealskinz ones with flashing light in the heel,I wonder why they call them Seal Skins,as not seen any Seals with umberella's.So I thought they must be waterproof,how wrong was I,they weren't even warm.Tried various other makes,all with niggly problems.Then I bought some of these.They are that good I bought the Yellow ones to match other clothing I wear in winter.Really pleased with them,and have used them for 2 winters 3rd one coming up and first pair still going strong.I have a great pair of socks under them by this small company D2D.https://www.d2dcyclingclothing.co.uk/product/defcon1-sock/     the perfect combination for warm dry feet.Tested in rain up to about a 2hour ride.

Avatar
mike the bike replied to flyingpitman | 3 years ago
0 likes
flyingpitman wrote:

Going to show my age here.I started off using Wonderloaf bags over my feet with elastic bands around them......

We must be of similar vintage Mr P, I started my wet-weather cycling with Hovis bags on my feet.  And don't tell anyone, but even now I carry a pair, folded really small, in my toolbag for those surprise showers.

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Bassmann13 | 5 years ago
0 likes

I've got a pair of these that are now on their second winter.  They've outlasted both Endura Grip Grab overshoes.  Mine are the older version with velcro closure which feels a little cheap, but the fabric is what really makes the difference.  When it's in to the minus's I wear them over toe covers with Merino socks and I've not had cold toes thus far.

Avatar
carytb | 5 years ago
0 likes

When it's really cold and /or wet I put a pair of something simialr tothese things on over the top of my overshoes. Nor very styish on a bike but with warm & dry feet who cares,

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/classic-100-adult-half-chaps-id_8367916.html

 

 

 

Avatar
Curly | 5 years ago
0 likes

Have been using a set of these badboys for a few months, and its dipped below zero quite a few times on my early commute, and they have been fine for me! very pleased with another Lusso product.

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