The GripGrab RaceAqua Black Overshoes are a decent set of waterproof and windproof overshoes that fit well and look good. Don't expect them to do much in terms of insulation, but for foul weather or early/late season overshoes they are hard to fault. There are, broadly speaking, two types of overshoes: those you wear to keep your feet warm in freezing conditions, and those you wear to keep your feet dry and the wind off. The RaceAquas certainly fit into the latter category.
Waterproofing is pretty impressive, with fully taped seams throughout, and the 75% Polyamide (Nylon) and 20% Polyurethane mixture in the material means they are considerably thinner and more stretchy than neoprene overshoes. Water tends to roll off better too, rather than sitting in the neoprene, which often tends to simply allow it to enter the fabric. It would be practically impossible for overshoes to be completely waterproof given the big hole at the top and two big holes at the bottom, but these give it a good go, and it was only a couple of times in the most intense prolonged rainfall that anything came through at all.
Windproofing is also impressive for overshoes that are so thin, with only a little really getting through in the coldest conditions and descending at 50kph. This means that for the bulk of the ride these are more than adequate.
These aren't deep winter overshoes so insulation isn't top priority, but I used them quite comfortably down to around 4°C with only a pair of merino socks on, which is pretty good.
Fit is designed to be tight to help with aerodynamics during TTs or early/late season races; I certainly found the thin and stretchy material relatively tight around the shoe. Getting them on and off isn't too much of an issue – I've certainly used overshoes that are considerably more difficult, and others that are easier. The cleat holes are huge too, so it was easy to get them in place and I never had any issues with them catching on the pedals.
The toe areas are reinforced, and GripGrab has used tough, resilient material throughout the base – there were no signs of ripping or scuffing throughout the review period. There is also a fair amount of reflective material used throughout, with a large area on the outside of the foot, across the elastic at the top, and on the ball of the foot.
They stay in place well thanks to the elastic around the top of the overshoe and the zip at the back of the ankle. GripGrab has also included a large flap at the back to cover the zip when the overshoes are on, which helps protect against irritation when riding. The overshoes are well made too, with strong stitching on all seams (which are also taped, as I said earlier).
Overall, I was really impressed with these overshoes. The fit is good, and they keep out the wind and rain. Perhaps they are a little expensive, but in terms of performance, they do their job very well.
