Van Rysel 2mm RoadR 500 Overshoes review

Decathlon’s Van Rysel-branded overshoes don’t come with any fancy features but do the job well for a good price.

They’re made from a thinner neoprene than most overshoes, being 2mm thick rather than the usual 3mm or more.

That makes them slightly less warm, but also means that they’re a bit less prone to scuffing on the cranks as you pedal. They’re also more flexible than some overshoes made of thicker neoprene.

If you’re looking for general-purpose overshoes for temperate winter riding, that won’t break the bank, these are a good bet.

Van Rysel 2mm RoadR 500 Overshoes specifications

Decathlon keeps things simple here and, like several other overshoes we’ve reviewed this winter, there are no zips at the rear.

The sole is made of abrasion-resistant fabric, although it’s limited to the toe and the midsole bridge. It’s hemmed with double-stitched tape.

The Van Rysel overshoes also have a narrow reflective strip at the rear. Whereas most overshoes have internally-taped seams, those in the Van Rysels aren’t taped.

Instead, the seams in the uppers are welded on the outer face and are tightly flatlock stitched on the inside, though.

Van Rysel 2mm RoadR 500 Overshoes performance

The zipless design means that you need to pull the Van Rysel overshoes on first, then fit your shoes and finally pull the overshoes down over them.

There’s enough stretch to the thin neoprene that getting the Van Rysel overshoes on and off isn’t too tricky, although you need to pull a bit to get them over the toes of your cycling shoes, due to the one-piece midsole bridge.

Once on, they’re a good fit and the thinner neoprene doesn’t detract from their warmth, at least in the southern UK’s damp and relatively mild winter conditions. It’s quite flexible so it’s comfortable to pedal and the thinner material is also less likely to scuff on your cranks.

They’re fine in mid-single digit temperatures on wet roads and the neoprene construction is waterproof and windproof. Van Rysel also sells a 5mm thick version if you’re riding somewhere colder and want more insulation.

The high cuff and absence of zips help keep water out well, although the sides of the cleat hole bow out a bit and expose the edges of your shoes’ uppers.

The cleat hole is also quite large and its hemming doesn’t feel as durable as more expensive overshoes that we’ve reviewed.

Van Rysel 2mm RoadR 500 overshoes bottom line

The Van Rysel 2mm RoadR 500 overshoes do all the basics well and the absence of zips should help keep your feet drier, while also removing a potential point of failure.

Using 2mm neoprene rather than 3mm adds extra flexibility to the fabric, making them easy to get on despite the simple construction and more flexible when pedalling. Van Rysel also offers a thicker option for additional warmth.

These are a smart option if you don’t want to spend too much on overshoes, with impressive performance for the price.