Written by Colin Dennis.

The Castelli Diluvio shoe covers are simple and effective  deliver a surprising amount of protection in all but the worst conditions.

Price: £30

What they say: The Diluvio’s 3mm Neoprene fabric will stand up to the wettest and coldest winter riding conditions. All seams are thermosealed for complete water protection while the open cleat and heel areas provide stability when walking

What it is: Thirty quid may not seem like budget to some riders but Castelli’s entry-level Diluvio shoe covers have managed to keep out the rain over the past few months, and now that Jack Frost has arrived, they seem pretty good at keeping thin-blooded toes at a manageable level too.

Sliding the Diluvio’s over standard road shoes is a cinch, the Neoprene’s plenty stretchy with ample room for your cleats on the bottom, a quick tug on the Velcro tab and you’re away. The white Castelli Logo certainly gets you noticed and lets everyone know who your favourite brand of kit is. The reflective heel strip does its job well without being the most substantial safety feature. It’s worth noting that by the time you’ve slipped your leggings over the top you might reduce the reflective area again.

Any waterproof item is only as good as its seam sealing, and the Diluvio’s have no problems in this area; they’re a good snug fit and look professional too. If you’ve got the room inside your road shoes, go for socks a little thicker or wear Merino ones for added thermal protection and moisture management. This combination should make the Diluvio shoe cover a viable option on winter training rides.

Who it’s good for: Castelli clothing has a rich heritage and encourages a strong brand loyalty. It may not be the cheapest, but there are often some bargains to be had and the Diluvio shoe covers is certainly one of them.