By Bhawna
Image source: gripgrab.com
There are new shoe covers for cycling that have come up. These are minimalistic and waterproof and designed for cycling. GripGrab is a Danish manufacturer of cycling gear near Copenhagen. He has spent 20 years in making clothing. The clothing is matched to the weather conditions. And in the new product that has come up, they have a waterproof gravel shoe cover. They have designed a shoe cover by the name of Explorer. It is a knit-style overshoe that is based on Belgian booties. It is adapted from GripGrab Flandrien model.
Gravel riding has more focus on your overshoes. As compared to the flat, sleek soles of road shoes, these shoes have tread to accommodate for. At the toe, what is needed is a reinforcement for hike-a-bike moments. At the heel, traction is needed, so the shoe cover should be out of the way. And in the GripGrab shoe covers, you would find them waterproof and warm.
Features
Image source: gripgrab.com
The Explorer was launched a few weeks ago in the European winter. It has a three-layer construction. This three-layer construction is an insulating layer that is inside, a fully waterproof membrane in the middle, and an outer layer that is knitted. It doesn’t have any zip. It is minimalistic. There are some helpful videos on their website for the process of installing them. It has a snug fit. There is enough grip to accommodate BOA dials. The length is halfway up the shin. It is right into the UCI non-compliance danger-zone.
In off-road experiences, cyclists tend to get stressed by failing zips or uppers that are delicate. And also, by the wear on the underside. The Explorers are very well-designed in this regard. The injection-molded TPU toe caps are there. They are textured for grip on the underside. They are very solid too. There is reinforcement in the middle of the shoe and it helps protect the sole and also the knitted sections of the shoe cover from damage when you are walking.
These shoe covers are impressive. Time will test them better. But if you are in the Northern Hemisphere and are looking for shoe covers for Gravel riding, then you can go for these shoe covers.
You can ride with them. You can enjoy the adventure with these shoe covers. These are versatile. These are for drop-bar riders who like adventures beyond the paved road.
These are newer version of the popular Flandrien Waterproof Road Shoe Covers. This off-road version has three-layer waterproof construction. There is enhanced durability that comes with it. This is in the form of TPU toe caps and underside wear patches. These are designed so that you can head off the road. You can explore with them. With the cool temperatures and wet conditions of autumn and winter that are coming, there is the facility of a fully waterproof and breathable membrane in these gravel shoe covers. These will shield your feet from splashes. And also let them breathe. These will keep your feet dry and comfortable.
There are zipperless cuff designs and a soft knit fabric. These ensure a close fit around your gravel cycling shoes. There is maximum fabric bulk. There is maximum flexibility.
Tips
Image source: gripgrab.com
To help reduce water seeping through the top of the shoe cover, you should wear water-resistant leg warmers. You can also wear cycling bib tights over the shoe cuff. You should also seal vents and holes in the soles of your cycling shoes so that water doesn’t ingress from below. These tips would ensure that you get best performance.
The shoe covers can actually keep your feet dry. The membrane in these shoe covers is waterproof. So, if you don’t damage this membrane, then your feet will remain dry. There are some limitations also. Hosepipes and knee puddles are also there that will get water in.
Reviews
Image source: copenhagencyclingclub.com
Your feet will remain warm. These shoe covers are for cool and mild conditions. These can be used in cold conditions. This depends on the rider’s preference too. The waterproof membrane will help in keeping your feet warm. This is not like a deep winter product. You should not wear it in cold or sub-zero conditions.
They are easy to use. They provide excellent wind and water protection. There is no zipper. They are easy to pull on the gravel road. They are easy- to-maintain bike shoes. Walking on trails is possible. This is because of the traction achieved with the grippy bottoms. You can use them over your road shoes on rainy days.
These look great on the bike. They can be used on gravel rides for a few hours. These can be used in wet miserable conditions. They will keep your feet drier than any other overshoe. You can also walk over muddy puddles on the route. The rubber toe section and the section on the sole area are good designs. They are durable and will last long. They are the best winter overshoes. They are quite easy to put on. You can ride with them in bad weather conditions. The material is amazing. The functions are nice. The design is brilliant. These are great upgraded version of Flandrien boots. These are good in wet conditions. They keep the feet dry. They give a good performance. These are perfect and heavy duty shoes. These are good for rough weather conditions. They have a good fit and look good.
Conclusion
Image source: gripgrab.com
They are ideal for off-road adventures. These shoes were released on popular demand. They were released after a lot of testing. They are the best for gravel riding. They are a great version of the Flandrien shoes. They have combined the Belgian bootie style and also waterproof technology. These are waterproof and good for exploring the gravel. These are good for wet and cold conditions. These are highly recommended. There is a three-layer construction in it. These layers are knitted and fully waterproof. You can easily choose these shoe covers.
