Pearl Izumi Pro Barrier WX shoe covers
designed to keep your feet dry during the fall season and spring.
Their goal is not to keep the foot
warm at all costs, but to protect from rain and wind. Nevertheless, they are
expected to be comfortable between 4 and 13 ℃, enough
to cover much of the winter in many French regions.
A neon yellow model with reflective
tape is also proposed
for more security when the weather conditions offer deteriorated visibility.
Verdict after several hundred kilometers
in all weather and temperatures.
These shoe covers use textile P.R.O.
Barrier WxB offers optimum protection against wind and water. Textile with a
"rubber latex" appearance that is quite elastic.
To fulfill its role, the inner lining
is fleece to keep feet warm and the outer seams are protected and waterproof.
The closure is via two Velcro at the
back. A small enough on the bottom, then a second on the full height of the
shoe. A double closure that should facilitate the introduction of the product
on shoes.
For security, we find on this rear
part a reflective element. At the front, under the foot, a rubber reinforcement
will prevent slipping when walking.
This model is priced at $ 54.95,
making it a relatively high-end product.
Threading the product on shoes is easy
with the double velcro system. The cutout provided for the wedge is wide, so
even with Look wedges, the fabric does not interfere with the engagement of the
pedals.
On the back, an opening allows leaving
available the heel of the shoe.
The fabric, very thin, prevents the
shoe covers from rubbing against the cranks leaving traces. A very fine design
that can easily adjust the tightening of his shoe if you are equipped with Boa
discs. On the other hand, if it's a micrometric loop, it will not be possible.
For testing by outputs up to 0 ° C, I
confirm that it is a bit too low for this product. 3/4 ° C seems to be the
minimum while being equipped with socks specific type Merino wool. Up to 11/12,
they are pleasant, but beyond, the cyclist will quickly feel choked on the feet
with a good sweat.
Rain protection side, nothing to say,
it is effective and even more than 2 hours in heavy rain will not come to the
end of their waterproofness... Everything will depend mainly on your shoes!
Indeed, I was able to test with several models of shoes and the large openings
below can, with some models, do not cover some ventilation openings in the sole
of your shoe. Forcibly, in this case, we have soaked feet after about 1:30. It
will be necessary to ensure that your shoes can adapt to this model of shoe
covers. Even the double velcro back closure remains completely waterproof.
A good product as comfortable against
the cold (up to 4 ° C minimum) as against rain and wind. It will appreciate its
ease of implementation on the shoe, however, the price is somewhat high.
However, it should be checked that your shoes do not have ventilation holes
located on unprotected areas, otherwise, the Pro Barrier WX will be very
inefficient.
It would have been perfect if he could
also protect from cold to 0 ° C, but we cannot do everything while remaining so
thin.
