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review

SealSkinz Neoprene Halo Overshoes

9
£40.00

VERDICT:

9
10
Decent weather protection and the extra visibility of twin four-lumen LED lights in the heel
Weight: 
218g

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The SealSkinz Neoprene Halo Overshoes incorporate a powerful LED light in the heel, a clever idea that I'm surprised has never been done before. Don't discount them as being a gimmick, they really do work well and are ideal for regular after dark cyclists.

The overshoes are constructed from a neoprene material with taped seams, a silicone leg gripper and storm flap lined rear zip. The zip has to be mounted on the side of the overshoe because of the LED, but getting them on and off isn't hampered at all. A Velcro tab secures the top of the overshoe around the ankle, and there's another underneath the shoe. Getting a good snug fit isn't difficult.

The key selling point is found in the heel of each overshoe, a four-lumen LED, powered by a replaceable CR2032 coin battery that offers a claimed 240 hours on flash mode and 120 on continuous. SealSkinz claim a visibility from over 500 metres; a lot of factors will influence that distance of course. The light is turned on and off simply by pressing the light cover.

They're a boon for night time riding, especially on the dark unlit country lanes that make up the majority of my cycling. I certainly felt safer in the knowledge that I had done as much to make myself visible on such dark roads, but of course you're still relying on other road users to be paying attention. There is research that shows the up and down motion of pedalling really catches the eye of other road users. Testing the overshoes with another cyclist, the up and down motion really does stand out especially from a distance, and when combined with regular bicycle lights does help to make you stand out.

A couple of reflective details add further visibility, and are handy when you have the LED lights switched off. I found myself switching on the right overshoe light even during the daytime, especially gloomy and cloud days. For night time riding I switched both on to the flashing mode.

The lights are well sealed. I've been riding through lots of wet weather this winter and have even pointed a hose pipe at them after a ride while washing my bike, and they continue to operate just fine.

The sole is reinforced around the heel and toe with a tough Kevlar material, and durability is very good. The overshoes are lightweight and offer good weather protection most of the time, but really heavy rain or really cold mornings will overcome the neoprene. Most of the time they're just right.

The fit is very good over my size 45 shoes, and they provide adequate weather protection, keeping out the rain and providing a good level of insulation. The integration of the LED light and battery hasn't impacted the fit, and there's a negligible weight penalty.

Verdict

Decent weather protection and the extra visibility of twin four-lumen LED lights in the heel

road.cc test report

Make and model: SealSkinz Neoprene Halo Overshoe

Size tested: Black - XL and L

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

SealSkinz says:

Possibly the most significant development in overshoes in a generation. Our world exclusive Halo equipped overshoes emit a bright light visible from over 500mtrs ensuring you are seen when out and about in low light. Ideal for road cycling or commuting where you need to be visible. With a simple push on the Halo you can switch between 2 flashing modes or continuous light to adjust the way you are illuminated.

Stay safe out there. Be safe, be seen. Featuring a powerful LED light built into a rear 'kangaroo' pouch as to not affect the performance. This means we had to put the entry to the side, which led to an additional benefit of 2 highly reflective pipes for additional side on reflection. All stitching is now ultrasonic heat taped to add additional Water Resistance and performance.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

4Lumen hi-powered led with flashing and continuous modes visible from over 500mtrs

Hard-wearing neoprene material with storm flap inside zip

Close-fitting with silicone leg gripper

Sonic heat welded taped seams

Kevlar® heel & toe for wear resistance

Side entry lockable YKK zip with reflective branding for added safety

Run time: >120 hours continuous, >240 hours flashing

CR2032 replaceable battery

90% Neoprene 10% Nylon

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Good value when you consider that each overshoe incorporates an LED light.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Good rain and cold weather protection with the added bonus of a rear LED in each overshoe.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Good fit, protection and visibility.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Hard to find fault if you're after a good commuting overshoe.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

A smart idea very well executed.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180  Weight: 67

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,

 

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

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1 comments

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Reg Molehusband | 9 years ago
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I've got the Sealskinz version with the zip up the back and they look almost identical. I'm really pleased with them. Having the zip at the side should make them easier to pull them on though and rear LED is a great idea.

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