Belgian Booties

Photo: Assos

Any product with "Belgian" as part of its name must be great, right? Well for one more day this hypothesis is held up by Belgian Booties, aka coversocks or oversocks. As simple as the latter two names imply, it really is just a big sock that goes over your shoes yet at the same time it does so much more. In those transitional temperature ranges of Spring and Autumn, Belgian booties provide the perfect extra layer of insulation. Think of them as the perfect complement to knee and arm warmers. While not windproof, they keep out the worst of the chills and I've found that paired with a decent set of wool socks they keep my feet warm to around 8ºC/46ºF, depending on intensity. They'll keep out some light road spray, as well as mud, dust, or dirt that usually covers the local roads. Durability is a minor issue, but if you can find a cheap enough pair you can just replace them when they've worn out too much to use. I was lucky enough to find a great pair from Assos (pictured above) deeply reduced, but Castelli among other brands make them. Or if you're particularly resourceful, you can re-use an old pair of huge socks, just cut a hole for the cleat and you're good to go. I love my pair, and there have been very, very few days in the temperature range when I've gone out for a ride without these. I would recommend them to any and everyone. Who likes having cold feet? Slipstream Sports Reiview. (While Garmin-Barracuda are sponsored by Castelli, everything they write in the review is true and much better written than my own).