Aero Overshoe Testing

Aero overshoes or aero socks? What's the difference between them and is it worth getting overshoes is you already have aero socks. 

To clear up this question we've tested the options so you know whats best for you.

 

Three tests were conducted at Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub on an elite rider in a TT position. Rider position, system weight, cadence and all other equipment were kept constant between tests. 

Test runs of 30 seconds were conducted at 40-60kph in increments of 5kph

Three different options were tested:

1. Rule 28 Aero socks with uncovered shoes
2. Rule 28 Aero socks with covered shoes
3. Rule 28 UCI Overshoes with no socks 

 

	Speed
Test Option	40 kph	45 kph	50 kph	55 kph	60 kph
Rule 28 Aero socks with uncovered shoes	194.7	272.3	371.6	494.4	637.4
Rule 28 Aero socks with covered shoes	188.7	268.7	367.0	487.8	633.1
Rule 28 UCI Overshoes with no socks	187.3	266.3	362.7	482.4	626.5

 

 

	Speed
Test Option	40 kph	45 kph	50 kph	55 kph	60 kph
Rule 28 Aero socks with covered shoes	6	3.6	4.6	6.6	4.3
Rule 28 UCI Overshoes with no socks	7.4	6	8.9	12	10.9

 

 

Smoothing the profile of your shoe can lead to significant reductions in drag even on a relatively clean shoe such as the Fizik Tempo R5 Powerstrap which uses straps that have a much lower cross sectional area than shoes utilising dial closure systems.

A shoe cover that only covers the shoe and not the leg provided savings of between 3.6W at 45kph (lowest saving when compared to just using aero socks) to 6.6W at 55kph (highest saving when compared to just using aero socks). This is a significant improvement but the savings offered by out UCI overshoes are significantly higher. 

Our UCI overshoes provided a saving of between 6.0W at 45kph (lowest saving when compared to just using aero socks) to 12.0W at 55kph (highest saving when compared to just using aero socks). The extra savings provided by our overshoes can be attributed to material and design differences. 

 

If out and out speed is your aim, then Rule 28 UCI Overshoes are for you. There is a time and a place for aero socks instead of overshoes however. The shoe cover sections of our overshoes is not breathable; if you are riding in hot conditions or may need to adjust the fit of your shoes, then overshoes will be hot/sweaty and prevent shoe adjustment. 

Enclosing the heel cup offers excellent aero savings but means that walking in overshoes should be kept to an absolute minimum and never on rough surfaces to avoid damaging them.