Fit is snug and secure, the look is stealth.
The Lowdown: Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Barrier WxB shoe covers
The true value of a pair of shoe covers can usually be summed up using two criteria: How hard are they to put on and do they keep your feet warm? Using this scale, Pearl Izumi's P.R.O. Barrier WxB shoe covers get high marks. Thanks to stretchable Kevlar base material and a novel two-stage hook-and-loop closure system, it doesn't take a full-on tug-of-war to slip these covers over your shoes. They also do a commendable job beating back Old Man Winter. Though Pearl Izumi only rates them for milder temperatures (around 40 degrees and up), our feet have stayed comfortably warm and dry during numerous wet-road rides when temps hovered around freezing. Our lone complaint is that after about two months of hard use, we've seem some subtle degradation of material where the covers contact our shoe's buckles. There are also a few spots where seams have begun to fray. Bottom line, we're roundly impressed with how well these shoe covers work, but have some questions about long term durability.
| Lining: Fleece lined interior for warmth | Seams: Waterproof taped external seams |
| Exterior: Wind and waterproof exterior | Closure: Two-stage hook-and-loop closure |
| Bottom: Kevlar road bottom | Reflective: Reflective elements |
| Colors: Two (black, screaming yellow) | MSRP: $50 |
| Use: Designed for use with road shoes | Rating:
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| Sizes: S-XXL |
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Full Review: Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Barrier WxB shoe covers
The true value of a pair of shoe covers can usually be summed up using two criteria: How hard are they to put on and do they keep your feet warm? Using this scale, Pearl Izumi's P.R.O. Barrier WxB shoe covers get high marks.
We've used them on days when temps fell below freezing and stayed comfortably warm.
Thanks to stretchable Kevlar base material and a novel two-stage hook-and-loop closure system, it doesn't take a full-on tug-of-war to slip these covers over your shoes. First slip the front half over your toes and around your shoe's cleat, then secure the small Velcro heel tab before finishing with a pull of the ankle flap. I can usually have both covers on and secured in about a minute. Fit is snug with no flapping, but not so tight that you feel like you've been attacked by a roll of duct tape.
A smattering of reflective elements help keep you safer in low light conditions, and give the covers a distinctly sleek look. There's also reinforced material under the toes that adds a little off-bike walking-around grip and increases durability.
First pull the heel tab tight.
The P.R.O. Barrier WxB shoe covers also do a commendable job beating back Old Man Winter. Though Pearl Izumi only rates them for milder temperatures (around 40 degrees and up), our feet stayed comfortably warm and dry during numerous wet-road rides when temps hovered around freezing. This is attributable to the cover's P.R.O. Barrier WxB fabric, which has a wind and waterproof exterior, waterproof taped external seams, and a fuzzy, warmth-enhancing fleece lined interior. We usually combined them with a pair of Pearl's Elite Thermal merino wool socks, which have long been a wintertime favorite. They're comfortable, durable, warm, and look good, too.
Our lone complaint about these shoe covers is potentially a big one. After about two months of hard use, we've seem some subtle degradation of material where the covers contact our shoe's buckles. There are also a few spots where seams have begun to fray. Granted shoe covers have a tough and thankless job (and thus far overall performance has not been effected) but at some point these micro-holes could start to allow water and cold to get where it's not supposed to be. If we had to start again, we'd probably size up from an L (rated for men's shoes from 42.5-44) to an XL (44.5-46), which would mean a slightly looser fit on our size 44 shoes, but put a little less pressure on material and seams.
Bottom line, we're impressed with how well these shoe covers work, but do have questions about long term durability.
For more information visit pearlizumi.com.
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