Aero Overshoes Testing
Aero Overshoes Wind Tunnel Testing
August 27, 2024
Key finding: In wind tunnel testing at Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub, both new overshoe designs matched or outperformed the previous generation at every speed tested (25–50 km/h), with the gap widening sharply above 35 km/h. The Neo Overshoes (dual-layer) saved up to 11.77W at 45 km/h; the One Overshoes (single-layer) saved up to 9.16W at 45 km/h. At 50 km/h — the speed Rule 28 modelled for real-world savings — that's 9.97W and 6.76W respectively, worth roughly 4.35 and 3 seconds over a flat 10-mile time trial.
Power required (Watts) to maintain speed, by overshoe
| Speed | Previous Gen | One Overshoes | Saving | Neo Overshoes | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 km/h | 74.84W | 73.73W | +1.11 | 74.80W | +0.04 |
| 30 km/h | 124.19W | 122.10W | +2.09 | 123.47W | +0.72 |
| 35 km/h | 191.20W | 189.14W | +2.06 | 188.86W | +2.34 |
| 40 km/h | 283.34W | 275.96W | +7.38 | 274.27W | +9.07 |
| 45 km/h | 392.76W | 383.60W | +9.16 | 380.99W | +11.77 |
| 50 km/h | 532.12W | 525.36W | +6.76 | 522.15W | +9.97 |
Below 30 km/h the aero advantage is minimal for both designs — the gains become meaningful from 35 km/h upward, which is where most of the value shows up for road and TT riders.
At Rule 28, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of aerodynamic performance. Over the past few years we have been developing our next generation of overshoes, building on the performance of previous generations with new fabrics and technologies. As with our skinsuits and aero socks, our overshoes are now available in single and dual layer versions — the One Overshoes and Neo Overshoes.
As with all our products, development and testing took place in the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub Wind Tunnel. We compared our previous overshoes against both new overshoe styles. To replicate real-world riding conditions, we tested these three options on a rider pedalling at a constant cadence of 90 RPM for each run.
Our wind tunnel tests began at 25 km/h, increasing in 5 km/h increments up to 50 km/h. At each speed, we measured the power in Watts required for the rider to maintain that speed.
How Many Watts Do Overshoes Save?
As the data shows, both new overshoe designs required fewer watts to maintain the same speeds compared to the previous generation, with the advantage growing substantially above 35 km/h. At 50 km/h, a rider wearing the One Overshoes would save 6.76W compared to the previous generation. In the Neo Overshoes, they would save 9.97W.
Are Aero Overshoes Worth It?
Yes — and to put it into perspective: over a flat 10-mile TT at 50 km/h, a saving of 6.76W would save this rider over 3 seconds compared to the previous generation overshoes.
Put another way, as this rider crossed the line in the One Overshoes, the same rider in the previous generation overshoes would be 41.8m (about 137ft) behind.
The gap is even greater for the Neo Overshoes. Over a flat 10-mile TT at 50 km/h, a saving of 9.97W would save this rider over 4.35 seconds compared to the previous generation.
As this rider crossed the line in the Neo Overshoes, the same rider in the previous generation overshoes would be 60.4m (about 198ft) behind.
Why Choose Our New Overshoes?
Our new overshoes are a leap forward in aerodynamics, designed to give you the edge you need in competitive cycling. Whether you're an elite cyclist or a dedicated amateur, they can help you achieve faster times by reducing drag and conserving energy. With every watt saved, you're closer to your personal best.
