REVIEW: Neos Overshoes - Trekker

Snow. Mud. Rain. All things a shoe has to endure - and its owner too ... and that twice. Once during and once afterwards – when it's time to clean up. The company Neos Overshoes has taken on this problem and specialized in overshoes. Whether with sneakers or boots, you can put anything into the overshoe and have clean and dry shoes guaranteed afterwards, says Martin, who has tested the Trekker overshoes for you.

A Goretex shoe should be able to handle that, one might think. Of course it can, especially when you also wear gaiters. However, every Goretex shoe will also get wet or damp on the leather and definitely get really dirty. In terms of height, of course, the waterproofing stops just below the calf - and then Goretex won't help you if water gets in from above. Or what if you want to get into a bivvy bag and want to take your shoes inside? Either you have a boot bag or you ruin everything. But that won't make the shoe dry either ...

So back to the overshoes. Neos has various models in its range. Whether flat, high or very high, lined or not, with strong tread or flat, almost every possibility is covered.

The Neos Overshoes Trekker is a mid-high overshoe that goes just below the knee (about 20", so 50cm high). It is made of 160 Denier Pack Cloth Nylon - a non-breathable material, which is best imagined like a poncho. It is soft and flexible, lined inside with rubber and 100% waterproof. The sole is raised at the front and back and is glued on, providing protection. The sole itself is flexible and has a relatively flat profile. It provides good grip on slippery surfaces (snow/mud/damp leaves). Furthermore, you can combine the overshoe with snowshoes (heel is compatible).

The Trekker is closed at three points. After stepping in, you first secure the shoe/boot to the overshoe with a Fastex closure (Duraflex) at the ankle. Then you adjust the width at the top with a Velcro closure. This already holds the overshoe pretty well, but if you want to adjust it further, you can do so with shock cord and cord stopper at the top.

For entry, there are loops at the back with the company name on them, which can also be used for hanging up when not in use/drying.

The Trekker model is stated to weigh 900g. When weighed, they came to 850g for size XL.

By the way, the size can be determined relatively easily on the homepage - the easiest way is to take the shoe you want to use with the overshoe and measure the OUTSIDE sole length. Then compare it with the INSOLE in the table and choose the best fitting size.

The comfort temperature is given as 0°F - which is -17.8°C. The Trekker was tested at moderate 5-10°C with high Goretex boots and the climate inside the overshoe was good. While it's not breathable, you will always wear the overshoe when crossing colder substances, so no problem.

CONCLUSION: With the Trekker from Neos Overshoes, you have an excellent piece of gear for nasty weather. The shoe always stays dry and clean, the overshoe is quickly rinsed off in the shower and dries much faster than the hiking boot. Compact and not too heavy - whether you're trudging through the snow or crossing a stream, the Neos Overshoe is the right choice here.

Available in the color "Mushroom" - a brownish-green color similar to khaki - at Neos Overshoes directly in the USA or at Neos Overshoes Europe (Czech Republic) for €91