Assos afterSnowBootie_S7

The afterSnowBootie_S7 shoe covers look like a cross between a cycling bootie and waders. They're a serious, extremely specialized, bootie option from Assos, and the name tells you exactly what they're about. For a total liberation from the angst of winter, wear the afterSnowBootie_S7 after the snows blanket the road or while trekking on a fat bike across a winter wonderland. Switzerland, of course, has lots of snow in the winter. However, the folks at Assos are always keen to get in a good ride, even when the weather conditions are less than ideal. And, like the rest of us, Assos has had its share of frozen calves from puddles of snow melt or sub-freezing temperatures. Gaiters wouldn't do the trick, as they're designed for hiking boots, not cycling shoes. So Assos responded by making an extra-high bootie to keep your lower legs warm and dry. The core of the afterSnowBootie_S7 is Assos' AEPD paneling for booties. There isn't a seam to run from the toes to the ankles. Rather, there's a front panel that extends from the toes, to the ankle, and then up the shin. This panel is flanked by two high side panels that extend to the top of the calf. The fabric used is Assos' exclusive strataGon. It has a stretchy exterior that's been laminated to a waterproof and breathable membrane. To optimize your insulation, the membrane closes its pores when cold, and it opens them up when warm -- furthering your ventilation. Amazingly, it does all of this without compromising its function as a waterproof barrier. At the top of the bootie, there's a rubberized gripper to seal-off the lower-leg from drips down into the bootie. At the back is a locking waterproof zipper that has a reflective stripe sewn to the seam. The toe, cleat, and heel areas are covered with an extra layer of reinforced nylon fabric. This application makes them more durable for walking to and from the cafe when you require a steaming hot drink to warm your insides.