Price: £69.99 / $91.99 / €84.99
Sizes: S / M-L / L-XL
Weight: 190 grams per pair - M/L
Colours: Black
The weather is slowly getting colder and wetter here in the UK which means a Spatz overshoe review is due. Spatz arrived on the scene several years ago now, and it's fair to say changed the overshoe game with its Roadman overshoes.
Years have passed since then and the brand now has a bigger line of cycling clothing and appears to have diversified to a degree. Spatz has continued to refine and improve its overshoe range at pace though. Perhaps a little over a year ago, the Fasta overshoe was launched.
In the brand's words "The Fasta overshoes are tougher, sleeker, more durable and more aerodynamic than any overshoe we have seen."
In short, compared to the burlier and popular Legalz Pro model, the Fasta overshoes are as the name suggests a faster and lighter option that carries a little less bulk, but crucially still offers excellent foul weather protection.
The Fasta overshoes currently cost £69.99 / $91.99 / €84.99 and feature in my best cycling overshoes guide. I've been riding in them regularly for over a year now. Spatz did elevate the overshoe game when they launched their first model and that continues to be the case, the Fasta's are an excellent option for a range of winter riding.
Design and aesthetics
Spatz overshoes all have a fairly unique look and the Fasta model is no different. Visually a key difference between the Fasta and previous more heavy-duty models is the slightly lower leg height and thinner material. More recently, Spatz has released a Fasta Lite model, which I am yet to test.
On living with the overshoes, Spatz recommends washing the overshoes down with water post-ride and leaving them to air dry. It's also a lot harder to knick the neoprene and tear it on these with a thumbnail compared to older models, which did come with a specific warning on that point.
There are two sets of Spatz Wear logos on the toe box, and ankle and a 'FASTA' wordmark on the heel. Several seams are visible on the exterior which also break things up.
Though they are lighter in weight, the overshoes still have plenty of weatherproofing features. Cordura-covered neoprene features in a few different areas, specifically the inside ankle, toe area and underfoot loop. The leg uses lycra-covered neoprene that is fairly thin around the entire circumference. This is a lot smoother to the touch than the toughened Cordura sections.
Sealing, sometimes the Achilles heel of overshoes is well executed on the Fastas. Overshoes may present well on paper but a lack of seam sealing especially in the front around the toes will leave you with wet feet pretty quickly in wet weather.
Spatz has done plenty of sealing on the Fasta's, with long, vertical silicone seals running vertically down the inside of the overshoe leg section. This helps grip and keeps them in place. And it works they don't move or sag at all. Elsewhere silicone aqua seal is used to help minimise water ingress.
Overall the design of the Fasta's holds true to a lot of what Spatz overshoes have always been about: Solid warmth and foul weather protection thanks to the tall overshoe height and materials used. This time it's just in a lighter overall package.
Performance
I test a lot of overshoes, but when I'm not trying something out or a really grim winter ride is on the cards, I tend to reach for the Fastas. I used the Spatz Legalz and Roadman models regularly in the past and can use the two-in-one Spatz Pro Stealth system for the really grim days but now for pretty much everything apart from when I don't need max protection, I tend to reach for the these.
The Fasta holds the best overall spot in my winter cycling shoes buyers guide, and for good reason. If you're doing a bit of everything during winter - commuting, maybe a club bash or two at the weekends, training or steadier social rides - the Fasta's will provide a very good level of protection and performance.
Let's not forget Spatz as a brand was borne out of a need for foul weather race protection, if you are racing and can choose what overshoes you can wear, these are light enough, and as the name suggests 'fast' enough, to be a solid ally in a bleak road race or fondo. If I wanted a faster option in wetter, warmer conditions I'd look to the Velotoze Road 2.0 option.
The Fasta's pull on before your cycling shoes and use a zipperless design, there's no velcro to do up underneath either, and a solid loop is in place instead. For some reason, I struggled to get them on the first few times and got confused by the solid loop. I cracked it after a few goes though and you can get the overshoes on very quickly and they they aren't super tight like a Velotoze. I've included the Spatz instructional video above so you can see.
Currently, the fit and protection are pretty much as good as it gets. The overshoes stay in place, feel sleek and fast on foot and keep a hell of a lot of water out and your feet warm. My winter riding tends to be a little bit more intense and the overshoes keep my feet warm enough. If your focus is all-out warmth, and you perhaps do a lot more longer, low-intensity rides where you are out for hours look to the Pro Stealth option from Spatz which includes toe warmers to wear under heavier overshoes. It's also worth considering a set of the best winter cycling socks too, if you want to stay warm; think of them as base layers for your feet.
It's also worth mentioning that a decent front mudguard, the longest you can find ideally, will make a vast difference to how much water and muck your feet will be exposed to. Over a few hours in the depths of winter, it can make a big difference, so consider a front mudguard setup too if you often struggle with wet and cold feet in winter and don't have one.
Value
The list RRP for the Fasta's is £69.99 / $91.99 / €84.99 I think this is money well spent if you want to up your foot protection game for the winter.
I remember buying my first pair of Spatz and after trying them the price was a no-brainer; you're investing in your own comfort and performance. The same is true here.
I've tested my own pair for over a year now and they haven't put a foot wrong. I have stained the front of one of them with a toothpaste splatter whilst hurriedly brushing my teeth after putting them on, but that's basically the only thing I can fault them on, so keep the toothpaste away from the uppers and you should be fine!
Verdict
I still believe that no overshoe is completely waterproof right now, if it's subject to a sustained soaking from a wheel or if water is being flung off the mudguard in front of you or if it's just incredibly wet you will eventually end up with wet feet.
In fairer weather, they protect your shoes, fit well, look good and help keep you and your feet warm.
The Fasta overshoes provide an excellent level of protection during cold and wet winter rides, when water has worked its way into them my feet have been in a far better condition compared to some overshoes and I believe the Fasta overshoes maintain Spatz's position as market leader when it comes to overshoes right now.
