Assos

fuguBootie

Fugu, the exotic puffer fish, is a lighthearted jape at how cyclists need to dress in the winter. The irony is deliberate. While winter Assos apparel, like this fuguBootie, are a bit bulky by comparison to other Assos pieces, they're lighter, thinner, and sleeker than other togs on the market. And we're happy to say that the fuguBootie doesn't deviate from this standard.

Assos' fuguBootie is largely comprised of 2.5mm neoprene. The ankle cuff is slightly higher, with a gripper to seal your socks and shoes from the elements. There's a cutout on the bottom for your cleat and heel pad. For extra warmth, a layer of strataGonLight has been added to the toe and front part of the bootie. The magic of strataGon is a laminate that does an amazing feat -- the micro-pores that allow sweat vapor to escape through the material close down when they don't sense heat, thus enhancing insulation when your feet need to stay warm. Furthermore, when the temperature in your shoes goes up, the pores open to increase ventilation when your feet need to cool off.

The fuguBootie is part of Assos' climaRange 7. Assos calls this range winterPlus, with an optimal protection range at temperatures around 21-43 degrees Fahrenheit. For ease of use, Assos has incorporated a zipper at the rear of the covers. This zipper is waterproof, and it includes a locking operation lever.