(by 19 people)
The Perfect Foul-Weather Footwear Solution: NEOS Overshoes
Looking for some serious Outdoor Footwear?
How about some Winter Boots to keep your feet warm and cozy with superb traction in icy conditions?
Maybe some Gardening Boots for mucking around in the mud?
Or some Rain Boots to keep your shoes and trouser legs dry during those April Showers?
NEOS even makes an overboot for Casts! (Sold singly!)
I've researched the heck out of this subject. After years of searching for the perfect winter boot I finally found the ideal all-purpose solution:
an OVERSHOE!
Up till now, most of my lenses have had much less focus on a specific product. This one is different for three reasons:
1. It is specifically set up so that ALL proceeds from this Lens will go to Charity (That portion from your purchase or click-outs that is designated for the Squidoo Lensmaster or charity of choice. Even just clicking one of the links makes a few cents!)
2. To help others become aware of the work of the Grameen Foundation. Read more about it and its founder the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate below.
3. I've found NEOS to be exceptionally functional, useful and a great value
and hope to help other folks find the ideal foul-weather and winter footgear.
Read below how NEOS saved my life, er, well, at least my feet and shoes! I've had mine for 5 years now. They still work great and look like they did the day I bought them!
Several merchants are represented here, so you have a choice of where to buy and can also compare prices right here without having to "click around".
100% of proceeds from this Lens goes to the Grameen Foundation.
Buy your NEOS Overshoes here and a portion of that purchase will go to a great cause!
NOTE:
So you live in a tropical paradise were it never snows and seldom rains and everything is flat and smooth and you don't know anyone that lives in a less than ideal climate to whom you could gift a pair of NEOS. Not to worry!
EVEN IF YOU BUY SOMETHING OTHER THAN NEOS the ROYALTIES WILL GO TO the Grameen Foundation as well AS LONG AS YOU ENTER THE MERCHANT SITE FROM THE LINKS ON THIS LENS!
HOW?
Just click on one of the item links below, go to the merchant and search for what you want.
EASY!
You Can Help Give Poverty the Boot:
Helping people in developing countries step out of poverty and into to self-sustenance.
100% of proceeds from this Lens donated to Grameen Foundation
Each time you buy a pair of NEOS or a book here, the percentage that is paid out to this Lens will go directly to the Grameen Foundation.Learn more about it in the link at the bottom.
Nobel laureate: Muhammad Yunus, Ph.D.
Nobel Peace Prize Winner, 2006
Founder of Grameen Bank and founding board member of The Grameen Foundation.A Bangladeshi banker and economist, he developed and founded the concept of microcredit, the extension of small loans to entrepreneurs too poor to qualify for traditional bank loans.
Dr. Yunus and the Grameen Bank were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2006.
"The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2006, divided into two equal parts, to Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank for their efforts to create economic and social development from below. Lasting peace cannot be achieved unless large population groups find ways in which to break out of poverty. Micro-credit is one such means. Development from below also serves to advance democracy and human rights."
Reading on Grameen Bank and Microfinance
LOTD
Squidoo Official Lens of the Day: December, 29, 2006
Thanks, Team Squidoo, for honoring my "Best Boots: These Ain't Yer Granny's Galoshes" Lens as Lens of the Day!I am thankful to be able to promote and support such a wonderful organization as the Grameen Foundation.
December 29, 2006
Read what Team Squid had to say here: Best Boots
S.O.S. - Save Our Shoes!
My Personal NEOS Story
Photo: Kansas City, Missouri Ice Storm January 2002. Source: American Red Cross
It was the winter of 2001-02, the year of the Big Ice Storm that hit the Central US in late January- and one of the worst on record.
Ok, this sounds super-nerdy but, I wear shoes with custom orthotics. (Really, you'd never guess it from looking at most of them -- I insist on a fair balance of style and comfort!) The point is that I am used to very good arch support, and a new pair of boots with custom inserts were going to be a lot more than I was looking to spend.
I pulled out the old popular-name-brand fleece-lined rubber boots (with no arch-support and too narrow a toe-box for my forefoot) when the weather got really nasty for a stretch. After about two weeks, I ended up at the chiropractor with a swollen knee and a sore hip- all from not having proper support. It was horrible! ...plus my feet only stayed dry up to where the rubber part ended at the top of the foot. "There must be a better way!" I said to myself.
The search was on for a solution- how to have warm, dry, fuctional footwear that also allows for proper support and ample space for my foot without spending a fortune.
Then someone showed me a pair of NEOS. AH-HA!
They easily slip right over any shoe or boot, are waterproof and warm and have excellent traction. I could wear my everyday shoes all winter long! Heck, I could even wear clogs or sandals with wool socks! My feet stayed warm, and dry and my shoes stayed clean. NEOS give excellent protection for leather shoes from ice-melting salts.
Thankfully I got these boots before the big Ice Storm hit! I actually went for a walk in my neighborhood in the 2 inches plus of grainy sleet. It was unbelievably beautiful. The only sound was the pelting of the tiny sleet pellets and the occasional crash from falling branches and trees. I carefully steered clear of the trees since even large trees were splitting apart under the weight of the ice. My feet stayed toasty and dry and the traction was great during this frosty adventure.
Mega Muck-Boot
I have the Voyager style and they are great for in the garden too- right over my sandals and then just hose them off when done! If you live in an area where snow gets deeper than 10", I'd recommend the similar but taller Adventurer.
UPDATE:
Fall 2007
I still have my ORIGINAL PAIR of NEOS and they still look and work great! They have withstood 5 years of moderate use in snow, ice, rain and mud.
This fall I relocated out of the Midwest to a much milder climate. No more snow unless I drive a few hours to the mountains, but there is a rainy season here. People do much more walking here than in the heavily car-dependent Midwest and I am very glad to have my NEOS to stay warm, dry and clean wherever I go - in the city, on the trail or in the garden!
Whither the Weather
Rain, Sleet, Snow....or Sunny and Mild?
Somewhere, sometime, most of us will need an overshoe...
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byWhat makes them so great?
Not an ordinary overshoe...
- NEOS FIT OVER YOUR SHOES
About any shoes. I mostly wear Finn Comforts- they are big German shoes with a wide forefoot and the NEOS easily accomodate even the high-top boot. About any shoe will work in them aside from high-heeld pumps (not a wise choice of footwear in foul-weather anyway!)
No more dragging your work shoes around in a bag to change into when you get there! They're already on your feet- all you do is step out of your NEOS and you're ready to go!
You can wear your favorite pair of sandals during a snowstorm (just be sure to get an insulated style or wear wool socks with a liner sock- I have done just that and it works great)! - 100% WATERPROOF
Guaranteed not to leak. If you notice any moisture in your boot, and it has not been damaged (that would take some doing, these are tough boots!) it will be due to condensation from your tootsies being so toasty they perspire a little! - LIGHTWEIGHT
They are made of very lightweight material and weigh less than conventional winter boots. - FOLD FLAT FOR EASY PACKING.
Perfect for the daily commute or long-distance travel because you can easily fold and store them in a suitcase, totebag, backpack, briefcase, dufflebag, motorcyle or scooter storage compartment or under a car seat! - WARM
100% waterproof & windproof which keeps the warmth in and the cold out without bulky boots or liners. The unlined versions featured here add about 20 degrees F of warmth to your footwear. - EASY ON & OFF
Extra wide gusset opens to allow easy dressing. Velcro closures and squeeze-release clasp make for quick opening and closing. - PROTECTS YOUR SHOES
Wear your everyday shoes every day! Don't let rain, snow, mud or other messy conditions stop you- just slip NEOS right over your shoes and go! Shoes and pantlegs are dry, feet are protected from cold an moisture.
**Mud, water and ice-melting salts never touch your shoes.** - SAFER WALKING
Better traction means safer walking in slippery conditions. Heavy-lug, non-marking Vibram rubber soles also disperse static electricity build-up without leaving scuff marks behind. - DURABLE
I've had mine for five years now and they look nearly new! - Muck all you want- your shoes will stay clean!
Who Wears NEOS?
Just a sampling of folks that use the New England Overshoes...
- Armed Services and Special Forces
- US Postal Service
- Hollywood Film and TV Production Crews
- Iditarod Race Champions
- Olympic Teams
- USA Snowshoe Team
- Canadian Nordic Ski Team
- Motorcyclists
- Snowmobile Riders
- ATV Riders
- College Students
- Ice Fishers
- Snow Boarders
- Commuters
- Me and (soon) YOU!
What's the Difference?
Style Specs
- VILLAGER
Great around-town overboot for rain and snow.
Height: 10"
Weight: 1.6 lbs
160 Denier® nylon pack cloth
Duraflex Quick Release Buckle
NEOS ® Superlite outsole
Comfort Rating: 0 Degree F
100% Waterproof
Snowshoe compatible heel
********************************************* - VOYAGER
Heavier lug for more intensive traction than the Villager, more rugged design and construction.
Walk the dog, take the kids to the park.
Height: 11"
Weight: 2 lbs
500 Denier nylon upper
Duraflex Quick Release Buckle
NEOS Perma sole
Comfort rating: 0 Degree F
100% Waterproof
Snowshoe compatible heel
********************************************** - ADVENTURER
Rugged construction and lug of the Voyager in a taller calf-high style gives greater protection to pants-legs from cold, mud and moisture even in foot-deep snow.
Height: 15"
Weight: 2.2 lbs
500 Denier Nylon upper
Duraflex Quick release Buckle
NEOS ® Perma outsole
Comfort rating: 0 Degree F
100% Waterproof
Snowshoe compatible heel
********************************************** - TREKKER
Tall, over-the-knee and light weight but still warm and waterproof!
Height: 20"
Weight: 2 lbs
Made of 160 Denier nylon pack cloth
Duraflex Quick release Buckle
NEOS® Superlite outsole
Comfort rating: 0 Degree F
100% Waterproof
Snowshoe compatible heel
********************************************** - STABILicer
The STABILicer OUTSOLE is Available in 3 models:
VOYAGER, EXPLORER and NAVIGATOR 5, they will share the same features PLUS:
16 HARDENDED STEEL STUDS for fore-aft and lateral stability in the toughest conditions
REPLACEABLE hardened steel STUDS
Specially designed heel is SNOWSHOE COMPATIBLE
Weight: [Pair, size 10] 2lb 4oz (1021g)
Recommended Use: Snowshoeing, fishing, winter wear
Manufacturer Warranty: 1 Year
Stabilicer® Voyager:
versatile lightweight, waterproof, comfort rated to 0 degrees F.
Stabilicer® Explorer:
rugged, waterproof, insulated, comfort rated to minus 20 degrees F.
Stabilicer® Navigator 5:
expedition-grade, waterproof, insulated, comfort rated to minus 20 degrees F. with gaiter extension for extremes
Sizing Up
NEOS = New England Overshoes
NEOS are UNISEXRegardless of what the advertisements say, all NEOS styles shown here are Unisex.
Just choose the size by the conversion chart below:
PLEASE NOTE:
Sizing Chart assumes an average size shoe.
It is necessary to GO UP ONE SIZE IF YOU INTEND TO WEAR A WORK, MILITARY OR HIKING BOOT INSIDE YOUR NEOS.
Okay, I get it - they're great! Now, how do I get some?
Shop for NEOS
As I find them in more places, I'll add the portals right here to make it easy for you!
The only thing I've not found so far is youth sizes with any of our affiliated merchants - but I'll keep looking! In the meantime, I hope you'll purchase your adult-size overshoes here and help to support a great cause while keeping your feet warm and dry.
Now doesn't that just make you feel good inside and out?
NEOS Overshoes
at Amazon.com
Please refer to the sizing chart above.
Neos Villager All Season Overshoe - Men's
Great for around-town in rain and snow. Keep feet dry, and warm and shoes clean!
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: (as of 08/21/2008)
Neos Voyager Overshoe - Men's
Heavier Traction and more rugged than the Villager, this one will take you off-road and into the woods. Feet stay warm, dry and clean in rain, mud or snow!
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: (as of 08/21/2008)
Neos Adventurer Overshoe - Men's
Like the Voyager, only taller for those really messy days. Keep pants-legs clean and dry too!
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: (as of 08/21/2008)
NEOS Navigator 5 Overshoes (XXL(13.5-15M/15-16.5W))
(ALL sizes here) The Navigator 5 is much like the Adventurer, only this one is insulated! Personally, I've found the uninsulated boots to be fine with wool socks and a liner sock (no itchy!), but if you would rather wear regular socks or have to be in very cold conditions for an extended time, this is a great choice. The perfect boot for any outdoor winter sports enthusiast, or those who work outside in harsh winter conditions - street crews, mail carriers, police officers, tow truck drivers, fishermen, college students and more!
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: (as of 08/21/2008)
NEOS Trekker Unisex Overshoes
At 20" high, these will go over the knee of most wearers. Launch a canoe or walk in deep snow with warm, dry feet!
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: (as of 08/21/2008)
NEOS STABILicer: the Ultimate in Traction
Heavy Duty Ice & Mud Boots!
"The NEOS STABILicer Overshoe tackles muddy banks, icy trails, and wet conditions with the help of 32 replaceable steel spikes in its sole and a tough, waterproof shell. At just o'ver 2 pounds the Voyager STABILicer Overshoe ensures dry days without slowing you down. The rugged, metal-studded STABILicer sole digs into ice and mud for great traction when you need it most. Pull the DuraFlex quick-release buckle down tight for a close fit and tighten the cuff elastic at the top of the boot to keep sock-soaking snow from ruining your day.
NEOS STABILicer - Voyager
The Voyager with extra traction!
All one piece that goes is easy on and off! Wear comfortable shoes, work shoes or dress shoes underneath, step out of your NEOS at your destination and you're ready to go!
Click on the image or description to purchase or for details.
NEOS STABILicern Explorer
At Amazon.com
The STABILicer Explorer adds the traction of the replaceable metal spikes on the outsoles.
Neos Explorer Stabilicer Overshoe - Men's
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $99.95 (as of 08/21/2008)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
NEOS Overshoe Explorer STABILicer - 2008 - Medium/Black
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $100.00 (as of 08/21/2008)
Usually ships in 2-3 business days
If You're Really Lucky...
You can find them on eBay
Hard to find used- most people won't give them up once they have them! (I'd suspect these folks moved to a warmer/drier climate.)
If they have any they'll show up in this module below...
Grab 'em quick, they go fast!
**At these prices, get an EXTRA PAIR to stash in your CAR!**
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
More NEOS on eBay
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byLooking for Something Else?
More NEOS for Recreation and Industrial Use
NOTE:
Links in this section are not affiliated with Squidoo and do not generate proceeds for charity.
They will, however, link you to great NEOS overshoe specialty items.
- NEOS Recreational & Industrial
- In this Lens I've included only the most popular, versatile styles for moderate to heavy conditions. For most folks this is all they will ever need for daily use.
If you are looking for something more specific like a thigh-high wader, something with metal cleats or insulated for extreme conditions, a dress overshoe or steel-toed/ hygienic industrial overboot for the food processing industry then try the NEOS website.
******************************************* - Casting Call - NEOS Cast Covers
- Got a foot in a cast? Wear bulky orthotic devices? Need water-proof protection with good traction?
Check out the NEOS Cast Cover!
Height: 10" or 20"
Weight: 1.2 lbs
500 Denier Nylon Upper
Ortho Sole outsole
Comfort Rating: 0 Degree F
100% Waterproof
Sold individually.
NEOS Trouble Shooting
Adventurer, Trekker, Villager, Voyager
If you think your NEOS are leaking, chances are good it is perspiration from your warm feet causing condensation inside the boot, and NOT an actual leak.
I noticed sometimes there would be a little moisture inside the boots after taking them off. Then I wore them in dry weather just to keep my feet warm and this happened.
That was proof that NO WATER WAS GETTING IN FROM THE OUTSIDE and they were keeping my feet VERY WARM- warm enough to perspire!
Condensation is much more likely to be noticeable with the UNINSULATED styles because there is no thick porous lining to absorb any moisture that is produced inside the overshoe.
A leak is unlikely if:
- They were worn in DRY conditions and there is some moisture inside.
- Moisture inside is CLEAN and not dirty like outside.
- The moisture is evenly distributed inside.
If the inside of the overshoe looks like the outside of the condensation on a cold glass of water, then that is likely to be from humidity INSIDE the overboot (evaporating from damp socks that are wicking moisture from warm, sweaty feet). - If you DO find a Leak, in most cases this can be easily repaired with a nylon tent or waders patch kit. In a few minutes, you're good to go!
But I need shoes, too!
Under the Overshoe is just as important!
We've spent a long time on overshoes, but what about just some good, sensible well-made shoes?Check out the options at Smart Shoes
Want a chuckle?
Look at all the Stupid Shoes
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Stupid Shoes
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A Gallery of Horrible Footwear- Past & Present They're ridiculous, they're impractical, they're.....downright stupid! And let's be honest, most of us have owned at least one pair of stupid shoes in our life. Stupid Shoes... We sqeeze our feet...
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Smart Shoes
-
Let's face it, there are a lot of choices out there when it comes to footwear. It can be confusing and downright overwhelming. Isn't it great when you just "find the right thing"? In my many adventures with shoes & footwear, I've found a...
Was this lens on NEOS Overshoes helpful to you?
Nobel Medal
Wow, you've seen some fantastic footwear, now let's get the scoop on the Grameen Foundation, the charitable organization the proceeds of this lens supports. Interviews with Dr. Muhammad Yunus
Miss the original broadcast? No worries, find it here!
- VIDEO: Charlie Rose
- Interview with Charlie Rose
Google Video - VIDEO: The Daily Show/ Jon Stewart, Part 1
- Part 1 of 2
(Advance apologies for the pop-ups and ads, but the YouTube page that had it was asked to remove it by Comedy Central Network- copyright stuff.)
Google Video - VIDEO: The Daily Show/ Jon Stewart, Part 2
- Part 2 of 2
Google Video - AUDIO: Adam Smith
- Adam Smith, Editor-in-Chief of Nobelprize.org, interviews Dr. Yunus immediately following the announcement of the award.
Written trascript also on this page.
Grameen Foundation Website & Lenses
Empowering People out of Poverty and into Prosperity
- Grameen Foundation
- Combining the power of microfinance, technology and innovative solutions to defeat global poverty.
- Grameen Foundation
- Grameen Foundation's Squidoo Lens
- Microfinance
- Grameen Foundation's Sqiudoo Lens:
Microfinance- Empowering the World's Poorest People - 2006 Peace Prize
- Grameen Foundation's Squidoo Lens:
Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank win the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize
By Dr. Grameen's book here and a portion will be donated to the Grameen Foundation.
Muhammad Yunus - YouTube Videos
Grameen Foundation News
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byNobel Foundation Website
Plus some fun & games!
- Nobel Foundation Website
- The Awards, the founder, the recipients past and present. Also some fantastic educational games and resources.
- GAME: Chicken Farm
- Just how important are whole grains and Vitamin B-1?
Test your speed and knowledge of the nutrition. Successfully feed (without spilling!) and cure all the Chickens to become Farmer of the Month! (Much trickier than it sounds!)
Christiaan Eijkman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1929 for his findings on Beriberi and Vitamin B-1 deficiencies caused by eating while rice (polished grain). - GAME: POW Camp
- Test your knowlegde of the Geneva Convention and
Human Rights in this interactive game.
The International Red Cross Committee, instigators of the Geneva Convention, has been awarded the Nobel Prize 5 times
(Takes you to a page at the Nobel Foundation)
Care to sare YOUR NEOS expereince?
In your life, or here on this lens...
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BennyCognito
Hello, Posted October 29, 2007 |
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KP_Yang
This is great lens. You have put lots of information here. I have been setting up some lens and I can appreciate the time you put into this lens and you are generating fund for the charity, I salute you! Posted October 17, 2007 |
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Stuarts
Nice Lens. Thanks for sharing. On a similar vein I run a site which has lots of resources for Travel Insurance for Over 65s Perhaps my grannys could be convinced to try out these boots ;) Posted May 28, 2007 |
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giddygabby
No Neos experience to share. I live in a clime that doesn't require such gear, thank goodness. I'm writing to thank you for pointing me to the Grameen Bank. I've been wading through the available Squidoo charities from time to time and not finding what I was looking for. Grameen Bank is perfect. Posted December 17, 2006 |
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