Northwave Winter Cycling Shoes 2026/27: Three solutions to keep your feet warm

Our verdict: A collection with a clear division of roles

For 2026/27, Northwave is not banking on the promise that a single shoe can cope equally well with every winter condition. Instead, the choice is more closely linked to discipline and terrain: carbon-focused efficiency on the road, insulated comfort for walking on gravel and XC, and Vibram traction for challenging trails. This makes sense, as cold feet in winter are rarely just a matter of insulation. Other key factors include water ingress, cold wind, the fit when wearing thicker socks, and grip when dismounting. Those who choose their shoes not solely on the basis of temperature, but according to their primary use, will find the most suitable options in Northwave’s range.

Cycling in winter, in our part of the world, isn’t just a question of the outside temperature. Wet roads, muddy sections on the trail where you have to push your bike, and icy winds on long gravel rides all call for different solutions. This is precisely where Northwave comes in with its 2026/27 autumn/winter collection: rather than offering a single winter boot, the Italian brand has developed specialised models for road cycling, cross-country, gravel, trail and all-mountain riding.

The common feature is Gore-Tex. Northwave has been using this membrane technology in cycling shoes since 2004 and currently offers a wide range of Gore-Tex models. The membrane is designed to keep out rain and wind, whilst allowing moisture to escape from the shoe.

At the heart of the new campaign are three pairs of shoes whose designs could hardly be more different: a stiff road cycling shoe for winter training rides, an insulated gravel and XC shoe with a sole suitable for walking, and a robust trail shoe with a Vibram tread. In doing so, Northwave is addressing not only the cold, but also the question of where and how people get out and about in winter.

​Kingrock Plus GTX: Grip and protection for trail and all-mountain riding

With the Kingrock Plus GTX, Northwave is targeting trail and all-mountain riders for whom the shoe needs to perform in wintry conditions, even when off the saddle. Unlike the clearly race-oriented Extreme R GTX, the focus here is not on maximum stiffness, but on a robust, high-grip design for varied terrain.

At the heart of the design is the Vibram Wolftrax sole for clipless pedals. It is designed to provide traction and braking control on both wet and dry surfaces. The thermally bonded upper is designed to protect the foot from repeated contact with stones and cranks without being unnecessarily bulky. According to the manufacturer, a small TPU insert enhances abrasion resistance.

For the fastening system, Northwave combines an SLW3 twist lock with a Velcro strap. Whilst the twist lock adjusts the fit from the midfoot to the toes, the strap secures the top of the foot. The design is complemented by the elasticated Easyfit collar and the Koala Gore-Tex membrane, which is designed to provide warmth, wind protection and breathability.

Kingrock Plus GTX at a glance

• Area of application: Trail and All-Mountain with clipless pedals
• Weather protection: Koala Gore-Tex membrane, waterproof and windproof according to the manufacturer’s specifications
• Sole: Vibram Wolftrax for grip and braking control on wet and dry surfaces
• Protection: Heat-sealed layered construction, abrasion-resistant TPU insert
• Closure: SLW3 twist lock with Velcro strap
• Fit: Easyfit collar made from stretchy, insulating neoprene, regular fit
• Price: 276.80 euros

​Celsius XT Arctic GTX: The solution for gravel, XC and sections where you have to push your bike

The Celsius XT Arctic GTX is the most interesting new addition to the trio because it combines two requirements that are often at odds with one another: high thermal insulation and decent performance when not cycling. Northwave positions it for cross-terrain use, ranging from rugged trails to open gravel tracks.

The core technical combination comprises the Cirrus XT 4L Gore-Tex membrane and PrimaLoft Gold 200 g Eco insulation made from recycled materials. For the ankle, Northwave has opted for a low-cut neoprene gaiter with a heat-sealed zip. This is designed to allow the ankle to move freely, whilst at the same time keeping water and the cold out of the shoe more effectively.

The Jaws Evo sole is responsible for combining pedalling efficiency with walking comfort. Its wider tread, Toe Flex system and integrated arch support are designed to offer better grip on gravel, mud and during running sections than a pure race sole. Reflective HiViz material increases visibility in low-light conditions.

Celsius XT Arctic GTX at a glance

• Area of application: Gravel, cross-country and touring with sections where you have to push or walk
• Weather protection: Cirrus XT 4L Gore-Tex membrane, neoprene gaiter with zip
• Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold 200 g Eco made from recycled material
• Sole: Jaws Evo with a wider tread, Toe Flex system and arch support
• Closure: X-Dial SLW3
• Visibility: Reflective HiViz material
• Price: 276.80 euros

Extreme R GTX: The road cycling shoe for training rides in cold weather

The Extreme R GTX remains the performance-oriented model in the road range. Its purpose is clear: anyone who wants to press down on the pedals as directly as possible, even in winter, shouldn’t have to resort to a bulky touring boot.

To achieve this, Northwave combines the XFrame upper with an overlapping construction. This is designed to envelop the foot evenly and reduce pressure points. The SLW2 twist lock can be fine-tuned in small increments, even whilst wearing gloves. Other features include an elasticated, insulated collar, a special insole, reflective elements positioned all round the boot, and a carbon sole with anatomical arch support.

Extreme R GTX at a glance

• Area of application: Road bike
• Weather protection: Gore-Tex membrane, insulated Easyfit Climaflex collar
• Fit and fastening: XFrame upper, SLW2 twist lock, Pro Fit
• Sole: Morph Carbon 12 with arch support
• Visibility: 360-degree reflector inserts
• Price: 328.06 euros