Every year in November, when even the most beautiful autumn has finally turned into dreary, dirty weather, bikers are once again faced with a choice: either they put the bike in the corner and torture themselves in the gym and jogging shoes. Or they can stuff thick socks and plastic bags into their summer bike shoes. Or they finally spend 200 euros and get themselves some decent winter bike shoes.
While flat pedal enthusiasts and expedition bikers can fall back on waterproof mountain shoes, clipless pedal riders find themselves in a manageable market niche. This was already evident when selecting the test samples: our attempt to set the price limit at 200 euros failed due to a lack of choice. Inexpensive winter shoes are rare, and so in addition to the extremely inexpensive XLC shoe for 150 euros, there are also the Italian brands Northwave and Sidi with their models that are up to 100 euros more expensive. An exciting contrast, as the wide price range provides insights into the question of what exactly gets better as the price increases.
You can find these mountain bike winter shoes in the test:
- Northwave Raptor GTX
- Shimano SH-MW5
- Sidi MTB Frost
- Specialised Defroster Trail
- Vaude Minaki CPX (BIKE-TIP price / performance)
- XLC CB-M07
The main difference between summer and winter shoes is the attempt to keep the wet out. Dry powder snow is not a real challenge, and there are only a few golden winter bike days anyway. The reality is splash water from the front, slush and mud from below. Bike shoemakers counter this with the same waterproof, vapour-permeable materials used for jackets and gloves. However, Gore-Tex and the like are not used as an outer material, but are used in the lining or form an intermediate layer. This means that so many layers of material are used that vapour permeability suffers massively. Practice shows: Even a shoe with a particularly elegant membrane is damp on the inside from foot perspiration after a few hours. A well thought-out shoe design and perfect workmanship are therefore more important than expensive material, so that moisture from the outside stays outside.
Our hardcore water jet test showed that neither appearance nor price tag protect against leaks in the leather. Soaking wet test socks were found in the toe area and under the ball of the foot on the €180 XLC, on a large area of the forefoot on the Specialized (€200), and even on the €250 Sidi model, a little moisture soaked in around the tongue.
Whether more insulation is always an advantage depends more on personal preference - not every biker wants to go outside in frosty conditions. Although we measured the insulation in the laboratory, we did not evaluate it. Instead, we translated our findings into approximate temperature recommendations. Here, too, the price proves to be an unsuitable indicator. More expensive is not warmer. The rather inexpensive models from XLC and Vaude are the warmest, the slim Racer from Northwave is tight but cool. A full eight degrees lie in between in the lab test (see box).
Because a wonderfully waterproof and warm shoe is of little use if it doesn't transfer power to the pedals, we unpacked the most sensitive measuring instruments after a lot of laboratory work: tester feet. The practice sorted the ranking for power transmission on traction and pressure, wearing comfort and walking characteristics. The extent to which lacing systems such as the Boa product have become established is striking. However, a rotary knob is no guarantee of a good fit per se. For example, the Sidi lacing system only covers a very small area of the foot, and in the case of Specialised, high friction in the loops prevented an even distribution of pressure.
Shortly before the end of the test, the battle for the test victory had come down to the less wintery but powerful Northwave Raptor and the equally good but slightly less sporty Vaude Minaki. And although the Northwave may be superior when sprinting on the bike, the Vaude shoe confidently overtakes it in the overall standings. The second cheapest test candidate proves that good winter shoes can be expensive, but they don't have to be.
Details of the test winter shoes:
Buying advice for MTB winter shoes:
Take socks with you : Most winter shoes are designed for more volume than summer race models. This is a good thing, as thick socks improve insulation considerably. The shoes themselves protect against moisture rather than cold. Hiking or cross-country skiing socks with a high wool content should be included when you try them on. |
Check the fastener: Four of the models tested have twist fasteners that can be tightened or loosened during the tour. This facilitates the delicate balance between better circulation and a tighter fit. Velcro straps can also do this. Covered laces are difficult to readjust on the move.
Insole out : Winter shoes are not ventilated, most of the vapour stays inside. The insole has to be removed to dry after every tour. Solid insoles are easier to handle than flabby, buckling insoles. During the insole check, you can also feel how flat the insole is over the cleat.
Test overshoes : Tours lasting several hours below zero don't feel perfect even with this class of shoe. The more adventurous extend their comfort zone with overshoes. These are often tailored to road bike shoes and don't fit well over thick studded treads. Be sure to take them with you or buy special bike overshoes.
THE TEST RESULTS
NORTHWAVE Raptor GTX
Price 220 Euro
Weight¹ (pair) / sizes 516 g / 34-50 (half 39-46)
Extras Frontal gallery
Fit Heel and midfoot medium width, narrow toe box
RATING
Equipment (30 %) 6 out of 10 points
Watertightness (30 %) 10 out of 10 points
Drying (10 %) 8 out of 10 points
Performance (30 %) 8 out of 10 points
CONCLUSION The Northwave is the rubber boot in this comparison: it is waterproof up to the top, and the neoprene shaft is also waterproof. To put it on, you need a slim foot, otherwise it will be tight at the entrance and later at the toes. The Gore lining slipped a little in the heel when walking, but the Northwave puts a lot of pressure on the pedals. It insulates moderately against the cold, and the smooth but stiff plastic sole is only partially convincing when walking on stone. Not a shoe for extreme winter tours, but a cross-country model for moderately cold rainy days.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
SHIMANO SH-MW5
Price 180 Euro
Weight¹ (pair) / sizes 530 g / 38-48
Extras - - -
Fit Medium width throughout, with sock volume
RATING
Equipment (30 %) 6 out of 10 points
Watertightness (30 %) 8 out of 10 points
Drying (10 %) 2 out of 10 points
Performance (30 %) 7 out of 10 points
CONCLUSION At first glance, the price of the MW-5 is surprising, as it is a full 70 euros cheaper than the top model MW-7. The cut and the good rubber sole are similar, and both have a covered speed lacing. The main difference is perhaps not so much the cheaper membrane - the MW-5 is also rainproof - but the lack of a Velcro strap above the lacing. Without it, the shoe doesn't really put power on the pedals even when the laces are tightened. A shoe without major flaws, but also without glamour.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
SIDI MTB Frost
Price 249 Euro
Weight¹ (pair) / sizes 442 g / 39-50
Extras Replaceable sole element, rear reflex
Fit Medium wide to narrow with lots of volume, wide heel
RATING
Equipment (30 %) 8 out of 10 points
Watertightness (30 %) 6 out of 10 points
Drying (10 %) 4 out of 10 points
Performance (30 %) 7 out of 10 points
CONCLUSION Four riders had this shoe on, and only one felt that the power transfer was good - which is surprising given the decades-long reputation of the Sidi brand in professional cycling. The twist lock could not secure the heel firmly, or it pressed uncomfortably on the instep. The narrow, stiff sole is not very suitable for walking. Overall, a relatively similar range of use to the Northwave model, albeit slightly warmer. Slight water ingress in the tongue area. The most expensive shoe in the test is not fully convincing.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
SPECIALIZED Defroster Trail
Price 199 Euro
Weight¹ (pair) / sizes 574 g / 36-49 (half 41.5-46)
Extras Large-area reflective material, abrasion protection heel / toe
Fit Medium width with plenty of volume
RATING
Equipment (30 %) 9 out of 10 points
Watertightness (30 %) 4 out of 10 points
Drying (10 %) 7 out of 10 points
Performance (30 %) 7 out of 10 points
CONCLUSION What a performance! The Specialized shines with extremely well thought-out features, from the flat reflective material to the hiking-suitable sole and the Boa fastener. We were all the more surprised by the heaviest water ingress in the test and the uncomfortable fit of the upper leather and the angular, rigid shaft. The Boa fastener also failed to shine, as its cord slid unwillingly through the guides and thus distributed the pull poorly. All of this costs performance points. Too bad, because the ingredients are right.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
VAUDE MINAKI CPX
Price 180 Euro
Weight¹ (pair) / sizes 561 g / 37-47
Extras Sole insert for flat pedals, reflective material on the heel
Fit Medium-wide to narrow throughout, high toe box
RATING
Equipment (30 %) 9 out of 10 points
Watertightness (30 %) 9 out of 10 points
Drying (10 %) 7 out of 10 points
Performance (30 %) 7 out of 10 points
CONCLUSION With the Minaki model, Vaude has taken a big step forward compared to the previous year. Whilst retaining a conservative look, Vaude has further developed the technology in every detail. The covered Boa fastener is long enough for a good fit of the upper material and can be readjusted while riding, the toe box is stable, the stance on the (flat pedal-compatible) sole is good, even if it could be a little stiffer for full-throttle riding. The Minaki is also rainproof. Winners look this discreet.
BIKE judgement² SUPER
XLC CB-M07
Price 149 Euro
Weight¹ (pair) / sizes 499 g / 38-47
Extras Reflective heel material, cleat mounting possible
Fit Narrow, little volume, flat toe box
RATING
Equipment (30 %) 6 out of 10 points
Watertightness (30 %) 4 out of 10 points
Drying (10 %) 2 out of 10 points
Performance (30 %) 6
CONCLUSION The price is an announcement: for 149 euros there is no alternative to the XLC, which is also the warmest shoe in the comparison. However, the need to compromise is noticeable in practice. The moisture protection (also due to the sole opening) is only moderate, and even riders with slim ankles were unable to close the zip over the speed lacing all the way to the top. The coarse sole profile works on snow and earth, but is too hard and slippery on stone. Overall, a slim shoe for dry cold conditions.
BIKE judgement² SATISFACTORY
¹BIKE measurement, ²BIKE judgements: BIKE judgements: super, very good, good, satisfactory, sufficient
