MTB winter shoes on test: Gaerne G.Ice-Storm All Terrain 1.0 GTX - the Italo classic

The Italians are sending the G.Ice All Terrain MTB winter shoes on the piste, which should work both on the pedals and off-road. Just one look at the chunky Vibram sole shows this, which is also clearly curved in the toe area to make rolling easier. As already 45NRTH at Ragnarök Gaerne also relies on the high-quality LI2 fastener from Boa, which can be adjusted in both directions. A Gore-Tex membrane with a soft lining is used inside the shoe. It's nice to see that high-quality shoes are still produced in Europe - the G.Ice-Storm is made in Italy.

We have collected even more hot tips for cold tours here:

>> Biking in winter: Clothing, lighting, buying advice - everything for the cold days

Gaerne MTB winter shoes - Handling & fit

In terms of fit, the G-Ice Storm is all Italian: it is small and narrow - especially at the toes and in the midfoot area. The Gaerne MTB winter shoes are not suitable for wide feet, but they are available in half sizes from size 41.5 upwards. We recommend choosing at least half a size larger so that there is room for thicker socks between the toes and shoes.

Getting into the G.Ice Storm is almost perfect. Its central Boa fastener opens wide and easily. If you use the small tab at the back, your foot slides smoothly into the boot. This is by no means the case with all winter models and saves annoying fiddling. Even with thick gloves, it's easy to get into the Gaerne.

A little annoying: when closing the twist fastener, the Velcro flap or the loosely positioned tongue sometimes gets tangled. You often have to push it around a bit to get everything to fit without creases. Ultimately, however, the hold in the shoe is very good and the Gaerne can be finely adjusted to the foot.

Gaerne MTB winter shoes - Weather protection & insulation

Rainy weather can't harm the Gaerne. It's one of the few models in the test that really does keep a tight seal, no matter how hard the rain pours down on the shoe. However, its Achilles heel is the short shaft. The rain trousers have to sit neatly over the shoe so that there is no gap. Caution: Always slide the pull-on tab on the back neatly under the trousers, otherwise water will run into the MTB winter shoes from behind.

In terms of protection against the cold, the Gaerne ranks in the midfield. Temperatures around 0 degrees are no problem for the G.Ice.

More fun on your MTB tour in winter? Here are the most important tips for tours when it's cold and dark outside - and alternatively: MTB spots with guaranteed snow-free and dry trails.

On the trail

In combination with the solid fit and the flexible material, the result is an absolutely successful pair of MTB winter shoes. The power transmission is perfect, the pedalling position is very good thanks to the pronounced profile and the G.Ice also offers good grip and traction on pushing sections. When pedalling, the upper moves smoothly - nothing really pinches here - and yet the foot sits firmly and securely in the shoe - perfect!

Gaerne G.Ice-Storm All Terrain 1.0 GTX - Info & Price

• Price 299,90 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
• Sizes 39 to 48; half sizes 41.5 to 45.5
• Weight 1105 grams per pair (size 46)
• Equipment (20%) Boa Li2 fastener; Velcro strap; Gore-Tex; inner lining; Vibram sole; pull-on aid; reflex; cleat area closure plate; low toe protection

Conclusion & evaluation

Warm, grippy, waterproof - with the G.Ice-Storm, Gaerne delivers absolutely recommendable MTB winter shoes made in Italy. The upper material is supple and flexible and can be ideally adjusted to the foot using the Boa dial and Velcro, ensuring a high level of riding comfort. Thanks to the wide-opening entry, you can slip smoothly into the shoe. The Vibram sole combines good power transmission with high grip when walking. So everything is perfect? Almost: the shaft could be a little higher. In addition, the very narrow fit is unlikely to suit all feet.