No more wet feet: Four waterproof MTB shoes put to the test

Once I get some momentum and the front wheel plunges into the calf-deep puddle. My left foot follows like a submarine on a crawl. Three metres ahead, it emerges again and is now ankle-deep in brown mud. I had actually already realised the outcome when I stepped into the Gore-Tex-clad low shoe from Scott shortly beforehand. A waterproof bike shoe that only reaches below the ankle? Can't work, I thought. But the child in me just wanted to know.

Do waterproof MTB shoes stay waterproof?

The term "roof shingle principle" spontaneously pops into my head. Even though it probably doesn't exist, it's a good way of describing how waterproof clothing works on a bike: The rain jacket should overlap the waistband of the rain trousers. This in turn covers the upper of the shoes - only then can the water run off without penetrating. Conversely, this means that you will inevitably get your feet wet if you wear short rain trousers or mid-cut shoes. Even a gaiter like the one on the Shimano is of little help here unless, as in this case, it is waterproof.

Waterproof MTB shoes: only one model keeps you dry in the long term

Only the HydraDri 7.0 from Leatt, whose waterproof construction extends to the base of the calf, will keep you permanently dry. The other models should be seen more as splash protection for days after the rain. But wouldn't a classic trail shoe be the smarter choice? There has been an astonishing development here in recent years: thanks to seamless upper materials, some of the test models keep out as much splash water as the rain boots. This is mainly because the ventilation holes are sometimes more of a suggestion than an actual feature.

Lots of protection, little ventilation

This brings to light another disadvantage of both waterproof and normal MTB shoes. None of the test models are really airy. On hot summer days, you quickly stew in your own juices - especially in combination with the sometimes lush padding, which also absorbs moisture. However, it only gets really uncomfortable when the waterproof shoes get wet after a rain shower and the sun soaks your feet in the tropically warm swamp.

My conclusion

In my opinion, MTB shoes with a rain membrane are a niche product with a very limited range of use. In most cases, a classic bike shoe will be the better choice. Waterproof socks, for example, could also be an inexpensive alternative. - Stefan Frey - BIKE test editor

Pros & cons - waterproof MTB shoes

Do you really need waterproof MTB shoes? We wanted to find out what really frequent riders have to say about this and asked our lab employee Hans-Peter Ettenberger and Transalp expert Peter Brodschelm from the tour operator Fahrtwind.

For me as a frequent rider, waterproof MTB shoes make perfect sense because I'm also out and about on rainy days. As long as the shoe reaches under the long rain trousers, you stay dry for hours and don't get soaked feet even when riding through puddles. - Hans-Peter-Ettenberger, Bike Lab employee

Waterproof usually also means relatively airtight. On a Transalp you rarely have several stages of continuous rain. On the often very hot days, you then have a heavy and waterproof (hot) shoe with you on the climbs. With low shoes, water inevitably penetrates through the ankles, the shoe soaks up water and becomes heavy. A second pair of socks or overshoes are cleverer. - Peter Brodschelm, Bike Guide & and owner Fahrtwind

We tested these waterproof MTB shoes

Fizik Terra Ergolace GTX

• Price 189 Euro
• Weight¹ / sizes 850 g / 36-48; 37.5-46.5
• Features Lace tab; Vibram sole; Toe cap; Gore-Tex membrane
• Fit Voluminous toe box, flat heel with little support

Conclusion & evaluation

The Fizik is a real eye-catcher, robust and designed with solid toe protection and equipped with a grippy Vibram sole. It also delivers a good amount of power to the pedals. Less successful is the somewhat clunky fit. The bulky material is difficult to mould to the foot, the lacing doesn't provide much traction on the foot and the heel is also slippery. Overlaps on the tongue can cause pressure points. The biggest drawback: the Gore-Tex membrane only extends to the midfoot.

Leatt HydraDri 7.0 Clip

• Price 219 Euro >> at Decathlon or Maciag Offroad available
• Weight¹ / Sizes 1102 g / 38.5-48.5
• Features Waterproof gaiter; speed laces; toe cap; cleat scale; shims for cleats
• Fit Medium width throughout with flat toe box

Conclusion & evaluation

With its long gaiter, the Leatt is the only shoe in the test in which you can survive longer rain rides dry. Under the gaiter is a normal low shoe with a very cleverly designed quick lacing system and a high level of comfort - only the heel could do with a little more support. The HydraDri stands securely on the pedals, the stiff sole ensures good propulsion. When pushing, the flat profile with little grip is annoying. Once you've got to grips with the Leatt, you can have fun through the puddles.

Scott Trail Evo Gore-Tex

• Price 200 Euro >> available here
• Weight¹ / Sizes 958 g / 40-48
• Features Boa fastener; Gore-Tex membrane; customisable insole
• Fit toe box narrow and flat; wide heel area

Conclusion & evaluation

As with the Fizik, the Scott's membrane only extends to the midfoot - one big puddle or a lot of rain and you're already standing in water. The fit with a narrow, flat toe area and wide heel takes some getting used to, the hold is only moderate because the Boa fastener doesn't hold the foot perfectly in place. The coarse profile provides good grip off-road. However, the Trail Evo is a little wobbly on the pedals. Power transmission is also only moderate - a pedal with a large cage is recommended here.

Shimano EX700 GTX

• Price 230 Euro >> available here
• Weight¹ / Sizes 870 g / 38-48
• Features Boa twist lock; toe protection; knitted gaiter; grippy profile
• Fit Narrow to medium width and rather flat cut

Conclusion & evaluation

Shimano's EX700 is a top shoe for adventure tours with extended moisture protection. The gaiter keeps dirt out, but is unfortunately not waterproof - here too, the membrane only extends to the midfoot. Clever solution: the Boa fastener with its three straps distributes the pressure evenly over the foot and ensures a good hold. In combination with the grippy profile, you can also master longer pushing passages. Unusual: The cleat channel is located quite far back and offers little adjustment range.

You can find out more about waterproof MTB equipment at the following links

>> RAIN JACKET TEST: Nine models for trail and tour

>> DRY PACK: 5 rain trousers and suits in comparison