The big toe is frozen stiff like a croquette in the freezer. Ever since it was almost drowned in the muddy puddle behind the first bend, it has been going steadily downhill. Minus four degrees and icy wind gnaw relentlessly at his stamina. The thin racing shoes with the generous ventilation openings are not much help. Winter shoes are needed now. Above all, they should keep the wet out and keep his toes warm. We have tested nine models for you, from Exustar to Vaude. The prices vary between a reasonable €150 (Vaude Termatic RC) and a sporty €270 (Lake MXZ 302). When it comes to the construction of their winter shoes, the manufacturers mainly take two approaches: Mavic, Shimano, Specialized and Vaude extend a classic low shoe upwards with a ring made partly of reinforced neoprene. The main advantage is the fit. The neoprene moulds itself to the foot and hardly disturbs the pedalling movement. The other manufacturers extend the upper mainly with the material of the upper shoe. As a result, the shoe loses some of its flexibility.
All manufacturers use synthetic fibres for the inner lining. You can recognise clear differences just by feeling them. The fluffy lining of the Northwave is reflected in the good result in the insulation test. The lining of the Sidi is noticeably thinner. However, by choosing the right sock, you can still get a lot more warmth out of it.
Overlapping cover keeps water, dirt & wind out
However, only an absolutely waterproof and draught-proof shoe guarantees permanently warm toes. Sidi and Specialized prove this: A waterproof membrane alone does not keep the wet out. Water finds its way through the smallest cracks in the material. The most effective remedy: an overlapping Velcro cover over the tongue area. Gaerne and Northwave show how it's done. The two-part cover closes even the smallest gap inside the shoe. Water, dirt and wind have no chance. The one-piece covers from Exustar and Vaude work just as well. The Drift from Mavic stays tight despite the open tongue area. This is mainly due to the well thought-out and improved construction compared to last year. The bulky liner actually looks bombproof. However, water leaks into the shoe at a seam on the upper cover.
We tested the impermeability of the test models using a jet of water directed at the shoe from an angle. At defined intervals, we checked whether water entered the shoe. A paper towel between the shoe and the test foot served as an indicator. As penetrating wetness in particular can quickly put an end to winter rides, we rated the waterproofness more highly than the features, fit and insulation criteria.
How do the winter shoes perform in the cold chamber?
For the insulation effect, a freezer compartment with a constant minus 15 degrees was converted into a cold chamber. The shoes were filled with water at a temperature of 37 degrees. The temperature loss of the water was measured over a set period of time. The best result was again achieved by the thickly lined Northwave. We found the lowest insulation effect with Sidi. Overall, most of the models in the test are well suited for use in wet and cold conditions. The models from Sidi and Specialized in particular have some drawbacks. Both are only recommended for dry days. They don't offer more than splash protection. Mavic, Shimano and Specialized offer the best fit. The Celsius Artic GTX from Northwave also fits very comfortably. It offers a little less support in places. For narrower feet, we recommend the models from Exustar, Gaerne, Lake and Sidi. The Vaude is difficult to categorise. Technically, there is hardly anything to criticise about the cheapest test model. However, the fit is undefined. The toe box offers a lot of space, but the instep is very flat. The bulging, inflexible shaft can cause pressure points.
You can find these mountain bike winter shoes in the test:
- Exustar E-SM343
- Gaerne G.Artix
- Lake MXZ 302
- Mavic Drift
- Northwave Celsius Artic GTX
- Shimano SH-MW81
- Sidi Diablo Gore Tex
- Specialised Defroster MTB
- Vaude Termatic RC
The perfect winter shoe for bikers
1. tread sole
If you cycle in ice and snow, you will inevitably have to get off your bike from time to time. The sole should offer plenty of grip and a wide standing surface so that sliding passages don't turn into a slippery ride.
2. reinforcement
Who knows what obstacles are hiding under the snow? Reinforcements on the toes and sides of the boot protect you from damage caused by contact with branches and stones.
3rd closure
Quick lacing systems close particularly easily and comfortably. The Boa system on Lake and Specialized can also be adjusted with one hand while riding.
4. tongue cover
All manufacturers in the test use a waterproof membrane. However, the shoe is only really waterproof if a good cover prevents water from entering the shoe through the tongue.
5. shaft
If it runs into the shoe from above, the upper has been designed too low. It should fit snugly around the foot, have no scratchy seams and at least reach under the rain or winter trousers.
6. inner lining
Primaloft, Thinsulate or a simple synthetic fibre lining: without an insulating layer in the inner boot, frostbite is inevitable.
You can read all the test results for the mountain bike winter shoes in the PDF download below. You will also find nutrition tips for the cold season, the right winter clothing and information about winter tyres with studs.
Downloads:
Stefan Frey
Editor
