When wet and cold muddy weather becomes a permanent issue, it's time again for robust mountain bike shoes with a high shaft, non-slip and well-profiled sole as well as a windproof and waterproof membrane. However, our test model, the Vaude Tonale AM II, is less of a designated winter shoe and more of an MTB touring shoe for year-round all-mountain use. Especially when the year turns out to be rather changeable and rainy. My opinion.
Some people don't like such shoes at all and refer to them almost disparagingly as hiking boots. However, I find the comparison obvious and not bad at all and simply see it in a positive light. A hiking boot for mountain biking, as a metaphor for reconciliation with nature lovers on foot, so to speak, which I wear with conviction and out of solidarity. After all, hikers and mountain bikers basically want the same thing: to experience nature together!
And out there in nature, I love things that do their job simply and without fuss. Things that are as versatile as possible and preferably don't stand out too much. Like the mouse-grey Vaude Tonale all-mountain shoes. The hydrophobised nubuck leather gives the Tonale AM II a very high level of resistance and protection and, together with the stiff sole, a certain hardness. This benefits power transmission to the pedals, but is surprisingly unobtrusive when walking.
Waterproof thanks to climate membrane
The in-house Ceplex Pro membrane is Vaude's highest quality membrane and in the Tonale AM II it ensures that wind and rain stay where they belong: outside. And that worked pretty well. A lasting impression was left by the crossing of a side road that had been completely flooded by a summer downpour. I had slightly underestimated the depth of the 20 metre long "puddle". I didn't sink completely into the water like Danny MacAskill, but at least up to the wheel hub, so that I was submerged up to my calf in the brown sludge while pedalling.
As so often this year, I was wearing my long rain gear. To my surprise, I stayed completely dry! It was great fun, I ploughed through the water again like a child. It was only during the third crossing that the right trouser waistband got caught on the upper end of the shoe, and then the fun was over. Whilst the right shoe immediately filled up, logically enough, only a little water squeezed past the flap seal on the left foot. Respect!
Otherwise, my feet only got damp during sweaty tours in mild temperatures. Due to the closed construction and the firm leather, the breathability of the Vaude Tonale AM II is naturally limited. After a water ingress, the shoe should be generously stuffed with newspaper, otherwise it dries rather slowly.
Fit and insulation
The lacing system and the Velcro fastening on the shaft keep the foot firmly in place. Thanks to the footbed with discreet arch support, I didn't experience any sole burns or other irritations. The shoe is wide - good for wide feet of course, the toes have enough room in all directions.
And if it gets really cold, thick winter socks will still fit inside. The wind insulation is excellent and the shaft reaches well above the ankles. The Tonale AM II is not a winter boot, but scores with its versatility.
Wear and tear and signs of ageing
Now, after almost two years of touring and everyday use, the rubber applications on the toe cap are coming off easily. Could certainly be glued. The inner lining is starting to come apart at the heels. The repair is already becoming more difficult. Slight water ingress at the transition from the forefoot area to the tongue heralds the slowly approaching end of the hitherto absolute waterproofness.
The original laces gave up very early and tore off - one after the other - after a few weeks on both sides. The much more robust laces kindly provided by my Freeride colleagues subsequently lasted the entire duration of the test.
Short info Vaude Tonale AM II
Weight: 1693 grams (pair, size 45)
Price: 220 Euro (RRP)
- quite heavy, limited breathability, original shoe laces
+ robust, high level of protection, good power transmission, good running characteristics despite stiff sole
Sebastian Brust
Editor
