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Winter - especially in southern Upper Bavaria - offers everything you could wish for when it comes to testing winter MTB shoes in practice: 30 cm of snow or pouring rain, plus cool to miserably cool temperatures. So the new Shimano MW502 through!
On paper at least, it promises to protect against precisely these weather conditions:
- Dryshield membrane as protection against moisture
- Fully wraparound upper with high shaft for additional water protection
- Fleece insole for warm feet
In our big test of cycling shoes and other products for the winter we have already realised that not all MTB pedals that say winter are really made for the Central European winter.
In this test, we also analysed the "big brother", the Shimano MW7tested. It is racier and more expensive than the MW502 tested here, but was convincing in the disciplines of cold and weather protection. The MW502 is now going into its first test with some advance praise - in the first serious snowfall of the season in Bavaria.
The Shimano MW502 winter MTB shoe in a nutshell
- RRP: 169.95 Euro >> available here
- Dryshield membrane
- Full wrap around upper Neoprene upper
- Fleece insole and inner shoe
- Stiffness: 5 out of 12 (Shimano rating)
- Mouldings : Dynalast Standard
- Sole: MTB-orientated, grippy
- Weight : 432 g/shoe (size 43, with cleats)
- Sizes: 38-48
Practical test of the Shimano MW502
The MW502 winter shoes from Shimano may not be light, but at 432 grams in size 43, including the Shimano cleats, they weigh quite little for waterproof and warm MTB shoes.
They are very comfortable to slip into; the neoprene shaft can be opened wide or folded back. The inside of the shoe is lined with fleece, including the insole. The MW502 can be closed easily with the speed lacing fastener
However, the quick lacing does not allow you to build up any real traction, so the shoes sit rather loosely on your feet. However, this is not a problem when pedalling, as the shoe itself encloses the foot well. Only when walking/pushing is there a lack of support.
The sole criticised on the MW7 is a different one here, which Shimano claims is MTB-orientated and also offers good grip on mud and snow in practice. The medium stiffness of the sole (5 out of 12 on Shimano's own scale) has a positive effect when walking - when pedalling it is a little spongy or less performant.
-5 °C: No problem in action
During the first test round, there was heavy snowfall with snow that was 30 cm deep in places. This meant that we had to push from time to time and our shoes were stuck deep in the snow. In any case, the feet didn't get cold. Even the (snow) slush left over from the snow a few days later (see photos) remained on the outside as promised, moisture did not penetrate.
What can be observed, however, is that depending on the physical exertion and inclination, more or less condensation forms in the shoe and especially on the neoprene cuff, so that after longer tours the clothing around the ankle becomes soaked. This does not feel cold because the neoprene keeps out the cold and wind, but it does feel wet. Condensation is not a problem in the shoe itself, the socks are dry.
After a few winter tours, we can say that: As far as the warmth and comfort of the Shimano MW502 are concerned, even long distances at -5 °C or a little less are no problem. If it gets even colder, you have to ride very actively to keep your toes warm.
Conclusion on the Shimano MW502 winter shoe in the test
The Shimano MW502 MTB shoe for winter keeps you warm and dry, even during prolonged bombardment from snow, mud and water. Thanks to the Speedlace lacing, it sits rather loosely on the foot, and the sole is only moderately stiff, which gives a rather cosy overall impression, almost like a slipper. The cycling shoe from Japan is therefore more suited to longer, slower tours. Only the condensation that forms in the neoprene upper can be annoying - but it doesn't detract from the MW502's insulating performance.
Marc Strucken
Editor
