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MY trusty Shimano MW80s gore tex are getting very worn now - they might last the winter .
Had them years and very robust and comfy - they are no longer made now so any thoughts on replacements? Seems to be the MW7 gore tex is the newer model, anyone use them?
Cheers
S
I went from MW80 to MW5, no complaints, very comfy & dry, I'm sure MW7 will be perfect.
I also went MW80 to MW7 and love them. They are warmer than the MW80's but do the same job.
I run Woolie Bollie socks and while I can't stop all the water running in, I have warm damp feet rather than cold wet feet at end of seriously wet rides.
I disliked how the neoprene gaiter on my MW81s fell apart so quickly. Admittedly the shoe carried on (with holes) for several more years. But the new Shimano offerings didn't look different enough so I'm now in some Northwave Raptor Arctic GTXs. They feel a bit warmer and the neoprene cuff is a better design. I'm happy with them but I've only had them a few weeks so time will tell.
Just done the same move.
MW7's are excellent in most ways. It hasn't been cold yet but
- much better sole for walking in and good rearward cleat positoin
- come up significantly larger. My feet has spread a bit and the MW80's had got a bit tight in woollyboolies. MW7 fit with a good amount of space to wiggle toes
- the boa long lace thing is by far the best closure I've seen on a pair of mtb shoes. Closes evenly unlike a pair of straps/boas and the pull to release version doesn't come loose like the standard ones do.
What's not so great -
- theres not much of a tongue so they're not going to be as waterproof when submerged (I reckon you've probably got 20 or 30mm less 'height' before you get wet feet than the MW8o's
- they come with a much better insole than any shimano shoes I've seen before. Looks like they've copied Specialized with a decent arch support and a meta-tarsal button. That's good. BUT the insole has a heavily padded heel bit that's really thick so putting any other insoles in will change the fit.
Bookmarked. Was saying exactly this to my mate on yesterday's ride about the fact they're lasting well but they can't carry on forever.
New pair size 46 on classifieds
Thanks for feedback very helpful. And cheers for heads up Dickie I will check it out.
If that pair don't work out there's a 20% off at Freewheel code in the Member's offers.
Can I put a late vote in for the Shimano XM-9? A proper walking boot with a cleat. Not quite as sealed as the MW80, but a great all-round boot that uses 'infinitely adjustable retention systems' - ie laces, for a great fit. A little more cash, but they last a hella long time. I live in mine in the winter.
I have the older MW7 (pre Boa) and they are great. They are my wet weather choice too. Then it's really bad I use some cut down dry suit wrist cuffs (cost £6) over the neoprene and this really helps stop any water running down your legs into the shoes.
On the XM-9s, I'm thinking about going the other way. I find them not that warm in the winter nowadays and have resorted to electric insoles to stay slightly warm. Do the MW7s have the same level of insulation or are they warmer (I'm hoping they're warmer)?
come up significantly larger. My feet has spread a bit and the MW80’s had got a bit tight in woollyboolies. MW7 fit with a good amount of space to wiggle toes
In the same size are the MW7 longer?
Pah. MW-80s? W-100s anyone?!
Yup, my W101s are still going strong. Granted I dont think I used them much last year, but with a ghetto layer of kitchen foil under the insole, they've been fine for most of the last 20 years. How smug is that?
In the same size are the MW7 longer?
The Specialized insole from my MW80 is exactly the same size as the insole that came with the MW7s but its definitely a roomier shoe.
Interesting. I'd like some but previously found they're not quite long enough. Shame they don't go up another size like some of Shimano's summer shoes.
Darn it pair from classified slightly too small . If anyone looking for a pair I have a set of EU 46 for sale now. Unused .
I've got W101s that are still serviceable, but they're crap and have been crap for 20 years. So I want some more 🙂
MW7s do look good, but the XM9 have caught my eye.
I think I'm a 45 in Shimano but I can't remember - I might be 46. What do you normally wear Scotabroad?
Also, what does the extra £50 get you between MW5 and MW7 ?
Hi molgrips I'm usually a 47 but thought I would get away with a 46. It's just too snug across the foot. The difference is the mw7 is goretex the mw5 is dryshield . Looking at the soles the mw5 looks a more general purpose shoe. But that's just my opinion.
New version MW7 also has a boa dial
I'm very tempted to try those 46s scot - what you asking?
Molgrips looking for 125 posted ovno
Also, what does the extra £50 get you between MW5 and MW7 ?
Gore Tex > Dryshield
Michelin Sole > shimano's normal rubber sole
Boa Dial (the MW5 has a lace thing with a toggle that works really well on my summer shoes)
Well after all the discussion have placed order for XM9s from Freewheel with the 20% STW members discount, thanks for all the help folks, lets hope these ones fit.... 🙂
MW7s arrived. Quite narrow in the mid foot where I always have problems, pretty wide heel though also where I have problems. Otherwise very nice though.
It's tricky to shop around for winter boots especially online.
I went for the Northwave Arctics from wiggle for £90. Have to say I have no issue with getting them on and off like many others report. Overall very nice but rode a really tight trail last night that was slick with mud, leaves and sniper roots, needs a fair bit of foot out. With my ME7s if you don't manage to clip in it's not much of a problem but the soles on the northwaves are much harder and were slipping off the pedals all over the shop. Kind of wishing I'd paid the extra for MW7s but it's one of very few trails like that round here so not really a problem
Comparing newer and older I think Northwave changed the cuff for a looser fit with all the people whining about not getting their feet in. Downside is there's now a gap for mud and water.
So the MW7s were kind of tight around the sides at first - I expect that on lots of shoes. But I wore them sat at my desk for a few hours and they loosened up extremely quickly. So I was able to tighten the boa more and resolve most of the heel slip. It's as if the material they are made from is quite malleable. Much happier now.
Yeah there's a gap, sounds like a set of gripgrab gaiters is best bet and preferable to ripping the cuff stitching.