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Time for new waterproof boots, finally my old Northwave have given way. Leaking sieve etc etc...What's the current recommendation? I'm not bothered about warmth as much as I do want at the very least least splash proof enough so that it doesn't come in from the toe box, also SPD soles that allow me to mount the cleats as far back as I want.
Go...
More Northwaves?
I use Shimano XM9 Boots. Very comfy and have been using them for at least three years without an issue.
Shimano for me too. MW701s are the most comfortable mtb shoes I’ve ever owned. I’d wear them year round if they weren’t warm too.
MW7, but they are insulated
i believe the Leatt HydraDri stuff just got some best of reviews
MW7 for me too. Very good.
In typical stow fashion - You could try adding sealskins/dexshell/army goretex waterproof socks as a waterproof layer.
Another Shimano M702 IIRC and they are super comfy, dry and not massively warm that I have noticed yet.
More Northwaves?
I did have a look, but they seem to start at 'expensive' and go all the way the 'Only for the likes of the super rich'
These have been great, totally waterproof (obviously there's a big hole where your foot goes) I've stood in fords and streams and feet stay dry. If you do get water inside through the top they take a while to dry out unless you use a drier/paper etc and size up if you want to run a thick sockh
Https://ukgravelco.com/2022/11/28/fizik-terra-artica-x5-gtx-winter-boot/
Another Shimano user. MW range if riding SPD.
If I was riding clips through the winter, I'd be buying Shimano XM9's. The previous iteration I've had for years and they are great
As a user of shimano for years, I wouldn’t change my northwave enduros and a pair of sealskins for anything. Yes, they do let water in, but after a three hour ride in the rain, my feet are still warm and don’t feel wet.
I have been using my giro terraduros and a sealskin overshoe but they are a right faff. I’m also after some winter/ wet weather boots as I reckon I’d ride more if pulling on some boots was less faff.
Overshoes (non-neoprene) are far more waterproof than most boots. Winter boots are more about keeping warm than dry, that's why almost all the collars are neoprene. The stop lots of cold water entering the shoe, but the neoprene is permeable, but keeps a warm layer next to the skin. If you want waterproof, overshoes and gators over warm winter boots are the best combo.
My old pair of Northwaves were bought as a alternative to the third or fourth set of of overshoes I'd gone through. I find that trying to pull them over any sort of tread on the bottom of the shoes just ends up ripping them, or they just fall apart through use.
Will try a pair of Shimano MW5 to try to avoid the Gore-Tex tax
I've got both Shimano MW7 (for commuting/gravel use) and XM9 (for winter MTBing). Both good, both comfy, but IME the MW7 have more chance of keeping the water out than XM9 due to the ankle cuff design. Yes, the MW7 cuff material isn't waterproof but it still creates a much tighter and higher opening than than the XM9. The openess of the XM9 ankle hole is a disappointment for me, but I prefer everything else about that boot for MTBing over the MW7: comfort, feel, grip when walking/pushing etc.
I previously used the original Specialized Defroster for both uses for a decade or so before they became sieve-like.