[Closed] winter riding boots?

Spesh Defrosters here, which are good but for the silly hole in the cover for the Boa.

Haven't Lake recently re-launched their winter boot?

I've used Shimano MW81 for years. When they died last year i looked at others, as I sometimes get cold toes and wondered if different boots might help.

Tried some older Specialised shoes at Evans, but struggled to close the top of the show over my foot: I've got a very tall foot as I have a footbed to support my fallen arches. Was going to try a newer model in Hebden Bridge, but the mates I was with both said "don't bother", they'd both bought and then got rid of the same.

Treated myself to some 45nrth Fasterkatts. Very expensive, and not that much better (warmer) than the Shimano boots. The zip up the front popped open on the second ride, then again on the fourth and fifth. And sixth. Then they went back.

Ordered some Shimano MT91 and some Northwave Celsius from CRC. The northwave felt better so I've kept them and they've been great. They've a little more room in them so they do feel a little warmer, and I've room for thicker socks (on-one thickie merino) if need be

Northwave Celsius here as well. Used for past 2 winters and they've been great. As mentioned above, they seem a wider fitting than shimano which suits me well.

I have some old Lake boots, unlined with the Boa mech, still going strong, wide toe fitting available too.
I would look at Lake again when I need some more.

Another Northwave Celsius here.
Got them last year ,good fit ( for me )and they worked well*

*[i] not that last winter was a big test,pretty mild[/i]

I tried the shimano mt91 last year and they were rubbish!! so then tried the new spesh defrosters which were considerably better. This year I intend to keep wearing my bont vaypor xc shoes but with lovely fluo northwave overshoes. see how I go... may revert to the defrosters though

@nbt - I have a similar problem, high arches: yonks ago I found a pair of lace-up Lake boots that were perfect. Fortunately they've lasted well. They don't do that particular pair any more, MX 145 might be worth a look. If you can find them in the UK. Lake Holland were helpful.

+2 Northwave

Having had the Celsius, I'd happily recommend the warmer Shimano MT81 over it any day of the week, though the "arctic/extreme/Fahranheit" versions may be a better. Love my MT81's and will only replace them with Lake MXZ303's, as I suffer from cold toes in the depths of cold winters (last year was v. mild).
I also rate the MT91's, great boot (as insulated at the MT81's) I use them all year round but as they have a open collar, they're not great for riding in the rain or through puddles. Though if your riding included any regular walking/scrambling over/up stuff, the MT91 is the one to go for.

Another +1 here for the Northwaves. Brilliant boots nuff said. Superbly warm and a great fit.

Would love to try Lakes but didn't find anywhere that I could try them on - I prefer not to use mail order but at least with CRC I knew that I could order multiple pairs and try them for size / fit, then sned back the others

I have been impressed by my MW81s, including use in the Alps at Easter in snowy conditions. Sharing a blue run with a skier was amusing. He did do a double take but, being French, thought nothing more of it. The boots were also very good in the incredibly wet winter we had last year. All in all, I find them warm, comfortable and waterproof. Just buy a size up: I'm a 43, but a Shimano 44 fits nicely.

has anyone invested in the 45nrth wolvhammers?

did have a quick look at a pair when I bougt my fasterkatts but they were too big for me (they size up small anyway so go one size bigger)

Whatever, you need to try them on. My first gen pair of Defrosters came up a bit smaller than the equivalent shoes so I can't wear them with thick socks. Shimano fit my fairly wide feet.

Northwave are potentially super warm but way too narrow for me. Fit Katie perfectly though.

My Lake shoes were really well made (premium leather/vibram sole) but had a bizarre wide heel/narrow toe fit that never really worked for me.

I've got the Lake 303 s and paired with some full length altura attacks are ace for any hideous weather riding. As for sub zero rides, never ever have cold feet anymore.

Member
Would love to try Lakes but didn't find anywhere that I could try them on - I prefer not to use mail order but at least with CRC I knew that I could order multiple pairs and try them for size / fit, then sned back the others

POSTED 2 HOU

Lakes are available at your local Halfords. They do click and collect so you can order a few pairs to try on and just pay for the ones you keep. I have some Lake MX 145s in wide fitting and they are very wide; plenty of room for thick socks!
Nothing else mentioned here were wide enough for my flipper feet.

Didn't know that but will bear it in mind when the NOrthwaves give up the ghost

actually that will (hopefully) be in a few years so Il'l have forgottwn

I have an old pair of Lake winter boots; they're fantastically well made and probably the most comfortable cycle shoes I've worn. Full quality leather, waterproof lining and vibram sole. Not the best looking shoes but designed to get the job done in bad weather. They come out every November and have had full use over the winter for the last 7-8 years. Come spring they get a clean followed by a coat of Nikwax and get packed away again for next winter. I would buy another pair with absolutely no hesitation but I seriously can't see these wearing out for years.

+1 for Lake 303s

However, no matter which shoe you decide to go for, make your mind up quickly - once the weather starts to turn, Winter boots become very difficult to find, as everybody has just ordered a pair.

Lakes are available at your local Halfords.

Now, that's worth knowing, as they're a pain to find.

Anither lover of nortwave celcious pair mine with a pair of smartwool Merion socks and plenty warm all winter, if you get cold toes try and keep the blood warmer as it gets to your feet, wear trousers. They work a treat with a set of full length waterproof trousers nice dry feet.

just ordered some shimano am45 stormtrooper shoes off crc.
i can use flats or spd's with em, and mated with long sealskin should see me through winter ok, they are pretty warm and padded and plenty robust.

8)

Still happy with my second pair of MW81s !

My MW81's are just over two years old and are falling apart. the 101's i had before lasted for years and years so i went straight to shimano for a replacement.
Madison told the MW81 WINTER boots had failed so quickly because it had been a wet winter. FFS
Winter boots..... winter.....in the uk.....wet shocker...

I won't be troubling them again.