You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
I know this has been done before but things change. Just what do people think are the warmest, waterproof (or nearly) SPD boots out there? My Northwave Raptor GTX just don't do the job, even with neoprene over shoes, wool socks and plenty of room. I have triangular feet which makes life awkward. Wide across the toes and narrow heels so that every pair of shoes I own have heel slippage.
The most obvious target is the Lake MXZ304 but I am looking for alternatives. Any thoughts?
the shimano insulated waterproof jobbies.. they have been my go to for the past couple of years in all conditions have seen me right with just normal socks underneath
I'd second the Shimano boots - much wider toe box than the other two I tried (PlanetX/Carnac and one of the Northwave models), so plenty of room for thick socks.
I expect the 'Daddy' of winter boots would be one of the 45NRTH range if you can find them but no idea of width - Boots – 45nrth
I don't think Bontrager Old Man Winter boots are still available but they're awesome if you can find them. I wear a size 8/42 which is my normal shoe size. They're much warmer than the Shimanos, which I use until it really is properly cold. I found the latest version of the Shimano to be a bit too roomy - much larger than my previous pair of the same supposed size.
Fizik Artic Terra are another option, though I find them to be a narrower fit and would recommend another full size up. Definitely try them on around the house before wearing them outdoors, just in case you have to return them.
After years of Northwave Artic ,I saw a deal on some Sidi Frost boots.
With the on-going climate change I think they will be fine 👍 🙃
I expect the 'Daddy' of winter boots would be one of the 45NRTH range if you can find them
Short answer on this one - they’re changing the importer and in the meantime it’s a massive pain. I was after a pair of Öland boots just because and was told to order them from Germany by 45NRTH (!)
Are EX900s the Shimano boots being talked about above?
I'm talking about the Shimano MW range
I think some are waterproof only, some insulated and waterproof
Hijack but I have a pair of Shimano MW7 Gore-Tex winter boots in size 43 I could do with selling. They are brand new as they were replacements for a pair I misplaced and subsequently found. They are on marketplace for £75
I have the older Lake 303 and found them to be excellent during the winter
Das Boot, made the winter commutes far less chilling!
I know you said alternatives but I have not had cold feet on any ride since buying the MXZ304s. I have wide toes also so most shoes are too narrow. Paired with Woolie Boolie socks I can ride in -5 (more like -8 or so with wind chill). Rapha Deep Winter gloves with a liner have mitigated cold hands in the same conditions (I have tried heated gloves and these are better). The 304s are not 100% waterproof though but dry feet in wet conditions requires an over trouser anyway - no boot will stop water running down your legs and into the top without a full trouser covering them. It’s generally warm enough if it’s raining to get away with shoes and neoprene overshoes…
I'm a fan of the MW5 on a cost and fit vs warmth/waterproofness basis.
Nothing is ever perfect and any boot can have it's waterproofing overwhelmed with enough water, if I were shopping today (during summer) and some affordable MW7s came up I'd jump on those, but I'm in no rush to replace my MW5 as it is.
After years of Northwave Artic ,I saw a deal on some Sidi Frost boots.
I've got Sidi Frosts. Size 50 feet, they were the only winter boots I could find big enough. They cope with sub-zero stuff but only just. Three winters on them - had to replace both the cord adjustment dial thingies, and there's a lot of wear of the fabric sections from hike-a-bike type stuff. If I had normal size feet I'd look at alternatives (those Lakes appear to be available in size 50 now, I might try them next).
I've had Northwave winterboots & have shimano waterproof (they are not really winter boot), but my (12 year old) Lakes MXZ303's are simply the daddy's when it's properly cold. I'd suggest 45NRTH's are no doubt at the same level or above.
+1 for Bontrager old man winter. Such a shame they've been discontinued. Ever nicer with electrically heated socks. Warm! Shimano and Specialized winter boots were nowhere as good. It is all down to the neoprene sock inside (and being super waterproof). I'd be looking for insulation, neoprene sock and waterproof if I needed to replace mine.
How about the Endura MT500 Burners? https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Endura-MT500-Burner-Clipless-Waterproof-Shoes_259776.htm?variations=colour:Black,size:43%2520EU%2520(9%2520UK)&sku=932193
Mate has a pair of the flat pedal one's and he highly rates them as both warm & dry
Big fistbump of a politically correct, fully consensual, and totally appropriate type to op and scotroutes. Also had been thinking about new winter boot, best for me have been my old bontrager omw, so this thread Jogged my memory and triggered me into a google - stone me trek uk had 1 pair of bontrager omw in a sale, and stone me further, it was the size I needed, £81 posted. Cheers guys.
How about the Endura MT500 Burners?
he idea of endura's random sizing being introduced into footwear makes me very nervous!
I've got Sidi Frosts. Size 50 feet, they were the only winter boots I could find big enough. They cope with sub-zero stuff but only just. Three winters on them - had to replace both the cord adjustment dial thingies, and there's a lot of wear of the fabric sections from hike-a-bike type stuff. If I had normal size feet I'd look at alternatives (those Lakes appear to be available in size 50 now, I might try them next).
I have size 50 feet as well, the lakes come up small, it appears they build the boot on the normal last then insulate inside of them thus reducing the wearable size. Last year I managed to get a pair of specialized defrosters size 49 from a Spanish shop which are the only winter boots I have found that fit me properly (they are much roomier than the standard specialized size 49 which are no where big enough for me). Shame the specialized don't make them anymore, maybe they will bring them back this year.
it appears they build the boot on the normal last then insulate inside of them thus reducing the wearable size.
I’m not sure that’s correct actually. They do all sorts of lasts.
https://www.saltdogcycling.com/lake-shoe-sizing/
Mate said these are true to size and he just bought his usual Freerider size
I have owned multiple pairs of lake shoes mx238, mx242, mx201, cx201, mx146 and mxz304 all in wide and I can assure you that the winter boots come up smaller.
It is an unfortunate reality of my life that I have had to endure far from well fitting shoes especially cycling shoes due to the size of my feet, I have tried many shoes always looking for something that fits better and often paying hundreds just for marginal improvements in comfort.
I’m a bit of an “Imelda” when it comes to winter boots. Having tried Sidi, Specialised, Shimano. The Lake ones are the best for comfort/warmth/waterproofing for me (other feet may vary). Also Rich at Salt Dog was a pleasure to deal with - recommended (I left a query on the website about sizing. He rang up 5 mins later and chatted through sizing).
At the other end of the spectrum, it's been great to be in my old SPD sandals for months this summer because I can get away with a smaller size. I've been known to ride in sub-zero conditions in my sandals with thick socks and Sealskinz because it's more comfortable than trying to squeeze size 50 feet into inadequate and undersized shoes...
I’ve just bought MT500 Burner clipless waterproof boots for £85, half price direct from Endura. Hopefully they’re decent, online reviews have been good
https://www.endurasport.com/mt500-burner-clipless-waterproof-shoes-black/14876390.html