[Closed] What's new in winter (SPD) boots?

Actually these look decent, too: Fizik X5X. They look like they'll do a better job of keeping themselves dry!

i have the MW7 and can say they are comfy and very warm. However, waterproof they are not and once wet take a month to dry out. The shoe itself is fine but the neoprene cuff is where the water gets in.

Bontrager OMW.

i have the MW7 and can say they are comfy and very warm. However, waterproof they are not and once wet take a month to dry out. The shoe itself is fine but the neoprene cuff is where the water gets in.

Yes, that sounds exactly like my MW81s. I'd happily wear them all day long rides but for frequent shorter rides the sogginess was annoying.

Doing a bit more research, I found this article which seems really good, doing some actual science! They found that the Shimanos absorb a lot of water and don't dry quickly.

https://enduro-mtb.com/en/best-clipless-mtb-winter-shoes/

Bontrager OMW.

Thanks, I'll check them out.

Sport Pursuit have some very nice Mavic GT boots for a decent price...

I have the road version of the Northwave Flash GTX. Not overly warm with normal socks in winter but coupled with a Grip Grab Cycling Gaters theyve never let water in, and that includes the hellish deluge we had in Preston last night when I was on my way home from work. Anything with a velcro cuff flap I cant see working with the gaters.

Edit: The gaters also work well with waterproof socks.

You should look at Lake as well.

I use the MX 303 but that might be overkill for UK conditions.

My autumn boots are the NW GTX you’ve linked to and they’re a solid 8/10. The dials are their own brand not ‘boa’ and they’ll stink to hell but otherwise excellent in every way. I’d consider them again but would look at others too for the reasons above.

The Lake are 10/10 but the 303 isn’t the model you need as it’s more focused on warmth than dryness.

If water does get in whatevee you go for, invest in a couple of sets of boot bananas to help with drying.

Shimano’s range has completely changed since I last looked at this, with MW5 boots coming in at £110 (about what I paid for my MW81s) but they’re not Gore Tex and actually don’t mention keeping your feet properly dry.

Eh? From your link;
Every detail of the MW5 has designed to prevent the ingress of water and dirt, making winter rides far more enjoyable. To ensure the best possible performance in winter conditions Shimano have equipped the shoes with a DRYSHIELD® membrane that keeps water, mud and cold winds from getting inside

Yeah, by 'properly dry' I meant, y'know, not wet. Maybe I'm mis-interpreting their spiel but they don't make any claims about dryness, only talking about 'comfort' and warmth (in winter conditions).

Also I've never heard of Dryshield. It sounds like a poor man's Gore-Tex and googling it links to (unrelated) dental equipment and, uh, Shimano shoes.

Do Lake still make the MX145? Waterproof boots without the insulation. I've had mine for 5+ years and they still do the business.
Got them from Halfords online...
Available in standard width and W I D E ! Comfortably wider than any other wide boots I've tried...

Years ago I used to both compete in and design Polaris two day endurance events. The only thing that worked was plastic bags. That's what all the experienced teams used. If you can't stop the water running down your legs no boot is going to be waterproof. Sealskins and Goretex boots do a brilliant job of holding water, Blacks once told me that Goretex lined boots didn't sell in New Zealand because it was too wet....
In the end I modified a set of leather walking boots to take cleats. They were warm and dried out on one's feet.

I've got mw7's which have been good but like any boot there's only so much water they can keep out. I teamed them up with some grib grab gaiters and endura mt500 XL overshoes (I'm size 10) for the puffer this year (wet and muddy) and socks stayed dry amd warm throughout the 24hrs. Either that or you could use velotoze but lot sweatier and will take you about 2hrs before each ride to put on.

We always used to rave about Scott Heaters on sale from Start Fitness - mine are 2-3 years old and still in the loft, not got them down yet.

A mate who runs a cycle training/guiding business uses 45Nth boots, but told me not to tell his wife what they cost. Which is odd, as she does his accounts for him....

Specialized Defroster? Waterproof fabric right up to the top of the collar so they will take hours of spray and puddles as long as you wear waterproof trousers that slightly overlap. Of course because of the way they close water will get in under the velcro when actually standing in it. I feel like they've gone a bit over the top with the reflective stuff on the latest ones.

I've got Northwave Raptors as well but firstly I couldn't get the cleat back far enough so I had to drill that. Secondly after repeated soaking and drying they have shrunk slightly, enough to be a bit too tight on my toes now. Never had that with my older or newer Defrosters, which are slightly warmer and more waterproof anyway.

Shimano winter boots never go big enough for me otherwise MW7 look good. Fizik Terra Artica also worth checking out.

+1 for the northwave Flash GTX boots mentioned above. I wear mine with waterproof bib tights down over the cuffs - or waterproof pertex trousers and they've kept my feet dry through several seasons of winter filth.

A mate who runs a cycle training/guiding business uses 45Nth boots, but told me not to tell his wife what they cost. Which is odd, as she does his accounts for him….

They don't seem ridiculous although it says in the blurb that they're designed for warmth, not (mythical?) dryness.
https://www.bikemonger.co.uk/45nrth-ragnarok-winter-cycling-shoe-14185-p.asp?_=&variantid=14193

Specialized Defroster?

These do seem good, and are well-reviewed. Would be a no-brainer except for the colour!

+1 for the northwave Flash GTX boots mentioned above.

I'm still none-the-wiser as to the range. There are 10 different models of identical-looking high-top winter boots here:

https://www.northwave.com/eu-LU-en/Search.aspx?ev0=gtx

It's too confusing.

Put it this way, I've been fine in the NW Gtx Flash at -10 on the commute and this week at between 10 and 15. They haven't shrunk either when they're wet then dried. They're a very good boot. Combined with the grip grab gater ive never seen a better solution. I did use some old velotoze cuffs (i cut them down from the ones that tore after a couple of rides) they worked well for a time but they arent durable enough for daily use.

I use the MX 303 but that might be overkill for UK conditions.

I found them ok, the sole makes a real difference. Not too hot.

Defrosters are ok but I've ended up using them as winter road shoes

I have some Mavics and 2 prs 45nrth - they all work well for their purpose. Keeping the spray off your feet/shins really helps e.g mudguards/overshoes/gaiters. Also size up for winter boots for thick socks to keep your feet warm

Another vote for Bontrager OMW. They are on the warm side though so not as useful in the transition periods.

I've Specialized Defrosters (the original ones) and my wife has the 45Nrth Japanthers (predecessor to the Ragnarok). Both are fine down to -5C or so which should cover most UK winter conditions. I'd buy either again.

+1 for Fraser's size up comment.

As above, stand in knee deep water and you are going to get wet feet.

I have the Northwave Raptor Arctic ones.

Definitely go for the ones with Arctic in the name. They're the more insulated variety. Wouldn't want mine to be any less insulated on the coldest days.

Also, as said above, make sure you size up. You want plenty of space for 2 pairs of socks or some Woollie Boolies and still leave you some toe wriggle room.