Gaerne G.Ice-Storm All Terrain 1.0 GTXItalian winter shoe on test

Stefan Frey

 · 12.11.2024

The Gaerne G.Ice has already won the prize for the most unwieldy name. Apparently the Italians really wanted to kill all the positive aspects of the winter shoe in the name
Photo: Stefan Frey

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The Italian manufacturer Gaerne has been offering the G.Ice-Storm All Terrain 1.0 GTX for some time now. However, this does not mean that these winter shoes are outdated. A classic remains a classic. Our colleagues from BIKE magazine were impressed once again in this test.

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With the G.Ice All Terrain, the Italians are sending winter shoes* onto the piste that are designed to work both on and off the pedals. Just one look at the chunky Vibram sole shows this, which is also clearly curved in the toe area to make rolling easier. As already 45NRTH at Ragnarök Gaerne also relies on the high-quality LI2 fastener from Boa, which can be adjusted in both directions. Inside the shoe is a Gore-Tex membrane with a soft lining. It's nice to see that high-quality shoes are still produced in Europe - the G.Ice-Storm is made in Italy.

With the Boa-LI2 fastener and Gore-Tex membrane, the Gaerne is equipped to a high standardPhoto: Stefan FreyWith the Boa-LI2 fastener and Gore-Tex membrane, the Gaerne is equipped to a high standard


Handling & fit of the Gaerne winter shoe

In terms of fit, the G-Ice Storm is very Italian: it is small and narrow - especially at the toes and in the midfoot area. The Gaerne winter shoes are not suitable for wide feet, but they are available in half sizes from size 41.5 upwards. We recommend choosing at least half a size larger so that there is room for thicker socks between the toes and the shoe.

The finger loop helps you get in. The Gaerne opens wide, making it easy to slip inPhoto: Stefan FreyThe finger loop helps you get in. The Gaerne opens wide, making it easy to slip in

Getting into the G.Ice Storm is almost perfect. Its central Boa fastener opens wide and easily. If you use the small tab at the back, your foot slides smoothly into the boot. This is by no means the case with all winter models and saves annoying fiddling. Even with thick gloves, it's easy to get into the Gaerne.

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The Boa cables run smoothly, the Gaerne can be very finely adjusted to the footPhoto: Stefan FreyThe Boa cables run smoothly, the Gaerne can be very finely adjusted to the foot

A little annoying: when closing the twist fastener, the Velcro flap or the loosely positioned tongue sometimes gets tangled. You often have to push it around a bit to get everything to fit without creases. Ultimately, however, the hold in the shoe is very good and the Gaerne can be finely adjusted to the foot.

Achilles heel short shaft

Rainy weather can't harm the Gaerne. It is one of the few models in the test that really does keep absolutely watertight, no matter how hard the rain pours down on the shoe. However, its Achilles heel is the short shaft. The rain trousers have to sit neatly over the shoe so that there is no gap. Caution: Always push the pull-on tab at the back neatly under the trousers, otherwise water will run into the winter shoes from behind.

The G.Ice is definitely waterproof, but the Velcro flap could be a little higher so that it disappears further under the long trousersPhoto: Stefan FreyThe G.Ice is definitely waterproof, but the Velcro flap could be a little higher so that it disappears further under the long trousers

In terms of protection against the cold, the Gaerne ranks in the midfield. Temperatures around 0 degrees are no problem for the G.Ice.

Gaerne G.Ice-Storm All Terrain 1.0 GTX: Plenty of grip for pushing passages

In combination with the solid fit and the flexible material, the result is an absolutely successful pair of winter shoes. The power transmission is perfect, the pedalling position is very good thanks to the pronounced profile and the G.Ice also offers good grip and traction on pushing sections. When pedalling, the upper moves smoothly - nothing really pinches here - and yet the foot sits firmly and securely in the shoe - perfect!

The all-terrain performance doesn't come from anywhere, but from the really grippy Vibram solePhoto: Stefan FreyThe all-terrain performance doesn't come from anywhere, but from the really grippy Vibram sole

Gaerne G.Ice-Storm All Terrain 1.0 GTX - Info & Price

  • Price 299,90 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
  • Sizes 39 to 48; half sizes 41.5 to 45.5
  • Weight 1105 grams per pair (size 46)
  • Equipment (20%) Boa Li2 fastener; Velcro strap; Gore-Tex; inner lining; Vibram sole; pull-on aid; reflex; cleat area closure plate; low toe protection
Robust, warm, waterproof - with the G.Ice Storm, the Italians have a really recommendable winter shoe in their range. Unfortunately, they are narrow and small - be sure to try them onPhoto: Stefan FreyRobust, warm, waterproof - with the G.Ice Storm, the Italians have a really recommendable winter shoe in their range. Unfortunately, they are narrow and small - be sure to try them on

Test summary of the Gaerne G.Ice-Storm All Terrain 1.0 GTX

Convincing performance: the Gaerne collects points in all categoriesPhoto: Stefan FreyConvincing performance: the Gaerne collects points in all categories

Warm, grippy, waterproof - with the G.Ice-Storm, Gaerne delivers absolutely recommendable winter shoes made in Italy. The upper material is supple and flexible, and can be ideally adjusted to the foot using the Boa dial and Velcro, ensuring a high level of comfort. Thanks to the wide-opening entry, you slip smoothly into the shoe. The Vibram sole combines good power transmission with high grip when walking. So everything is perfect? Almost: the shaft could be a little higher. In addition, the very narrow fit is unlikely to suit all feet.

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

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