No more cold feet: 6 winter shoes for low temperatures put to the test

Lined and waterproof winter shoes are the right choice for those who also want to cycle ambitiously in winter. However, compared to summer shoes, which all manufacturers offer in numerous variants and price ranges, the selection of winter shoes is limited. Roadies and gravel bikers are generally better served in winter with shoes from the MTB range, by the way, because they rely on a grippier profile and the much more compact SPD cleats. This allows you to stand and run over winter surfaces without slipping, even off the pedals.

For our current test, six manufacturers were each able to send one model into the race. We included a total of four models for clipless pedal riders and two for flat pedal riders, who no longer have to do without warm feet in winter.

All of the cycling shoes tested have all-round edge protection to prevent cuts in the upper material caused by sharp rocks. Additional screw-in studs can be added to some of them for better grip when running off-road.

These are our six test candidates

• 45Nrth Ragnarök >> e.g. available here
• Gaerne G.Ice-Storm All Terrain 1.0 GTX >> e.g. available here
• Giro Blaze >> e.g. available here
• Shimano MW7 >> e.g. available here
• Northwave Multicross Plus GTX - Flat >> e.g. available here
• Vaude AM Moab Mid Winter STX - Flat >> e.g. available here

45NRTH Ragnarök

• Price 249,99 Euro >> available here
• Sizes 36 to 50; no half sizes
• Weight per pair 1293 grams (size 46)
• Equipment (20%) Boa Li2 fastener; Velcro strap; toe protection; reflective stripes

Conclusion & rating: 45Nrth Ragnarök MTB winter shoes

The 45Nrth Ragnarök is massive, heavy and as robust as a Viking shield. The two straps of the Boa fastener put a lot of traction on your feet and the sole is very stiff, allowing you to pedal swiftly through the winter landscape. The wide profile provides grip and a secure stance on the pedals and off-road. However, the 45Nrth MTB winter shoes aren't the ultimate in warmth, and water penetrates the seams in heavy rain. Thanks to the robust construction, the shoe hardly flexes when pedalling or running - it is therefore not a comfort miracle.

>> The complete test article on the 45Nrth Ragnarök can be found here.

More fun on your MTB tour in winter? Here are the most important tips for tours when it's cold and dark outside - and alternatively: MTB spots with guaranteed snow-free and dry trails.

Gaerne G.Ice-Storm All Terrain 1.0 GTX

• 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

Conclusion & rating: Gaerne G.Ice-Storm All Terrain 1.0 GTX

Warm, grippy, waterproof - with the G.Ice-Storm, Gaerne delivers absolutely recommendable MTB 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 riding comfort. Thanks to the wide-opening entry, you can 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.

>> The complete test article on the Gaerne G.Ice-Storm All Terrain 1.0 GTX can be found here.

Giro Blaze

• Price 230 Euro >> available here
• Sizes 40 to 50
• Weight 929 grams per pair (size 46)
• Equipment (20 %) Speed-Laces; Primaloft lining; pull-on aid; reflex; integrated waterproof cover

Conclusion & evaluation

With the Blaze, Giro is completely rethinking winter shoes and combining a "normal" race shoe with a kind of waterproof cover. Primaloft lining and an insulated insole provide the necessary warmth. The wearing comfort is phenomenal for a winter shoe. The outer skin reliably blocks out dirt and water - but the Giro does leak in constant rain. Power transmission suffers under the extremely flexible upper material, and the tread with little grip is annoying when walking.

>> The complete test article on the Giro Blaze can be found here.

Shimano MW7

• Price 249,95 Euro >> available here
• Sizes 38 to 48; also available in Wide
• Weight 955 grams per pair (size 46)
• Equipment (20 %) Boa L6C fastener; Velcro cover; Gore-Tex; fleece insole; Ultread rubber; Reflex

Conclusion & evaluation

Similar to the Giro Blaze the Shimano is also based on a classic racing shoe. Weather protection is provided by a large Velcro cover, which also makes getting into the shoe much easier. As is typical for Shimano, the fit is very successful and comfortable. The MW7 MTB winter shoes transfer power well to the pedals and offer a lot of flex when pedalling despite the high neoprene shaft - top training partners for cold and wet weather, especially as they reliably repel rain. Only one seam intersection did not remain permanently sealed. The sole is narrow and tippy and not made for running.

>> The complete test article on the Shimano MW7 can be found here.

Northwave Multicross Plus GTX

• Price 269.99 euros >> e.g. available here at a reduced price
• Sizes 37 to 47; 39.5 to 45.5 half sizes
• Weight 1238 grams per pair (size 46)
• Equipment (20%) Vibram sole; Gore-Tex; twist fastening and Velcro; high shaft with pull-on aid; reflective insole; soft lining; toe protection

Conclusion & evaluation

Among the numerous winter shoes from the Italians, the Northwave Multicross is finally a flat pedal model. The fit, workmanship and construction are outstanding. The high neoprene shaft is absolutely waterproof and the Vibram sole provides plenty of power and grip on the pedals. Two eyelets help you get into the narrow upper, but the twist lock is fiddly - especially with thick gloves. This penalises the handling. The treadless sole of the MTB winter shoes offers little grip on slippery roots or rocks.

>> The complete test article on the Northwave Multicross Plus GTX can be found here.

Vaude AM Moab Mid Winter STX

• Price 230 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
• Sizes 36 to 48
• Weight 1088 grams per pair (size 46)
• Equipment (20%) SUPtraction sole; Boa L6 fastening; double Velcro; Primaloft insulation; insulating insole; Sympatex membrane; Reflex

Conclusion & rating: Vaude MTB winter shoes

Reinforced all round and made with Cordura fabric, the Vaude is also suitable for rough terrain. Thanks to the waffle structure, the tread of the MTB winter shoes also grips well on the ground. However, the grip on the pedals is only mediocre, as is the power transmission. Warmly lined with Primaloft and equipped with a Sympatex membrane, they effortlessly defy wind and weather - water only penetrated the toes in very heavy rain. The fit is quite wide and the shoe cannot be optimally adjusted due to the stubborn material. Trying them on beforehand is a must!

>> The complete test article on the Vaude AM Moab Mid Winter STX can be found here.