Test 2017: 8 pairs of road cycling shoes for the cold season - Winter special: 8 pairs of road cycling shoes put to the test

Fantasy here, statistics there: contrary to all memories of endless summer tours in "Kurz-Kurz", Germany is a pretty chilly place. Only from May to September is the average temperature above ten degrees. The summer cycling shoes with their ingenious ventilation channels and extra mesh material are therefore undoubtedly stylish, but only one of the sensible options in the wardrobe of sports clothing. At temperatures below ten degrees - and in winter anyway - other footwear is needed. Thick overshoes are nowhere near as comfortable as a bad-weather shoe, and their poor mobility and vapour permeability are annoying in the long run. And when it gets really wintry, only the combination of a winter shoe and overshoe will help you over laps lasting several hours.

Many winter cyclists use mountain bike pedals on their second bike. This is because the matching shoes offer better walking characteristics and a larger selection. That's why we primarily tested MTB shoes in this test - although they are often also available as road bike versions. Basically, the requirements of a winter shoe differ to some extent from those of a summer shoe. Because wetness and cold work closely together on the foot, the properties "windproof and water-repellent" are essential. Winter shoes also usually feature the well-known membranes such as Goretex or Sympatex or synthetic coatings. They are supposed to keep water out and allow foot perspiration to evaporate - but in practice, it is not sweaty feet but wet, frozen toes that are the dominant issue. Construction details are at least as decisive for comfort on the foot as the choice of material.

You can find the entire test with these winter shoes as a PDF download below:

• 45 NRTH Japanther (TOUR test winner)
• Lake MX 145
• Mavic Ksyrium Pro Thermo
• Northwave Extreme Winter MTB
• Shimano RW-5
• Sidi MTB Frost
• Specialised Defroster Trail (TOUR-TIP: Price/performance)
• Vaude Termatic RC II

FACTS FROM THE TEST:

The shoes differ less than expected in terms of insulation capacity. Most models are also protected against splashing water from damp roads, at least up to the ankle. The clever construction rather than the upper material is the deciding factor here. The best all-round winter protection is offered by the expensive models from 45 Nrth and Northwave; both also have versions with holes in the Look standard. If you want to spend less, go for the Specialized Defroster, which is a third cheaper.

Downloads:
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