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The Italian manufacturer Northwave offers an immense selection of different winter shoes. We have already tested numerous models and were generally very impressed. This time we opted for the first Northwave flat pedal model decided in favour of winter and were very excited.
Visually, the Multicross winter shoes make an excellent impression. The workmanship is perfect, with Northwave relying on grippy Vibram rubber on the sole and a combination of the company's own rotating dial and Velcro fastener for the fastening. The Multicross is fully lined with Gore-Tex and also has a fluffy lining on the inside. This should also be sufficient for rides below zero degrees. The insole is also aluminium-laminated to reflect the cold from below. However, without the openings for the cleats on the sole, there is no need to worry about a cold bridge. The robust outer material should withstand even tough bike park use.
Northwave Multicross Plus GTX: Handling & fit
As is so often the case, the Northwave dial on the Multicross is not quite as pleasing as a Boa fastener and is somewhat impractical to open - especially when wearing thick winter gloves. A small lever has to be lifted to unlock the laces. The flat dial itself is also difficult to grip. However, with the help of the two eyelets on the gaiter, you can easily slip over the high neoprene shaft into the boot. The fit is comfortable and neither too wide nor too narrow. The twist fastener and Velcro strap provide plenty of traction on the foot - almost an unusual feeling for flat pedal winter shoes - in a positive sense.
Weather protection & insulation
In addition to the Gaerne G.Ice-Storm All Terrain 1.0 GTX the Northwave is the only shoe in the comparison that defies even our very heavy rain shower. Not a single drop of water got inside the shoe. In contrast to the Gaerne, you don't have to worry about a gap between your trousers and the shaft of the Northwave. The gaiter is cut sufficiently high and disappears reliably under your winter or rain trousers.
Despite the plush lining inside the Northwave winter shoes, the insulation is not quite good enough for the best values, but at least for a solid middle ranking. The Multicross is definitely suitable for rides around freezing point. From ten degrees upwards, it definitely gets too warm, so if you want to shred well below zero, you should plan a pair of thick socks when choosing your size.
How the Northwave winter shoe rides
The Northwave Multicross would certainly be able to persuade one or two clipless pedal riders to switch to flat pedals in winter. The pins of the pedal find excellent grip in its flat Vibram sole. Power transmission? Absolutely sufficient. And then there's the safety plus, because you can always get off the pedal quickly - in case there's an ice slab or slippery root hiding under the snow. The disadvantage of the almost treadless sole? The feet have little grip when running. On the other hand, the Northwave are the smoother winter shoes, they are comfortable to pedal in thanks to the flexible neoprene shaft and the fit is almost perfect.
Northwave Multicross Plus GTX - Info and price
- 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 winter shoes offers little grip on slippery roots or rocks.
Stefan Frey
Editor
