- A wonderful ride in the winter can soon turn into a miserable one if you get cold toes because it isn't much you can do to stop the numbness other than to stop riding and go inside to warm up. A shoe-and-overshoe combination might not work depending on where you live, but fortunately, the best winter cycling shoes offer a better alternative that's specially made to keep your feet protected from the elements.
- If you've tried every warm sock and overshoe option available, you've probably called a truce with winter and are seeking for more durable solutions to keep your feet warm and dry during the harshest months of the year.
- Winter cycling shoes offer a variety of cleat installation choices, including support for both two-bolt mountain bike cleats and three-bolt road cleats. Most have some type of insulation, waterproof or windproof material, or a mix of all three, to further provide protection. They often have a mid- or high-top ankle, which increases coverage and protection against the rain and wind as well as any water being sprayed up from your wheels. Even the greatest winter cycling shoes can end up being heavy due to the added material, but for their intended usage, the weight penalty is a modest price to pay when warm, dry feet are the reward.
- Winter cycling shoes, however, might be overkill for some. The key determinant of whether you need winter cycling shoes at all will be how "wintery" your winter riding becomes. Winter shoes will make you much more comfortable and may even prevent frostbite if you're fat biking across the frozen tundra in North Dakota. But if you're a roadie in Melbourne, you can probably get away with wearing your best cycling shoes throughout the year and just layer on a pair of the best cycling overshoes for the chilly or rainier days.
Are winter cycling shoes worth it?
- You can only answer this question. Have you had enough of cycling in the winter with freezing feet and of wasting money on overshoes and thermal socks that don't keep your feet warm? Or do you reside somewhere where winter and below-freezing temperatures continue for several weeks or months? So, the likelihood of a yes response to the query is high.
- The answer is probably not if your winters are generally mild, save for a few rare occasions when your feet become chilly, but it's nothing you can't handle.
- Whether or whether you said "yes" to the aforementioned question, another reason special winter cycling shoes can be a good investment is if you are sick of having to prepare your warm-weather shoes for winter each year. Another factor could be the discomfort of having to fix your overshoes' damaged heels from walking or having to carefully draw them on and off to prevent damage. I've already done that.
The benefits of winter cycling shoes
- Your days of having freezing or wet feet in the winter may be a thing of the past if you are the proud owner of winter cycling shoes that are made to address these specific difficulties. Your new winter shoes will keep your feet warm, just like your go-to sweater when you're feeling under the weather.
- Additionally, you can say goodbye to the uncomfortable overshoes and the discomfort of donning and donning them. Consider how much time you'll save by omitting only this step! You won't have to worry about water splashing off your wheels and onto your feet. Your feet are now shielded from any infiltration of moisture. Even though winter boots may be a little heavier, imagine how much faster you'll move in the spring when you put on your warm-weather boots again.
best winter cycling shoes
1- Fizik R5 Artica winter cycling shoes
- Type: Road
- Style: Boot
- Sole: carbon-reinforced nylon
- Windproof: Yes
- Waterproof and breathable membrane: Yes
- Closure: Speedlace and overlaying zip closure
- Interior: Mylar insulation and warm winter insoles
- Cleat compatibility: 3-bolt
- Price: €200
- Weight: 442g
- Temperature rating: Not provided
For those willing to venture off the main road, the Fizik Artica X5 is the company's greatest winter cycling shoe. A carbon-reinforced nylon outsole with treaded rubber lugs for grip, the option for toe spikes for added traction, and two-bolt cleat compatibility are found at the bottom of the shoe.
The front and sides of the foot are entirely covered by what Fizik refers to as a "Microtex reinforced upper," with the exception of a weatherproof zipper that runs across the middle. Fizik uses a speed lace technology underneath this zipper to enable quick and comfortable tightening. A Velcro strap secures the neoprene ankle cuff when it has been tightened and the zipper has been closed, preventing water from seeping into your socks. The inner of the insole is fleece-lined for added winter warmth, and the base of the insole is reflective silver, giving the traditional tin foil trick a contemporary twist.
2- 45NRTH Ragnarok winter cycling shoes
- Type: Gravel/MTB/Commuter
- Style: Boot with Neoprene collar
- Sole: Fibreglass-injected nylon on a performance competition last
- Windproof: Yes
- Waterproof and breathable membrane: The product is highly water-resistant with a ¾ height waterproof membrane, but not waterproof (the brand says to protect your feet in extremely wet conditions, it is necessary to cover the ankle with waterproof pants)
- Closure: Speedlace overlaying closure
- Interior: Minimal insulation as compared to competitors
- Cleat compatibility: 2-bolt
- Price: €240
- Weight per shoe: Not provided
- Temperature rating: Comfortable down to -4°C/25°F
It comes as no surprise that Bloomington-based 45NRTH produces some of the greatest cold weather footwear money can buy given that Minnesota winters are nothing short of biblical in their severity, being bitterly cold, windy, and rainy.
Underneath the microfiber face fabric of the Ragnarok is a totally waterproof membrane that keeps water on the outside while allowing for internal temperature and moisture control. A single Boa dial pulls the shoe in, and a neoprene cuff around the ankle prevents drips. According to 45NRTH, they are cozy at about 25oF/-3oC.
These shoes are classified as mountain bike shoes, just as the Specialized footwear, and they are only compatible with two-bolt cleats. Although the lugs are semi-aggressive, they also contain tiny glass fibers that have been woven into the rubber to form abrasive projecting shards that provide traction on slick surfaces, including ice, wet metal, wet wood, and wet tiles.
3- Northwave Celsius R Arctic GTX winter cycling shoes
- Type: Road
- Style: Neoprene collar (Easy fit Climaflex®)/boot
- Sole: Carbon-reinforced (8 rigidity)
- Windproof: Yes
- Waterproof and breathable membrane: Yes (Gore-Tex®)
- Closure: Speedlace overlaying closure
- Interior: Fleece-lined Arctic 4layer insole for thermal insulation
- Cleat compatibility: 3-bolt
- Price: 249.99 €
- Weight per shoe: 365g (size 45)
- Temperature rating: comfortable down to -10°C/14°F
- Other versions: Wide version available
The Northwave Flash Arctic GTX winter cycling boots have a lot of insulation, however that insulation may result in less support than a summer shoe.
The upper is made with a Climaflex collar, which eliminates the need for overlaps or Velcro, while the bottom employs Northwave's unique dial and reel system, similar to a summer shoe.
You still receive the warmth and drip protection of a winter boot, but the top is flexible enough to prevent any interference with your usual pedal stroke and range of motion.
The sole, which has an NRG Air Carbon Reinforced structure, claims to have an 8.0 stiffness index. These sneakers have some built-in ventilation at the front and are made to withstand temperatures between 26°F and +60°F.
4- LAKE CX145 WATERPROOF WINTER CYCLING SHOES
- Sizes: EU 36-50
- Upper: Waxed Canvas, Clarino Microfiber and a Waterproof membrane
- Outsole: Fiberglass-injected nylon
- Closure: BOA IP1 lacing system
Winter cycling shoes and we've seen it done incorrectly. With two Boa dials and a retention mechanism that functions along the entire outside edge of the shoe, the Lake CX145s do it properly. On slick surfaces, the prominent toe and heel bumpers helped to provide some traction, although only the heel pad is changeable.
Waxed canvas, leather, and a waterproof membrane are combined to create the upper. Nylon with fibreglass injection serves as the exterior sole. Lake provides the CX145 in a regular, women's, and wide last for a variety of fit options. It also builds its shoes with a bigger toe box than usual, providing a little extra room for thick socks.
5- SIDI ZERO GORE 2 WINTER BOOTS
- Type: Road
- Style: Boot with Neoprene collar
- Sole: carbon sole (Millenium 5)
- Windproof: Yes
- Waterproof and breathable membrane: Yes (Gore-Tex®)
- Closure: Overlaying closure with Velcro strap and a speedlace interior.
- Cleat compatibility: 3-bolt
- Price: 217 €
- Weight per shoe: Not provided
- Temperature rating: Comfortable down to – 4°C/25°F
- Other versions: Wide version available
The SIDI Frost Gore MTB/gravel shoes resemble a few of the company's moto boots in appearance. A Gore-Tex membrane keeps the rain from penetrating through the upper, which is comprised of a combination of synthetic leather and microfiber mesh. The shoes have a Tecno-3 dial above the forefoot, a Velcro strap to cinch the toe box and a tall neoprene ankle cuff with Velcro at the top.
According to Sidi, the plate can transfer power effectively and is unaffected by large temperature gradients thanks to the brand's Millennium 5 Carbon Composite sole. Sidi's recognisable reinforced heel cup is located at the back to stop heel lift.
Although there is a road version of this shoe (the SIDI Zero Gore 2), we prefer the off-road Frost Gore 2 for its greater adaptability. We also value the extra traction that the aggressive lugs provide, but we wish they were interchangeable.
Mountain bike pedals are required, but for a winter commuter or gravel grinder, that's a small price to pay for warm toes.
6- Gaerne G. Ice Storm GoreTex
- Type: Road
- Style: Boot with Neoprene collar
- Sole: Carbon fibre (8 stiffness rating)
- Windproof: Yes
- Waterproof and breathable membrane: Yes
- Closure: Speedlace overlaying closure
- Interior: Duratherm® membrane locks in warmth
- Cleat compatibility: 3-bolt
- Price: €250
- Weight per shoe: Not provided
- Temperature rating: Comfortable down to -4°C/25°F
- Other versions: The MTB version is available
Both the MTB and road versions of Garner's G. Ice Storm GoreTex shoes feature the same Gore-Tex upper and ankle cuff. The Gore-Tex Rattler ankle collar shuts the weather away while remaining flexible enough to pedal, and the Gore-Tex Duratherm membrane locks the warmth in and the moisture out. To assist your feet stay cool while riding, the shoes also have a footbed lined with aluminium.
The carbon composite sole has an 8/12 stiffness rating, providing adequate power transfer without causing pain after long periods of cycling. Up top, the thermal upper is fastened shut using a Boa IP1 dial and a speed lace system.
7- Specialized Defroster Trail
- Type: Gravel/MTB/Commuter
- Style: Boot with Neoprene collar
- Sole: Nylon composite
- Windproof: Yes
- Waterproof and breathable membrane: Yes with sealed seams
- Closure: Speedlace overlaying closure
- Interior: 400g Thinsulate® membrane locks in warmth
- Cleat compatibility: 2-bolt
- Price: €260
- Weight per shoe: 533g
- Temperature rating: Comfortable down to -4°C/25°F
- Other versions: The MTB version is available
Best Women's Winter Cycling Shoes
Shimano Winter Cycling Shoes
- Shimano's RC3 cycling shoes have a modern, contemporary style that works both indoors and out. They are designed for high performance at a very low price point.
- These cycling shoes are an improvement above the RC1 level and are in the mid-range category. They are constructed with a Boa L6 dial, which enables extensive adjustments for appropriate fitting.
- With a fibreglass-reinforced nylon sole and a rubber pattern for added traction, these shoes are excellent from the bottom up and efficiently transfer power to the pedals.
- High power efforts are made possible by the unified and seamless fit, which lends stability to the footCLICK HERE.
- The fabric is breathable and sturdy and gives exceptional comfort.
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Lake Winter Cycling Shoes
- UPPER MATERIAL: Pittards WR100 leather | Outlast temperature regulating liner | 3M Thinsulate lining in toe box | Thermosol composite insulation...
- OUTSOLE MATERIAL: Heavy-duty Mountain V outsole by Vibram
- CLOSURE: Side mounted Push/Pull BOA IP1 lacing system and buckle top flap. There's a leather flap where you'd typically find laces, which serves...
- If you can't take one more training session in your basement this winter, buy a pair of Lake's MXZ 303 Winter boots.
- These boots are the most durable winter footwear available for enduring the rain, snow, and ice.
- One of the best waterproof winter shoes, these are designed to keep your feet warm and comfortable. Petards WR100-resistant leather, which is used in its construction, makes it exceptionally durable and breathable.
- Even on snowy or slippery underground surfaces, the Vibram sole's grip provides excellent traction. The Thinsulate liner that regulates inside keeps the cold out and prevents numbness in your feet and toe areas.
- The shoes' BOA Micro closing technology guarantees that pressure points and hot spots are distributed evenly.
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