So ... I've got great MTB shoes for Spring to Autumn (5:10 Trailcross Pro clipless things cheap from Evans) and great full on winter MTB boots (Bontrager Old Man Winter boots ... so toasty).
However, it has just started to get a bit too cold for the 5:10 shoes even with Sealskinz socks, and I'm looking for a middle ground between these two as the Bontragers are great but gallumphing huge things.
I used to ride Shimano XM9 (and their precursors) but they are also gallumphing and my previous pair are knackered.
I'm looking for some middle ground boots to wear when it isn't sub zero snow and ice.
I've looked at the new Shimano GE900 GTX boots and they look quite the thing (better than the new EX9 boots that seem to have replaced the XM9s).
Does anyone have experience of the GE900 GTX things or some good recommendations for a wide footted size 12 er?
If it's just a bit cold and a bit splashy here and there - and not actually freezing and/or tipping it down - you might be better off with a 'mostly water resistant' shoe rather than a full waterproof boot.
For that kind of splashy and a bit cool weather, riding enduro, I use giro chamber, but there are other similar options like fox union.
For xc/or trail, ive got some Shimano ME7s, I think they'll have been updated to something else more modern by now
It's the 'wide footed' bit that could be an issue. I've got some MW7 (or 9) from when they had an 'enduro' grippy sole on rather than a very XC sole that I wore from now until it got dry again, with thicker socks when colder. But they don't make them anymore and changed the fit on their shoes such that my wide forefoot/high instep just doesn't fit at all.
I'm riding flats at the moment and have some Vaude winter boots. Fit is good. They seem to do a variety of waterproof shoes and boots - worth checking out.
I have the GE9(900) shoes and like them.
I also have XM9's (and the previous versions)
So yeah, I'm looking at the GE900 GTX at the moment - and wondering if I'm brave (or stupid) enough for this colour...
Would they show the mud less? 🙂
I was after the same thing and got some Shimano EX700. No insulation, but roomy toe area, so room for warm socks. Stiff enough for pedalling and grippy/comfortable for walking. Not the easiest to slip on/off, but otherwise ideal. Almost half price at Sigma
Ive got the Shimano mw7? i think.. boa boots
waterproof, apparently insulated. But i wear them probably November through February for Hampshire riding, never found them to be too warm with standard socks underneath
MW7's have been fine for me all year round - wear when hosing it down, and generally from not until Spring (Summer). Never had cold toes though they can be a bit toasty in warmer months. But, bear in mind some people feel cold in extremities more than others - e.g. gloves.
That looks like a great shoe and I'm good with the colour. Would be nervous about the closed 'sock' cuff as if you've got a high instep a nightmare to get into and wear/tear quickly. But would keep the crap out.I have the GE9(900) shoes and like them.
I also have XM9's (and the previous versions)
So yeah, I'm looking at the GE900 GTX at the moment - and wondering if I'm brave (or stupid) enough for this colour...
No experience of the GE9 personally but using the MW5 here, the poor mans MW7 without the Goretex branding or Boa.
Very happy with them my feet seem to come up wide in most MTB shoes but the MW5s fit me nicely.
Might try MW7 next time, but that’s going to be a few years yet I think.
I've plumped for the GE900GTX things. Managed to get a black pair in my winter (thick socks) size for 15% off. Here's hoping they're suitably toasty as yesterday was chilly.
I tried two pairs of the Shimano boots, my FiveTen trailcross GTX are fine but the Shimano looked easier to put on and clean. I sent them back, the elasticated cuff was baggy around my ankle and not adjustable like the Trailcross.
They were a bit like stylish short wellies!
Went out for the first time today in the GE900-GTX shoes. It was biblically wet and around about 5°C. Feet stayed completely dry and relatively warm.
They sized surprisingly small. I'm normally a 47-47.5 and bought a pair of 48 to enable thick socks. The shoes are pretty tight to say the least.
Good so far, but beware the sizing.
Taken a bit of a gamble on a set of Endura MT500 Burner shoes today as got a good discount code through this morning. Realise they’re not full on winter boots but as long as I can get some merino socks on in them and they keep my feet dry they’ll be fine for the kind of riding I do. I’ll try and report back when I’ve given them a go.
Went out for the first time today in the GE900-GTX
How are you finding the ankle cuff? Someone said it's a bit floppy?
Would be under trousers for me, so not really much of an issue
Taken a bit of a gamble on a set of Endura MT500 Burner shoes today as got a good discount code through this morning. Realise they’re not full on winter boots but as long as I can get some merino socks on in them and they keep my feet dry they’ll be fine for the kind of riding I do. I’ll try and report back when I’ve given them a go.
Well they’re actually very good. A 90 minute ride in the slop of the eastern Peak District and feet were warm and bone dry all the way round. Felt a bit stiff when off the bike walking but whilst pedalling they’re very comfortable and pretty much forgot about them after a few minutes which is always a good sign. Nice and roomy in the toe box too for improved circulation.
Probably shouldn’t have gone for the bright orange ones as they show the mud but always good to be seen.
The ankle cuff is fine for me. Any tighter and I'd not get it on my feet. I've had it under trousers too. Three rides in horrible weather and no leaks. For me, the cuff on this type of boot is more to stop stones, etc. getting into the shoe, not water. As I said, I'd not be able to get my foot in to a tighter cuff.
Fizik goretex ergolace GTX fit is great and they are perfect for autumnal splashy conditions 
Have just ordered (and will have to return) some MW7s - they are huge! Specialized size 45 fit me well, my Shimano MT91s in Eu46 from 15 years ago fit ok, so ordered a MW7 in an EU 46 and theyre about 2cm longer than the Specialized 45 boots! Will return for a size 45 - so dont size up!
I've had all the MT90's & XM9 and went for the EX9 boots when I wore them out, as there was no decent alternative. There a great boot much better than I expected, so I wouldn't discount them, much lighter than the MT/XM series, & so much better insulated. That said they still have the unsealed ankle cuff, so water ingress will always be an issue (like the MT/XM). I've always ordered size shimano size 46, without issue (20+ years of shimano shoes), so I'm surprised by Blaggers post above.
I too find Shimano shoes tend to be small for a given size. My old MW boots were 49 which they don’t seem to do anymore which fitted my normally 48 feet. I have just replaced them with EX 700 which only go to 48 and they are a little tight. No thick socks with these
I've asked of the new Shimano EX900 boots, they replaced the older version xm9?
Had a biblically wet ride a couple weeks back and I can confirm they are definitely not waterproof in anyway. Had a half inch of water in each boot when taking them off and they were soaked through.
Great comfortable warm boot, but not waterproof.
The old xm9's being leather I could reproof every year, these will be relegated to dry cold days.
The Eu45 size Shimano MW7s turned up and are a great fit (still slightly larger than the old version specialized Defroster EU45s) - so for this shoe dont size up.
The GE900GTX boots are definitely waterproof. Washed them and my riding trousers down with a hose today after 6 days from 7 riding in complete slop. Completely dry feet.
@blagger how are you finding the MW7 now.
I’m having the same dilemma. I’ve got a 45 and 46 sat in front of me and not sure which to go with.
I’m a uk 10 and currently wear a shimano DX shoe in 45 which is a bit tight with winter socks.
The 45 mw7 fits ok with my woolie boolie socks but the 46 feels much better but really is too long. My big toe is about 2.5 - 3cm from the end of the shoe.