Vaude "Winter" Mid Flat Pedal shoe: An Unsolicited review

Vaude AM Moab Mid Winter STX Flat Pedal MTB shoe

Vaude product page here

I picked these up recently (Import from Glisshop) and have now done a few rides on them in various weathers. Since I couldn't find any English-language reviews prior to purchase and the similarly-named Vaude AM Moab Mid STX Waterproof boots (which I also own) are ST-recommended and generally well thought of round here as a class-of-one option for flat pedal winter riding, I thought I'd put up some thoughts in case anybody finds them useful.

Changes v. the Waterproof

Firstly, the big changes from the "Waterproof": A neoprene ankle wrap and a move to a boa system instead of laces. Both are massive improvements. The Waterproofs were hard work getting on and off thanks to that tall, stiff ankle. The Winters slide on very easily, even with frozen fingers. I really like the boa system - very comfortable and fast to use. Although it has moving parts that laces don't, boa do offer repair kits and a lifetime warranty, which seems promising. The ankle wrap is also great. The waterproof model would always leave a big gap behind my Achilles, which meant my riding trousers would funnel water straight into the boot, making any "waterproofing" somewhat redundant. The ankle wrap on the winters can form a nice tight fit around your shins/sealskinz, and your trousers just go over the top, directing the water away from the opening. If I was being critical, it offers less ankle protection than the Waterproof, although the neoprene would probably take the edge off a rock strike if you find that happens to you often (!).

The other difference is the in the materials, which has gone from leather to a "hydrophobic canvas", plus there is a primaloft lining. To be honest, I don't notice much difference when riding. The old models were warm and sturdy, and the new ones are too. It does seem to dry out a little quicker than the Waterproofs, which is nice.

Shoe stuff

Waterproofing is very good. I went round Skyline out of Glyncorrwg. The weather was drizzly, but there was standing water and mud everywhere thanks to days of heavy rain. My feet were dry for about 3 hours, but by the end of the ride, 6 hours in, my feet were soaked, but still warm. I think the water eventually seeped through the neoprene cuff after being half submerged in a number of puddles. Since almost nothing is truly waterproof, I'd call that very good. You could go for a short/mid length ride and be confident of snuggly toes. At Afan last night at around 2-3 degrees, I didn't notice my feet getting cold.

Pedal Grip is very good. Not quite as good as the OG 5:10 freeriders, but probably on a level with my Adidas freerider pros. Too early to say how durable the tread is, but my Waterproofs still have decent life in it after 3 winters. I can attest that the knobbly sections at toe and heel are brilliant for if you get off the bike and need traction for a slog up a muddy hill. For that reason alone, I would take these over the freeriders for epics through the Brecons unless it was proper hot.

Comfort and fit is excellent. The primaloft is nice and soft, and the Boa + strap + cuff means you have plenty of control over shape. I have weird wide feet, so I sized up to a 9 (half size up from my running shoes, same size as freeriders) to get the right width. This leaves acres of space between my toe and the end of the boot but the Boa holds my feet plenty secure. This also leaves plenty of room for warm socks.

Pricing and availability:

Extortionate and shit, respectively. Your best bet at time of writing is importing from Hardloop at £157 - RRP is £220!. They don't seem available anywhere in the UK. Still, I'm very happy with my buy. Even though the Waterproof is often available a chunk cheaper, I don't think I'd recommend it any more because the Winter is so much better at the same job.