Best Winter SPD Boot

Looking for some new boots as above. Not got big feet ( size 9) but need a decent toe box and nice fit. Warm and waterproof-ish. Cheers

Lake MXZ302.

I used to have the Shimano ones but Lake are in a different league.

Only real issue I had is that the cuff at the top isn;t quite as snug as the shimano one so you can get more rain running down your leg into the boot.

I have the Shimano winter boots and they are fine. Never had a problem and kept the toes toasty on one -11 Sunday am ride. Bought off Merlin and got a good deal.

Its some shimano ones i’m replacing. They have been excellent and still in good nick but I’ve got a dodgy nerve on the ball of my foot and though my other shoes are fine these boots really aggrevate it.They are a few years old so might try there new range. Mate used Lake and he liked them.

I’ve had a pair of lakes for the last three years and been worth every penny. Think wiggle has still got a clearance on them at the moment in limited sizes.

Same as wwaswas, appears I have skinny lower calves and the fit of all my winter boots is not snug enough unless wearing full bib tights and then they can go over the top

Bought the Lakes last winter, they are ace! Love the Boa system, much better than laces when wearing thick gloves. Not tried any of the others though to be fair.

What ever fits and is cheap ish. Shimano NOS ones off eBay at the moment, before that Spesh Defrosters. It makes not a jot of difference!

I’ve only tried the Defrosters, which I didn’t rate, and Northwave, which are ace.

Lakes
Had mine about 5 years and they are very dear but they look near indestructible [ 2 pairs of shimano used in summer only have been replaced].
Well worth it , cannot recommend enough and f they ever die i will get the same again.

Anyone know how good the MX140s are? What about Spesh Defrosters?

Andy

I used to have Gaerne Polar boots (review here) but when they died, went for Spesh Defrosters, and the Defrosters are much warmer even though, on paper, not as well insulated. Highly recommend Defrosters.

Looks like the MX140s are no more; Defrosters probably the winner (unless anyone has any other suggestions – not too bothered about insulation but water resistance would be nice).

Andy

MX140 are (were?) lakes waterproof shoes, not a winter boot… Big difference for those folk who insulation is a factor.
Lakes 302 are the underdisputed winter boot king, but those with less deep pocket can make do with very good shimano boots

Lakes 302 are the underdisputed winter boot king

Wölvhammers[/url]?

those with less deep pocket can make do with very good shimano boots

Aye, apart from the appalling hum Shimano shoes give off when drying – something to do with the glue they use, apparently.

Andy

Wölvhammer .. a pretender to the crown.. as mentioned in the comment below the article “fine” zip on the outside, great idea in muddy condition & a particularly fiddle looking ‘boa’ type draw string (just like NW old winter boot which were particularly fiddy to replace).
As a I say a pretender until they’ve been tested for a year or two, or maybe until there a recommended piece of kit for the Iditarod competitors.

Not that I’m knocking them, the more winter boots the better in my book.. check out rose bikes offering cheap and cheersful

Can’t say my shimano smell, none of them.. (3 well used pairs: MW80/MT91 and some summer ones)

My Shimano M225s absolutely stink when wet. Febreeze to the rescue!

Double post

Defrosters here – as long as you go one size up so you get wiggle room with decent thick socks they are great. I have had them on for snowy night rides around -8 deg and still been just warm enough

Agree with iainc. We both have summer spesh shoes and defrosters, we both ride the same trails in similar conditions. His defrosters are a size up from his summer shoes but I bought mine in the same size. My feet are cold when his are fine as I can’t use thick socks. Need to wear overshoes if temp is sub zero. On the upside, I can wear my defrosters all year round in the wet though, without overheating.

I have some Defrosters – technically ‘waterproof’, practically ‘water resistant’, dry slowly thanks to the membrane, grip is slippy on rock, just about adequate on softer ground, sole lugs tear off with heavy use. Not warm, I kind of view them as a lightweight wet weather option rather than a ‘proper’ winter boot.

Have a pair of the Shimano hiking-style boots with the Gore-Tex liner and leather uppers plus Vibram sole, which I use for sub-zero stuff with a mini-gaiter and thick wool socks, which I really like – good for pushing through snow too.

Also looking at the new Mavic Scree, which I’m told is due in the shops in a couple of weeks time. Gore-Tex liner, the Mavic sole unit which is ace – look like a better alternative to the Defroster, though may need some sort of mini ankle gaiter to improve sealing.

My friendly Mavic rep tells me the Scree should be available now – they look good.

I’ve had the Shimano MT91’s for a year now. Sometimes wear them in summer as well if it’s particularly gopping out there.

Pro’s.
Waterproof, good grippy sole.
Con’s.
The cuff is very low at the heel & not particularly snug so crap gets in the boot. I use ‘stop tous’ (a short gaiter) and that stops the crap getting in & makes them warmer.
Insulation not brilliant on their own but size up and wear warm socks – not been cold in them yet.

I bought a pair of Shimano MW81’s last week, been out twice (both wet/muddy occasions) and warm/dry feet – so they work.

What about Nothwave Celsius …??

I found the NW (very) cold compared to my shimano boots (both pairs), but that was a few years back, & they renamed them ‘artic’ since so may have improved the insulation

Had my lakes two Winters now..they are mega expensive but if you lake after them I recon they last a long time

I’ve got some Lakes which I’ve had for about 5 years now. They have thermal insoles which keep my (easily frozen) feet nice and toasty even in the coldest conditions with some Go-Outdoors merino socks.

The boa lace system is OK, mine broke but I discovered they have a lifetime guarantee, boa just send you replacements and they are very simple to replace.

They are Pittards leather which is very waterproof, I just wax them every few months which keeps them supple and waterproof. Not sure if the newer ones are leather though.

I’ve got very skinny ankles so need velcro adjusters, the newer Shimano boots seem to have done away with this. However I generally use short gaiters when its really wet so not so much of a problem.

Shimano MW-80/81 here – one road pair and one Mtb pair, along with Woolie Boolie socks.

Very waterproof, comfy, good value, seem to be very durable,

GB

I have some of the older lakes, the mx 140 the ankle cuff is ridiculously baggy, I have quite chunky ankles and they are still way to baggy for me, god knows who they were designed for.

Quick tip, once you have your cleats in position, seal up the hole around the cleats by dripping candlewax into it.

My Spesh winter boots are dying after 5 years of wet rides in the Lakes. Never found them to be warm when it got to around zero – too thin and not much insulation.

I fancy either NW Lake or Shimano MT91s – any deals?

I’ve got a pair of the MX140 Lake’s. Used them all winter down to about -12 (when the whole of the UK was white) with good quality walking socks.
Great off the bike too when walking/pushing..

I bought a pair of Lake MXZ302’s last year and I can’t wait until it’s cold enough to use them again 😀 Brilliant boots.

I bought a pair of those MX302, but they are a very narrow fit. Im about a size 11 and even the 49 were too tight. Shimano MW80 are fine though, although the neoprene ankle thing lets water in after a while and im not talking about through the top either.

Mavic Screes not available until Mar (despite promised availability this week). So back to the drawing board.

Defrosters? How does the BOA closure last in mud?

Andy