Winter SPD Shoes

After yesterday’s ride which ended with absolutely soaked feet it’s time to invest in some winter shoes. I previously had a pair of the Northwave Celsius boots many moons ago but they died a couple of years back so the new version of these is my first thought.

What does everyone here recommend in the way of winter SPD shoes?

My Shimano MW5’s are the shizzles for me using SPD’s. A tad wider than many Shimano, warm, dry enough, and just a nice boot generally.

I got many years (2008-2023) out of a pair of Shimano waterproof shoes. These are the closest they currently make. They weren’t perfect, I needed gaiters over the top with waterproof trousers over the top or water just ran down into them. There were a load better than normal shoes with cover.

https://winstanleysbikes.co.uk/shimano-mw501-dryshield-spd-shoes?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw68K4BhAuEiwAylp3kqmCSv-JMj6gUJd54wZksScyFlVZtb92RbEyj6se_GAHfmddoEOMZBoCv0YQAvD_BwE#248=12890

They weren’t perfect, I needed gaiters over the top with waterproof trousers over the top or water just ran down into them. There were a load better than normal shoes with covers

I bought a pair of these in the crc sale. I only had one ride in them last year because they were too warm for spring. They had a great write up here

https://www.fizik.com/uk_en/terra-nanuq-gtx.html

Fizik Terra Nanuq GTX shoe review

They were great on the  one wet cold ride. Warmer than my old boots and dryer. Pedaling was fine, walking was fine. Not sure I’d pay £280 for the privilege. I imagine I’ll also be wearing gaiters and waterproof trousers over the top as the ankles aren’t tight. Good for comfort, bad for water running down my leg.

I’ve had many years of great use out of my Shimano MW81s, but they’re now pretty knackered, so I think this year I’ll be treating myself to their latest incarnation, the MW702.

I’d start with waterproof socks personally. The Sealskins miltary issue knee high ones are cheap to come by and (so far) have been impermeable for me. I wear thin sock underneath, those, and then my usual Five Ten SPDs, so much cheaper than 2 pairs of shoes!

Also interested in this – got a pair of MW80 that are on their last legs, and I ride enough that 2 pairs would be no bad thing to allow for drying time between rides, which can get tricky when its proper wet.

My issue is trying stuff on – the only winter SPD boots currently in stock locally are the Endura ones and I’m sufficiently suspicious of Enduras variable QC to not be overly confident on taking that leap.

Lake look good, and if I sign up to mailing list can get a discount which brings them in line with other makers, but no way to try them.

Shimano MW702 would be an easy option, but they seem to have made the sole very XC/luggy, which might be ok in thick mud, but I want grip on wet rock so without a fondle to see what the rubber is like, I’m reserving judgement.

I was also a long term MW81 user that wore them for years until destroyed.

Bought some MW5s last year and not very impressed. They are colder, made on a narrower last and much sweatier (noticeably damp from sweat in 30 mins which then adds to the coldness. And smelliness…..)

The only good things are the sole is better for walking and the sizing is “normal” (old Shimano you had to go up a size).  I’ve posted a photo in previous threads showing how a size 43 MW5 insole is over 1cm longer than my wife’s MW81 size 43 insole.

For a wide fit I can only find Lakes as an option. Would also like to try Gaerne and Vaude but they are impossible to get in the UK and too expensive a punt from abroad.

MW81 was shirely just a waterproof boot , it was never warm IMO, though I see the MW5 is marketed as a winterboot. Personnally a winter boot is Lake MXZ304, Bontrage OMW, or something from .45nrthm these rest are just pretenders. As for the cost, having warm comfortable feet every winter is worth it to me, my LXZ 301’s have seen 9 previous winter, so have paid for themselves & keep on going

I have a pair Shimano MW501 and combined with a pair of Sealskinz Raynham socks (sometimes with the addition of a pair of Bridgedale Coolmax socks), never have my feet been warmer or dryer.

Lake MXZ304

I had an older model of them. Warm upper. No insulation below and a big hole in the waterproofing for the cleat access. *facepalm)

I’ve got some Northwave with a furry lining, possible Celsius? Anyway, they’re very comfortable, waterproof and warm so just the job!

Another user of MW5/501 here, I’d say they are good for winter and damp weather, but definitely not utterly water-tight if you’re stomping about in puddles and monsoons a lot.

In my head there’s a difference between a ‘winter boot‘ (for cold conditions) and a ‘waterproof  winter boot‘ (for cold, wet conditions) personally I am happy enough with more of a cold weather boot, if it’s utterly pissing it down I’m probably more inclined to stay in these days rather than try fully to seal my feet.

I’ve had a few different ones over the years. Northwave were a bit odd, I just couldn’t find the right cleat position, but they were OK in use. Sidi were amazing, but narrow. they were warm though and very expensive.

more recently I’ve stuck with Shimano, MW5’s for ages but hated the speed laces. they’d stay put ok, but really difficult to get a comfy fit. warm enough with winter socks. they did get a bit leaky at one of the seams, but still not bad with waterproof sock on too.

I managed to pick up a pair of MW7’s and thy are really good. the boa is secure and allows for more toebox comfort as it’s secured a bit further up the foot. they’re warm enough for my poor circulatory system in my feet, but the wiggle room helps with that. The MW702’s are not much different to the MW7’s just a refining of the storm flap.

I have MW7’s and Spesh Defrosters. I haven’t used the Defrosters since getting the Shimano ones…. Really should get round to selling them.

Shimano mw80
Bontrager omw
Fleecy sealskins.

Out of interest Has anybody tried these (or similar)

https://www.alpinetrek.co.uk/tatonka-velo-gaiter-gaiters/

Anyone tried these https://www.45nrth.com/product/45nrth-land-cycling-boot-916102-1.htm

Lake 304s aren’t really suitable for winter in the UK as far as I’m concerned. They’re super warm but they’re only waterproof because they’re leather. Whatever you choose to treat the leather with makes them waterproof.

They’re not the type of shoe you can chuck on the radiator so you can ride again tomorrow.

The tongue isn’t gusseted to the upper either so put your foot down in water deeper than the toe box and water will get in. Water running off your trousers will get in.

They’re a really nice boot. Like a heavy walking boot (in a good way).

I have a brand new pair with SH51 cleats fitted if anyone wants some?

If you’re winter riding is very cold and dry, they’d be great. Slogging through soggy mud and relentless drizzle, not so much.

The 146 are better for cold and wet. They’re fairly well insulated and do a pretty good job of keeping the rain out. Some Grip Grab gaiters over the top of the cuff is almost essential though which irks me greatly. A £200 pair of winter boots shouldn’t really rely on a £12 bit of neoprene to work properly. The sole is really good for walking in, it works well in mud and holds nicely on rock. You can fit spikes to the toe area (which you have to buy as an extra).

They only come in full sizes which is annoying but it means they’re roomy enough for big socks. Unless it’s below freezing though, I find a normal merino sock is fine.

Unfortunately for me, the sole pulled away from the heel on both boots after about 400 miles  so I’m on the look out for something better.

I tried some MW5s but they just felt like a thin plastic shoe with some neoprene around the ankle. I don’t think they’re insulated so not really a winter shoe. Not sure if the MW7 is much different other than having branded goretex and a boa?

Compared to the Lake, they were quite long and thin so I’d have had to size up to get thick socks in but that would have left me with canoe feet so I sent them back.

The 45nrth Ragnarok Tall look really good as do the Wolvhammers. They’re broadly the same thing as the Lake 146 and 304 but the Ragnarok have a much higher cuff and the Wolvhammers have better waterproofing.

If I could find something like the Lake 146 that fitted slightly better and didn’t fall apart in 5 minutes, I’d be happy.

I faced the same question a while ago and found the answer in another pair of Northwave Celsius boots.

I’ve been through Fizik winter boots before, with the zip up the middle, and yes the zip failed but to be fair to Sigma they took them back under warranty.

Moved to Shimano MW70something, nervously at the cost, but they are awesome, could ride with no waterproof socks and I still have dry feet! When they wear out I will buy another.

James

Northwave Celsius Arctic for me. The outer material on my current pair has peeled in a few places. The cleat slot is further forward than most other brands so I had to drill those out to get it further back. They’re not perfect but I haven’t found anything better, so there’s now a new pair sat in a box waiting.

Have also got Fizik Terra Artica X5 from the CRC sale last winter. These are the newer ones, Boa now so no longer plagued by zip failures. Light, comfortable and the easiest to get on/off that I’ve come cross, even compared to most summer shoes. They’re not as warm as Northwave and the ankle cuff could do with coming up higher. Also got slight pedal hot spots, which is odd as they’re not flexy and I never get this with any other shoes.

Shimano winter boots don’t go big enough for me. Not tried Lake/45NRTH but the size chart shows a big jump that in theory means they’re too small or too big. Had a couple of Specialized pairs but they don’t seem to make winter boots any more.

I’ve a pair of Defrosters. They feel huge compared to a pair of 2FOs that are purportedly the same size, and the Velcro flap with a hole for the Boa is a PITA that ends up releasing said Boa.

I didn’t think 45NRTH boots were that easy to get in the UK? Did someone suggest Bikemonger?

the Velcro flap with a hole for the Boa is a PITA that ends up releasing said Boa

Not sure what they were thinking with that actually.

If anyone happens to find Defrosters still for sale I suppose it’s worth mentioning they aren’t waterproof. Anything that gets under the flap = wet feet. Overly stiff ankles too.

My Bontrager Old Man Winter boots are very good. A massive leap up from other supposedly warm boots I’ve had previously (Specialized Defroster and Shimano MT91s and their predecessors). Such a shame they don’t make them anymore.

@bitmuddytoday Is it not a bit of a Mud Camp scenario, as in Specialized didn’t really imagine they’d be used in the Pennine winter, and so didn’t think through what happens when everything is covered in sticky mud?

Anyone been brave enough to spend on the Endura boots (flat or SPD)?

Rode with a mate last weekend who was saying he went through two pairs of Endura SPD, the soles debonded on each set at six months old each time. So not sure I would be happy spending circa £200 on the winter versions unless the warranty support is solid..

looking at those endura waterproof shoes, they don’t suggest they’re for winter, or rather don’t mention anything about warmth.

Managed to eventually find some XM9’s from the EU

If they are anywhere near as good as the MT91’s they are replacing, I’ll be happy

Note – my thumbnail isn’t anything like as long as it looks in that picture

Where did you find the XM9s?

Ridewill

Only limited sizes and took a while to come though

I have some of the original MW7’s (velcro) and so good, I bought some of the BOA fastening ones off ebay, with some slight use. I commute most of the year in the older pair given how much it rains) and they must be over 8 years old now.

My old Scott Heaters are refusing to die, the current design looks very nice, though I seem to have very “Lake” wide fit shaped feet these days.

A mate who is ride leader has a pair of 45Nth Ragnorak (?) boots which he swears by, those walking boot style ones linked up there look very nice if they are available in the UK. If cold is your priority, their stuff should be up to UK needs.

Edited to add – anyone interested in Lake boots and Midlands based might be worth contacting RXM Custom, thinks he’s moved to Long Eaton now, but always excellent service in the past