Sometimes a second layer of wool socks doesn’t do the trick of keeping our feet warm during winter. And buying winter cycling shoes looks like a splurge to most of us. According to a recent study, if our feet are insufficiently protected against the cold, it will dominate the discomfort of cycling despite proper clothing.
If you have decided to purchase winter shoes, then you’ll be happy to know that you are making an investment. You’ll be able to put an end to your misery and you’ll no longer ask yourself every year how to stop your feet from getting cold.
In this post, we’ll discuss the different winter cycling shoes, what you need to consider, and what makes a worthwhile investment that will last you for years to come.
Table of Contents
TLDR – Top Pick
After checking out the top picks, the best winter cycling show is the SHIMANO Men’s Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes.
Last update on 2024-05-03 at 06:52 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to Consider Before Buying Cycling Shoes For Winter
Winter cycling shoes come with limited features but can still affect your buying decision. Winter can be different in different areas and as such you need to determine what features you would need on your shoes.
Weatherproofing
Wet conditions can be a real problem in the winter. A good pair of winter shoes have weatherproofing and added insulation. While winter shoes are designed to keep the rain and cold out, the cuff acts as a weak spot.
Sole
Most winter cycling shoes feature a more flexible shoe. During your course of a long ride, you’ll appreciate the extra comfort whenever you have to get off your bike and walk. You don’t need to look for an extra stiff sole here.
Hole Cleats
Winter cycling shoes normally come with two-hole cleats where traditional shoes are based around a three-bolt cleat. With winter, you’re not only battling the cold condition but the slippery road as well. Cleats will help you clear the snow and slush you’ll encounter during winter.
Ankle Cuffs
Over the years, I’ve tried different winter cycling shoes and I’ve learned a thing or two with ankle cuffs. If you’re experiencing more rain than snow, a good ankle cuff is worth the investment. Some winter cycling shoes are waterproof but won’t stop water from running down to your shoes.
5 Best Winter Cycling Shoes Reviewed
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. While there are many winter cycling shoes out there, I’ve only narrowed it to five of the best products I’ve tried as my feet can only handle that much cold. Take into account whether you need to protect your feet from the drop in temperature or from the icy rain and look into getting yourself a pair of winter cycling shoes.
1. Northwave Celsius Artic GTX Shoes
Key Features:
- Best for autumn and winter
- Cleat compatibility: 2 hole MTB
- Comes with 1 year warranty
- Velcro closure
Northwave brings out a good impression with their celsius arctic GTX winter shoes. It comes with strong insulating fibers, and I’m surprised with how it can keep my toes warm. With a thick pair of socks, I can use this down to temperatures of -3 degrees. It also has enough space if you need a second pair of wooly socks. I can ride for two to three hours before I can even feel the cold. These fit very well. If you think of adding one size up to accommodate a second pair of socks, then you don’t need it. Even with thin summer socks, the shoes can keep me warm throughout my ride.
The shoes are very sturdy enough you won’t think of purchasing another pair again. What makes this a good pair is the speed lace system. You just need to pull the cord and push the clip downward-it automatically locks the laces in place.
Pros
- Fast and secure closure mechanism
- Repels water
Cons
- Not advisable to use on rainy days as the water can accumulate inside the shoes.
- The shoes don’t easily dry when it gets wet inside
Last update on 2024-05-03 at 06:52 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. SHIMANO Men’s Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes
Key Features
- Best for winter or cold days
- Velcro fastener closure
Of course, we can’t go with this review without including the brand Shimano. If you’re in an area that gets a lot of rain, the Shimano bike cycling shoes would be the perfect fit. The ankle cuff ensures no water will get inside the shoes. Even when I walk on some grassy slopes, the water-repellant feature stays true to its claim. They fit comfortably, and the cleats are fairly well recessed. I don’t feel conscious walking as they’re not noisy and don’t slip on the stairs.
Pros
- The snug closure to the ankle prevents water from entering your shoes
- Waterproof
- Doesn’t slip easily
- Fits comfortably
Cons
- The instep doesn’t fit well and can appear small to some.
- Need to order these one size larger
Last update on 2024-05-03 at 06:52 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Louis Garneau, Men’s Klondike Winter Bike Shoes
Key Features
- Best for winter and cold days
- Cleat compatibility: 2 bolt mountain
- Velcro fastener closure
Louis Garneau’s Klondike bike shoes have an excellent grip that makes walking easy whether it’s on pavement, concrete, or snow. I don’t need to wear a second layer of socks, and my toes are still warm after an hour’s ride. I also like how it has a bigger toe box-my wife can wear a second layer of toe warmers and still go cycling comfortably.
Compared to the other cycling shoes, the Klondike winter bike shoes are water-resistant but not completely waterproof. I wouldn’t advise using it on rainy days.
Pros
- Has a bigger toe box
- Great traction when walking on snow
Cons
- Shoe is not entirely waterproof
Last update on 2024-05-03 at 00:03 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Fizik Terra ARTICA X2
Key Features
- Best for winter and cold weather
- Waterproof
- Compatibility: 2 bolt cleats and MTB pedal systems
- BOA controlled closure system
Fiziks Terra Artica has a comfortable sole even for walking. The only problem I have with the shoe is how hard it is putting it on. I’ve tried using a shoehorn to get them on, and it only got a little easier over time. And because the ankles are made of neoprene, it’s not waterproof. Over time, using shoehorn eventually stretched the ankle cuffs. Despite the trouble with the cuffs, the terra artica x2 makes a good winter bike shoe. Once you get past the hurdle of putting it on, you’ll find the soles are very comfortable, and it’ll keep your feet warm during your ride.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Lightweight and easy to walk on
Cons
- The ankle cuff makes it hard to put it on
- It’s not entirely waterproof
Last update on 2024-05-03 at 06:52 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. SIDEBIKE Unisex Adult S01 Cycling Shoes
Key Features
- Best for autumn and winter
- Good fit
- Cleat compatibility: SPD style
- Winch lace-up and velcro closure system
The Sidebike adopts the BOA dial closure system, which seems to be the norm in winter cycling shoes. The velcro seems okay, but compared to other brands that make a tight fit, this doesn’t. I do like the outer material since clean up is very easy so you can still maintain its white color. Also, the cleats are sold separately, so be sure to include them to avoid ordering again.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Good for walking
- Can keep you warm even at -10°C
Cons
- Doesn’t have ankle cuffs so water can get in your shoes
- Size guide it a bit small, better add one size
Last update on 2024-05-03 at 00:03 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Which Is The Best Cycling Shoe For Winter?
When it comes to winter cycling shoes, the best winter cycling shoes are SHIMANO Men’s Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes. The outer sole provides good traction on pedals and even when pushing up lines that are too steep to ride. Shimano can be pricey, but the overall performance makes it all worth it. It has kept my feet warm during winter and I can confidently say I’m happy riding out whether or not it’s cold.
Last update on 2024-05-03 at 06:52 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
