There’s little worse than cold and wet feet and two Italian brands, Gaerne and Northwave, both have winter cycling boots in their range in a bid to combat just that.
Getting ready to ride can be a chore in winter, with tights to pull on, gloves, base layers, jerseys and jackets to choose from according to the conditions, and everything else needed to combat the cold and wet. And then there’s overshoes, which need to be pulled frantically into place before stepping out of the door and peeled off, soaked and caked in mud, after a wet ride.
Winter boots like these are designed to do away with the need for overshoes. Both offerings from Gaerne and Northwave share a similar design, with a carbon/nylon hybrid sole, synthetic upper with a soft lining, neoprene ankle cuff and a Gore-Tex membrane which is said to be waterproof.
The lacing system in similar, too, with a ‘Speed Lace’ design which uses a clasp to tighten the laces, which are in turn hidden underneath two neoprene storm flaps. Both designs give a nod to winter visibility, with the Northwave Arctic Commuter GTX in full high-viz yellow and the Gaerne Winter Road coming with fluorescent accents – and both have reflective detail. The two shoes are also available with a mountain bike sole.
Are winter boots like these the answer to cold and wet feet, without the inconvenience of overshoes? Their success depends largely on the ability of the neoprene fabric and Gore-Tex membrane to protect against winter conditions (and whether water is allowed to enter through the top of the neoprene cuff), the comfort and security of the fit and lacing system, and the performance of the carbon-reinforced sole.
We’ll be putting both to the test over the winter ahead.
Gaerne G.Winter Gore-Tex Road shoe
Price: £189.99
Sizes: 41-48
Website: Gaerne
UK distributor: Hotlines UK
Northwave Arctic Commuter GTX Road shoe
Price: £169.99
Sizes: 37-49
Website: Northwave
UK distributor: i-ride
