If there’s one thing we know about professional cyclists, commuters and hobbyists alike, it’s that they don’t stop when the weather gets colder.
They’ll simply trade out their lycra shorts and short-sleeve suits for form-fitting thermals which prevent the brisk winter air from infiltrating while maintaining decent airflow for when their bodies finally start to warm up.
But what about the shoes? Whether you’re a road cyclist used to clipless shoes for seamless, aerodynamic biking or a mountain biker who tends to wear a slightly chunkier boot with better grip – cold toes during the winter are certainly no joke and can be mightily debilitating when it comes to riding.
Much like skiers, one can’t just size up on shoes to leave room for an extra pair of fluffy and cosy socks. Not only are they likely to bunch up and cause cold spots, but they’ll reduce circulation significantly, preventing your poor toes from being able to warm up at all – no matter how fast you pedal.
We chatted to cycling expert and Product Manager Thomas Bugler from Evans Cycles for some top tips when it comes to buying a pair of winter-ready cycling shoes when the mercury drops below zero.
What features should one look for when shopping for winter cycling shoes?
“When looking for a winter-specific shoe, consider shoes that will come up a bit higher on the ankle, close the ankle in and use waterproof or water-resistant materials,” Bugler suggests. “These will provide more warmth and prevent water and mud or debris from entering the shoe via an exposed ankle.”
You could also consider trying overshoes says the cycling expert: “There are lots of good options out there that stretch over your existing riding shoes and can add insulation, water and wind protection which will help to keep your feet toasty on a cold ride.”
What materials should you look for in winter cycling shoes?
Bugler urges riders to consider what their needs are, depending on where they are cycling and just how cold or wet the weather gets. “For cold but relatively dry conditions, a lightly winterised shoe which uses water-resistant coatings and foregoes any large ventilation holes might be enough to keep your feet warm and dry.”
When it comes to very poor weather conditions, Bugler advises the use of “a fully waterproof shoe that utilises a waterproof membrane such as Gore-Tex. Waterproof membrane fabrics are totally waterproof but pores in the fabric structure allow moisture vapour to escape, preventing your feet from getting wet from inside.”
“Sealed seams are also very important for waterproofing and so are good designs around the shoe closure systems that keep the shoe sealed in and easy to clean,” Bugler adds. “The right combination of waterproof materials, sealed seams and a good design will lead to a shoe that can keep your feet warm and dry even in very poor conditions.”
Is there a difference between winter cycling shoes for road cyclists, mountain bikers and casual cyclists?
“Road cycling winter shoes are likely to be stiff, relatively slimline, considerate of aerodynamics and utilise a 3-bolt cleat system,” Bugler explains. “MTB shoes will likely be burlier, heavier, offer more protection and have a flat sole for standard flat pedals or a mount for a 2-bolt SPD cleat.” When it comes to casual riders, however, Bugler says that they should consider shoe covers and/or waterproof socks first, as these will likely suffice.
Can winter cycling shoes reduce circulation and performance as a result?
“So long as the shoes are a good fit for you they shouldn’t reduce your circulation,” says Bugler – so you definitely shouldn’t size up on a winter cycling shoe to pop another pair of socks on. “Warm and dry feet should lead to a performance increase, particularly on longer rides, as riders will be able to focus on the task at hand, as opposed to being distracted by the discomfort of numb, cold, wet feet.
“The only thing to watch out for is that your feet don’t get too sweaty inside a winterised shoe and cyclists should carefully consider their sock choice, looking for socks that can effectively wick sweat and take moisture away from the skin,” advises Bugler. Merino wool tends to be the best material when it comes to insulating yet sweat-wicking socks.
Keep scrolling for a round-up of the best cycling shoes fit for the coldest of winters.
Best cycling shoes for women to wear during the winter at a glance:
Clipless winter cycling shoes
- Best for overall: Northwave Celsius R GTX - £216.80, Northwave
- Best for sweat-wicking insulation: Fizik R5 Artica Cycling Shoe - £141, Sigma Sports
- Best for downpours and sub-zero temperatures: Shimano MW5 (MW501) Dryshield MTB SPD Boots - £139.99, Wiggle
Non Clipless winter cycling shoes
- Best for looking and acting the part: Adidas Five Ten Trailcross Gore-Tex Mountain Bike Shoes - £160.23, Adidas
- Best for all-weather protection with a barefoot feeling: Vivobarefoot Magna Lite Wr Sg - £180, Vivo Barefoot
- Best for versatile all-weather kicks for bikers and skaters alike: Vans Sk8-Hi Gore-Tex Mte-3 Trainers - £170, Vans
- Best for the ultimate lightweight and cold weather-ready cycling trainer: Cloudroam Waterproof - £180, OnRunning
Shoe Covers
- Best for extra thermal protection on a budget: Le Col Neoprene Toe Cover - £25, Le Col
- Best for full shoe coverage: Fizik Winter Overshoe - £49.99, Evans Cycles
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Clipless winter cycling shoes
Northwave Celsius R GTX
Best for: overall
The designers over at Northwave are experts when it comes to creating the perfect winter-ready cycling shoe. Though the brand’s range is extensive, the Celsius R GTXs are beloved by cold-weather bikers for a variety of reasons.
Crafted with a Pique Gore-Tex membrane to keep your feet warm and wonderfully dry when the weather gets colder, these shoes are also equipped with additional lining at the tip of the shoe for even more insulation.
The high-top collar on the shoe which extends to protect the upper ankle is made from a combination of ultra-flexible and insulating Gore-Tex Rattler membrane and Neoprene to deliver unbeatable mobility and protection against the elements. That’s not all on the insulation front, either – the Arctic four-layer insole sandwiches aluminium and pile insulation in between two layers of EVA foam insulation for maximum warmth.
Buy now £216.80, Northwave
Fizik R5 Artica Cycling Shoe
Best for: sweat-wicking insulation
Whether you’re seeking protection from unexpected torrential downpours, icy-cold temperatures or both at the same time, Fizik has got you covered.
The upper layer of these clipless shoes has been made from a fully waterproof Microtex membrane which will keep your pedallers protected from wind and rain. Meanwhile, the inner thermal-insulating membrane is designed to lock in the heat while wicking away sweat in order to maximise warmth and maintain comfort.
Wonderfully lightweight thanks to the carbon-injected sole, you’ll be able to maximise the power of your pedalling while keeping your toes warm as you battle the elements to beat your winter PB.
Buy now £141.00, Sigma Sports
Shimano MW5 (MW501) Dryshield MTB SPD Boots
Best for: protection from torrential downpours and sub-zero temperatures
It’s all in the name. Designed for ultimate protection against wind, rain, muddy tracks and sub-zero temperatures, the Shimano MW5s are a unisex shoe equipped with an innovative DryShield membrane which keeps your feet warm and dry in all weather conditions.
Further elevated by an insulating, cosy fleece lining throughout the shoe and all the way down to the insole the warmth is locked in with a neoprene collar and strong lace flap.
Buy now £139.99, Wiggle
Non clipless winter cycling shoes
Five Ten Trailcross Gore-Tex Mountain Bike Shoes
Best for: looking and acting the part
Crafted with adventurous mountain bikers in mind, these Gore-Tex non-clipless cycling shoes are the all-weather, all-terrain kicks you’ve been dreaming of. Aside from looking sleek and stylish, the Trailcross bike shoes are fabricated with a stealth phantom rubber outsole with a grippy base to keep your feet firmly on your bike pedals, no matter how wet and cold it gets.
The high-top collar is made from highly insulating and unbeatably waterproof Gore-Tex and neoprene to keep out the wind and rain, as well as any dust and debris from particularly muddy rides.
Buy now £160.23, Adidas
Vivobarefoot Magna Lite Wr Sg
Best for: all-weather protection with a barefoot feeling
If you’re a runner as well as a biker, you’ll likely have come across Vivobarefoot trainers. Designed to offer an incredibly lightweight yet supportive feel, these trainers have been known to help athletes with chronic ankle and joint pain by creating more freedom of movement while helping to strengthen the arches and muscles in your feet.
A non-clipless option for winter bikers, the Magna Lites have been created for all-weather sportspeople without adding any extra weight to the shoe itself. The thermal insole has in-built temperature-regulating technology which works to absorb, store and release heat when you need it most. This ingenious thermal technology is able to respond to the naturally changing temperatures of your feet throughout your cycle.
Plus, Vivobarefoot offers a 100-day trial, so you can return them after significant use if they’re not quite right for you.
Buy now £180.00, Vivobarefoot
Vans Sk8-Hi Gore-Tex Mte-3 Trainers
Best for: versatile all-weather kicks for bikers and skaters alike
When we think of Vans, we often think of slip-on skater shoes that certainly don’t protect our feet against the elements or provide significant enough grip for serious cyclists. The Mte-3 trainers are here to change your mind.
Combining 25 years of Vans snowboard design expertise and boot technology, the Mte-3s will take you to the top of snowy mountain peaks and protect you from torrential rain during your winter weather cycles to work – and they’ll look pretty good while doing it.
Buy now £170.00, Vans
Cloudroam Waterproof
Best for: the ultimate lightweight and cold weather-ready cycling trainer
According to On, the Cloudroam Waterproof trainers will happily take you “from the concrete jungle to the actual jungle” thanks to their unbeatable weatherproofing and hardy, durable design. Not only are these trainers coated in a 100 per cent waterproof membrane, but this water-wicking shell is also made from 100 per cent recycled materials.
The TPU toe caps further help to keep mud and water spray from disrupting your performance, while the Superfoam midsole will keep your feet cushioned against any sudden impact. Created specifically to combat cold weather conditions, these trainers remain feather-light, weighing just 340g.
Buy now £180.00, On Running
Shoe covers
Neoprene Toe Cover
Best for: extra thermal protection on a budget
If you’re not exactly in the market for a brand-new pair of pricey, clipless cycling shoes, we recommend going for a pair of toe or shoe covers. Though they won’t deliver unbeatable warmth, they’ll certainly help to protect your toes from the wind and rain by adding another layer of thermal insulation.
These covers from Le Col are easy to slip on and are made from durable and extra-warm neoprene.
Buy now £25.00, Le Col
Fizik Winter Overshoe
Best for: full shoe coverage
If you’re looking for a pair of overshoes that stretch all the way up to your ankles, this pair from Fizik is a great choice. With a 100 per cent waterproof and windproof upper layer, as well as a three-layered membrane with bonded mesh, these overshoes are the closest you’ll get to a new pair of purpose-built winter cycling shoes without forking out a small fortune. They also feature a reflective logo and piping for those dark and gloomy winter rides.
Buy now £49.99, Evans Cycles
