Test Shimano MW5 all-terrain winter shoes

Riding in cold and wet weather can be a real challenge, especially for the extremities (hands and feet) whether on the route or off-road. With the MW5, Shimano offers a pair of high-top shoes initially dedicated to mountain biking, but which are also suitable for gravel in the middle of winter. We have testThis mid-range model is in (almost) extreme conditions. Our verdict.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr

On route in wet weather, The main difficulty in combating cold feet is managing splashes caused by wheels on asphalt. Not only do these sprays reach the top of the shoes, but also the soles and lower legs, causing water to run down the inside of the overshoes. When off-roading, there may be less spray down the legs, but the uppers and soles of the shoes quickly become covered in mud, sand, or snow in truly wintery conditions. In addition, it may sometimes be necessary to put your foot down in a puddle of water or icy mud. Enough to ruin the rest of the ride!

Test Shimano MW5 all-terrain winter shoes
The studs are particularly well marked.

Practicing Gravel in the middle of winter combines the difficulties encountered on the route and off-road. Some passages in the undergrowth are similar to those found in mountain biking, while the connections on the asphalt in the rain only add jets of cold water to the dirt already accumulated on the feet. In these conditions, shoe covers are not always effective, nor practical, when you have to get off and on the bike frequently. However, there are some models of shoes dedicated to these particular conditions, such as the Shimano MW5, boots for mountain biking for six years now in the Japanese manufacturer's catalog.

Test Shimano MW5 all-terrain winter shoes
The protective flap on the lacing cuts the wind.

These mid-range shoes are designed with a fleece-lined upper and sole., then a synthetic leather upper with sealed seams with a Dryshield lining, a lightweight, breathable and above all waterproof material. A high neoprene ankle collar protects against the penetration of moisture or dirt. The tightening is done by a quick and easy to adjust quick lacing system, protected by an additional waterproof flap which completes the closure of the shoe.

Test Shimano MW5 all-terrain winter shoes
Putting on the MW5 is quite easy.

Composite fiber reinforced nylon soles accommodate SPD standard cleats, while having sufficiently pronounced studs to facilitate walking in difficult conditions, or even traction in sections of portage on wet rocks. The MW5s weigh 780g per pair in size 39, which is far from light but that's not the primary objective when you go riding in extreme conditions.

Test Shimano MW5 all-terrain winter shoes
The fleece lining inside the shoes provides warmth.

Between puddles, mud and rocks

I could tester the MW5 on a few dry outings in cold weather (but on muddy paths nonetheless) and above all on an epic three-hour gravel ride in continuous rain at 3°C, composed of two thirds earth and one third bitumen.

With their wide opening and lacing system, The MW5s are easy to put on, before adjusting the tightening. The insole is a bit flatter than the insoles I usually use (with pronounced arch support), but there is no question here of doing without the softness and warmth of the fleece inner part. The fit is quite wide at the front, leaving a lot of freedom for the toes. The outsole is not very arched and significantly less rigid than my S-Phyre XC9 off-road shoes. But it is rather an advantagetagand when you have to get off your bike, since the shoes hug the terrain more easily, while providing welcome grip when you have to carry the machine on a very steep single track, with slippery stones hidden by soggy dead leaves.

Test Shimano MW5 all-terrain winter shoes
The grip of the soles is appreciable.

With ankle necklines, the pedaling movement is a little less fluid than usual, but it is not really annoying except when dancing, where the shoes seem heavy and change the sensations. The heel is correctly supported, the front part a little looser, but with a less rigid sole than if it were made of carbon, we feel a very slight pressure at the bottom of the foot with each pedal stroke which helps maintain good blood circulation. Finally, The most destabilizing thing is the external volume of the shoe, which also extends well into the space usually reserved for the crank. At the end of this extreme outing, I noticed that my almost brand new cranks were very marked, with very damaged black anodization.

Test Shimano MW5 all-terrain winter shoes
The shoes are bulky and can rub against the cranks.
Test Shimano MW5 all-terrain winter shoes
After a ride in difficult conditions, the cranks are definitely worn out by friction with the shoes.

For almost two hours, the MW5s resist the elements. Water does not penetrate at the level of the upper (which confirms here its perfect waterproofness) nor at the level of the soles, whether because of puddles or steps in the liquid mud. I do not feel the cold, as I had already been able to notice during a dry outing with a thermometer close to 0 ° C. Unfortunately, water eventually enters the shoes, passing through the ankle collar. The tights are so wet that they can no longer absorb the excess moisture, which enters the shoe upon simple contact. The feet end up being wet, very wet in fact, because the water does not escape once trapped in the shoe. After two hours under these deplorable conditions, my hands protected by Gore-Tex gloves still resist, but the thick jacket Shimano Elemento also begins to no longer repel water, and I shiver. The return trip, fortunately with the favorable wind, is done by pushing the gear to stay as warm as possible. My feet are wet, and the sensations on the pedals are not optimal. Nevertheless, I am not cold, because the Dryshield membrane that makes up the upper is also windproof. And the fleece inside the shoes protects me from getting cold early, even if it is soaked with water and the shoes seem very heavy once the outing is over.

=> SEE AS ​​WELL : Buy the Shimano MW5 on sale for €131,96

In short, The Shimano MW5 shoes are not perfect for combating humidity, because in extreme conditions water ends up penetrating through the top of the ankles. However, they keep you warm despite everything, which is what we ask of them first and foremost. On colder, drier rides, or even in snow, they are much more practical than off-road boots with overshoes anyway. Their modest stiffness and wide toe box don't help performance, but that's not what you expect from them. This is the first time that the testand specific shoes for difficult conditions, and I finally came back totally convinced.

The SHIMANO MW5 in short…

What makes <span style="font-family: 'arial black', 'avant garde';">inlingua</span> different : comfort, warmth, protection, grip of the outsole
The - :
volume of the shoe, the water still ends up passing through after a certain time

Insoles : reinforced nylon (stiffness index 5/12) – Upper : synthetic leather and Dryshield waterproof membrane –  - Tightening : quick lacing + protective flap + neoprene collar on the ankle –  Insoles : lined with fleece – Weight : 390 g (size 39) – Color : black - Sizes : from 38 to 48 – Price : 159,99 €

Contact : bike.shimano.com

=> SEE AS ​​WELL : Our posts Tests

Guillaume Judas

  - 53 years old - Professional journalist since 1992 - Coach / Performance support - Former Elite runner - Current sports practices: route & allroad (a little). - Strava: Guillaume Judas

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