Shimano

SH-MW81 Shoes

Winter riding is becoming more and more popular with the rising of the fat bike tide, and this presents riders with the challenge of how to protect their feet. Yes, neoprene shoe covers exist, but they're not intended for snow submersion or other extreme conditions you may encounter when you're 10 miles out in the forest. The Gore-Tex-lined Shimano SH-MW81 Winter Cycling Shoe is more than up to the task, however, of keeping your feet dry and keeping you going when you're out in the wintery boonies.

Shimano offers one of the widest ranges of shoe lasts (or shapes) in the industry. So, to clarify, the SH-MW81 uses the Volume Performance last — making it wider in the toe box and across the ball of the foot. This gives it a fit that emphasizes comfort and stability, and allows room for thick socks and custom orthotics. The three hook-and-loop straps provide ample security for your foot, and their offset positioning prevents unnatural pinching and pressure. Additionally, they won't freeze or get clogged with snow like a buckle system might.

The MW81 Shoes have a fiberglass-reinforced polyamide sole that's stiff, but flexes enough for comfort when you trudge through waist-high drifts or stop into the local coffee shop. The upper is constructed of tough, stretch-resistant synthetic leather, and reflectors on the back and sides of the shoes increase your visibility to motorists in low-light conditions.