One of the worst parts of winter cycling is suffering from cold feet. If you've exhausted all the options of warm socks and overshoes with your regular cycling shoes and still can't feel your toes by the end of your ride, then it's time to invest in a pair of the best winter cycling shoes.
Winter shoes are incredibly robust and resilient. It's important to find a pair that is not only thermal with minimal ventilation but also allows you room to wiggle your toes and keep water out, helping prevent soggy feet and numb toes on winter bicycle rides. However, with so many variations in construction, fit, and the degrees of protection offered, it can be tricky to know which winter cycling shoes are best for you.
To help you find the best winter cycling shoes, we've ridden in some of the coldest temperatures and wettest conditions and share our favorites in this handy buyer's guide. At the bottom of the page, you'll also find some additional advice on buying winter cycling shoes.
The Lake CX146 winter cycling shoe is a great option for anyone who wants solid weather protection and warmth. The high ankle cuff keeps out wind and water, and the front flap deflects wind and spray from the front of the foot.
The Arctica shoes combine Gore-Tex protection with a fleece lining and stiff carbon-reinforced sole. It is also offered in a gravel-friendly version - the Terra.
Robustly built, the Sidi Algor features an off-road sole designed for slight flex to deliver traction, Primaloft insulation, and burly, waterproof TPU fabric upper.
The microfibre upper on the Sidi Nix winter cycling boot is matched to a carbon-injected nylon sole, delivering protection, stiffness, and durability. Uses Sidi's own dials for closure and adjustment.
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Best overall winter cycling shoe
The Lake CX146 is our pick of the best overall winter cycling shoe
Upper: Thinsulate 200gr insulation and waterproof membrane
Outsole: Road Sport Fiberglass injected nylon
Closure: BOA M4 dial.
Weight: 935g (size EUR 45)
Reasons to buy
+
comfortable and neat
+
high cuff
+
wide opening for putting on
+
large reflective patches
+
good value
Reasons to avoid
-
only one BOA fastening
-
shallow, non-replaceable lugs
Made from leather look water resistant microfibre , the Lake CX146 have a real old school boot vibe. The cuff is taller than many of the other winter cycling shoes that we've tested, and helped in the overall weather proofing of these extra comfortable winter cycling shoes.
Ideally we could have don't with a couple of BOA closures, but reducing the amount of openings on a shoe does assist in keeping water out, and it the lack of ties didn't seem to impact fit or comfort overall. If anything it probably helps keep the overall price down, making these one of the most reasonable pair on the market right now.
The sole does have slightly more flex than a performance road cycling shoe, but we noted that it wasn't over flexible, which can lead to power loss.
Overall on a snowy bike ride our tester's feet were kept cosy and don't really feel a much of a negative impact in riding from the bulk of the boot. An excellent weather proof winter cycling boot for a reasonable price.
Best for performance
Fizik Tempo Artica winter cycling boots
(Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook)
2. Fizik Tempo Artica GTX road cycling shoes
Best winter cycling shoes for performance
Our expert review:
Specifications
Sizes: EU 36 through 48 with some half sizes
Upper: Gore-Tex Membrane
Outsole: Carbon reinforced nylon
Closure: L6 Boa dial and ankle strap
Weight: 319g (size 42 - 1/2 pair)
Reasons to buy
+
Easy-clean outer
+
Sleek aesthetics
+
Warm, soft lining
+
Decently stiff sole
+
Walkable pads
Reasons to avoid
-
Looseness at the top won't keep water out
Fizik's Artica winter shoes were the first pairs of winter shoes that truly convinced me to never go back to overshoes. After 12 winters in the very wet and cold Pacific Northwest, I finally became a winter boot convert. Warm, convenient and with a fit not too unlike a regular road shoe, Fizik’s Artica boots are a performance-oriented offering that will make the dreaded winter base miles a lot more comfortable.
The Tempo is the road version and features a traditional reinforced carbon sole with a three-bolt attachment for road cleats. I found it to be stiff enough.
Considering the protection it offers, it’s a reasonably light shoe, and the L6 Boa closure allowed me to dial in the fit so it was nice and snug. The ankle cuff helps here too although I did find it a little roomy, which meant it let in the rain.
Still the inner fleece material did a great job of keeping my feet warm - in fact you’ll need to consider whether you need such warmth depending on where you live. If you ride often in temperatures that dip below freezing then they’re likely a good match.
There is a lot of insulation in the Northwave Flash Arctic GTX winter cycling boots, but that can mean less support than a summer shoe.
The bottom half uses Northwave's own dial and reel system, much like a summer shoe, while the upper is constructed with a Climaflex collar which does away with the need for overlaps or Velcro.
The upper is flexible so that your normal pedal stroke and range of motion aren't impacted in any way, but you still get the warmth and drip protection of a winter boot.
The sole — a NRG Air Carbon Reinforced construction — promises a stiffness index of 8.0. These shoes are designed to suit conditions from 26°F to +60°F and there's still some breathability built-in at the front.
Even after four hours of riding in the Sidi Algor winter cycling shoes in sub-zero snowy conditions, our feet were still warm and dry. This will be a game-changer for anyone who suffers from numb feet in cold weather.
This is mainly down to the thin Primaloft synthetic insulation layer on the inside and the fully wrapped TPU waterproof outer layer.
Despite their tight rubber appearance, the Algors were actually pretty easy to put on, thanks to the full-foot zip and quick-lace closure system. That said, they are pretty narrow once on, so they are not the best choice for wide-footed riders.
Ideally, the lacing could have gone a little further up the foot to provide a more secure fit, especially on the heel. However, this is only really noticeable when off the bike and walking.
I would also have liked to have seen a closer fit between the front of the shoe and my ankle. The gap was prone to having cold chunks of snow and ice flicked in. Some kind of gaiter system would solve this, or over trousers, but it would be nice not to have the issue to start with.
Overall, these features are great for staying warm and dry on the coldest rides, but you may need to amend your cycling outfit to take advantage of them.
Upper: Microfibre Microtech mesh upper with Gore-Tex lining
Outsole: Injected carbon fibre in a nylon matrix
Closure: Sidi Tecno-3 dial
Weight: N/A
Reasons to buy
+
Robust build
+
Uses Sidi's quality dial closure system
+
Decent level of stiffness
+
Replaceable small parts
Reasons to avoid
-
Sidi shoes can be narrow and small for size
We at Cycling Weekly are big fans of Sidi,so it's no surprise that the Nix made it into our best winter shoe buyers guide.
The upper is made from a PFAs-free GORE-TEX, keeps the Sidi Nix water resistant, and the neat BOA-like Techno-3 system closure and velcro strap help ensure a precise fit and rider comfort all ride.
Sidi's Techno-3 system dial acts like a Boa dial, and it has Velcro on the top and bottom to help achieve a precise fit. The strap, which also acts as a high-viz strap, is a great feature. However, we could have done with a slightly higher cuff to prevent chilly ankle gaps, especially when teamed with the short-in-the-leg Castelli Sorpasso RoS Wind tights.
At the bottom is a sole with a carbon injected and nylon mix, which felt stiff enough on the bike but allowed for enough flex when walking off the bike.
The fit and finish on the Sidi Nix is excellent, and it is reflected in the price tag.
Best for winter bikepacking
8. 45NRTH Ragnarok
Best winter cycling shoes for cold weather bikepacking trips
Specifications
Sizes: 36-48, 50
Upper: Premium microfiber, neoprene ankle, abrasion-resistant Tec Tuff toe and heel
Outsole: Real rubber, anti-slip micro-glass filament lugs, Fiberglass-injected nylon midsole
Closure: Side-mounted BOA IP1 reel and lacing system
Weight: N/A
Reasons to buy
+
Excellent insulation down to -3C
+
Grippy soles
+
All-over reflective option
Reasons to avoid
-
Two bolt cleat only
The winters in Minnesota are nothing short of biblical: they are cold, windy, and wet, so it's no surprise that Bloomington based 45NRTH makes some of the best cold weather kicks money can buy.
The Ragnarok sees a fully waterproof membrane just beneath the microfibre face fabric to keep the water on the outside, but also to allow for thermal and moisture regulation on the inside. Around the ankle is a neoprene cuff to keep drips out, and a single Boa dial reels the shoe in. 45NRTH say they are comfortable down to about 25ºF / -3ºC.
Like the Specialized shoes, these are technically mountain bike shoes and will only work with two-bolt cleats. The lugs are semi-aggressive, but also see microscopic glass fibres embedded into the rubber to create abrasive protruding shards to produce grip on slippery surfaces like ice, wet wood, wet tiles, and wet metal.
What to expect from winter cycling shoes
How do winter cycling shoes differ from those I wear during spring and summer?
For summer cycling shoes, manufacturers will go all out in the pursuit of breathability; this becomes less of a concern for riders doing battle with December.
Ventilation is the first feature to be addressed – you won’t find large vent holes in winter cycling shoes as you do in summer versions, though you can still expect a touch of breathability (no one wants to bake their own feet).
Often, the top of the shoe will feature a neoprene cuff or cover. This will keep the rain out and act as an extra layer of defense against the chill.
The ankle cuff will be high, too – this is to prevent puddle water from seeping into the shoe. If you can try on the shoes, check that the cuff is not overly tight for you and allows full range of motion – ideally you’re looking for an adjustable fit.
What are the best fastenings for winter cycling shoes?
Fastenings, as per summer cycling shoes, can be Boa dials, ratchets, Velcro, or even laces. Boa dials and ratchets are the most effective when it comes to holding your foot in place and surviving the conditions.
What are the best soles for winter cycling shoes?
The same rules applied to summer shoes come into play when it comes to the sole, too. Nylon soles are cheapest, they’ll do the job but will provide a little more flex — they also insulate a bit better than carbon.
Carbon soles are the most expensive, they’ll be mega stiff and will offer plenty of power transfer. It’s worth bearing in mind that in winter you may be completing long base miles, where you might not want the ultimate stiffness, and a nylon/carbon mix may be more comfortable, but this is down to personal preference.
Since it’s possible that you might be walking on slippery surfaces (dismounting to get to that long-awaited hot chocolate stop, for example), a sole with some grip is desirable. Replaceable heel treads are a ‘nice to have’ as you’ll expect that these shoes will last for more than one season.
For the added traction, it may even be worth considering a set of two-bolt MTB winter kicks; the rubber lugs provide miles of additional purchase as you're trudging through the snow or across a wet tile floor at the coffee shop — but you'll then need to invest in a set of two-bolt pedals too, if you don't already have them.
Finally - obviously if you're cycling clipped in then your shoes need to be compatible with the pedal system - all road-specific winter cycling shoes should come ready to fit three-bolt pedals and cleats.
How should winter cycling shoes fit?
Making sure the shoe allows enough room without letting the foot float around has been a big issue for us - in previous tests, we've found both Boa versions and Velcro versions that haven't really done the job. The shoe needs adequate fastenings to stop your heel from slipping during the pedal stroke.
Shoe brand sizing differs tremendously. Where a rider might wear a Euro 38 in one brand, they could be pulling on a 42 in another – sounds ridiculous, but it’s true. Where possible, try shoes on; where it’s not, look to buy shoes from a brand you’re already familiar with.
One of the biggest mistakes riders make over winter is wearing thick socks which reduce the amount of space in the shoe and cut off blood supply – worsening the numbness or even causing it. With good winter boots, you shouldn’t need to go overboard, and a thin merino sock should be enough. But if you think you’ll need more sock, make sure you leave a little extra breathing room.
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Cycling Weekly'sNorth American Editor, Anne-Marije Rook is old school. She holds a degree in journalism and started out as a newspaper reporter — in print! She can even be seen bringing a pen and notepad to the press conference.
Originally from The Netherlands, she grew up a bike commuter and didn't find bike racing until her early twenties when living in Seattle, Washington. Strengthened by the many miles spent darting around Seattle's hilly streets on a steel single speed, Rook's progression in the sport was a quick one. As she competed at the elite level, her journalism career followed, and soon she became a full-time cycling journalist. She's now been a cycling journalist for 11 years.
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