Shimano MW502 winter cycling shoe review: a small price to pay for warm feet

A budget winter shoe for those with frozen funds and toes like iceblocks

Shimano MW502 winter boots pictured on some autumn leaves
(Image credit: Future/Simon Fellows)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

The Shimano MW502 is a fantastic winter shoe for the money. Sure, the cost is still a large sum for most of us, but it's hard to name another shoe that performs as well at this price point. Comfortable, weatherproof and warm, it delivers everything a winter shoe should.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Inexpensive

  • +

    Warm

  • +

    Weatherproof in all but the worst conditions

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    No three-bolt version

  • -

    Cuff is short

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

The MW502 - aka the MW5 - is Shimano’s second-tier winter shoe, an existing model that’s been rebooted for AW24/25 with a raft of upgrades. It’s no coincidence that they look a lot like Shimano’s premium MW702 shoe, the feature set is almost identical despite the execution being more economical. Shimano, it seems, has chosen to cut the non-essentials rather than corners.

Frankly, the best way to keep your feet warm and dry during winter is to hop on a budget airline and fly somewhere warmer. Andalusia or the Balearics receive my vote for escaping the chill, damp British climate, but unfortunately, this solution is rarely affordable or realistic, and it’s certainly not sustainable.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1