The best clipless MTB winter shoes you can buy

Shimano SH-MW7 GORE-TEX

The Shimano MW7 looks like something the Special Forces would wear if riding into hostile territory. The waterproof Gore-tex liner and a layer of thermal insulation are protected by a synthetic upper with textured rubber reinforced panels; a Fleece insole provides some extra insulation from the ground up, so the MW7 is perfect for chilly days on the hill. Getting in is easy with the wide opening and velcro fastening lace cover. The speed lacing system fits a wide range of foot shapes and the velcro closure allows more adjustment than zip closures.

Shimano have designed the MW7 with more lateral flex than other, more racey shoes. They call this, TORBAL (Torsional Balance), and help improves bike control by letting the heel section flex through the full range of rider motion, allowing a certain degree of wrapping your foot around the pedal like you would when riding flat pedals. The flex lets you foot bend naturally which gives these winter boots good feel for what’s happening underneath. Mid-foot remains supportive and stiff for pedalling efficiency and there is a good range of cleat movement to suit your prefered set up.
Warm, tough and waterproof, with a large range of adjustment and lateral flex, we found the Shimano very comfortable for both riding and hiking.

The Shimano MW7’s dry weight is on par with most of the boots on test but it performed the worst in our water absorbency and drying time experiment. After 30 seconds of dripping time, it had taken on a whopping 40% of its dry weight in water and it’s glacial dring time saw only 16% evaporate over 24 hrs and it finally needed a few days in the water heater cupboard to get them thoroughly dry.

Conclusion

We loved the ‘out of the box’ comfort and natural feel of the Shimano MW7 on the bike. Rugged and with a good fit, the MW7s should serve any rider well for years as long as they keep them dry!