The best winter cycling shoes can not only keep you riding through the wind, rain and cold of the winter months, but actually make these off-season rides some of the most fun you’ll have.
Thanks to technical advances in windproofing, insulation and waterproof outers, winter cycling shoes and winter cycling boots have come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and now there’s a fair selection of models to choose from. Some winter cycling shoes are designed specifically for wet weather, while others are more focussed on keeping your feet warm in colder conditions.
In this guide you’ll find our pick of the best winter cycling shoes we’ve reviewed, as well as some general advice on what to look for when it comes to choosing the best winter cycling shoes to suit you and your riding, and why you might to choose to invest in a pair rather than simply using overshoes.
Reviews of the best winter cycling shoes
- DMT WKR1: RRP £269.99 – Read our full review
- Fizik Tempo Artica GTX: RRP £249.99 – Read our full review
- Lake CX 146: RRP £231.99 – Read our full review
- Northwave Flagship R GTX: RRP £386.99 – Read our full review
Read on for our full winter cycling shoe reviews and detailed buying advice for choosing the best boots for you.
Related questions you can explore with Ask Cyclist, our new AI search engine.
Why you can trust Cyclist’s advice
From those perfect summer days that we all dream about to gritting our teeth through the worst of winter weather; here at Cyclist we’re dedicated to testing bikes and equipment in all weather.
We don’t believe that winter’s worsening conditions should stop you getting the miles in (unless you’d rather take things inside on a turbo trainer, of course), so scouting out the best performing gear for year-round cycling is important to us.
You can trust that our experienced team of reviewers know what to look for when it comes to winter cycling shoes, and have thoroughly tested each pair of winter cycling shoes, be that in wind, rain, cold or even snow.
The best winter cycling shoes reviewed
DMT WKR1 road cycling shoes
- RRP: £229.49 / $349 / €249
- Pros: Lightweight, non-bulky design, stretchy ankle cuff helps keep water out
- Cons: May not prove as durable as other options
- Sleek, lightweight road cycling shoes for transition season riding
- 534g per pair (size 41)
The pared-back racing shoe of the winter boot world, the DMT WKR1 features a clever 2-in-1 design with an integrated waterproof overshoe packaged around a knitted shoe, secured with a Li2 Boa dial and front zip. The lightweight shoe is the closest you’ll get to the feel of your summer cycling shoes, and gives great protection from the wind and rain showers, though water is likely to soak in eventually through your tights if you’re riding for multiple hours in heavy rain. A fantastic option for changeable weather days in the autumn and spring.
- Read our full DMT WKR1 road cycling shoe review
Fizik Tempo Artica GTX winter boots
- RRP: $259.99
- Pros: Easy fit closure, robust build, easy to clean
- Cons: Not insulated enough for colder rides
- Gore-Tex membrane and pile fleece insulation to combat foul conditions
- 639g per pair (size 41)
Mid-range in price and weight, the Fizik Tempo Artica GTX is a well-designed boot that’s easy to use while keeping you warm and dry in milder conditions. The tongue pulls forward to make the shoes easy to get on and off, even with thick socks, while the Boa and Velcro closure help achieve a snug, adjustable fit. The easy-clean boots make light work of wind, rain and the cold, though your ankles can become a bit soggy if heavy rain soaks down from your tights.
- Read our full Fizik Tempo Artica GTX winter boots review
Lake CX 146 winter road cycling boots
- RRP: £231.99
- Pros: Well insulated, easy to get on and off, wide and standard fits
- Cons: Heavy, prone to creaking
- Supremely easy-fit faux leather boot with roomy internal fit
- 752g per pair (size 42 wide)
If getting your shoes on and off in the winter is a hassle, then you’ll love the Lake CX 146 winter boots. The front leather-effect panel lifts away and Boa dial releases the lace to give a cavernous entry and exit for your feet behind the moveable tongue. The chunky boots soon soften up, giving full protection from the elements, road spray and flooding. With standard and wide sizing, it’s easy to see why Lake’s shoes are often admired by bike-fitters, and these boots proved to be very comfortable even during long winter rides.
- Read our full Lake CX 146 winter road cycling boots review
- Buy now from Lake (£218.99)
Northwave Flagship R GTX winter road cycling shoes
- RRP: £386.99
- Pros: Stiff carbon sole, warm, very comfortable
- Cons: Awkward to get on, heavy, expensive
- Gore-Tex Duratherm Kelvin membrane for breathability, wind and waterproofing
- 798g per pair (size 41)
Northwave’s top-tier winter road shoe, the new Flagship R GTX packs in plenty of features to its pricy, yet quite hefty package. There’s no denying that these shoes are supremely comfortable, despite the maximum stiffness carbon fibre sole, with a supportive fit and easy adjustment using the two X-Dial SLW3 dials. The boots shrug off downpours and even the windiest conditions with ease, though at nearly £400, you’d expect top-tier performance.
- Read our full Northwave Flagship R GTX winter road cycling shoes review
- Buy the Northwave Flagship R GTX winter road shoes from Northwave (£386.99)
Why buy winter cycling shoes when I can just use overshoes?
With a huge range of windproof, waterproof and hi-vis cycling overshoes on the market, why should you invest your cash in a pair of winter boots for cycling instead of just adding a layer to your current pair of road cycling shoes?
The answer lies both in performance and durability. While overshoes are certainly a versatile and often cost-effective way to winterise your shoes, they often won’t be as windproof, warm or waterproof as a pair of winter-specific cycling shoes. Do we need to mention how much of a faff they can be to get on and off too, especially with cold fingers?
If you like to keep riding outside through the harsher winter months and have the spare cash – and we’re likely talking several hundred here – then investing in a dedicated pair of winter cycling shoes can be a wise move.
If you take care of them well, winter cycling shoes will probably last you at least a few years, too, whereas the durability of overshoes is often compromised as they can wear and rip on the soles of the shoes as you walk off the bike.
Should I buy winter cycling shoes with road or MTB style cleats?
Just like standard cycling shoes, you can also get winter cycling shoes with either road or MTB-style cleats and pedal compatibility.
The choice is largely down to personal preference; some riders will prefer to stick to a road-style three-bolt cleat, whereas others might prefer to go for a more durable metal two-bolt cleat for the winter. The latter style is usually recessed within the outsole, meaning you can more easily walk off the bike, a distinct advantage on wet and slippery winter floors.
Do be warned though: as off-road shoes often allow you to place the cleat further back, this can cause toe overlap issues for riders on smaller frames, especially where mudguards are also factored in.
How waterproof are winter cycling shoes?
Many winter cycling shoes prioritise weatherproofing in their design, including taped seams, water repellent uppers and waterproof zips, as well as breathable membranes such as Gore-Tex to keep the shoes breathable too.
Some brands offer more than one type of winter cycling shoe, for example one model designed for wet conditions and another designed for cold but drier weather.
Like any shoe, winter cycling shoes can be compromised at the ankle if water seeps through your bib tights and into your socks, so in some cases riders choose to layer their tights over the top of the boot’s ankle to reduce water ingress.
Unlike many standard road cycling shoes that are optimised for warmer summer riding, winter cycling shoes don’t tend to have any vents on the sole, so that’s one less place for water to get in.
How warm are winter cycling shoes?
Winter cycling shoes are designed with fewer vents and more thermal insulation than standard cycling shoes.
Many feature a higher cuff up the ankle, which helps avoid any gap between the shoe and bottom of the tights. Be wary of bib tights that feature zips at the bottom as these can cause some discomfort when pressed against the side of boots.
Some winter cycling shoes use a thermal liner such as the Fizik Tempo Artica GTX’s fleece lining and some models will also have a foil backing to the insole to help retain heat.
Do winter cycling shoes fit the same as standard cycling shoes?
Built to accommodate a chunkier winter sock, you may find that winter cycling shoes are a bit roomier than standard cycling shoes, which are typically worn with a thinner, more lightweight sock.
As with any shoes, it’s best to try before you buy to work out what size works best for you.
Winter cycling shoes often have a more flexible sole than standard models, or at least performance-oriented shoes, so you may notice that when it comes to your riding too.
What closure method is best for winter cycling shoes?
There are a number of different closure methods when it comes to winter cycling shoes – essentially anything but laces.
Some boots use weatherproof zips, while others use Boa dial and lace systems coupled with Velcro tabs. Where tongues feature, these are often continuous with the shoe’s outer to minimise water and wind ingress.
Many of these shoes are designed to be used with gloves, so simplicity is key. Look for a pair of winter cycling shoes that are easy to get on and off – especially if you prefer wearing thicker socks. It can save you precious minutes at the end of your ride when all you’re dreaming of is getting into the warm shower and a cup of tea.
Looking for more ways to winterise your ride? Check out our winter gloves buyer’s guide and our guide to the best bicycle mudguards.
