Best Winter Cycling Shoes:
Essential Features & Top Picks
Dedicated winter cycling shoes are a game changer, transforming uncomfortable slogs into enjoyable training sessions. At Sigma Sports, our buying team seek out the best winter cycling kit to keep riders out and about throughout the year and they have flagged the key features to look out for and their picks for this winter.
Winter specific cycling shoes are designed for warmth, protection, and traction in harsh, cold, and wet conditions, offering advantages over regular cycling shoes with overshoes. Compared to other shoes, winter cycling shoes provide superior insulation and waterproofing, which are often lacking in traditional footwear. You'll need to consider factors like cleat compatibility, insulation and durability.
Road Specific Winter Cycling Shoes
If you’re dedicated to road cycling, a winter road shoe like the Fizik Tempo Artica GTX is hard to beat. Winter road bike bike shoes typically feature stiff carbon soles that deliver excellent energy transfer with every pedal stroke, making them ideal for long winter rides on smooth tarmac. The streamlined design reduces drag, while a secure fit ensures your feet stay warm and protected from cold air.
Best Winter Road Cycling Shoe - Fizik Tempo Artica R5 GTX Road Shoes
These road-specific winter cycling shoes use a three-bolt cleat system, which offers a solid connection to your pedals but can be less convenient for walking. Features like a high ankle cuff and a Gore-Tex membrane, as found in the Fizik Tempo Artica, help keep your feet dry and shielded from winter weather.
Winter Cycling Shoes for MTB and Gravel
For those who venture off road or ride gravel during the winter, MTB-style winter cycling shoes are a top choice for year-round cycling. These shoes are designed with a more flexible sole to provide better grip and comfort when walking on muddy or uneven terrain. The two-bolt cleat system is recessed into the sole, making it easier to walk without slipping and still allowing for power transfer. MTB winter cycling shoes often include extra protection around the toe box and heel, as well as rugged outsoles for added durability.
Best MTB Shoes for Winter - Fizik Tempo Artica R5 GTX MTB Shoes
The Fizik Terra Artica X5 GTX MTB Shoes are the ultimate riding shoes for gravel and MTB in cold conditions, combining a fully waterproof Gore-Tex liner with an insulating lining to deliver unmatched warmth, comfort, and weather protection in the harshest off-road conditions. Featuring the precise L6 BOA Fit System and compatibility with 2-bolt cleat systems like Shimano SPD and Crankbrothers, they offer a secure, customisable fit and confident performance during wet rides on any terrain.
Best Waterproof Cycling Shoes - Sidi Hiemx Winter MTB Shoes
The Sidi Hiemx Winter MTB Shoes are the ultimate waterproof choice for winter riding, combining a PFC-free GORE-TEX membrane with a high-ankle, Velcro®-sealed design to keep your feet dry, warm, and comfortable in the harshest conditions. With a carbon fibre–reinforced sole for efficient power transfer and durable ripstop construction, they deliver exceptional performance, stability, and protection for cross-country, gravel, and cyclocross adventures.
Best Winter Cycling Shoes - Lake CX146 Winter Road Shoes
The Lake CX146 Winter Road Shoes are the ultimate choice for cold-weather cycling, combining Thinsulate insulation and water-resistant soft-shell materials to keep your feet warm and dry in harsh conditions. With a secure BOA closure system, comfortable bootie design, and reflective details for visibility, these shoes ensure performance, protection, and comfort on every winter ride.
Features of the Best Winter Cycling Shoes
When searching for the best winter cycling shoes to suit your needs, it's important to consider that these shoes are specifically designed for colder weather and offer insulation and waterproofing to keep your feet warm and dry when riding in challenging environments.
Focus on the following core features that directly combat cold and wet conditions, including added insulation for warmth in low temperatures:
1. Insulation and Lining Materials
Thermal insulation in winter cycling shoes is essential for retaining heat and keeping your feet comfortable during cold rides.
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Fleece/Microfleece Linings: Offer immediate warmth and comfort, and help retain heat to keep your feet protected from the cold.
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Thinsulate or Primaloft: These materials provide excellent warmth-to-bulk ratio, delivering cosy insulation for comfort without making the shoe overly bulky.
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Temperature Rating: Some manufacturers provide a comfort temperature rating. Match this to the typical winter conditions in your riding area.
Remember to pair your insulated shoes with warm socks to further enhance thermal protection during winter rides.
Why Ditch the Overshoes?
While shoe covers (overshoes) are a good stopgap and great for those transisitional weather days, dedicated winter cycling boots are built from the ground up to tackle the elements. A winter boot is a fully enclosed, insulated option making it ideal for cold and wet winter rides. They offer:
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Integrated Protection: A seamless waterproof barrier, unlike covers which have gaps around the sole and cleat area, providing great protection from wind and rain.
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Superior Insulation: Built-in linings that are warmer than a thin neoprene overshoe. Winter boots provide insulation specifically for harsh winter conditions.
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Better Fit and Durability: Designed to last multiple seasons and often feature more robust, glove-friendly closure systems.
While winter boots may have some negative impact, such as added bulk or weight, these factors do not detract from their effectiveness in keeping your feet warm and dry during challenging winter rides.