nausea
Retro Guru
Re: The Shimano boot. They are essentially just a goretex hiking boot with a recessed cleat. They have a Vibram sole which is used extensively among top end hiking and military footwear.
I'd be surprised if they weren't actually manufactured by a reputable hiking boot company and then modified slightly and rebranded for cycling. They're low-profile enough not to scuff against cranks and they probably allow a bit more ankle movement than a normal hiking boot. The materials used are way more resistant to scratches and scrapes than a normal cycling shoe.
The Goretex lining means they are 100% waterproof. I've not got wet feet yet and there seems to be no leakage through the cleat area - although I've yet to do a full Winter with them though.
Although the boot extends quite high up the ankle, the back is cut quite low so they're not going to protect you ankle deep in puddles. However, the tongue is linked to the boot uppers so water is not going to get in through the top of the shoe.
As for comfort, I often just keep them on for a while after I've returned from a ride as the cleat is properly recessed - I can happily walk around a supermarket in them. In terms of warmth, I'f not sure how they would compare against thermal, winter-specific boots but I'm sure wearing winter socks would be ample. The fact that they're waterproof will go a long way to keep my feet warm.
I'm really surprised no-one else makes a boot like this - I spent a very long time searching and there was nothing similar. The soles are not as stiff as a pure cycling shoe (although I don't notice any real loss of pedalling efficiency) but this does make walking a lot easier and there is WAY more grip on the soles as they have a rubbery texture rather than the harder plastic texture that a pure cycling shoe would have.
Basically they get 11/10 from me!
I'd be surprised if they weren't actually manufactured by a reputable hiking boot company and then modified slightly and rebranded for cycling. They're low-profile enough not to scuff against cranks and they probably allow a bit more ankle movement than a normal hiking boot. The materials used are way more resistant to scratches and scrapes than a normal cycling shoe.
The Goretex lining means they are 100% waterproof. I've not got wet feet yet and there seems to be no leakage through the cleat area - although I've yet to do a full Winter with them though.
Although the boot extends quite high up the ankle, the back is cut quite low so they're not going to protect you ankle deep in puddles. However, the tongue is linked to the boot uppers so water is not going to get in through the top of the shoe.
As for comfort, I often just keep them on for a while after I've returned from a ride as the cleat is properly recessed - I can happily walk around a supermarket in them. In terms of warmth, I'f not sure how they would compare against thermal, winter-specific boots but I'm sure wearing winter socks would be ample. The fact that they're waterproof will go a long way to keep my feet warm.
I'm really surprised no-one else makes a boot like this - I spent a very long time searching and there was nothing similar. The soles are not as stiff as a pure cycling shoe (although I don't notice any real loss of pedalling efficiency) but this does make walking a lot easier and there is WAY more grip on the soles as they have a rubbery texture rather than the harder plastic texture that a pure cycling shoe would have.
Basically they get 11/10 from me!