User submitted reviews
Review by Anonymous
Fit great w/ heavy socks, very comfortable. But not as warm as I expected they would be.
Review by Andrew
Been using the Shimano MW501 shoes for weeks while mountain biking and road biking in temps 15+. Gone are the rides with numb toes! In the past I would use my normal bike shoe with toe covers and it was not enough. Never realized what a difference winter shoes would make. I like the shoe overall but am not the biggest fan of velcro around ankle. Although I have not had issues with it yet, it is a bit awkward. Not a deal breaker and still love the shoes though.
Review by Anonymous
I needed something to keep my feet warm during my first winter of riding. I originally bought covers, and those worked fine, but these winter boots take it to a new level.. They are warm, easy to get into, and easy to set up. I use Egg Beaters on my fat bike, and I've had no problems with fitment. Crank Bros. provides a paper guide to judge if shims are needed, and they were in this case. I also had a little trouble early on because I had not tightened the cleats sufficiently , but reading directions was the remedy here. I use these at any temperature lower than 50deg, and am very glad I decided to buy them.
Review by JAM
I wasn't sure these were worth getting even on sale but I'm so happy I tried them. So comfortable and easy to put on, warm and waterproof. I used to struggle to use conventional shoes and tug on heavy waterproof shoe covers. I'd literally shout in frustration and break a sweat getting them on. It used to factor into my decision to ride or not...these shoes eliminate that struggle. Very happy.
Review by B''ham Biker
Fit is great, the lacing method is spot on and very simple to use. Support is terrific and they feel really connected to the pedals with the cleats. Appear to be very weather resistant, with the covers over the laces. Warm and comfortable.
Review by Frankie
I'm very happy with this purchase. The shoes are comfortable and my feet are dry and warm while I ride. It beats wearing shoes and booties any day!!!
Review by Alan
I bought the MW501 shoes in size 45, the same size I wear in Shimano RX-800 gravel shoes. The MW701 were out of stock in my size but when they came back in stock I picked up a pair of those as well, so I can offer a direct comparison between the two shoes. The MW501 seem to be well made and are reasonably warm. While my RX-800s are a snug fit, the MW501s in the same size are roomier and allow for thicker socks. However the MW701s are even roomier, and I prefer them to the MW501s. If you want to pile on thick socks or multiple pairs of socks with the MW501 you might want to go up one size from your regular Shimano shoes size. On the other hand if I wear thin socks with the MW701 they almost feel too big. So the MW501 is going to work best for me with medium thickness wool socks for days where it is cool (40deg F +/-) and the MW701 are going to be the go-to when it gets close to freezing or below. Once it gets below freezing my toes are only good for an hour in either shoe unless I add chemical toe warmers, and the extra room in the MW701s allows me to add those without getting too tight.
Review by Dp
I always wanted to get a pair of winter cycling shoes. These sows are fantastic and I've been using them with my gravel and mountain bike. Order your normal size and the shoes will accommodate thick socks. My feet have been warm and dry even on wet and snowy days. Great value.
Review by Mike
These boots are perfect for cold weather gravel rides. Combined with wool socks, my feet were warm and dry in temps that never got out of the 30s.
Review by Anonymous
My shoelaces were damaged by the tightener after 5-6 trips. I need to go find replacement laces already, and am not at all sure how to thread them through tighteners and the little tab at the end.
Review by Connecticut Rider
I bought these for the colder weather road and trail cycling I really enjoy at this time of year (December as I write this). I have a wide forefoot, and am very happy with the fit of these shoes. I found the fit to be true, with a bit of additional length--allowing for a thicker (than summer/fall) sock. While my regular bike shoes (both two-hole and three-hole) are 43s and nice and snug, this 43 offers a bit more space.
I've been out in temps around 35F for 30+ miles and, with merino wool socks, my feet remained warm for the entire time.
Review by Dave
I have a pair of XC 7 Shimano shoes that are snug and fit great in the same size 42. No need to size up for these as they are more roomy of a fit to accommodate thicker winter socks. Classic Shimano goodness!
Review by Ombiker
I bought these for the times I can use my Road and Gravel bikes in the winter, when the temps are 20 to 40 degrees F. They are easy to get on, lace with the speed lacing system, warm, and water resistant.
The advice I received about ordering the correct size (a size 47), helped for when I use thicker socks than what I would wear in a shoe (size 46 here) for my road bike during the spring, summer, or fall.
When it is extremely cold, below 20 degrees , my gravel bike has combo pedals (flat on one side, SPD on the other) I wear a regular colder weather regular boot.
These are great for the other times and I prefer using my SPD clipless system whenever I can.
Review by Jeff
I was looking for a winter boot that would keep my feet warm down to 0F where I call it a day. Typically, I wear a size 12 or 46 EU, the CSR suggested a 47EU to accommodate thicker socks. Ideal fit and comfort. Easy to put on, lace up and wrap.
Review by Ombiker
Upon Customer support's recommendation, I ordered one size up to accommodate thicker socks. I could have stayed with 46, but the 47 for my size 12 feet and thick socks still works. So far the coldest I have used these has been in the mid 20s snd never felt cold. Even when out snd the temps in hhe mid 50s, I did not feel too warm or even sweated up the socks.
Overall, very comfortable and works well when conditions are safe enough to use clipless in the winter. When there is ice, I would rather stay with boots that do not clip to get off the pedals faster.
Review by Steve
So far I wore these shoes in 40 degree weather and 50 degree weather and they were super comfortable. My feet didn't get cold at all. The fit is great. I bought my normal size and actually had plenty of room for my medium Smart Wool Socks.
The shoes feel light for gravel rides.
Review by Frankie
I have only used it in a few rides but I feel it is a game changer for winter riding. They are comfortable and keep my feet warm and dry.
Review by minnesotacommuter
This might qualify as a cold weather shoe in Seattle or Portland, but below 30 degrees Fahrenheit it just does not deliver. I will qualify this with praise for wet and slush protection, which is excellent with the complex, but effective enclosure. However, for my commutes in the 20s and teens Fahrenheit this shoe is hardly better than a leather loafer. Even bulking up with a heavy sock and toe warmers, a recent commute at 12 degrees Fahrenheit left me limping into work with completely numb toes. And I must contradict reviewers who state this shoe has a wide toe box, a claim that can only come from people with very narrow feet. I ordered these shoes in the same size as I get Blundtstones, and they are a good 1/2cm narrower at least. This is a good shoe, but it cannot honestly be sold as winter apparel.
Review by Phil
True to size even with mid weight socks. very comfortable and warm for 40 degree 30 mile rides on a gravel bike
Review by Anonymous
Northern Vermont mountains get pretty cold but it's still fun outdoor riding on mtb and gravel. These shoes keep my feet warm and dry. Ridden in as low as -4F with thick wool socks and had no problem. Get a half size larger than normal for thicker sock rides.