Article by Jeff Valliere
Shimano MW7 (SH-MW702) Winter Mountain Biking Shoe($300)
Introduction: The MW7 is built to defy the worst weather Winter can dish out, featuring a Gore Tex liner, high top built in gaiter/lace shield, BOA Fit System dial, warm fleece lining, 360 reflectivity and an Ultread XC rubber outsole.
They are exceptionally warm, wind/waterproof and easy to adjust. Many years ago when I first started cycling, it was a real process to keep my feet warm and dry, relying on toe covers or neoprene booties. The toe covers were insufficient at best and always seemed to get torn up. Neoprene booties were warm and provided traction to an otherwise slick bottomed, tractionless shoe, but the booties were not entirely waterproof and were a pain to put on and take off.
I eventually just took up trail running in the winter, but getting two nice new modern bikes last summer has rekindled my love for cycling and has lured me back into Winter riding again. Even on warm-ish winter days, a ride can quickly turn into a cold toed slog once the sun sets, the wind shifts or the sun hides behind the clouds.
I quickly discovered that my Shimano XC-7s (RTR review) are so well ventilated (perfect for summer), that my toes turn into blocks of ice when temps get even close to freezing. I knew then that I had to get with the winter riding program and find an appropriate shoe.
I have really become partial to Shimano cycling shoes after reviewing both the XC-7 and the RX801 (RTR review) last year and being BOA equipped is an absolute MUST. The MW7 checks off all of my boxes and then some.
Pros: Warmth, comfort, generous/accommodating fit, wind/water resistance, stiff/efficient, secure upper with BOA Fit System, quality, durability, traction
Cons: None, but a dual BOA would be a nice touch, or at least a Li2 dial
Available in Black
US Men’s Size 10(EU 44): 15.6 oz / 442g
Sizes M 5-14 (EU 38-50)
Also available in Wide version
Upper: The upper features a full Gore Tex wrap, including the liner to keep out moisture and wind, as well as to cover up the BOA dial and lacing.
The wrap secures with velcro and extends up over the ankle with a full neoprene wrap to keep out the elements, while being very flexible for unhindered movement through the pedal stroke.
The BOA Fit System features a L6 dial to provide quick and easy micro adjustments on the fly although you need to peel back the waterproof layer to access which is difficult and not likely while wearing gloves).
The BOA does a great job securing my foot in the shoe, although I have found that if I really crank it down, I do notice some pressure points on the top of my foot and need to relieve the tension a little bit. This is not a problem, but more of just a learning curve as to how to most appropriately tension.
Fit is true to size in my typical EU 44/US10, though there is plenty of extra room to accommodate a thicker, warmer sock with enough breathing room for some air to circulate.
The upper is insulated to help with the cold and the insole is fleece lined to further protect. I have become somewhat of a fair weather rider, but have ridden in temps down into the 20’s and my feet were quite warm.
The base of the shoe beneath the footbed is also waterproof and has a bathtub like design. Unlike most non waterproof shoes that have an access to the cleat plate, the forefoot is completely sealed, so if you strip the threads, you are in trouble. To replace, you would have to perform invasive surgery, compromising waterproofing.
The insole is fleece lined.
The flap does a great job protecting the BOA Fit System (dial and laces) from the elements, but prevents quick adjustments on the fly, as you will need to peel back the velcro to access the dial and then carefully reposition the flap to line up the velcro. This can be done while riding if you remove your gloves, but it takes a little extra focus, so I find it just easier to pull over.
The toe bumper is rubbery and very bombproof. Not sure what one might kick while cycling, but maybe just for overall durability for the occasional hike a bike and for additional waterproofing.
Outsole:
The Ultread outsole is an advantage, as I have been using the Shimano MW7 for gravel riding and mountain biking and is very well suited for rough hike a bike.It has a sticky rubber covering the entire bottom of the shoe (aside from the SPD cleat of course) with deep, sharp lugs that have some flex/give so as to conform to the terrain and thus grip optimally, either on rock or in loose terrain. Durability thus far is proving to be very good with very little wear, as I have experienced on the XC-7 with the same outsole.
The outsole is also threaded for front traction cleats (not included).
The stiffness of the MW7 is a 7 on the Shimano scale that goes up to 11, so pretty middle of the road, allowing for a great blend of walkability, yet itis stiff enough to provide good pedaling efficiency.
Performance/Conclusions/Recommendations:
The MW7 is in my opinion the perfect choice for moderately cold and inclement winter rides, as low as the teens-20’s and is even comfortable up into the 50’s.
They are very warm, waterproof and comfortable, providing a more generous fit than most cycling shoes to allow for a thicker winter sock, and on top of that with a fleece lining and insulation to make them feel extra warm and cozy.
The Gore-Tex wrap does a great job keeping out wind and moisture, further adding to the overall warmth and protection.
The BOA Fit System provides very secure micro adjustments and is easy to operate, providing even tension and is comfortable.
The built in neoprene gaiter is a nice touch to keep out drafts and debris, while not interfering with pedaling motion (though it is not waterproof). While certainly not a lightweight race shoe and somewhat bulky, they are a reasonable weight for all of the protection that they offer.
They feel stiff and efficient, yet are comfortable to walk in with just enough flex.
The outsole offers substantial tread and traction for any time you may need to hike a bike, or just a mid ride stop for food or a bathroom break.
Overall quality and durability are top notch. I would highly recommend the MW7 for anyone riding gravel, mountain biking or even fat biking in the winter. If I were still riding on the road, I also would not hesitate to use them for winter training as well.
See our other RoadTrailRide reviews HERE
Jeff Valliere has been around bikes his entire life, as a toddler following his dad to bike races and bike shops, BMX racing as a kid, working in bike shops as a mechanic for 14+ years (10 at U-Bikes in Boulder where he met John) and racing as a professional road cyclist for several years. Jeff no longer races, but still loves to ride as he introduces his daughters to the joys of cycling. In addition to being obsessed with cycling, he runs mountains daily and has been reviewing running shoes/gear/tech for RoadTrailRun since 2015 and for other publications/companies since 2005'
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