The MW502 – aka the MW5 – is Shimano’s second-tier winter shoe, an current mannequin that’s been rebooted for AW24/25 with a raft of upgrades. It’s no coincidence that they appear quite a bit like Shimano’s premium MW702 shoe, the function set is nearly equivalent regardless of the execution being extra economical. Shimano, it appears, has chosen to chop the non-essentials moderately than corners.
Frankly, the easiest way to maintain your toes heat and dry throughout winter is to hop on a funds airline and fly someplace hotter. Andalusia or the Balearics obtain my vote for escaping the nippiness, damp British local weather, however sadly, this answer is never reasonably priced or practical, and it’s definitely not sustainable.
Taping up the perforations in your summer time sneakers to lower airflow and enhance climate resistance is the worst answer by far. Belief me, I’ve been there, it’s utterly ineffective for something aside from temporary mid-season rides. Nonetheless, gaiters and overshoes have their place – extra on this later.
The one viable repair for frozen toes is to chunk the bullet and purchase some correct winter biking sneakers or booties, like these MW502s. Nonetheless, winter sneakers are notoriously costly – typically greater than the aforementioned airfare to the solar – however thankfully, at £149.99/$225, these are slightly extra pocket-friendly.
Development
I discovered the pace lace system greater than enough. There isn’t any Boa closure, however frankly, you do not want one.
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The MW502’s most evident options are the big wrap-over flap, which weatherproofs the tongue and laces, and the brief, versatile neoprene cuff that retains your ankles heat and helps to cease water ingress.
The rugged XC3 outsole is designed to obtain a two-bolt mtb-style cleat – Shimano doesn’t make a three-bolt model of the MW502 or MW702. It’s constituted of smooth, grippy rubber with deep lugs that, regardless of trying business-like, lack the aggressive tread sample of the MW702’s UItread compound model.
The midsole is glass fibre-reinforced nylon, with a stiffness score of 5/12, so it’s barely extra supple than the MW702, which is rated 7/12.
Waterproofness and breathability come courtesy of a Dryshield membrane, a step down from the Gore-Tex liner discovered within the MW702, whereas the fleecy lining and insole promise heat.
The strengthened heel suggests sturdiness, whereas the reflective strips ought to assist different highway customers see you on darkish winter evenings.
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The MW502 lacks the MW702’s L6 Boa dial closure, substituting pace lacing as a substitute. In concept, the MW502s would be the extra aero of the pair, although that’s hardly a consideration for this type of shoe.
Construct high quality seems to be excellent, all of the stitching is neat and the strengthened rand that expands across the toe cap and heel cup suggests sturdiness. The aesthetic could be very minimal, and really darkish however at the very least Shimano has thoughtfully added some reflective detailing on the heel and on the entrance fringe of the weatherproof flap.
The Trip
The midsole is comparatively versatile, whereas the outsole compound is smooth and reassuringly grippy.
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Let’s get cleat compatibility out of the way in which first. If you happen to insist on solely using three-bolt methods, comparable to Shimano’s SPD-SL or Look’s KEO, then these sneakers clearly aren’t for you. Nonetheless, whereas I trip KEO’s on the highway within the hotter months, I take advantage of SPDs throughout winter for 2 causes. First, aggressive soles with recessed cleats provide higher traction off the bike on slippery winter tarmac, and second, you may decide up seemingly bullet-proof Shimano M520 SPD pedals for underneath £30/$50. As a bicycle owner for whom athletic efficiency is not crucial, I’d a lot moderately be using moist, gritty roads with these than an costly pair of highway pedals.
Equally, the stiffness score isn’t a biggie for me. Certain, it is simple to flex and twist the MW502’s sole, however I additionally recognize that this slight flexibility makes the sneakers grippier off the bike and fewer liable to induce heel elevate. In concept, at the very least, the potential to convey motion to your toes and toes ought to allow these extremities to stay hotter too.
Pulling some winter sneakers on with chilly palms on generally is a problem, however as soon as the wrap-around flap is opened and the pace lacing relaxed, my toes slip into the MW502s with ease. Match seems to be to measurement however the width is kind of cosy, which is no surprise as these sneakers have inherited the Dynalast final from the MW702s, a shoe identified for being slender. Nonetheless, the MW502, like its costlier sibling, is offered in wider width choices throughout all sizes from 38 to 48.
The fleece lining is on the skinny aspect, however however, these boots saved my toes heat right down to 4° C.
(Picture credit score: Future/Simon Fellows)
The fleece lining inside the shoe and masking the insole is pretty minimal however it does really feel suitably luxurious and, fortunately, doesn’t intervene with the already shut match. Tugging on the pace lace tab snugs the shoe up evenly, prepared for the wrap-over flap to be secured by way of an extended strip of Velcro that runs alongside the aspect. Usefully, there is a small Velcro ‘lace storage’ to maintain any extra lace in place to cease it interfering with the flap closure.
The neoprene cuff is smooth and comparatively brief, so it doesn’t hamper my pedalling motion. Moreover, each the cuff and wrap-over flap do a wonderful job of conserving the chilly wind out, enveloping the foot with satisfying cosiness.
The Dryshield membrane sandwiched between the internal and outer material is a step down from GoreTex however appeared to work nicely at conserving my toes dry and sweat free.
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However, how chilly is chilly? The bottom temperature I’ve ridden in is 4°C, and my toes felt heat sufficient carrying medium-weight socks. Importantly, the Dryshield membrane, which works along with the 2 rows of perforations on the outer, lets my toes breathe, stopping them from getting clammy and chilly.
Whereas the winter within the UK has been principally gentle, it’s additionally been very moist. These sneakers have shrugged off highway spray, splashes from occasional pothole mishaps and lightweight rain with out grievance, and my toes have remained dry.
Do they continue to be waterproof in torrential rain? Let’s get actual. No shoe that depends on a neoprene cuff will stay watertight for lengthy in a heavy downpour, the fabric isn’t sufficiently waterproof and the seal isn’t safe sufficient. Happily, further gaiters from manufacturers comparable to Velotoze, Aquaseal, Gribgrap and Spatz will probably repair this. Nonetheless, for these of us using in additional sometimes benign climate, the MW502s are an important alternative on their very own.
Worth and conclusions
The Shimano MW502 is unlikely to be a dream shoe. Relatively, it is an unsung funds hero of the winter months
(Picture credit score: Future/Simon Fellows)
Biking with chilly toes is an immeasurably vile expertise that’s not going to be cured by taping up the perforations in your summer time sneakers. Sadly, winter biking sneakers will be fairly an funding, however I consider Shimano’s MW502s hit the candy spot when it comes to worth vs efficiency. At £149.99/$225, they provide 95% of the performance of Shimano’s costlier MW703 for lower than 75% of the fee. Store round and they are often picked up for even much less.
Specs
- SPD-Appropriate
- Dryshield membrane with fleece liner
- Velocity Lace Closure
- Rubber gravel sample outsole for elevated traction
- Normal Sizes: 38 – 48
- Large Width Sizes: 38 – 48
- Weight: 391g (Dimension 48)
- Value: £149.99