45Nrth Wolfgar
 

45nrth Preps for Sub Zero Temps with New Wølfgar Extreme Winter Cycling Boot

New clipless boot for colder temperatures (ie: normal prairie winter temp). Nice to see aerogel insulation integrated into the boot and wrapped over the toe area.

I still have to wonder if it would be enough for my feet without electric heaters. I don't have the budget to find out this year.

Doubtful that anyone has even gotten to actually test these to their limits so far this winter, but I'm certainly interested to hear people's thoughts on these if they've actually used them.

I question the temperature ratings. For example, the full boot (but lightest insulated) Japanther is rated down to -3C, I wore my summer cycling shoes with long wool socks inside down to -5C or so this past November/December (I must admit that I was a bit surprised as to how comfortable I was without booties). If I were to purchase the Japanther, I'd likely purchase them large enough to comfortably wear wool socks in them and I'd probably be fine down to about -15C or maybe colder.

Different people have such different levels of comfort, it's got to be rather difficult to be able to post a temp range that's true for everyone. Even if you don't have something crazy like Renaud's disease, it varies - a lot.

I was riding at 18F (-8c) recently, wearing uninsulated Chrome Kurk's (and not even the waterproof ones) with thick wool socks (don't remember the brand, the thickness was 3/5 on their scale) and was very warm. Surprisingly warm. I had worn them thinking "I bet my feet will be cold and I'll need to go out and buy more insulated shoes". Instead they were toasty warm.

I think that what would work for one person at -3C would be freezing cold for another person, and very almost overly warm for someone else. So it's hard to give an accurate range.

I've been riding the Fasterkat boots (rated down to 25F). Very, very comfortable, warm and excellent riding. An hour of riding at 25F and my feet have been actually warm. I would have no concerns about doing 3 hours with them. I bought them nice and big; the secret to keeping any shoe warm, but the shoe is so well thought out for cycling that the surplus room inside isn't an issue. I never felt like I was sliding around. Another plus: my feet don't sweat in them at all, either while riding in temps up to the high 40s or indoors. Socks stay clean!

Oh, I am a skinny guy, 155 pounds with very long arms and legs and I have near frostbitten my feet many times growing up in skating country. Very cold feet are a fact of life for me. Finishing rides with warm feet is a new concept!

I give those boots a 10. I'm guessing their colder varieties are also pretty darn good. (Actually, a nine, only because I really wish they looked like my all-time favorite hiking boot, the smooth leather Vasques, back when they were made in Italy which were for me, just as comfortable and I really liked their looks.)

Ben