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.
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.
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.
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.
I wanted something for gravel biking in cold fall weather (prior to December snows) and early spring before all the sand they put on our icy roads is gone. These shoes are warm, have a wide toe box that I need and comfortable.
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.
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.
I use these under 40F, and have gone down to 20F. Roomy enough for heavier wool sox and toe warmers. The sinch laces easily adjusts fit from lighter to heavier sox. Velcro closures complete the fit system and seal off your feet.
I've had two sets of these boots. First pair was stolen at the end of last winter so I replaced again this fall. For Pacific Northwest riding, these boots will keep you covered pretty well through most of the winter. I get cold feet really easily, so these come out whenever the temps are below 50. Below 40 I go two pairs of socks. I really don't have any complaints about these boots.
Absolutely love this pair of shoes. The fit was excellent, snapped in and out fantastically, and really kept my feet warm on the cold days. I dont mind my feet being a little warm so I wore them into the spring. I would recommend these to anyone.
These boots are not as insulated as some winter boots, but I purchased a size or two larger to accommodate thicker socks. Nice for commuting due to the ease of putting on and taking off. Not totally waterproof but I have ridden through some pretty wet conditions and feet stayed relatively dry.
Bought these shoes primarily for winter commuting. I commute year round and the main challenge for me in the winter is warmth of extremities. These shoes have solved that on all but the extremest of cold days, and even on negative Fahrenheit days, paired with the right socks they can get me through my half hour commute (though probably not much further). Water resistance is also appreciated, especially on those days hovering right around freezing with precipitation. Probably the best bike-related purchase I've made this year.
So, after years of riding with cold wet feet I decided to give the Shimano MW501 a try. The first ride out the temperature was at 22 degrees and wet. With a wool pair of socks these shoes rocked. My feet were warm and dry, which is a first while riding for a long time. I used to put the bike up for the winter but not anymore.
Pros:
Waterproof, a thin layer of flannel type of material, with wool socks they will keep ur feet warm, grippy, sturdy, made to last
Cons:
Price (but you get what you pay for) and they run a size big (I wear a 13 so I ordered my typical 48, had to return them for a 47).
Bottom line. GET THEM if you are tired of cold wet feet.
I love this shoe! It's warm on the trails and is also great for a commuter trip to the grocery store that might include icy walkways. The deep lug soles provide plenty of traction on combination snow, ice, mud & rock trails. It is a good fit for my D width foot and provides solid support with good power transfer to the pedals. So much easier than an over-boot or plastic bag inside my warm season shoes.
I have used them for fat biking in the snow. I plan to use them during the wet spring mountain bike rides. I think they will keep me dry for the most part. I'm hoping they will repel water through the peddling river crossings.
