User submitted reviews
Review by jno62
I have purchased much more expensive boots that didn't perform as well as this one.
I live and commute in Seattle. Our winters aren't REALLY cold, but they are damp and wet. This boot has been awesome.
I bought a larger size so I can put on a thicker winter sock, and it's fantastic. This morning was 34 degrees and damp. I never once thought about my feet.
They have a LOT of velcro, but after putting them on a few times, it becomes very second nature.
Highly recommend this boot, especially at this price!
Review by pierre b
6�-1� 210lbs daily commuter. I wear size 11 usually but sized up 11.5 for doubling up on socks to use these shoes year round. I no longer use use shoe covers thanks to these shoes,� perform so well. Warm down to -10�C on 1 hour early morning commutes and flexible for good pedal control & comfortable motion. Completely waterproof and wind proof. Just make sure no gaps between bib or tights at ankles. Killer shoes all round, great price, great design.
Review by Anonymous
Use them for road and mountain biking now for several years. So far down to 6 degree celsius but would expect that they are also excellent down to lower temperatures. Never cold or wet feet, used them also in heavy rain. The laces are simple but effective - make sure that they don't get caught in the Velcro. Fit is great for my feet, would also work with thicker socks - although I never had to do that. I should have purchased them years earlier. Not cheap but worth the purchase.
Review by HR Cyclist
This year I decided to invest in warm cycling gear to keep me riding beyond the typical season. This is a warm, dry boot that I use on gravel rides and my short work commute. I typically wear booties but they're never quite warm enough. My feet stay dry and warm without fussing with booties.
I like that there is enough volume in the shoe to wear a thick sock or even two socks if it's really cold. However, a thin sock might leave you wanting to add a thicker insole.
This has the bulk of a boot - it's intended for mtn biking. But I don't mind the bulk even on 1-2 hour gravel rides. This is Shimano quality at a reasonable price. I expect them to last a long time.
Review by RUR
I bought some Shimano MW501 shoes and I really like them. I've been using regular MTB shoes and shoe covers for six years and these boots just make the whole getting ready and actually riding really nice :-) If you're used to using your regular MTB shoes and putting shoe covers over them for winter/rainy cold weather riding, you'll like these shoes. They are just a little stiff compared to my regular shoes..but they are boots, so that's expected..but they are comfortable and did I mention..WARM. Plus... the snow and rain and mush won't be pushing up through your cleats into your shoe like when your wearing shoe covers. Summary: you won't regret buying them...and you can still use your MTB shoes and covers to remind yourself occasionally...what it used to be like riding in winter. Oh..and if you can, buy some "Leg Shields" for winter riding too.
Review by Anonymous
Bought these on end-of-season sale and wore them quite a bit before warm weather. The soft cuff is very adaptable to all ankle diameters and cycling characteristics. The cuff closure is also much preferred to a zipper. Didn't test at temperatures significantly colder than freezing, but with a wool sock, they were quite warm and dry in the 30's and 40's.
Review by JasonBason
I bought these winter shoes on sale for about $130. I've worn them on two longer rides with no issues. My feet weren't too cold and the shoes were not constricting with a thicker sock. Initially I was worried that they weren't in the wide but the 45 fits me great. For reference, I wear size 10 in five ten biking shoes and all my other biking shoes are 45.
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 Marco
Well made & warm. Good down to about 30F with my cold extremities. I'm a 10 in everything & the 44 is large enough for thick socks. Sole stiff enough for riding, OK with walking. 360 degree reflective features.
Review by MDBicyclist
I ride in "Maryland cold" weather - down to about 20 degrees F - to work and for fun. Admittedly my feet are typically lumps of ice (says my wife) but these shoes while weather resistant don't have a lot of insulation. My tootsies get numb after about an hour. I'd suggest buying a size up and purchasing a couple pairs of wool socks. That said, they sure beat my summer shoes and I expect them to last many seasons.
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 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 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 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 Anonymous
Fit great w/ heavy socks, very comfortable. But not as warm as I expected they would be.
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 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 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 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.