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 give the impression of being so much like Shimano’s premium MW702 shoe, the function set is sort of similar regardless of the execution being extra economical. Shimano, it appears, has chosen to chop the non-essentials reasonably than corners.
Frankly, one of the simplest ways to maintain your toes heat and dry throughout winter is to hop on a price range airline and fly someplace hotter. Andalusia or the Balearics obtain my vote for escaping the nippiness, damp British local weather, however sadly, this resolution isn’t inexpensive or lifelike, and it’s actually not sustainable.
Taping up the perforations in your summer time sneakers to lower airflow and improve climate resistance is the worst resolution by far. Belief me, I’ve been there, it’s fully ineffective for something apart from transient mid-season rides. Nonetheless, gaiters and overshoes have their place – extra on this later.
The one viable repair for frozen toes is to chew the bullet and purchase some correct winter biking sneakers or booties, like these MW502s. Nonetheless, winter sneakers are notoriously costly – usually greater than the aforementioned airfare to the solar – however thankfully, at £149.99/$225, these are a bit of extra pocket-friendly.
Building
I discovered the velocity lace system greater than adequate. There is not any Boa closure, however frankly, you do not want one.
(Picture credit score: Future/Simon Fellows)
The MW502’s most evident options are the big wrap-over flap, which weatherproofs the tongue and laces, and the quick, 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 constructed from delicate, 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 ranking 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 bolstered heel suggests sturdiness, whereas the reflective strips ought to assist different highway customers see you on darkish winter evenings.
(Picture credit score: Future/Simon Fellows)
The MW502 lacks the MW702’s L6 Boa dial closure, substituting velocity lacing as a substitute. In principle, 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 superb, all of the stitching is neat and the bolstered rand that expands across the toe cap and heel cup suggests sturdiness. The aesthetic may be very minimal, and really darkish however not less than Shimano has thoughtfully added some reflective detailing on the heel and on the entrance fringe of the weatherproof flap.
The Experience
The midsole is comparatively versatile, whereas the outsole compound is delicate and reassuringly grippy.
(Picture credit score: Future/Simon Fellows)
Let’s get cleat compatibility out of the best way first. In case you insist on solely driving three-bolt methods, akin to Shimano’s SPD-SL or Look’s KEO, then these sneakers clearly aren’t for you. Nonetheless, whereas I experience KEO’s on the highway within the hotter months, I exploit SPDs throughout winter for 2 causes. First, aggressive soles with recessed cleats supply higher traction off the bike on slippery winter tarmac, and second, you may decide up seemingly bullet-proof Shimano M520 SPD pedals for beneath £30/$50. As a bicycle owner for whom athletic efficiency is not essential, I’d a lot reasonably be driving moist, gritty roads with these than an costly pair of highway pedals.
Equally, the stiffness ranking isn’t a biggie for me. Positive, it is simple to flex and twist the MW502’s sole, however I additionally admire that this slight flexibility makes the sneakers grippier off the bike and fewer liable to induce heel elevate. In principle, not less than, the potential to carry motion to your toes and toes ought to allow these extremities to stay hotter too.
Pulling some winter sneakers on with chilly arms on could be a problem, however as soon as the wrap-around flap is opened and the velocity lacing relaxed, my toes slip into the MW502s with ease. Match seems to be to dimension however the width is sort of cosy, which isn’t surprising as these sneakers have inherited the Dynalast final from the MW702s, a shoe identified for being slim. Nonetheless, the MW502, like its costlier sibling, is out there in wider width choices throughout all sizes from 38 to 48.
The fleece lining is on the skinny facet, however however, these boots stored my toes heat right down to 4° C.
(Picture credit score: Future/Simon Fellows)
The fleece lining inside the shoe and protecting the insole is pretty minimal nevertheless it does really feel suitably luxurious and, fortunately, doesn’t intervene with the already shut match. Tugging on the velocity lace tab snugs the shoe up evenly, prepared for the wrap-over flap to be secured through an extended strip of Velcro that runs alongside the facet. 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 delicate and comparatively quick, so it doesn’t hamper my pedalling motion. Moreover, each the cuff and wrap-over flap do a wonderful job of retaining 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 retaining my toes dry and sweat free.
(Picture credit score: Future/Simon Fellows)
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 together 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 light-weight 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. Luckily, further gaiters from manufacturers akin to Velotoze, Aquaseal, Gribgrap and Spatz will probably repair this. Nonetheless, for these of us driving in additional usually benign climate, the MW502s are a terrific selection on their very own.
Worth and conclusions
The Shimano MW502 is unlikely to be a dream shoe. Reasonably, it is an unsung price range 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 might be fairly an funding, however I imagine 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-Suitable
- Dryshield membrane with fleece liner
- Pace Lace Closure
- Rubber gravel sample outsole for elevated traction
- Customary Sizes: 38 – 48
- Huge Width Sizes: 38 – 48
- Weight: 391g (Measurement 48)
- Worth: £149.99