Shimano’s recently updated MW7 (or SH-MW701) shoe is their flagship winter clipless mountain bike shoe. Having been in the SPD pedal game for 30 years this year, you’d think the brand knows a thing or two about the shoes that connect to them, and you’d be right. Shimano shoes are generally excellent, and the MW7 is no exception.

I usually ride in a 42.5-inch SH-XC902, and since the new MW702 only comes in full sizes, I went with the 43 for the extra room. Shimano MW702: Fit and Dial In It’s cool to see that the design from the original and early versions of the shoe is present in the MW-DNA. You can see some similarities to the Shimano MW81 (below), my first introduction to winter cycling shoes, and a piece of kit I’ve used for years. The integrated lace shield keeps the laces mud- and water-free, and the Boa ratcheting system is efficient and effective, creating a tight fit without any pressure points. You can easily adjust fit when riding too. The Boa retention system works well, and is super easy to tighten and loosen, even with cold gloved fingers. It’s also easier to cinch up than the Speedlace system that can be found on the MW5 shoes. The shoe is sealed all the way to the top of the laces, so in theory should stay pretty waterproof. The Neoprene cuff extends pretty far up the ankle, though they’re not not going to withstand hiking through rivers and the like. I did think that the cuff could have been tighter, but then I have quite large feet but skinny legs/ankles, so I am a bit of a weird shape. The Boa closure system snugs the shoes up nicely, and is easier to use than Shimano’s Speedlace system.I finished most of my rides with warm, dry feet. However, after a six-hour photoshoot in persistent hard rain, there was no stopping the water from soaking through. No toe studs? The sole tread could be chunkier for better grip in wet grass, mud and snow, and a pair of toe studs would really help add versatility. Beneath the boot is a rugged tread that has been specially designed by rubber wizards, Michelin. The rugged winter tread is fitted to a weather-proof boot upper featuring high ankle protection and a lace guard to prevent water ingress. No matter what type of bike product your buying, from the simple accessories through to the full setup of your custom built road bike, there are lots of important considerations that you should take into account, especially when you’re shopping online and unable to test the product first. This is especially true when you’re buying products like Shoes – Cycle.

The Torbal mid-sole is said to provide flex in the sole when you want it (moving the bike around on descents), and no flex when you don’t want it (when putting power down). Again I’ll echo what I said before; for a shoe that isn’t a typical XC shoe, they have great power transfer, and they feel excellent on the descents and not restrictive at all. The MW7 shoes very similar in feel and fit to my ME7s, which is what I was hoping for. They’re a great all mountain/enduro style shoe with little compromise in performance, plus all-day comfort. While the MW710 felt like a decent trail-riding shoe, the MW702 has returned to XC-styling, which I feel compromises overall performance. Overall, despite the XC-styling and sole, the shoe is fairly high in bulk and will scuff up cranks more than some. Finance is subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Performance Cycling Limited FRN: 720557 trading as Tredz are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability and is provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Terms & Conditions Apply.I expect these conditions are beyond what any shoes should reasonably be able to withstand (my other waterproof gear soaked through too), so I can’t mark them down, but don’t expect them to keep you dry in every circumstance. That impervious feel when on. Whether riding into a sleety head wind, or stepping into that unavoidable puddle to open a gate, the MW7 boots are an essential bit of winter kit.