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review

Gaerne G.Winter Road Gore-Tex shoes

8
£189.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Satisfyingly good foul weather protection but slightly restrictive pedalling
Weight: 
882g
Contact: 

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These Gaerne G.Winter Road Gore-Tex road shoes offer the sort of protection you need if you're determined enough- or should that be mad enough? - to keep cycling through really bad weather.

As the name implies, there's a Gore-Tex membrane inside the shoe. This delivers impressive rain and road spray protection, and feet stayed dry even in prolonged downpours, or riding through flooded roads. I didn't find myself in any conditions when the G.Winters couldn't cope with the rain and water.

Of course, all shoes, even the best sealed, will eventually be overcome. But I only noticed water getting in from the top of the shoes on one ride, and that involved flooded roads that gave my wheel hubs cause for concern. It was also four hours into the ride and I know that overshoes would have waved the white flag a lot sooner. The best overshoes simply can't match this level of protection.

A Speed Lace System uses the sort of cord design you get with some outdoor hiking shoes, and is very effective at providing a nice tight fit, without being restrictive. It's easy to adjust the tension just right, and very quick to use as well. Over the top of the shoes is a large flap that stays in place with Velcro, the top part wrapping around the neoprene ankle.

The sole is made from carbon- and glass fibre-reinforced nylon with three cleat hole drillings. It's not as stiff as a full carbon fibre sole but with little flex apparent when pedalling hard, making the G.Winters ideal for those that like to stomp hard on the pedals. Rubber non-slip inserts at the toe and heel aid walking off the bike.

In order to provide adequate protection and keep the rain out, the Gaerne G.Winter Road Gore-Tex road shoes, as do most similar winter cycling shoes, have a high-top design that sees the top of the boot sitting well above the ankle bone. I found this proved restrictive when pedalling, as they essentially lock out the ankle, reducing the amount of ankling that can occur during normal pedalling. It's something I manage to get around by keeping the shoes loose on the foot, and I did get used to them after a good handful of rides.

Aside from my issues of restrictive pedalling, the G.Winters are comfortable. They're good in the rain, thanks to that Gore-Tex lining and the fully covered front.

Not only are they good in the wet, they're ideal when it's cold as well, and provide far better insulation than regular shoes and overshoes. There are obviously no air vents; they're fully sealed and impermeable to the elements. I wore a regular pair of winter socks and my feet have not been cold once, compared to my regular shoe/overshoe setup when I can count down in minutes to the moment my feet start to go numb.

For riding everyday in all weathers and temperatures, whether training or commuting, dedicated winter cycling shoes hold many advantages. They're a lot easier and quicker to get on compared to the wresting required with overshoes, and after a ride they just need a hose down and drying out on the radiator.

Most importantly though, they provide superior wet and cold weather protection and if, like me, you suffer from poor circulation, the high price tag commanded of these shoes will be easily justified by the rain protection and cold temperature insulation.

The Gaerne G.Winter Road Gore-Tex road shoes offer satisfying foul weather protection, adequately keeping the water and cold out, enough to put a smile on your face when cycling in horrid conditions. If that saves you from another turbo session, it's £190 well spent.

Verdict

Satisfyingly good foul weather protection but slightly restrictive pedalling

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Gaerne G.Winter Road Gore-Tex road shoes

Size tested: 46 - Black

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

GAERNE EPS CARBON HYBRID SOLE is made of nylon reinforced with carbon fibers to grant superior rigidity. The ultra-thin thickness decreases the distance between the foot and pedal, allowing for optimal power output. Non-slip rubber inserts in the front and rear of the sole provide stability off the bike. Compatible with most available quick-release pedals.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Upper material: microfibre, neoprene, gore-tex membrane

Sole: carbon reinforced race sole

Closure: speed lace system & velcro

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Really good extreme weather protection...

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

...but the restricted pedalling spoiled it a little for me.

Did you enjoy using the product? Only in the most horrid weather.

Would you consider buying the product? Probably not.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Maybe.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

A really impressive dedicated winter shoe with astounding rain protection.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180  Weight: 67

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,

 

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

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14 comments

Avatar
Freddy56 | 9 years ago
0 likes

Next winter! I suffer with cold feet, wonder has anyone who suffers frozen toes tried these AND overshoes?

Avatar
Jack Osbourne snr replied to Freddy56 | 9 years ago
0 likes

Just taken my G. Winter boots off after 10 hours of riding and sitting in a classroom on a ride leader course and they've been brilliant. Started the day at 3 degrees and finished at 8 degrees... With a bit of sitting inside at 20+.... No cold toes and no sweaty, damp feet either. Last night, the ride home was biblically wet... They coped with that perfectly too. £105 well spent methinks.

I've used other Gaerne boots (the G.Artix) with overshoes in -5 and below... My feet were roasting!

The overshoes need to be at least two shoes sizes up from what you would wear over normal shoes or if like me, you have BBB Hardware overshoes, one size up on normal shoes as they are made very large.

My old Artix boots had done about 10,000 miles and all the insulation had flattened out and become fairly cold. It's a faff, but it does work.

Avatar
Jack Osbourne snr | 9 years ago
0 likes

Having ordered a pair of the mtb sole version of these on Sunday, I'm very relieved to see a four star review!!!

Mine arrived at the office today and were put into use for the ride home. First impression was good, although I think I should perhaps have sized up (this is from a long standing Gaerne user), but they may relax a bit after some use. I already go one euro size higher than normal shoes with the Gaerne shoes I already own.

By the way... Mine cost £105 from bike-discount.de

Avatar
Beefy | 9 years ago
0 likes

Had the northwave 2 winters now still performing well, got size bigger for woolly sox. They rock! Good price from merlin but I would advise trying on as sizes are small, I visited there shop in lancashire.

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mrchrispy | 9 years ago
0 likes

Merlin are doing the northwave boot for just shy of 130 at the moment. freaking ace boot and if mine weren't lasting so long I'd get another pair, happily after 3 years they are still going strong.

Avatar
crikey | 9 years ago
0 likes
Quote:

As the hail stung my face as I rode into a brutal head wind this weekend it felt like I might be wearing my winter boots for a while yet.

I'm starting to feel sorry for you now....

No, all joking aside, buying this kind of stuff when it's getting 'out of season' is a good idea, and I suppose the review isn't as out of place as I was thinking.

I'm glad I don't live up there; that's where my sister lives!

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jacknorell | 9 years ago
0 likes

Didn't end up using my winter shoes more than a few dozen times this winter as lucky with the temps... worth every penny however.

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Sniffer | 9 years ago
0 likes

I thought you would like it, that is why I included my heritage rather than just saying I was careful.

Of course winter lasts longer up here. As the hail stung my face as I rode into a brutal head wind this weekend it felt like I might be wearing my winter boots for a while yet.

Avatar
crikey | 9 years ago
0 likes
Quote:

Just a careful Scot

Well knock me down with a feather!  21

Avatar
Sniffer | 9 years ago
0 likes

Not big on Christmas. Just a careful Scot.

Don't tell me you don't look at Sales. They are just the clearance of last seasons merchandise.

The thing about winter is that it does come around every year.

Avatar
crikey | 9 years ago
0 likes

Hmmm.
I bet you buy remaindered Christmas cards and wrapping paper now as well?

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stuartanderson | 9 years ago
0 likes

Look a lot like Northwave's?!!!

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crikey | 9 years ago
0 likes

Nicely timed review, er, not.

I appreciate that you can only review things when you get them, but a winter shoe at the end of the winter?

Avatar
Sniffer replied to crikey | 9 years ago
0 likes
crikey wrote:

Nicely timed review, er, not.

I appreciate that you can only review things when you get them, but a winter shoe at the end of the winter?

I found it to be the perfect time to buy. Bought my Northwave's at significant discount a few years ago at this time of year.

I am a huge fan of proper winter footwear rather than covers on summer shoes. They are a much better solution

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