I can hear the Midwesterners breaking out the Leinenkugel's as we speak. Winter biking experts 45NRTH have made their first foray into softgoods with a pair of winter cycling shoes that will keep your feet warm in even the coldest of weather. Modeled after a mountaineering boot, the Wölvhammer winter cycling shoes feature the same two piece construction with an insulated inner boot surrounded by an outer waterproof gaiter to give you maximum protection from the elements.
The inner boot of the Wölvhammer is stuffed with 200g of Thinsulate insulation in the forefoot and lined with monster fur for extra warmth. A simple lace and cinch lock closure system makes the winter cycling shoes easy to slip on and off. Remember aerogel, the promised insulation of the future from a couple years back? 45NRTH has added aerogel insoles into the base of the Wolhammer to further protect your feet from the cold cleats underneath.
The outer gaiter is made from a fleece lined 1000-denier Cordura fabric with waterproof-breathable Sympatex membrane to block moisture and manage perspiration. For deep snow conditions, you can easily secure knee-high gaiters using the dedicated hook on the toe box. An external velcro ankle closure strap helps you dial in the fit and keep snow out. A natural leather mudguard runs from toe to heel along the side of the Wölvhammer to protect the winter cycling shoes from the inevitable slush and salt that come with biking in places like Minneapolis.
The Vibram rugged sole is naturally ready for any SPD-compatible cleat of your choice and offers plenty of traction over snowy or icy surfaces.
The 45NRTH Wölvhammer winter cycling shoes retail for $325 and are available starting December 1st, just in time for the winter bike commute season. You no longer have an excuse to roll over and go back to sleep on that cold winter morning.