Undo the long waterproof zip up the front of the 0 Degrees’ neoprene upper and you reveal a largely conventional lace-up leather boot. It’s a unique construction that’s essentially a normal cycling shoe with a neoprene overshoe built in.
The result is notably less restrictive than a regular boot, and while firmly in the mid-range for weight it feels lighter on your foot, while still maintaining plenty of warmth. The neoprene section is fleecy on the inside in the manner of a good pair of winter tights – these are warm as it is, but if you need more heat there’s room to tuck a chemical heat pack under the neoprene for extra cosy toes.
There’s plenty of room to wiggle them too, plus space for thick socks, and the prominent reflective piping is useful.
The laces inside use a speed-lacing toggle so there’s no fumbling around tying knots – great news, and it’s hard to beat good old laces for adjustability anyway. You don’t get any adjustment around the top of the ankle cuff however, and it’s a little baggy around thin legs, providing an easy way in for deeper puddles.
This article was originally published in What Mountain Bike magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.