I live in Michigan, USA, and it gets plenty cold here with 2+ months of snow on the ground. I'm a lightweight when it comes to the cold; I get cold easily in fingers and toes. These boots, however, are phenomenal. They are light enough to use 4 months of the year, and warm enough to use in the deep of winter. However, size up 1 size and wear a big wool sock. They breath enough, they are stout and solid enough to cycle in with cleats, and the extra air pocket will keep your toes warm enough to ride outdoors in 0 degree (F), for at least 2 hours. After 2 hours my big toes are getting cold, but I could squeeze out another hour if needed. They cinch down nicely and I have to say I'm just really impressed that this ""minimal"" boot works so well in the deep cold. I stare at my friends on the 45Nrth montster boots and wonder - why carry 4 pounds on your feet when we usually only ride for 2 hours in winter and my boots weigh 3 pounds less! :-)

I live/ride my MTB in Northern California where I am blessed with a long riding season, but there are 3-4 months of the year where days can get chilly—morning and evening especially. I have two pairs of regulars, both well-vented Italian beauties that treat my feet well when the weather is warm. But when temps drop even into the low 60's high 50's—which isn't too cold but cold enough to make your blood vessels constrict, especially at the extremities like ears, hands, and toes—when it's cold at all my toes would get numb. No amount of body heat would help. Temps below 50 were bad. I couldn't find a shoe cover that seemed worth investing in (and they were sold out anyway) so I found the defroster and nabbed a pair. My foot is somewhere between an 11.75 and 12. I could only find a 46, so they are a tad big (room for winter socks, but I haven't needed them). I love them—my feet/toes are toasty, but not overheating. The insole feels comfortable; the boa and fold-over panels seem weather-proof and make for a nice comfy and tight fit (even with them being slightly large, boa and Velcro make them snug). My foot feels like it's in a great position for both climbing and bombing—I feel super comfortable with them. Stiff solid power transfer. It's like a high top, and that ankle wrap effect feels super foreign to me, but I rarely notice it any more. I pair them with Time Speciale 8 pedals and they pop in just fine, but are harder to exit than my low tops. Maybe because these have bigger lugs? Idk. Walking in them is solid too—string traction and comfortable, but with that ankle-strap feel. I highly recommend these and hope they hold up for a few years of winter fun.

Fed up of wet then cold feet, started looking around for winter shoes for Mtb. Sizing exactly same size as other specialised shoes. Roomy fit as per description that allow pair of walking socks to be used.Using in deep off road mud and puddles splashing over the top. Hose down after every ride at same time as doing bike. After all this just left with warm and dry feet. Brilliant. Can you stand in a river with them? No, but not designed for this as waterproof to level of laces. Waterproof to a hosepipe on pressure setting ... yes. Don't normally write reviews but these are great

fully waterproof and mind blowing warmth

Standing in the snow the boot leaks. Water comes in where boot and sole are attached

So far I have been riding in temperature ranges from 11 degrees (F) to 50 degreed (F), and my feet have been very happy. To compare I have been using the RIME 1.0 and there is a definite difference. Whether MTN, Road and gravel it has been performing quite well. The disclaimer is if the shoes is not readily available and you are basing it on your previous Specialized purchases, then... buyer beware, and size appropriately. I normally fit a eur43.5 for this brand, but this shoe has some ""extra"" space that my feet can wiggly around. The top of the shoe is firm enough to communicate control and power, but then again this is my first winter boot.

If your looking for shoes to keep you warm through the winter, these aren't it. I rode 5 miles to work, temp being 17 degrees outside. Needless to say my toes were frozen within the 22 minute ride to work.

I bought these boots as a last minute option for the vermont gravel edition weather. Rain, Sleet, hail, freezing temps I am not used to riding in being a florida girl. I know - dont do new on race day. Well I chanced it and was so happy i did. The reflective components of the boots was really cool but luckily i didnt need to check that out. The comfort was really well done. I was able to use socks + neoprene socks inside and no issues. They were extremely comfortable to use while riding and have to get off and hike a bike in sections. Very happy with this purchase and how they kept my feet warm and dry and did not hurt my feet but kept them very happy.

I have used these shoes in varying conditions. Below 30d with lower wind chill factors. Cold wet muddy rides in the 30's. even rides in light rain and had dry feet. I have used these on day the temps start in the mid 30's and warm up to the high 40's and my feet don't get to warm, Most of these rides have 3-4 hours in duration. I am eager to see how they feel in 5-6 hour ride range. My feet stay warm and dry. These are very comfortable to wear for long rides. The best part in no more boot covers of any sort.

Ok, these shoes are pretty good. Let me say this upfront, I'm actually reviewing the orange and black version, but I think it's essentially the same shoes. I am coming off the original defrosters, which the new ones are in a different league. Rubber soles are great for walking over frozen roots or ice. They seal up nicely, typically my range is 40 F down to 5 F. Anything below 15-20 if I throw a disposable foot warmer in I'm fine (and I am known to get cold, but not with these). Plenty of volume to put extra socks in, but not quite as form fitting as the original defrosters. Because the originals were more form fitting I could wear them up into the 50s on faster paced rides. Ok the negative, the boa ratchet loosens and you will have to retighten several times during the ride. This was a problem all the way back to the originals. For perspective, my riding includes a mix of technical and flowy singletrack.