Mavic Crossmax Elite CM shoes £159

The Elite CMs deliver race-winning performance in a weather-beating format. To put them into context, there are loads of well-sealed, warm winter boots available. But when it comes to the sole stiffness and upper security required for efficient power delivery, the best you could previously hope for was ‘OK’. Most winter boots also come with a weight penalty that makes them feel like wellies. At under 900g (muddy size EU44s with cleats), the Elite CMs don’t feel heavy when pedalling or running with your bike. The upper structure, with its Velcro forefoot straps and soft-grip ‘Ergo Dial’, is the same as that of Mavic’s Crossmax Elite race shoe and delivers a snug, efficiently-stable fit for getting the power down. As for the sole, it’s stiff enough to feel good when sprinting without becoming numbing when mileages rise. A soft-compound ‘Contragrip Premium’ tread gives good wet rock/root grip. The solid, weathershrugging toe and tongue make a massive comfort difference in cold conditions, while the neoprene collar provides splash protection and keeps your ankles warm even when wet. They’re the same price as an equivalent pair of race shoes plus overshoes. Guy www.mavic.com