FIVE TEN TRAILCROSS GTX SHOE, £150
Wet feet and winter riding go together like politicians and sleaze – instantly shocking, fading to a nasty feeling of acceptance and discomfort. Five Ten has the answer all flat pedal shoe wearers are going to want, a completely waterproof version of the excellent Trailcross boot, meaning you can ride all day in foul conditions with beautifully dry toes. Perhaps they can work on the politicians next.
The Trailcross GTX uses the same Stealth Phantom rubber the regular Trailcross XT uses, so you don’t have to suffer inferior levels of grip just because you want dry feet. Keeping out the wet is a Gore-tex membrane that’s waterproof and breathable, and it’s backed up by a high textile upper with neoprene collar to bridge the gap between pant and boot.
For years we’ve been cramming bulky waterproof socks into our regular shoes, and for the most part they do the trick. You do come home with weighty, waterlogged and, later, stinking footwear though. Not any more. adidas.co.uk