Bikeradar - The world is for riding

Northwave's trail boot is a non-winter boot with a full Gore Tex waterproof lining, which makes it stand out as ideal for UK trails right away.

It's made on a classic long and narrow Italian shape, which will immediately rule it out for some. All our testers felt these boots didn't fit as well as other shoes, with both initial stiffness and subsequent lack of stability and 'baggyness'. Heaving the laces and top strap up tight also caused distinct pressure points too, so make sure you try them first to see if they work for you before you buy. Soft sides means there's not much in the way of impact protection either, but it's still fairly heavy.

However, the Gore Tex waterproofing is a real bonus in the wet, even if it's not particularly warm in itself - obviously that coolness will be a bonus come sunnier days. The chunky sole grips okay too, with the big open cleat area clearing quickly in the clartiest mud. Unfortunately, flex in the sole means you get a slight pressure point in the cleat area - whether you're riding or walking - which niggled with several of the testers who tried them.

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