The new Northwave Celsius XT Arctic GTX is a dedicated high-performance winter cycling shoe built for riders who don’t retreat indoors when the days shorten and the weather closes in.
With no compromise on style – because why shouldn’t winter kit look great? – the Celsius XT Arctic GTX features windproof and waterproof construction, and is aimed at gravel riders and mountain bikers who ride year-round in the harshest conditions.
Based in Montebelluna, Italy, a stone’s throw from the Dolomites, Northwave has a rich history in shoe manufacturing dating back to 1971.
The brand was a pioneer in the early days of snowboarding boots in the 90s and soon after expanded into cycling shoes, building a reputation for quality and innovation with products – such as proper winter shoes – that diverge from the mainstream.
Here are five reasons the Celsius XT Arctic GTX deserves a place in your winter-cycling wardrobe.
1. No more overshoes
The Celsius XT Arctic GTX does away with the need for everybody’s least favourite cycling accessory: the overshoe.
It features a neoprene gaiter that wraps around the ankle and lower leg to form a snug, weather-proof seal.
Overshoes are notoriously fragile off-road, but there’s no issue with a proper pair of winter shoes, because you’re not walking on the protective fabric or scuffing it against your cranks.
Despite the all-enveloping design, the low-cut shape of the shoe part of Celsius XT Arctic GTX enables maximum freedom of movement, while a water-resistant zip makes getting the shoes on and off painless.
2. Clever materials keep you warm and dry
Two decades ago, Northwave was the first brand in the world to incorporate Gore-Tex into a cycling shoe.
Fast forward to 2025 and the Celsius XT Arctic GTX combines the latest PFAS-free Cirrus XT 4L insulated membrane with Primaloft Gold 200g eco insulation for a cosy, breathable construction that’s suitable for the coldest, wettest weather.
The Arctic 4Layer insole sandwiches EVA foam with aluminium and pile insulation to further cosset your feet.
3. Comfy on and off the bike
Northwave’s Jaws Evo sole strikes a perfect balance between pedalling efficiency and walkability.
It offers comfortable arch support, while a toe-flex system creates a more natural feel off the bike, aiding grip on uneven ground. This is enhanced further by chunky lugs on the outsole.
The X-Dial SLW3 closure is micro-adjustable to fine-tune comfort, and it releases quickly when needed with a single lifting action.
4. Built for all roads and none
XT stands for ‘Cross Terrain’ and the Celsius XT Arctic GTX shoe will keep you warm and dry on every terrain, whether you’re on trails or tarmac, and whether you’re riding road, gravel or MTB.
The two-bolt cleat attachment offers 37mm of fore-aft adjustment, and there’s the option to mount toe spikes if jumping barriers and running through mud is your thing.
5. Sizes and colours for all
The Celsius XT Arctic GTX comes in a vast range of sizes, from EU 36 to 48, with half sizes from 39.5 to 45.5.
There are three colour options to coordinate with pretty much any outfit: light grey, black and yellow fluoro. The Celsius XT Arctic GTX retails at £239.99 / $309.99 / €269.99.
