Price: $351.99
Sizes: 36-48 (no half sizes)
Fit: Runs small
Color: Black
Closure: Single BOA M4 IP1-S closure
Cleat Compatibility: 2-bolt
How Obtained: Company sample
Availability: Online and retail
RBR advertiser: No
Website: https://garneau.com/us_en/klondike-m4-shoes-1487325
Technical features keep your feet toasty warm
Tomorrow is the vernal (aka spring) equinox marking the beginning of spring, but outside my window, it’s sleeting. There’s still snow on the ground in the north, and the fat bikers are riding. As I wrap up the last few cold-weather riding gear reviews, I would be remised not to include Garneau’s new Klondike M4 winter boot.
Adjustments are easy with the BOA M4 IP-1S closure system with specific left and right-foot closing mechanisms that tighten easily even with winter gloves. The Velcro ankle strap is also glove-friendly and helps provide a snug fit.
These boots kept my feet warm and dry because of the 300-g Thinsulate lining, which was company tested at -20 degrees C/ 4 degrees F. Personally, I tested the boots down to the low 20’s F riding and 11 degrees F shoveling the driveway. The 4-layer inner sole is made from 100% wool, polyethylene, Metal Heat, and EVA foam to also keep your feet warm and comfortable.
The Klondike M4s run small, especially if you want to wear winter socks. I requested a size 45EU from the company since that is what I usually wear for Garneau shoes. But the boot ran small, with no half sizes, so I requested a 46. The larger size fit fine but still was snug when wearing heavier wool or alpaca socks. I did notice the foam compacted some after the first ride, reducing the volume inside the boot. The company’s marketing materials mentioned the boots were designed for riders with wider feet. I wear a B and found it a little roomie on the sides, even when cinching up the BOA laces to take up some of the volume.
The outer sole is made from VIBRAM® DURATREK for a stiff sole which equates to good power transfer. I don’t clip in on snowy and icy fat bike rides, and the soles of the Klondike M4 gripped the flat pedals nicely. Also, when getting off the bike, it was easy to walk in these boots—even with the above ankle design. They weren’t clunky like some other brands of winter riding boots and lighter at 609g per boot (weighted on my gram scale).
Some additional features include reflective piping up the front and back of each boot and a reflective logo. Being visible in low light conditions on three sides provides an added layer of safety. There’s also a loop to hook a gaiter if the snow is deep.
Bottom Line
At $351, these boots are pricey, but they are in line with other quality winter boots. If you’re a winter rider and out on your fat bike in all kinds of winter weather, you want to be prepared. Cold feet are not fun and tend to shorten the ride. Because the Klondike M4 is lightweight, warm, and “walkable,” they can be used for snowshoeing, too.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
I wonder how you’d compare these with the 45NRTH boots. They weigh about half of this boot (at 380grans), and are warm as toast even with thin socks at minus temps. Similar wire-lace and velcro strap as well as grippy Vibram sole; 2-bolt cleat mount and accurate sizing. 45NRTH are my go-to for all things bike in cold weather.
45NRTH has several models of quality winter boots. I’ve only worn the Wolvhammers. While they are extremely warm, they are heavy and not as walkable.
Oops.. my mistake.. Weighed them again and it turns out my Wolvhammers are over 800 grams per boot.. I must have misread the numbers on my weighscale.. Nonetheless, they are the most comfortable, warm boots for fatbike that I’ve tried. Even for those walk-a-bike sections they grip, never let snow in nor cold. For cold weather road riding, I use my Sidi winter shoes – insulated (a bit) stiff soles, and take 3-hole cleats, and are pretty light: 235 grams each shoe. 45NRTH make a ‘cool weather’ shoe that looks impressive for the between seasons: Ragnarock. Looks like an updated version of a previuos model that was called something like Leopard, Jaguar,, or similar.. I like that there are no zippers to foul up in any of these boots.