Mavic’s original Gore-Tex trail boots were our go-to shoes for year-round riding for several seasons, and these are even better. The outsole is unchanged and is stiff enough for stamping hard up climbs but flexible enough for a bit of hike-a-bike, with superb grip courtesy of the big V-shaped blocks of the ‘Contagrip Premium’ tread. Elsewhere, there’s a stiff upper, a well-structured heel that stops lift when walking or pedalling, and a toe bumper for protection. They’re sized for wiggle room with fat socks. While the XC Pro H20s aren’t fully-sealed winter boots, the Gore-Tex liner gives excellent weatherproofing and they’re tall enough to survive splashes and paddling. The win over the previous model is that the old four-strap closure has been replaced with laces and a single wrap-over stabilising strap for a much snugger, more secure fit. That leaves the price as the only downside, but if they last like their predecessors, it’s a cracking investment in winter riding comfort.
Price $264