LEATT 7.0 HYDRADRI FLAT SHOE REVIEW – WINTER FLAT PEDAL SHOE PERFECTION

It’s somewhat ironic that one of the best flat-pedal winter shoes we have tested comes from a South Africa-based brand. If you ride on clipless shoes, there are numerous great winter shoe options available. But, if you’re a flat-pedal rider, good options have been few and far between. We often resorted to a combination of regular shoes and winter covers with poor results. Then we found Leatt’s HydraDri flat-pedal winter shoes and never looked back. Leatt’s winter flat pedal shoes are designed to check all the boxes a mountain biker could want from winter footwear.

Tech features:

Leatt built these shoes around an integrated 10K/10K HydraDri membrane waterproof bootie with taped seams and a water-resistant zippered closure designed to keep these shoes impervious to moisture. The outsole is made of Leatt’s RideGrip Pro compound that is claimed to enhance grip, pedal feel and control. The sole’s WaffleGrip Pro pattern is designed to improve traction with short pins, while the inverted WaffleGrip Pro pattern in the pedal area is made to maximize pin grip.

Under the waterproof sealed zipper is a speed lace closure system for easy entry and exit. An elastic/push snap closure above the ankle is designed to offer a snug fit to keep the elements out. TPU reinforcements are located on the toe, heel, and perimeter to offer added durability and impact protection. Inside the shoe are an anti-compression EVA midsole and insole with active carbon moisture-wicking material designed to dry quickly and offer antibacterial and anti-odor properties. These shoes are offered in any color as long as it’s black.

Field test results:

Simply put, these flat-pedal winter shoes are tough to beat. From wet, rainy rides in the 50s to frosty ones down around the freezing mark, these shoes kept our feet warm and dry like nothing else we have tested. And, they do it without feeling bulky or clumsy. They ride and feel just like a good flat pedal shoe. While there are no mechanical vents to speak of, our feet didn’t feel clammy with sweat when matched with a good pair of thin wool socks. These shoes proved to be durable, too, after a full season of hard use.

Unlike some winter shoes, these are very easy to get in and out of. The speed lace system makes snugging up the shoes a breeze and allows for lots of slack in the system for ultra-easy entry. Also easing the entry process is a pull tab at the heel. The waterproof zipper did more than keep water out; it kept gunk and grit out of the zipper so it always ran smooth. A snap closure and elastic band at the top cuff acted as a gator, keeping debris from sneaking in at the top. With an overlapping pant, nothing is getting in.

Outsole traction is above average but not as tacky as the very best. Still, they grip well even in cold temperatures and resist wear from aggressive pedals quite well. The triangular tread shape mechanically interfaces well with pedal pins for a little extra grip, too. Sole stiffness strikes a great balance between pedal feel and long-ride fatigue resistance. Toe protection is also top-notch, fending off rock strikes with ease. If all that’s not enough, they’re relatively lightweight (for a winter shoe), too.

Winter is a great time to run flat pedals due to the often unpredictable nature of the trail. These shoes are one more good reason to go flat when the days get short. We wouldn’t want to ride the Iditabike in Leatt’s HydraDri or in temperatures into the 20s, but for average winter riding in dry or wet conditions, these shoes are tough to beat.

HITS:

• Warm
• Very water-resistant
• Durable
• Comfortable
• Good pedal grip

MISSES:

• None

STAR RATING: ★★★★★

Weight: 980 grams (pair size 45.5)
Price: $190
Contact: leatt.com