Cyclocross is here, so you know what’s next—winter. Yup, soon it will be time to put away the bikes and dust off the trainers. Or not. Or some combination of both, it really doesn’t matter. What does matter is that if you’re planning on braving the elements, you should have the proper gear. And now one of the leading experts in winter cycling apparel has just announced two new boots that will keep you pedaling through shoulder season and deep winter.
Ragnarök Tall
Call it late Fall, early Spring, or just the shoulder or transition seasons, depending on where you live the new Ragnarök Tall could be a ride saver. Not a true winter shoe and definitely not a summer shoe, the Ragnarök Tall is for those cold, wet days where you need more protection than a shoe cover without something that will be too warm. 45NRTH suggests using these down to 25°f, though your use will vary on personal comfort, sock thickness, etc.
The obvious change here from the excellent Ragnarök is the addition of the much taller ankle cuff. That allows easy entry with a neoprene sleeve with velcro closure, but tall coverage to close the gap between your riding tights and shoes.
The floating “three-finger overlap” should allow the single Li2 Boa dial to better tighten the shoe over different foot shapes, especially when dirty. This was one of my main issues with the previous Ragnarök, so it’s nice to see it addressed.
The outsole features a real rubber construction with anti-slip microglass filament lugs and a fiberglass-injected nylon midsole.
The upper is constructed from “premium microfiber” and Tec Tuff toe and heel abrasion-resistant panels are added along with reflective hits and high visibility stripes. Offered in men’s 36-50 (no size 49) in full sizes only, the Ragnarök Tall will sell for $245.
Wølfgar Deep Winter Cycling Boot
Along similar lines, the previous Wølfgar was an excellent deep winter boot. But one that included a single BOA dial to cinch down the entire bulky boot. New for 2022, the Wølfgar gets a welcome update including a dual-zone BOA system with chunky dials that look like they’d be great to use with thick gloves. That’s important considering the temperature range of the new Wølfgar is -25°F to 10°F. These certainly aren’t for all winter cyclists, but for those who really get out in the cold, these are probably the boots to get.
Using a “three-piece proprietary bottom assembly,” the Wølfgar has a rubber outsole with microglass lugs, and a two-bolt cleat pattern, though it includes a bolt-on plate that allows them to be used with flat pedals. 
Inside, you’ll find a removable wool and faux fur boot liner, in addition to Aerogel lining on the footbed and above the toebox to keep in the heat and block out the cold. Gaiter hooks are offered for added protection in the harshest environments, and there’s a reflective panel on the back just in case your winter adventures take you on the pavement.
Offered in Men’s wide 36-50 (no 49) in full sizes only, the Wølfgar will sell for $495.
