Test: With the icy temperatures that have prevailed in this country these past few weeks, the right clothing is important for every meter on the bike. The shoes play a particularly important role - because there is probably nothing more uncomfortable than cold or wet feet on the bike. With the 45NRTH Japanther we have looked at a particularly resistant representative.
Between spring, autumn and winter, a number of weather scenarios and temperature conditions take place, sometimes the thought of the bad weather outside doesn't exactly put us in the mood to go for a ride on the bike. Of course, the nasty bastard is also sitting on our shoulders and wants to make the couch in the warmth more palatable for us than the otherwise beloved round in the fresh air.
We usually only have these thoughts because we remember the last rides in the cold season after which we came home with frozen toes. But 45NRTH has a solution ready for them: the Japanther winter shoe.
When we looked at it for the first time, we quickly noticed the good workmanship, the slim design and the relatively low weight for a shoe in its class. All seams, the glued areas as well as the overlaps are first class, which should also be self-evident in this price segment - after all, the shoes cost almost 300€. A waterproof and breathable membrane, waterproof zip, lace-lock abrasion-resistant outer skin and Hypergrip are some of the specs that we examined to find out what the Japanther is capable of.
We tested the currently prevailing nasty weather in the Bavarian Forest, and we didn't shy away from any puddles, showers or even the white splendor to extensively test the features and the specified comfort corridor of +7 to -3 degrees of the Japanther.
45NRTH Japanther: size selection
On the 45NRTH website there is a guide that shows us the correct size of the Japanther after measuring the sole of the foot independently. In our case, shoe size 43 was a 46, which the table gives us. We got these to try on and realized that the 46 was too big. The foot had too much room in it and was too unstable inside. With a 45 everything fit well and so we could start testing the shoe.
The fit is very good and the shoe hugs the foot without pinching or pinching anywhere. Slipped into the boot, it is tightened using the drawstring that is almost standard these days, and the straps are attached to the ankle with a Velcro pad so that it does not get in the way of the waterproof outer membrane when the zipper is closed.
In order to achieve a firm fit, the shoe is attached above the ankle with an inner and an outer tongue around the leg, which promises a very good hold. We tested the Japanther for water and wind resistance, grip when walking and performance with clipless pedals.
45NRTH Japanther: Weather resistance
When it comes to water resistance, the shoe is up there: Not a drop gets through the membrane - not after hours or after several puddles, which would normally have caused damp feet and frustration.
Waterproof often equals bad breathability. Not so with the Japanther, it lets something out but nothing in, not even the wind had a chance to spoil the tour here and so you can confidently concentrate on the trail without suffering from cold feet.
The large cleats are arranged in such a way that dirt cannot adhere well, so the Hypergrip sole always gives you a good grip in snow and mud. So that the cleat does not touch the ground when walking and wears out so quickly, it was attached below the studs. Clicking in and out worked just as well in the dry as in snow or dirt.
