For over a year now, I was thinking of switching to clipless for fat biking but I was not sure which brand to buy. Last November, Louis Garneau asked me if I was interested in testing their Klondike M4 shoes and the case was closed.
About Louis Garneau
Louis Garneau is all about the integrity of an ideology that inspires every member of the team on a daily basis. What makes Louis Garneau different is the perfect fusion of technology, passion, performance and maximum comfort.
Louis Garneau is a cycling champion and Olympian. He designed his cycling apparel precisely the way he knew it had to fit and perform so he could focus on competing, not fighting discomfort.
More than 40 years later, Olympic athletes, Canadian and world team cyclists, recreational warriors and bike trail enthusiasts alike are reaping the benefits of Louis’ quest for perfection and his passion for cycling.
The Klondike M4 shoes
The Cordura 1680D upper is abrasion-resistant and will sustain all rocky or rugged terrains. You will also be impressed by our specialized VIBRAM® DURATREK outer soles. We have analyzed the power transfer during fat bike training to avoid energy loss. These soles are made for winter workout. They will not be altered or lose any gripping capacity even in gale-force winds or icy temperatures.
Our flexible E-size construction is a true innovation. The structural shape of the shoe is compatible with wider feet and individual foot shapes. This is a huge advantage when we know the standard size on the market is D.
We are extremely proud to extend our offer to the greatest number of athletes possible. They can now train all winter without feeling any pain. The manufacturing process for this E-size configuration is simple. The shoe is constantly and carefully molded while on the assembly chain to make it malleable and extremely soft.
You can even wear it with wool socks, and you won’t feel any tightening on your feet. The Klondike is not only great on a bike. The super easy-to-use Boa® M4 IP-1S closure system simplifies the boot adjustment. A specific left and right-foot closing mechanism has been carefully designed to be glove-friendly and the velcro buckle straps also adjust easily.
The testing
It occurred during the month of December and January over 220 km. The temperature varied from 2 degrees celsius to -20 celsius.
The boots are comfortable and flexible and you can really tight them properly thanks to the Boa system and the upper velcro strap. I would have liked a wider strap to really tight it properly over the ankle. The Vibram sole has a great grip that you need when you need to hike a bike or simply walk to get to the trails.
Louis Garneau states that the boots resists temperature down to -20 celsius and I must admit that it is not the case. Whether I was wearing ski socks like I always did in all my previous boots or even with heated socks at max the lowest I could go was -16 with wind and at this point, I froze my feet a little bit. This is something I never encountered with all the boots I was wearing during my previous fat biking season. I doubt that most of the users will go riding in these cold temperatures. Would a more isolated sole could solve a part of the problem? Maybe.
At the toe box level, I would like a more round and less pointy to have a maximum comfort and space if you want to put heavier socks. Am I being fancy? Maybe I am.
In conclusion
For 90% of the time I have used the Klondike, I was satisfied and I still use them. If you are not the extreme temperature type of rider I recommend these boots without a doubt.
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