The tests of the products dedicated to the harsher climates continue. It is time to talk about NorthWave footwear and precisely the X Magma core model.
Technology
The technological solutions contained in this model are combined to optimize propulsion, guarantee excellent walking and protect the foot even in the harshest climates.
The Artic 4Layer insole with EVA / aluminum inserts and fleece, combined with the Lasting Board heat shield (EVA / aluminum) create a protective shell with strong insulating power. While the directional layer structure of the heel and the overlapping construction of the upper have the function of totally enveloping the foot to reduce the dispersion of power during pedaling. The sole is designed by Michelin and guarantees greater resistance to abrasion than normal rubber.


The 200gr Primaloft internal padding, derived from recycled materials, is able to guarantee a high insulating capacity, this is combined with the easyfit climaflex collar, which gives exceptional mobility to the ankle while simultaneously guaranteeing protection from the elements.



The test
December and January are the coldest months of the year, the best time to try these shoes. The alternation of cold days with more humid ones allowed me to verify the quality and characteristics of the materials used.
The shoe has a clean and minimal line, which makes it elegant. It wraps the foot perfectly, also creating a conjunction with the elasticated collar that wraps around the ankle.
The closure SLW2 guarantees a uniform and never annoying tightening. In my case I had to insert a thin insole because the fit is optimized on a higher neck. A small adjustment that allowed me to have greater containment of the foot. An important fact for a shoe that makes the rigidity of the sole a strong point.
Walking is excellent thanks to the directionality of the tread; despite the absence of sole flex, the step has excellent dynamics.
Freedom of movement is total, as well as the roundness of the pedaling, there are no limitations, thanks also to the elastic cuff and the abundant space left around the malleolus.
Even on days when the temperature dropped below 0°, the foot remained warm; despite using a summer sock. During outings in more humid climates, the situation has not changed, a sign that the Primalof padding and the membrane that alternates layers of EVA and aluminum does its duty very well.
From an e-bike or hiking perspective, I tried to stay a while with my feet in the snow, to see if even the sole and insole Arctic 4Layer guaranteed a satisfactory degree of insulation. The result was excellent. Clearly you shouldn't think about the performance of a trekking boot, but for breaks of about ten minutes, the foot doesn't feel any kind of problem and the cold doesn't penetrate.
Conclusions
A shoe with very good performance in winter conditions. It guarantees protection in cold and wet conditions, two typical elements of this season. The independence of the ankle is excellent, allowing those looking for high pedaling performance to have the right fluidity of movement. Even for a more hiking use, the shape of the sole allows excellent step dynamics, the design of the same ensures a secure grip and the overlapping layers of the sole insulate the foot even from the cold of the snow. For those with a thin instep foot, it is conceivable to insert a raised insole in order to standardize the closure
