Minnesota-based 45NRTH has announced new versions of two of its best-known winter cycling footwear models, the Wölvhammer and Ragnarök. Both get updated construction and materials for the 2026 winter riding season, continuing a product history that goes back to the early days of modern fat-biking.

Longtime fat-bike.com readers may remember that we covered the original Wölvhammer introduction back in August of 2012. At the time, dedicated winter cycling footwear was still a pretty specialized market, and 45NRTH was helping to change that. We spoke with 45NRTH's David Gabrys about the new boot, which borrowed ideas from mountaineering footwear and adapted them for riding in serious winter conditions.

That first Wölvhammer featured a combination of Thinsulate insulation, a waterproof Cordura outer gaiter, a Vibram sole and aerogel insulation beneath the foot to reduce heat loss through the cleat and pedal. It carried a $325 price tag, which generated plenty of conversation back then.

The Wölvhammer has evolved several times since. A 2015 redesign introduced a more conventional single-boot construction, the 2018 update brought BOA closures, and a major overhaul announced in 2019 introduced a removable insulated liner and redesigned sole. We covered that introduction as well.

The latest Wölvhammer returns to a single-boot design, this time with a full-grain leather upper backed by a waterproof membrane. The leather gives the boot a more traditional appearance while maintaining the weather protection expected of a dedicated winter cycling boot.

45NRTH retains 200 grams of insulation and the aerogel insulating layer beneath the foot. That underfoot insulation has been a hallmark of the Wölvhammer since the beginning, helping reduce the cold transferred through metal cleats and pedals.

A BOA dial handles fit adjustment, and the boot uses a two-bolt cleat system for clipless pedals. The move away from the previous removable-liner construction is probably the biggest design change, and it will be interesting to see how the new version compares in fit, drying time and overall winter comfort.

The Ragnarök joined the 45NRTH footwear lineup in 2018 as a lighter option for those cold, wet days when a full-on winter boot might be overkill. Designed primarily for fall, spring and milder winter conditions, it became a useful alternative to heavier insulated footwear.

The model received a substantial redesign in 2023, gaining a new rubber outsole, improved traction and a revised midsole while retaining its neoprene ankle cuff and BOA closure.

For 2026, 45NRTH has switched to a Clarino microfiber upper, a synthetic material designed to offer a supple, leather-like feel. The BOA lace routing has also been revised for greater strength and a more secure fit, while a more flexible neoprene ankle cuff should improve comfort.

The new Ragnarök retains its rubber outsole with anti-slip microglass blocks, and the EVA midsole now has a gray finish with black speckles.

The Wölvhammer and Ragnarök occupy different places in the winter riding lineup. The Wölvhammer is the more heavily insulated choice for proper winter conditions, while the Ragnarök is intended for the cold, wet transition seasons and less severe winter riding.

It's interesting to look back at how much dedicated winter cycling footwear has changed since 2012. What began as a relatively small category of specialized gear has become an established part of winter cycling, particularly for riders who spend a lot of time on fat-bikes.

Both updated models launch November 13, 2026. We haven't had either in hand yet, but we're particularly interested in how the new single-boot Wölvhammer compares with its removable-liner predecessor.

For more information, visit 45NRTH.

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