Comparison of lake winter road shoes and boots

[@anttibusk4401]

Thanks for the great comparison! Having owned and currently riding many of these models, I like Lake’s winter shoes a lot. They are the go-to shoes for real winter conditions. Some notes and comments: - MX146 sizing runs very small. I have to use one size bigger than other models. Also, I find interesting that the sole is the same as in 45NRTH’s Japanthers! Some collaboration between these two brands, maybe? Anyway, a great shoe for autumn/mild winter conditions. - MXZ304 cleat placement is a bit strange. I have to put the cleats as close to the medial line as possible, otherwise the shoes will rub on the cranks. This is at least with the wide version. A great and comfortable shoe for colder conditions but for longer rides in the cold (around -10 C) I have to use battery-heated socks. - MXZ400 is really heavy and not very well suitable for road or gravel riding. It’s more for fatbiking and similar conditions. I find the insulation on the foot area not much thicker than on the 304. There is just a lot more room in the toebox to accommodate thicker socks. Of course the boot is much taller. The toebox area is also much wider on the 400.

[@dougieshawbikefitter]

Thanks for such a detailed comment. For the sole on the 146’s the shoes get manufactured to lakes spec outwith their main production facility but with their own materials and design so the sole may have similar features to some other brands but to my knowledge they definitely shouldn’t feel or be the same as other brands. Good point on the 304 they are very bulky so the cleat placement will need to compensate slightly. Re the running small - I’m used to running lakes race last so when I size up on the 146s I find the cleat placement is strange

[@monkeyspacepilot007]

One thing I think is worthwhile when using the bulkier winter boots is to get a pedal with a slightly longer spindle, especially for those of us with larger feet. I bought one from sq labs this winter and my foot movement is much less restricted, I just whish shimano did some spindle options.

[@dougieshawbikefitter]

They are excellent products from a fit standpoint - shimano do an SPD-SL in +4mm which is hardly enough!

[@tomimaanoja772]

Well said about the MX146 being the perfect commuter boot. Last winter they kept me happy and toasty even in colder temperatures. The coldest was -15 or something 45-60 mins. For A --> B they're perfect. Of course for longer (1h+) rides 1, maybe they're not the best option. Right now I'm second guessing my choice of not sizing up to 50 because I'm feeling the tips of my toes touching the toebox. They are comfortable enough but in hindsight I could've chosen the bigger ones. I made the choice after trying them on, but I made the gamble due to width being okay. Too bad Lake doesn't cater for a 49.

[@dougieshawbikefitter]

Keep your eyes peeled for the 49s…

[@tomimaanoja772]

@@dougieshawbikefitter Oh, snap! I had missed that teaser. Went and looked it up. And now I'm excited. Thanks for the info.

[@dougieshawbikefitter]

@@tomimaanoja772 happy to have helped

[@nigelshort8669]

Good comparison, looking at the mxz176 for gravel rides / bike packing to keep dry feet. Having only ever used summer shoes do you think your feet would overheat in the spring and summer months?

[@dougieshawbikefitter]

Not in Scotland! Worth noting consider buying a size up from normal as they are lined so you that sucks the volume out of them

[@malcolmhendra20]

Interesting, I recently bought the MXZ 176. Not quite as wide as I was hoping. I can fit a Merino sock but not as thick as I use for hill walking. With the Spatz Roadman 3 they will be warm enough! I also find that if I tighten the Boa so I reduce heel wobble the circulation in my toes is reduced and they get cold. So during the walk for coffee my heel wobbles, not a problem but I wouldnt mind spending a bit more for a two Boa setup. Overall Im happy, looks like a good solution for Winter and early spring and late Autumn cycling.

[@dougieshawbikefitter]

Thanks for the comment - duel boa would help with the sport last I think along with a gripper in the heel and a wider fit. Do you have another pair of lakes? The MX146 has a wider option but is a boot rather than a shoe. Is there any objective information that would have helped you find out more about the purchase before you made it? Thanks

[@malcolmhendra20]

@@dougieshawbikefitter These are my first Lakes. My summer shoes are Giro Sector but they are too close fitting to wear a thicker sock and anyway they have too much ventilation to be used in winter. I got info from yourself and Salt Dog. Salt Dog may be a little misleading saying the 176 is a wide fitting, they're wider than the Giros but not by much but I can wear a thicker sock so thats fine. But Im generally happy, I think the 176 with the option to wear Roadman 3 or similar when the weather is very cold makes for great versatility. Id buy Lakes again though, unfortunately Winstanley's, my local shop, dont stock full range.

[@mtbboy1993]

Im flats only rider. My issue is finding wide enough shoes that at enot too long and suitable for winter use. I'm size 43 but have to use size 44 with Fiveten, Ride Concepts, and still too narrow but possible to use, Anamoly fit me in size 43,but not suitable for deep snow, but five ten Trailcross has horrible to protection, not insulated, Northwave Multicross gets tops tiff in sub zero temps, too stiff for my liking, but gets worse outside in the cold, almost zero grip if not pedalling hard or standing, but can do - 10c and below for sure. Good toe protection. Leatt is out of the question as it uses coil zipper. I see there is Vaude and then there is 45nrth tall boots made for super low temps, insulated, thick, for both flats and clipless. 🤔

[@markdeane8385]

Can you use the MXZ304 with flat peddles?

[@dougieshawbikefitter]

Yes you can but I would recommend spikes on your pedal like a DMR v12 or above

[@markdeane8385]

@@dougieshawbikefitter nice one,I do have spikes on my peddles....cheers 👍