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SOC15: Lake Adds Floating Boa for Enduro, More Coverage, Updates MXZ 303, and New Flat Soled Boots

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Lake Shoes enduro dk boot mx 165mx 168mx 228  (8)

You probably know Lake as more of a road or XC shoe company, but over the years they have done it all. While the new MX 180 and MX 168 launch the brand back into the more gravity oriented side of things, both shoes represent modern incarnations of past models. Between the DH 150 and the MX 165, Lake is no stranger to additional coverage and support but for their latest shoes they didn’t want to jump in without a specific advantage.

Lake puts a lot of emphasis on fit which is why so many of their shoes use head moldable sections, but for the MX 168, they had to invent a new approach to the Boa…

Lake Shoes enduro dk boot mx 165mx 168mx 228  (12)

Lake Shoes enduro dk boot mx 165mx 168mx 228  (9) Lake Shoes enduro dk boot mx 165mx 168mx 228  (10)

One of the biggest design challenges for enduro shoes is that they need to be stiff for pedaling, but ultimately need to be walkable as well. A stiff sole usually results in heel slip when walking so Lake looked to the position of the Boa dial as an answer. The issue they faced is that different foot shapes would need the dial in different places to prevent heel slip. The answer? Put the Boa on a velcro pad so that the user can move it around to their liking. The result is a highly adjustable shoe with an easily replaceable Boa IP1 dial which tightens or loosens the shoe. The lower portion of the shoe is still closed with Velcro.

Lake Shoes enduro dk boot mx 165mx 168mx 228  (13)

A Clarino microfiber upper mimics the suppleness of leather but won’t stretch or absorb water which should make it more durable in the long run. On the bottom of the shoe a Hypergrip rubber sole similar to that found in their MX 145 boots adds surefooted grip in sketchy situations. Offered in black/silver and red/black, the shoes will sell for $179.

Not shown, Lake will also be introducing an MX 228 which uses the same upper as the 168, but uses a carbon fiber sole found in the 217 and 237. Meant for cross racing, the shoe will use the same cleats as the MX 331 and will be sold in black with orange logos for $249.

Lake Shoes enduro dk boot mx 165mx 168mx 228  (14)

Lake Shoes enduro dk boot mx 165mx 168mx 228  (1) Lake Shoes enduro dk boot mx 165mx 168mx 228  (15)

Stepping in as the current replacement of the old DH 150, the new MX 180 is a reinforced shoe with a waterproof membrane 3/4 of the way up the shoe. A single boa cinches up the boot with a scuff guard over the lower cables. Also using a Clarino microfiber upper and Hypergrip rubber sole, the $189 shoe features heel and toe reinforcement for rock strike protection.

Lake Shoes enduro dk boot mx 165mx 168mx 228  (3)

Lake Shoes enduro dk boot mx 165mx 168mx 228  (5) Lake Shoes enduro dk boot mx 165mx 168mx 228  (4)

Born from winters of the upper Midwest, Lake is introducing the DK 150 and DK 100 flat soled boots. Up north in places like Minnesota where people ride year round in negative temperatures and all conditions, riders were asking for an insulated winter boot with a waffle tread. Meant for flat pedals, the boots do have a removable plug so they are SPD compatible if you choose. The DK 150 is the tall winter boot with a full waterproof membrane which will sell for $169.

The half cab DK 100 is more of a summer riding shoe without a waterproof membrane and adds perforated leather for $139. Both shoes are adorned with reflective trim on the back and a Donkey which other than being a hard working, do-it-all animal, also is the result of  a bit of an inside joke with Lake. Apparently the house they met in while in Switzerland had a number of ceramic donkeys, and after a long night of “meetings” a donkey got broken, and has been remembered on the new boots.

Lake Shoes enduro dk boot mx 165mx 168mx 228  (6) Lake Shoes enduro dk boot mx 165mx 168mx 228  (7)

Lake’s MXz 303 winter boots also get a bit of an update with additional toe reinforcement and a new gaiter loop on the toe. Of course there is also a new brown option which uses Echo leather which is a full grain, oiled leather instead of the Pittards WR100 leather on the black boot. After living in these all winter, you can’t go wrong with the MXz303.

lakecycling.com

 

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Caveman
Caveman
8 years ago

Great shoes… horrible website

Dodin
Dodin
8 years ago

Caveman I was going down to leave the exact comment you did. funny.
Ditto….

ObligatedToSay
ObligatedToSay
8 years ago

Caveman’s comment++

Not to mention, lack of dealers in North America. Shoes are not something I’ll buy over the Internet without having tried the various sizes first.

Which sucks. I like the looks of the products, though I wonder how good mud clearance is on the MX168 sole, with that ridge perpendicular to the cleat mount…

pfs
pfs
8 years ago

@Jm – If you have customers coming into your shop and you cannot capture the sale then its all on you. I understand that things can be cheaper online but that is where you should add value with service and support. As a shop customer, if you can add value then I will gladly buy from you.

//end rant.

phil
phil
8 years ago

I’ve gone into bike shops and specifically said, “hi, I am highly interested in product X which you sell, but I can find it online for cheaper. Is there something you can offer to convince me to buy from you?” Usually the answer is no. Oh well. In my experience, bike shops exist to provide convenience, local knowledge to tourists, and to exploit people who don’t know how to service their own bikes. I do make use of the former two.

elvis
elvis
8 years ago

I lerv me some Lake shoes. Having Fred Flintstone feets, the wides are perfect. Only drawback is they’re fairly hefty.

@pfs, I don’t agree with you here for too many reasons to mention here.

That being said, the sizing guidelines for Lake are spot on.

Frank
Frank
8 years ago

goll-rammit! Of course the add the gator loop 4 months after I buy a pair! The only thing the 303’s are missing!

David
David
8 years ago

Wow, that IS a bad website. I had the old grey/green Lakes from the 90s. They were the hot shoe for a few years, but the smell [mostly my fault] and broken laces had me switching to other brands. The 303 looks awesome, especially with the gaiter loop and wide sizes. Anybody know how they compare to Shimano sizing?

Jasen
Jasen
8 years ago

Personally I don’t like the Lake shoes:
Their hi-end models are quite heavy (less important for enduro, but still a light shoe feels nicer) and their soles aren’t very stiff (compared to other brands). I used the MX331 and they are not very durable either (especially the leather).

Caveman
Caveman
8 years ago

Just to add to the comments on lack of shop, website, etc. selling lake shoes. Paul @ stage race was AWESOME to work with. Got a warranty on my shoes taken care of and a brand new pair sent to my door step. Inquired about direct orders, yes, he does that too. Size is spot on with Sidi

lonefrontranger
lonefrontranger
8 years ago

Excel Sports in Boulder, Colorado is a Lake shoe dealer, and I’ve had good luck with Paul at Stage Race as have others.

agreed that their website is terrible and they don’t answer queries on their social media accounts either.

Lake was bought out recently and is under new management so hopefully some of this changes.

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