-Action leather & mesh upper.
-Performance midsole.
-Molded heel counter.
-Dual strap, 6 point closure with laces.
-New Mountain V outsole by Vibram® with Mudstuds.
Submitted by
MOMtbiker
a Cross Country Rider
from Missouri Date Reviewed: September 29, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$79.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Solid built shoe. Very secure on the foot. I first purchased the standard width from Lake but these were too narrow. They were out of stock in the wide version but found them on ebay in my exact size brand new so I bought them. The Wide are not as wide as I thought, but my feet are not super wide to begun width. For me it turned out to be perfect width. My foot is more of a medium-wide foot. All that being said... I love the fit. These shoes from the first ride felt awesome. I have only had maybe 1 other pair of shoes feel this comfortable.
The shoes have 3 velcro straps like other shoes I have wore but these also come with laces. I have tied these and also just left them loose and tucked them under the flap... both ways seem to not affect the feel or the security of the shoe.
Weaknesses:
Havent really seen any other then they are a bit heavy, but I knew that from other reviews on here so I am NOT going to hold that against the shoe. If your wanting to use them for racing then go buy a pair made for that. These are for the average mtn biker who beats it up on the trail and doesnt need the lightest fastest shoe.
Similar Products Used:
Many Shimano Shoes, Time, etc
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpy HT
Bottom Line:
Walking in these shoes is good and better then most. These are quality shoes and I recommend them, but ONLY if they fit your foot properly. If they are too tight DO NOT BUY THEM. Too many people think cycling shoes will "Break In". Listen, if they don't fit they probably never will. These may not fit your foot very good where another brand might fit perfect... experiment with lots of shoes. But bottom line, buy a shoe that fits... PERIOD.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GoremanX
a Weekend Warrior
from Ile-Aux-Noix, QC Date Reviewed: July 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Island Line, Burlington, VT
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Earl's Cyclery and F
Strengths:
My size was actually available, comfortable, very secure when fastened, the black ones look awesome, good sole stiffness, good tread
Weaknesses:
The silver ones look like astronaut shoes from the future, cleats stick out a bit past the tread
Similar Products Used:
None, these are my first clipless shoes
Bike Setup:
'06 Kona Hoss with Shimano M545 clipless pedals and countless other changes
Bottom Line:
I'm 6'1" and weigh 260 pounds. I LOVE mountain biking. I do it as often as possible, and I always pick the longest trails and paths. When I need to go somewhere, I'm more likely to choose my bike over my truck.
My biggest gripe about cycling wear is that every manufacturer out there assumes cyclists are super-skinny fashion models. ALMOST NO-ONE MAKES ANYTHING IN MY SIZE!!! Maybe Shimano doesn't want anyone over 200 pounds to be seen riding with their gear? Or maybe everyone who works there is a super-skinny fashion model, so they don't care about the bigger riders out there? I don't know what the reason is, but it's INSULTING!!! I usually wear size XL clothes these days, but the XXL baggy cycling shorts I bought don't even come close to fitting. WTF?!?
Anyways, so I was looking to buy some SPD compatible shoes, and I couldn't find my size ANYWHERE! I wear a size 12 Wide, which is about equivalent to a European size 47 Wide. I can find this size of shoe in any style at any shoe store, but once I started looking into cycling shoes, that size was virtually non-existent. Oh, there were size 47's everywhere, but never in a Wide! Apparently only people with skinny feet are allowed to wear cycling shoes.
Finally, I came across the Lake brand of cycling shoes, and lo-and-behold, they had a size 47 Wide!!! I swear I could see a glowing halo around the display shoe in the store. It was a revelation.
Of course, the glowing halo was probably due to the fact that the shoes were glossy silver. I grew up in the 80's and 90's. To me, glossy silver shoes look like cheap props from a budget space movie set in the future. But I was so happy to finally find a cycling shoe in my size, I decided to buy them anyways. When I took them home and showed them to my girlfriend, she said I looked like a p!mp, and asked where I was hiding my army of ho's. I had to agree, those shoes looked terrible on me. They really stood out compared to my usual black and earth-toned clothing. A quick look on Lake's web site revealed that these shoes were also available in black, so I took them back to the store and had them order the black ones instead.
The black shoes finally arrived a week later, and they were everything I hoped for. One of the hook-and-loop straps is still silver, but that's an acceptable highlight. Overall, these shoes look awesome.
Some previous reviewers complained about the laces that are hidden under the hook-and-loop straps, but I have no problem with them at all. They're very easy to tie and lay down flat under the second tongue. Some also complained about that second tongue, but again, I have no issues with it. Both tongues are easy to manage, and they keep my feet very secure and comfortable. With the laces laid flat between them, I never feel them on my feet. One small complaint is that the shoe laces easily get caught in the hook-and-loop, and they get damaged easily that way (notice my judicious lack of use of the word "Velcro"?), but I've gotten used to avoiding that by keeping the straps fastened.
Some reviewers also complained about the weight of these shoes. But in fact, these shoes are lighter than the ones I used to wear. I wore low-top Caterpillar safety shoes with steel caps and plates for biking. The steel plates helped with the rigidity of the sole, and they had reflector strips on them for night-riding. So for me, these Lake shoes are actually an improvement in weight.
So far, my only real complain is the fact that my Shimano cleats stick out a bit past the tread, so when I walk on cement or pavement, I make disturbing scraping and crunching sounds. I avoid walking on wood floors with them, because I've noticed I leave small gouges behind me. I'd hate to see what kind of damage I do to ceramic floors. Not a big deal, though. These are shoes for biking, not for walking.
I'm giving these shoes 5 flaming chilis all around because someone finally realized that larger riders need bike wear too, and these shoes happen to be awesome.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sigmatero
a Cross Country Rider
from Date Reviewed: June 6, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Tough, fit well, comfortable. One of the few shoes I could find in a size 15 (50 EURO). I've hiked lots and lots of miles in these (scouting rough areas) and they are exceptionally comfortable and don't even give me blisters. Too weird since they're obviously not a hiking shoe.
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy.
Similar Products Used:
x
Bike Setup:
x
Bottom Line:
Great economy shoe, especially for large footed guys.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: May 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
mt. Falcon
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Bike nashbar
Strengths:
Looks like a decent design
Weaknesses:
HEAVY. This product is 1.2 lbs per shoe...it is very heavy
Similar Products Used:
Shimano MTB shoe
Bike Setup:
Rky Mtn E50
Bottom Line:
I was hoping to get a light shoe that I can use as a lower end cross country racer. When I pulled it out of the box, I was shocked at the weight. I'm sure it is comfortable for the casual rider, but when you are climbing, adding 2.4 lbs of weight to your legs is a bad idea...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob S
a Cross Country Rider
from Sutton, On, Canada Date Reviewed: March 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Ravenshoe
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Simply amazing -great sole, comes with the screw in studs for increased traction. -takes minimal time to contour to your feet -available in standard/wide/womens fit -reasonably priced
Weaknesses:
-Extremely hard to find in Canada. Most places don't seem to keep all the sizes in stock? -Laces... rip 'em out!
Bike Setup:
Used with Time ATAC XC Carbon pedals
Bottom Line:
I highly recommend these shoes (if you can find them in your size). they are comfortable, durable, reasonably priced, and they don't look too shabby either, IMO.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ethan Dull
a Cross Country Rider
from Jay, VT Date Reviewed: February 21, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Firtsttrax
Strengths:
Tough, Durable shoe Vibram Sole Toe Studs
Weaknesses:
Laces- remove them! A litte heavy
Similar Products Used:
Shimono Spd shoe- forget which ones..
Bike Setup:
Santa cruz Blur Lt Fox talas 32rlc, fox float rp23
Bottom Line:
Great shoe for riding. Vibram sole stops you from sliding with help from the toe studs. This shoe may be a little heavy for racing, but it is great for normal trail riding especially where hike-a-biking occurs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Al Painter
a Racer
from Mtn View, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
baseballbert@hotmail.com
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
lakecycling.com
Strengths:
fit, materials, durable, price,quality, can walk around in them comfortably, look very cool, great shoe
Weaknesses:
a little heavy for racing, but for off season training/riding they are perfect!
Similar Products Used:
Specialized BG Comp shoes that had the stupid buckle break each time, Lake MX85, Specialized Carbon Comp MTB shoes (great shoe, just a little big)
Bike Setup:
05 Giant Trance with XO/RaceFace/CrossMax trimmins
Bottom Line:
I was looking for a shoe that didn't have buckles because I've had horrible luck with them breaking. I loved the Specialized BG Comp Carbon three-strap shoes, but they were a tad tood big, and I couldn't dial in the cleat position without cutting off the circulation in my foot with the straps. I've got Lake road shoes that I like quite a bit, and another pair of Lake MTB shoes.
I needed another paid, went to their site because I knew they would fit perfectly, saw the silver ones and ordered me up a pair. When its time to start racing again next season, I'll probably go with something lighter, but for now, these are perfect!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Gielczyk
a Weekend Warrior
from Indiana Date Reviewed: August 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$8000.00
Purchased At:
Nasbar
Strengths:
Get all around shoe, vibram sole is a great addition, though it may add to weight. very comfortable and a great value for the price.
Weaknesses:
laces (just remove them)
Similar Products Used:
shimano, adidas
Bike Setup:
various and numerous
Bottom Line:
I must buy in this price range, well made, nice look,most comfortable. Just ordered pair # 2
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Jefferson, GA US Date Reviewed: May 24, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Great fit and stability.
Weaknesses:
laces can be a pain if you use them.
Similar Products Used:
N/A
Bike Setup:
Trek converted to SS. Kona squishy and Kona DH.
Bottom Line:
I wear 9.5 normally but ordered 9 and the fit is near perfect. I'm brand new to clipless and paired these shoes to Time Atacs for a great combo.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
surprise
a
from your toilet Date Reviewed: March 22, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Local bike shop
Strengths:
Vibram sole, good quality.
Weaknesses:
weight, weird tongue.
Similar Products Used:
just about everything
Bottom Line:
This shoe is great for the price. I was looking for something that would fit between a xc race type shoe and a soft sole recreational type mtb shoe. I wanted the stiffness, weight and material of the xc shoes but in something that I could walk more then a couple steps in. I found it in the mx165. The vibram sole is great; it provides just enough flex to be comfy to walk in but still be very efficient on the bike. The materials of the shoe are good, like most modern xc style shoes it will dry quickly and looks like it will last. This shoe comes with laces and 3 Velcro straps. I've ran this system before and I don't care for it, so I decided to run this shoe without laces. I feel the support is the same, and getting them on and off is much quicker. However there is a weird tongue system, an inner neoprene tongue goes against your foot, then an outer leather tongue goes under the Velcro straps. I wish this shoe only had one tongue, it would be much easier to put on. Also I find this shoe to be a bit heavier then same level/priced xc shoes, but this is probably due to the amount of rubber in the soles, so I wont deduct any flamin' chillies for that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: October 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Womble
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Very comfortable. Walkable tread. Price.
Weaknesses:
Very hard to find. Had to order three pair to get the size just right.
Similar Products Used:
shimano
Bike Setup:
GF Cake 1
Bottom Line:
These are brand new so I'll have to get back with how they hold up. But, still honeymoon, they're just exactly what I was looking for. I'd rather ride a few miles, check out a scenic outcrop, ride a few miles, hike check out the scenery. I'm not into racing by beautiful places while out riding (guess that's what the $250 shoes are for). I am replacing the laces with some quick laces from my old salomon trail shoes. Taking a six day ride next week. I'll let you know how they holdup.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia, Pa, USA Date Reviewed: September 1, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Price, Available sizes, looks, velcro AND laces, quality
Weaknesses:
The laces are a little thin. (i am stretching)
Similar Products Used:
Shimano SH-MT40
Bike Setup:
Fuji finest AL w/ double sided nashbar SPD's or Marin muirwoods w/ nashbar rodeo's.
Bottom Line:
I ordered these because i have a very WIDE foot and with the exception of SIDI's, Lake was the only other co. that seemed to have any models in a wide width. These are significatly wider than the aformentioned shimanos of the same size (48). And of higher quality.(in all fairness the shimanos were cheaper). All in all, great shoes. And that means a lot coming from someone who can barely find a par of tennis shoes that are comfortable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Canaan
a
from Nashville,TN. U.S.A Date Reviewed: March 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$88.00
Purchased At:
aebike
Strengths:
The Vibram soles and the combination of laces and straps. The mx165 is an excellent value.
Bottom Line:
These shoes offer a comfortable fit at a reasonable price. Lake makes a high quality shoe and matches it with a durable and aggressive Vibram sole. When not peddling these shoes provide predictable grip on portages and hikes. Lake has designed a shoe that looks as great it is performs. I am very pleased with these and would recommend them for your next pair of mountain biking shoes. If they are not offered in your area contact Lake they are helpful when determining your correct fit. I feel that it is important to note that I am not especially sensitive about the weight of many of my cycling purchases. I cannot definitively say whether or not these are the best shoes to buy if you are riding a bike and solely concerned about such an issue. I can however suggest that you consider trying these outstanding shoes, they may surprise you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: January 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Jasper National Park, Alberta
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Bike Nashbar
Strengths:
Great Vibrum soles. Shoe comes with studs if you need them. Leather uppers with laces and three straps make it very secure on your foot. Very durable for XC or AM type riding. I dont race so I cant comment on that.
Weaknesses:
Hard to find at local bike shops. LBS should take a serious look at these.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, Specialized, SIDI,
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mtn Blizzard, XT/XTR, Marzocchi Z2 Atom Bombs
Bottom Line:
These are a sleeper shoe. For the money they are a great product that for some reason are hard to find. I have had several good rides since getting them for Christmas and they feel great. Shimano compatable, I use them with M-540 pedals. Stiff platform so you get good power transfer yet they walk well too. Vibrum sole have wide agressive lugs so it sheds mud quite well. They come with studs and a wrench if you like the feel, they are easy to put on. The toe box is snug but not as tight as Shimano shoes.
If any LBS people read these reviews, these shoes fit a wide range of riders and would sell easily.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J Madelin
a Downhiller
from Helensville, New Zealand Date Reviewed: January 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Riverhead Forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Freeridin'
Strengths:
My first proper cycling shoe, so I expected comfort compromises. No such thing; these shoes are so comfy that unless they're muddy I often forget to take them off after a ride. With laces and velcro straps, it feels like every ounce of my energy is transmitted straight to the pedal. In fact I can get these babies as tight as ski boots; almost to the point of cutting off blood supply and STILL they're comfortable. The Vibram soles seem to be bomb-proof; I've hiked in 'em, kicked logs, come off (repeatedly) and with a bit of polish you'd probably think they were brand new. Work flawlessly with my Mallets despite deep tread.
Weaknesses:
Not found one yet. Nor has a friend who has had his for a year or so.
Similar Products Used:
None... just normal 'approach' shoes.
Bike Setup:
Standard Giant AC 06 with Crank Mallets.
Bottom Line:
Buy them... I couldn't find a reason to spend more when these seemed better built and a better fit than all the other more expensive shoes I tried.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
LastOneUp
a Weekend Warrior
from Aliso Viejo, CA Date Reviewed: January 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Aliso Woods
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$109.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Great fit. Looks good.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
SIDI
Bike Setup:
two wheels, brakes, frame, gears.
Bottom Line:
Great shoe. Buy it. Best shoe I have ever put on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Lititz,PA Date Reviewed: November 14, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Any with orange Triangles
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Stiff, Great sole , Fit is the best I have tried, works well with time Z pedals, no cutting
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, answer....
Bike Setup:
Two wheels and stuff
Bottom Line:
Very good shoes nobody knows about for low dollar price point
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trent
a
from Denver Date Reviewed: September 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Monarch Pass
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
nashbar
Strengths:
Very confortable--vibraim sole.
Weaknesses:
Availability--Lake needs some marketing reps to get their quality product out there. I'm in if you're hiring.
Similar Products Used:
Pearl Izumi Vagabond--Cannondale
Bike Setup:
SC Blur
Bottom Line:
Great fit, the most confortable MTB shoe I have ever owned. The vibraim sole is awesome for hike-a-bike sections; more shoe companies should have the vibraim sole.
The only place in Denver to get these shoes was at Turin bikes and they don't carry this particular model, so I tried on other models to make sure I had the right fit then ordered it online.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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