Seeing as how lace up shoes are making a comeback, Lake’s new CX1 and MX1 should fit right in. Basically a modern version of the very first shoe they launched 35 years ago, the lace up options combine some retro style with fairly modern materials to create a stylish, affordable throwback. Part of the Lake Heritage collection, the shoes come in a mountain or road sole and join a few other new additions to the line up as Lake gears up for their 36th year of crafting fine cycling shoes…
Shown above is the road oriented CX1, but the MX1 mountain version varies mostly by the Hypergrip Enduro sole with Ice Lock anti-slip inserts. The CX1 instead uses a fiberglass injected nylon outsole for three bolt SPD-SL/Look cleats. Fitted with a perforated Action leather upper and lace closure, price on the shoe is kept fairly low at $130. Offered in 36-48;50 in standard and 39-48;50 E
The MX241 was introduced (and covered) from Sea Otter, but it’s a pretty important addition to Lake’s product line. So if you haven’t checked it out yet, here it is again. The story goes that sponsored athlete Sonya Looney was having a lot of shoe problems due to the shape of her foot and an area on the outside of her foot that ended up needing surgery. Before her sponsorship with Lake she was actually cutting holes in the side of her shoes to relieve the pressure, so Lake wanted to design a supremely adjustable shoe that would fit all ranges of foot shapes better than the average shoe. To do that, they divided the upper into four separate wing like sections that cinch down over a Nufoam lining. Combined wtih two IP1 Boa dials, riders like Sonya are able to really dial in their fit, especially once the heat moldable heel counter has been set.
Built with Helcor abrasion resistant leather on the outer as well as full grain leather and a carbon fiber sole with Mountain Race X rubber tread, the shoes come in two widths and full and half sizes for $350.
Designed with a similar use in mind but without the increased adjustment, the MX237 looks like a great shoe for adventure, gravel, and XC racers. The full grain leather upper uses the abrasion resistant Helcor leather in strategic spots on the toe and outer heel. Dual Boa L5 dials cinch the shoe closed, and a full carbon sole with their Mountain Race X rubber tread finish things off.
We got to try out basically the higher end version of this shoe in the MX332 while in Sedona which uses a complete Helcor leather upper and adds the heat moldable heel cup and carbon lasting board construction. I heard multiple people express their love for the rubber tread and how grippy it was on the slick rock, and without even heat molding them, the shoes were extremely comfortable. Of course at $430 for the MX332s, they should be very comfortable – but I think I found my new favorite gravel/all road shoe. Interesting note if you have incredibly wide feet, the MX332 are available up to a EEE and Lake says that is an industry first to offer the same shoe in three different lasts (standard, EE, and EEE).
Technically, the MX105 isn’t new but they haven’t done much with the shoe in the US. The enduroventure shoe uses a waxed canvas upper with Tektile synthetic panels and a waterproof membrane that surrounds the shoe including the cleat pocket for weather protection. The Vibram Trail V outsole should provide plenty of grip, and an L6 Boa dial tightents things down.
