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…
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.
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.
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.
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’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.
