Lake MX160 MTB Shoe

by MARK · 23/12/2013

Lake MX160 MTB Shoe

by Mark Tearle

Preview of the Lake MX160, a cost effective cyclocross and MTB shoe

Continuing CycleTechReview’s current passion for all things cyclocross, we have a pair of Lake MX160 shoes in for testing. Elsewhere on the site we are testing ‘cross specific shoes, but the choice is limited and the price point is high, which is at odds with how many riders start off in cyclocross. Often everything is done as cost effectively as possible whilst a rider finds out if cross is for them or not…

With that in mind the MX160 represents the sort of shoe you might invest in when starting out in cyclocross. Consequently we’ll be paying close attention to the MX160’s functionality and comfort for cyclocross, and put their durability to the test on the Sussex sludgy South Downs chalk and Wealden clay. We may even enter a race with them…

Lake MX160 features Action Leather uppers with mesh panelling and a chunky rubber sole.

Lake’s MX160 Shoes are a reasonably priced solid do-it-all type shoe; RRP £79.99. A functional SPD compatible MTB shoe designed for day-long comfort and support.

The MX160 shoe is built around the LAKE Cycling concept of the Competition Last – the interface between your feet and the pedal, with an optimum position of the feet for an efficient energy transfer that maintains rider comfort and reduces fatigue.

Lake say “The Competition last is specifically shaped for optimal power transfer and comfort. Like the CFC race last, the Competition last puts the foot in a position that allows the energy to be focused to the spindle but also offers more room for the forefoot to expand allowing for a comfortable fit for extreme long distance riding”

Lake MX160 infographic

The shoes are constructed from various materials; the uppers are a mix of ‘Action Leather’ a material that combines split leather with a polyurethane surface treatment – the treated surface helping to increase water resistance, and a number of mesh panels to aid moisture transfer and breathability.

The MX160’s mid-sole is Hi-Impact fiberglass-injected nylon which is bonded to its SPD-compatible, rather chunky looking, rubber outsole, offering sure footing and grip on muddy trails should you be forced to dismount.

The shoe fitting and closure system is a fairly standard triple hook and Velcro loop arrangement offering adjustability and comfort. The shoe is available in the black and silver as pictured in a range of sizes for men, men’s wide and women specific too.