Lake MX331 Cross Shoe Review

Other issues? Just two small ones. I am glad I didn’t require much lace tension with these shoes, because they are exceptionally well-ventilated. This is great for the summer months, but my toes got quite cold more than once in the winter. I started using only wool socks after a few weeks to minimise discomfort. This shoe uses the same upper as the MX331 mountain shoe, and I’d love to see a full leather version with no mesh at the toe for next year.

Best foot forward… it’s not hard in the Lake MX331 Cross Shoe

My only other, very minor, issue was the placement of the tongue retention loop. Lake placed the loop at the top of the tongue allowing the lace to slide through perpendicular to the foot. This did keep the tongue from sliding down, but did not stop it from sliding to one side of the shoe or the other. I believe the tongue retention loop could be placed one section lower across a pair of crossing laces. This would keep the tongue in place without compromising fitting.

Tongue retention loop didn’t impress Tim

Final Thoughts

If you take your cyclocross seriously, these shoes are worth a look. They aren’t cheap and they don’t compromise, but they may very well be the best cyclocross shoe on the market. If you’re looking for a similar shoe with a bit more all-season flexibility, Lake does also offer a mountain bike version of the MX331. This shoe is exactly the same with a different sole design, sacrificing studs for more rubber. Unfortunately, they do not come in orange, a color I have become very attached to!

The ultimate cross shoe? Maybe…

Best foot forward… it’s not hard in the Lake MX331 Cross Shoe

Lake MX331 Cross Shoes

Lake MX331 Cross Shoes

Lake MX331 Cross Shoes

Sole is super stiff

Boa closure ensures a close, snug fit

The laces can be wrapped differently to change how foot width and height differences can be accomodated.

Tongue retention loop didn’t impress Tim

You can also heat mould the mid-sole

Heel cup is heat mouldable

Heel cup on Lake MX331 Cross Shoes

Boa closure system on the Lake MX331 Cross Shoes

Lake MX331 Cross Shoes

Simple BOA closure system keeps things together and makes sure all your power goes through that aggressive sole

Lake MX331 Cross Shoe

Orange colour will get you noticed.

Lake MX331 Cross has minimalist full carbon sole

Fully carbon, replaceable treads and spikes – this is a serious cyclocross race shoe

Tip of the MX331 Cross’s carbon sole looks very exposed to us despite featuring 4 spikes for protection

Ample rubber surrounded cleat pocket on MX331 Cross shoe

Rear of the sole has a small vent and two replaceable ‘spikes’

Thermaform Carbon Fiber heel counter allows you to personalise the fit

Lake MX331 Cross Shoe

For more information see our Preview Article

 
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