LAKE MX160 MTB SHOES REVIEW

by MARK · 14/10/2014

For me the fit wasn’t brilliant and to explain, despite some considerable faffing about with the Velcro fastenings, I couldn’t get these shoes to stop giving me some gyp in the Achilles tendon area. If I pulled the strapping tight enough for my instep and front of the ankle so they didn’t slip about on the foot, I found that it caused uncomfortable pressure on the tendon. Loosening them up again created too much movement in the shoe causing chaffing on the tendon.

This issue was evident during normal pedalling and off running whilst shouldering the bike; something in the design of the ankle support at the rear of the shoe perhaps? For reasons like this, I do recommend going to an actual physical shop to purchase your footwear, the internet is sometimes fraught with risk in respect of getting the right fit.

Loose fit in places, tight fit in others

The standard 3 loop Velcro strapping is currently doing well, aside from the fitting issues as presented above, though I would be concerned about the longevity of the fastening and the leather as the shoes are subject to a constant weathering and splattering of mud; strapping like this tends to curl up at the edges, with the Velcro fastening becoming clogged and ineffective, but in my experience most shoes with a Velcro fastening suffer this fate eventually anyway.

Chunky rubber side up – The aftermath of a training ride

In conclusion, these shoes aren’t much to write home about; neither are they horribly offensive. £79RRP is a reasonable sum to pay for something you’re going to put through some abuse, though probably not ideal for a full winter of cyclocross.

If you’re willing to take the risk and search the internet, you’ll find yourself a deal which will give you the satisfied feeling that these functional shoes will do nicely, providing the fit is right for you.