At a glance A mid-range, slightly heavy but comfortable mountain biking cleat-compatible shoe with a more unusual ski boot style BOA adjustment unit that offers a precise fit
Tested by
Gav McDonald, tester for The Bike List
Performance
The MX170 is a mountain bike specific shoe that sits third from the top in Lake’s mountain bike range. Before this test, Lake was a brand I had never tried before, so I was extra curious about their product. I’m especially particular about my cycling shoes as I have a slight foot length discrepancy - my left foot is slightly longer than my right so I have found that certain brands of shoe rub on my left foot’s middle toe. This isn’t always noticeable in the shop when I’m trying the shoes on and it’s hard to factor in stretch and bedding in with an unfamiliar brand, so I was keen to see how the Lake MX170s would handle my funny feet.
My first impressions of the Lake MX170 were of a well thought out, very well made shoe. The sole is pre cut for SPD style cleats and has two threaded inserts at the front for mud studs. It is a lower profile than some and, in use, the low heel makes you very stable when walking over rough or rocky terrain – this is a big positive for mountain biking in my book.
The MX170 also features the innovative BOA closure system. This is essentially a thin stainless steel cord lace that you tighten up with a micro adjusting knob at the rear of the shoe. A few clockwise turns literally dials in your fit as the shoe closes around your foot. Pull the knob outwards and the tightening spool releases and the shoe uppers can be pulled apart easily.
My initial fears about the BOA lace being prone to breakage or stretch have been totally unfounded after ten weeks of intensive use – spares, however, are available and it would be prudent to carry a spare lace or two in your kit bag in the same way you would with a traditional lace. I like the BOA system, my foot feels both very comfortable and very secure. Micro adjustments are also one touch, easy on the fly, although it’s worth remembering that the rear positioning of the adjuster knob can make it a bit of a stretch for tight fitting neoprene overshoes during the winter. BOA is an innovative system and one that may offer a genuine fit or comfort benefit to some. Others may not find this system to their liking; it’s a matter of personal taste. I’d advise you to try a pair on in your local stockist to see how it feels to you before you buy.
In use, I have found these shoes to be extremely comfortable both on and off the bike. The uppers are tough, well stitched and well glued and the shoes are showing no signs of the abuse they’ve been put through – the last half of a Lake District winter and the first half of spring. As hoped, the uppers have stretched a little widthways and the shoe has moulded comfortably to my feet. They do not rub or chafe and personally I like the fit. The removable footbeds are comfortable enough but are perhaps a little on the thin side. The soles are as rigid as you’d expect from a mid-level competition mountain bike shoe and are certainly on par stiffness wise with my very old Shimano M181’s. I’ve been very pleased with the performance of the MX170s, they are a high quality product that will serve you well over time.
Two final observations; at just over 500g per shoe (size 45 with SPD cleat fitted) these shoes are towards the heavier end of the scale and this is perhaps a consideration for some. With a price tag of £115 I would expect these shoes to be lighter. In addition, the positioning of the BOA adjuster unit at the rear of the shoe can make it vulnerable to damage when walking over extremely rocky terrain (as happened to me). To the unit’s credit, only the plastic cover plate broke and the shoe remains 100% functional. Again, this is perhaps something to consider based on the terrain you most regularly ride.
Buy from www.chainreactioncycles.com
Lake says:
Our all-new lightweight race shoe. All leather, all BOA, all race...
- Upper: soft action leather
- Outsole: Real rubber Lake Mountain X race sole with optional Mudstuds ™
- Closure: Heel mounted push/pull BOA lacing system
- Compatibility/Drilling: SPD two-hole
- Colour:Black/Silver, Women’s Black/Blue
- Sizes:Men’s regular & wide (EE): 39-48; 50, 39.5-46.5 Women’s: 36-43, 37.5-42.
- Weight: 400grams
Find out more www.lakecycling.com
