I'm seriously considering picking up a pair of MXZ301s but am not sure how I will like the relatively fixed position of the ankle... ie no ankling, or at least constricted ankling at best.. does anybody have any feedback about how these feel? Most of the discusions we see in here are about comfort and warmth etc... How much different does it feel in the pedal stroke using a boot vs a shoes with booties?...

The upper portion of the boot is not a hard shell. You'll still get full movement or close to. They're heavy compared to a standard road or mountain shoe but probably similar in weight to a shoe with neoprene booties. I know guys that have held out for years and when they finally break down and get a pair are kicking themselves for not doing it sooner.

If you want to ride clipless in the winter it's the only way to go.

thanks for the feedback.. that's what I was hoping.. little heavy is ok, as long as I still have most of the flexability.... I'm going to pick up a pair..

The Mxz 300's are actually quite flexible in the whole leather section above the plastic heal piece. They have plenty of ankle motion for my tastes, and in fact, someitmes I wish they had more lateral support....It's easy to twist my ankle while walking in the ice. But of course, they're designed for cycling, not walking. I can tell a definite difference in foot movement and support between pedaling in the Lakes and pedaling in my hiking boots. This is my 5th winter with them, and the MXZ's are one of my best winter cycling purchases.

I'm seriously considering picking up a pair of MXZ301s but am not sure how I will like the relatively fixed position of the ankle... ie no ankling, or at least constricted ankling at best.. does anybody have any feedback about how these feel? Most of the discusions we see in here are about comfort and warmth etc... How much different does it feel in the pedal stroke using a boot vs a shoes with booties?...

Your feet, and toes with thank you for years to come. I bought a pair a couple of years ago, and can't believe I didn't take the plunge sooner. As stated, don't worry about ankle mobility, as it's not an issue.

How about the Sidi Winter Freeze 3's??

http://www.bikesomewhere.com/bikesomewhere.cfm/product/31/149/287

TJ

Anybody tried the Lake CXZ301's. Listed as ROAD. Lake site says can be used w/ Look pedals.

Wonder how stiffness of sole and warmth differ. Cannot seem to find picture of sole of either shoe.

http://www.lakecycling.com/


TJ

Person from different listserv said he had worked in shop, and Lakes are warmer.

At what temp have you found the Lakes to be too warm?

My guess is it's the same as the CXZ300 sole. The MXZ301 sole is identical to the 300s

At what temp have you found the Lakes to be too warm?

I'm sure everyone is different but I've found the Lakes to be overkill for anything over 35-40 degrees. I was out yesterday for 3 hours with the temp starting at 3 degrees with it warming to 8 by the end and my feet were toasty warm with my Lakes, toe warmers, smartwools and silk sock liners.

Thanks. What model is that a picture of? CXZ 300?

Have you ridden w/ CXZ or MXZ or both?

Thanks. What model is that a picture of? CXZ 300?

yep, the cxz300

yep, the cxz300

Thanks, you're quick. You responded b4 I edited.

Have you ridden both road and mtn versions?
If so, what differences seen in sole stiffness and warmth.

I haven't tried the CXZ's, but dont' you think the treads on those look wimpy? I'd rather stick with the MXZ version, just to have the burly cleats to use in the snow and ice. Unless of course, your area is just cold, without any snow or ice.
And yes, the Lakes are overkill if the temps are above freezing. In my experience.

I'm leaning toward MCX's b/c rides in the cold aren't going to be long or fast enough to need the extra firmness of the road vs mtn. (I'm a road cyclist)

Off another (local) board, local fellow told me his MXZ's work well w/ his Crank Bros Candy pedals.

QUESTION: I understand these winter Lakes are built to give extra room inside eg toes wiggle, thicker socks, toe heaters. Do this construction accomodate/account for winter needs, or is it best to go up a shoe size?

I understand these winter Lakes are built to give extra room inside eg toes wiggle, thicker socks, toe heaters. Do this construction accomodate/account for winter needs, or is it best to go up a shoe size?

I sized my MXZ300s the same as my other Lake shoes. But I bought em for both really cold weather and for the water resistance during oursloppy wet fall and spring (25-35°F) when wearing wool socks would be overkill (for me). I can get away with an ordinary athletic sock till around 10-15°F, at which point I pull out that super thick insole and replace it with a thinner type. Then I can do the thick wool socks and with a combo of plastic bags and booties, I'm good to down below -20°F.

You probably can go wrong going up a size though, especially if you're on the + side of your current size.

I'm seriously considering picking up a pair of MXZ301s but am not sure how I will like the relatively fixed position of the ankle... ie no ankling, or at least constricted ankling at best.. does anybody have any feedback about how these feel? Most of the discusions we see in here are about comfort and warmth etc... How much different does it feel in the pedal stroke using a boot vs a shoes with booties?...


The MXZ301's are very comfy! Leather bottom with neoprene tops. I have walked some in them. Very comfy. They are great on the road also. Easy to clip in/out of peds. Water proof them and your set for a season!
http://aebike.com/site/images/library/catalogs/soc/p350X350m/SH6155.jpg
This is the MTB shoe

I wear a US 13.5 the 48's are a perfect fit!

I have a hard time telling whether my feet get cold b/c they sweat, or just b/c it's cold.

Yesterday it was about 30-34deg during short 30 mile ride (wet roads from recent ice/snow). Wore reg warm weather Sidi Mega's (I have wide foot); Smartwool merino cycling socks (relatively thin); Descente medium thickness booties. Feet felt cool 1st 1/2 ride, but toward the end very cold/numb. When took off booties/shoes/socks, this is what found:
-INSIDE of booties were moist
-socks felt dry

Were the inside of booties moist AND socks dry b/c
-road wetness, OR
-feet were sweaty and socks wicked well, but feet still cold.

The next question would be, if they are too warm, will feet sweat too much. Doesn't look like the Lakes breathe much.

Man, this is cold feet problem is hard to figure out.

Talked to Excel Sports today who carry Sidi Winter Storm (Mtn)/Winter Freeze (Road)
but not Lakes. He said the Sidi does not give extra toe room.

It's sounding more and more like the Lakes are heavier duty than the Sidis.
Not sure for our Virginia conditions which will be better: 10's-30's. Mostly talking 20's-30's. Above 40 can pbly use regular Sidis.

Thinking for given temp, the best solution is:
<25deg: Lakes
25-45deg: Sidi Winter
>45deg: reg Sidi

Can't justify getting TWO pair winter shoes.

QUESTION: Do you think Lakes will be TOO warm <40-45 degrees?

I normally run Sidi mega shoes. For winter I have the Lake 301's in the same size. Not as much room, but just enough for EE foot to wear a medium weight wool sock. The 35-45f range is the middle between the two in temperature comfort. Fortunately the Mega's accomodate good warm socks very well. THAT is the regulatory apparatus. I can't imagine have a $150-$200 pair of shoes for that narrow of a use range. Lastly, I bought the MTB shoes because in winter a slick road sole is just a recipe for disaster everytime you unclip. Food for thought.

my sidi dom4 megas are 46s, the old road sidis I use are 45s but are snug with any sock at all.. I usually ride without socks on road in warm weather.. I'm planning in going with 47s for the MXZ301s to give me a little room for thicker socks.... Thanks for all the help...

my toes dont like the cold. for instance, below 45 degrees with my specialized carbon pros, PI booties, woolie boolie socks, and toe covers on top of it all and my toes freeze after about 20 minutes. the next hour & 40 minutes would be brutal.

i switched to the Lake CXZ 301 winter road shoe and my feet have been happy ever since. im no subzero rider but i have been out at 30 degrees (1 1/2 hour ride) and i didnt think about my toes at all. the shoes are very comfortable, i don't notice any lack of stiffness in the sole, and they're so much easier to get in & out of. no more wrestling with all the covers.

if you want i can take some closer digi pics of them and post.

Hi neighbor from Loudoun County.

Thanks for your experience.

I ordered the Lake MXZ yesterday through local bike shop (Trail's End). Looking forward to more comfortable winter riding.


my toes dont like the cold. for instance, below 45 degrees with my specialized carbon pros, PI booties, woolie boolie socks, and toe covers on top of it all and my toes freeze after about 20 minutes. the next hour & 40 minutes would be brutal.

i switched to the Lake CXZ 301 winter road shoe and my feet have been happy ever since. im no subzero rider but i have been out at 30 degrees (1 1/2 hour ride) and i didnt think about my toes at all. the shoes are very comfortable, i don't notice any lack of stiffness in the sole, and they're so much easier to get in & out of. no more wrestling with all the covers.

if you want i can take some closer digi pics of them and post.

Hi neighbor from Loudoun County.

Thanks for your experience.

I ordered the Lake MXZ yesterday through local bike shop (Trail's End). Looking forward to more comfortable winter riding.


hey neighbor, i didnt even notice your location. pretty cool. your feet are going to love you. :D

one more thing that i think is a plus for winter training, the shoes are heavier than regular road shoes and you'll be feeling it in your hamstrings & hips towards the end of your ride. only makes you stronger.

oh and ive worn the lakes at 40-45 degrees and my feet didnt over heat, just stayed toasty comfortable and im a sweat machine.

well i took a few pics of the CXZ 301 road shoe in case anyone else is interested. i wear a 13 (us) and ordered a 48 (eu) and they fit with enough room for heavier socks if i want. the pics on the website show them in grey but mine came black. the box even said grey so black was a nice surprise.

http://photos.imageevent.com/luv4low/miscpics/websize/DSC01319.JPG
http://photos.imageevent.com/luv4low/miscpics/websize/DSC013203.JPG
http://photos.imageevent.com/luv4low/miscpics/websize/DSC01321.JPG

Excellent pix. Thanks. Didn't know the road came in black. Much nicer than the gray IMO.
I'm (likely) getting the Mtn version. Opportunity to try mtn pedals and the Mtn ones have better grips on soles. FYI, Trail's End in PVille is getting some in this week. Doubt in your size though :).

Interesting to see such a large shoe w/ a dainty appearing Speedplay pedal. You like the combo?
I ordered Crank Bros Candys to use w/ the Lakes.

Do you ride w/ Potomac Pedalers? There will be weekly PPTC (sunday 11am) Loudoun rides from PVille in Jan and hopefully Feb too. Levels A/BB/CC.

my first impression when i opened the box was "man, these are ugly. they better work". my wife calls them my lil abner boots and my daughter doesnt care how well they work, she wouldnt be caught dead in them. :p

when i was putting on my speedplay cleats i was worried that the boots would be to wide & they would rub against my crank arms but even with them positioned just like my road shoes they still clear the arms.

clipping in & out is no different than my specialized shoes, very easy.

im not a member of potomac pedalers but i have been wanting to join & go on some group rides. in the summer/fall i saw them leaving from loudoun county highschool in leesburg often but didnt joined in. if youre going to do some rides in jan/feb PM me and we can give it a try (unless it friggin freezing outside or you're an A group rider). :D

1 good Wool Sock and a nice (very) Thin Sock Liner and you should be able to handle any Temperature in the 301's

TJHOO ,
i have the same problem..I bought a pair of Lake MXZ300's over a year ago and i still suffer with cold toes,even with toe warmers.
This year, i added battery powered socks and still have the same issue.
I went out this morning..it was minus 6 windchill..they felt good at the half-way point but toes started to get cold on the return trip.

with the available coupon you can get the MXZ301s including shipping for about $182 from airbomb.com...other then that the lowest I had seen was about $197 from lickbike.com without the shipping...

Wore my Lake MXZ301's yesterday for 1st time. Excellent. Feet stayed comfortable. Never too cold, yet never too warm so no sweat/freeze cycle :)

I purchaed MXZ300's on sale at the end of last season. I ordered several sizes online, the smallest was at least two sizes larger than my shoe size because poor circulation guarantees cold feet, and I wanted to wear SmartWool expedition weight socks for extra warmth. I wound up keeping a larger size than I expected, principally because the 300's upper was soft, and it had this incredible heel strap that prevented the heel from slipping even if the shoe was a loose fit. I didn't see the heel strap in the picture of the 301's, but I noticed that 300's are still available online. I am sure that the 301's have some improvements, but I REALLY like my 300's.

call me a wimp! :)
I live in the Portland, OR metro area. We seldom get snow, once in a while frost/freezing rain, but dog-gone, the wet, cold rain has been enough for me to go ahead and order the MZX301's. I played around with using plastic bags over my socks, neoprene booties, you name it. I just got tired of it, and it kept me from riding (not a good thing). I'm excited about getting the shoes.
I grew up in central WI, so maybe I have frostbit parts already. For me, those parts (toes) have been particularly sensitive (always the first to feel the pain when thawing out in the shower).

call me a wimp! :)
I live in the Portland, OR metro area. We seldom get snow, once in a while frost/freezing rain, but dog-gone, the wet, cold rain has been enough for me to go ahead and order the MZX301's. I played around with using plastic bags over my socks, neoprene booties, you name it. I just got tired of it, and it kept me from riding (not a good thing). I'm excited about getting the shoes.
I grew up in central WI, so maybe I have frostbit parts already. For me, those parts (toes) have been particularly sensitive (always the first to feel the pain when thawing out in the shower).

Hope you like em for Portland. For me, the 300's are too warm at temps above 40F, at least when it's dry. I guess they'd be nice for a cool rain though.

My feet stayed nice and warm last weekend in new MXZ301's. However, while riding had some pain in calves. LBS thinks this might be from some restriction of movement of ankle b/c of shoe. After the ride developed new pain in right knee.

Have since adjusted seat, and cleats on right shoe slightly. Perhaps knee pain from doing somewhat grinding high gear indoor Spinervals video.

Anybody else had any pains like this after trying these or any other high ankle proflie shoe??

I just picked up a pair of the MXZ 300's on Ebay for $75. I wasn't really plannning on buying a pair but i found a great deal. So i bit. I will be sure to give a review when appropriate.

I wear a U.S. size 11 and bought a size 47. Does this sound ok to those of you that own these shoes? I want them larger than normal.

I wear a U.S. size 11 and bought a size 47. Does this sound ok to those of you that own these shoes? I want them larger than normal.

I normally wear a 45 in biking shoes, and I bought the Lake shoes in 45 and I was surprised how snug they were. It's exactly the opposite of what I would have expected from a winter shoe -- I would have expected a generous cut to allow for thick socks and to ensure that circulation is not cut off. I have a wide foot, and the shoes were so tight across the ball at first I could not get the velcro to close fully, but if they were any bigger they would be so long they would come off. The saving grace is that the leather is soft and stretches as the shoe gets broken in and they are now pretty comfortable.

My wife and I both got a pair of the MXZ301's for Christmas. Very happy with the fit of the shoes. Just curious if anyone else noticed a difference in sole thickness from their regular riding shoe? We both noticed that it felt like our seats were to low the first time we rode with these shoes. I wouldn't think that it would be a noticeable difference but it is for us. Just for reference we both use Sidi Dominator's as aour regular shoe.

Just curious if anyone else noticed a difference in sole thickness from their regular riding shoe? We both noticed that it felt like our seats were to low the first time we rode with these shoes.

I did notice that, I didn't pin it to the thickness of the soles. It does seem to me that with clipless shoes you have to adjust the seat height when you change shoes.