Winter Cycling - Lake Winter Boot owners...!

I know we've had a bazillion footwear threads here in the winter cycling forum, and even ones where these Lake Winter Boots come up. Problem is phrases like "cold" "darn cold" and "really darn cold" aren't really descriptive enough. Of course, your feet aren't my feet and we all have different tolerances.

I'm looking at the Lake MXZ302 spd boot and was wondering just how cold (in actual degrees) one can take these puppies down to and with what underneath. I mean like what type of sock, material, how thick, etc. Experiences with older models are sure to be helpful too.

I'm going to shop around to see if one of the LBS has them to try on, but I don't really have any way of testing them in frigid temps, obviously.

I'm ready to drop the bones on a pair, but I didn't want to without doing some research first. I don't want to give up clipless if I don't have to and I hate messing around with shoe covers! Thanks guys and gals.

I have to use those Specialized corrective insoles to fix a pedaling defect. I put them in first and the stock insulated Lake insoles on top.

I get down to around 10°F with the Lakes and plain old Sam's Club white athletic socks. A second pair of those takes me into the lower single digits. We haven't had colder than that since I bought mine.

It's important to get them a size or so large. Winter shoes--of any type for any purpose--should be loose fitting when worn with the thickest socks you plan to use. It's the trapped air that keeps your hoofies warm. Too tight, no trapped air, cold feet.

Note too, your LBS can't get the wide sizes through standard distribution. They need an account directly with Lake. So if you need the wide sizes, you have to get them online either from Lake directly or from Lickbike.com

May I also suggest ordering (from Lake) a spare set of the BOA laces. I broke one and was glad I didn't have to wait a week for shipment.

I have a pair of Lake winter boots (I think that mine are the older MXZ 301). I now live in San Jose where I doubt that I will be using them, but up until recently I lived in Maine. The winter boots are a size larger than my summer shoes, and I typically wore them with a pair of heavy wool hiking socks under them. I would commute to work (a 15 mile ride) at temps down to 0F - my feet were cold after an hour at that temp, but not the coldest part of my body, and certainly tolerable.

Yeah, I'd probably want the wide version. My problem is that my right foot is wider than the left, so in the end for my regular spd shoe I had to buy two pair. I've got a Lake 45 wide on the right foot and a 45 regular on the left. Frustrating to have to do that but I can't stand the "slop" of having a shoe that is too wide on my left foot. Makes quick unclipping a little dicey as well. With thick socks I figure it's not as much of an issue. I wonder if ordering direct from Lake would they'd let me order one of each? Probably not but it's worth asking I guess.

How's the weight in relation to your average low-rise winter boot? With the vibram sole I'd bet they're about par, yeah?

I survived last year with woefully inadequate footwear in even a few degrees below zero. I figure these boots would work for 98% of my winter riding, as it's mostly mid singles to mid teens here.

If you are going to deal with small company like Lake, get a different-sized shoe for each foot. Call them. I got some really nice customized adjustments from Profile Design and Speeplay, from their stock lines. Granted these were in Cali.

I used mine here in Madison all last winter. I just wore a pair of wool socks in them and were toasty warm, even those couple days we had below zero!

It's time vs temp here, so do factor that in.

My 302's are generally worn with a medium weight wool sock.

+40f* with rain is not too warm for an hour
+20*f is just right for however long I'm out
0*f I'm comfortable for an hour.
-20*f is acceptable for an hour with chemical toe warmers.

Such is my experience and the range I wear these things. Overpriced, my second set, and really, the only serious game for winter boots IMHO.

Thanks for the advice. I guess the only thing left to consider is how roomy I want them to be. Most of my rides are an hour or less, but that's really only because my right knee is still a bit "off."

Sized for one pair of socks or two? That is the question.

I have the Lake 301's, and am good for a couple of hours at 20F with the chemical warmers. Definitely get a half to a whole size bigger to allow for heavier socks.

I'm interested in these boots as well (cold feet are my #1 problem for winter cycling), however I'm alarmed at the number of reviews (see here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=363616) and here (http://www.mtbr.com/cat/mtb-apparel-and-protection/Shoes/lake/mxz-302/PRD_416926_144crx.aspx)) that cite durability problems with heels coming apart and straps breaking. Does anyone know if they've solved these problems?

I have the Lake 301's, and am good for a couple of hours at 20F with the chemical warmers. Definitely get a half to a whole size bigger to allow for heavier socks.

They changed the last for the 302's. Buyer beware with sizing.