Lake 302 vs old 301's
 

Improved but not warmer.

After three winters on my mediocre 301's I replaced them this fall with--begrudgingly- the 302's. I searched and couldn't really find anything else that was reputed to do the job better. Seems most 'winter' shoes are suited more to late fall or early spring.

The new wide size helped immensely, the toes studs actually stay put, and the shoe overall is better built.
Even so, it's still heavy, expensive, and not any warmer. Lake says it's good to +5f and they were pretty much on the money. My toes were getting cold within 15 minutes this morning. And the ankle gore is crap. Little adjustment to ensure a good seal.

Overall it's still the daddy of the category IMO, but that's not saying much. I'm still disappointed we can't do better for the money.

Bummer. I'm unhappy about my 301s also. I'm going to try putting PI Amphib booties over them to see if they help out. I tried Toasty Feet insoles and Primaloft socks, to no avail. I like using toe warmers for skiing, but for an hour commute, just being wasteful. Sigh.

I'm still using MX300s. Are you saying the 302s aren't 2 better?

Correct.

Well, there goes that profligate spending fantasy...

Got a set of the Lake Winter Road shoes. Wore them w/Seal Skinz socks...say 'wore' as I had to send them back. The stitching that held the heel panel on the back came loose. Only had them about 2 weeks. Went on a singlespeed ride w/some friends and noticed my right shoe had gotten loose...I stopped and tightened the 'fish line' mechanism to no avail. Couldn't take the time right then, so when I got back to the truck I was able to change shoes and give them a thorough going over. That's when I discovered what was causing the problem. Decided @ 250.00 I should get a new pair. Also, I ordered the new pair a size larger thinking maybe stress on the stitching may have caused the problem. Other than that I was happy w/t performance in terms of warmth, wind blockage, etc. When I get the new pair I may take them to a cobbler and have them sew a leather strip of some sort to strengthen that area. It may also be a design flaw. Hope nobody else has this problem...this exchange has been going on for over a month. :notamused: