Hi there - I'm thinking about getting some Lake shoes. I was particularly interested in the MX265s (as they're only $170 - more than a hundred cheaper than their other mountain winter shoes) - but searching the forums didn't bring up anything.

What do you all think of Lake shoes? I currently have Shimano mountain shoes and, with proper clothing elsewhere, they're good for me to about 15 F or so, but beyond that I'm really pushing it with them.

Also - how would these handle being wet? My Shimanos soak up water like it's their job - and take forever to dry.

Lakes 300/301/302's are the Best. I don't know anything about the 265's.

That's what a buddy of mine has and he really digs em.

How do they deal with water?

They are not waterproof! Anything more than a couple of heavy splashes and the water will seep into the Pitards (sp?) leather outer. I guess you could seal them with something, but I've never felt the need. Where they really shine is when the temperature gets below freezing and water turns to snow/ice. Went on a 90 minute ride tonight in 5 F weather. Feet were toasty, if not my hands.

Got a set of the Winter road shoes and the stitching on the right rear heel area gave way. Had to send them back to Performance for a new pair. This may be an area of design flaw or simply a manufacturing error. Either way I asked for a size 44 instead of 43 thinking maybe they were slightly too small. Anyway, I'd only had them for 2 weeks w/less than 10 rides. Up until that point I was very happy w/t performance of the shoe. Wore them w/Seal Skinz socks. As I work 2nd shift my commute home is always at night and the temps were consistantly in the mid/low 20s. One night down to 15F. It's a 19.7 mi commute(+100 ft elev)completed in about 1.25-1.5 hrs. I don't know what that calculates to in terms of wind chill, but I never felt it in my feet. My toes were always warm when I took my socks off.

I'm looking forward to getting the new pair. Soon, I hope.

I have a pair of 302's they are great, at 15 or so, less than that they will start to chill, but if you put in a pair of toasty feet insoles in them(wal mart) you can go on down to -0,in the rain they do fine,but i don't think you can put them directly under,like a creek crossing or the like,They are holding up very well so far,i would recommend them ,even tho pricey!!

So I ride in Shimano M122 size 46 mountain bike shoes. What size should I get the Lake shoes in? 47 I'm thinking?

I have the MX302-Wide size 43 which still seems a little on the narrow side (I wear a normal width shoe). My summer Shimano shoes are also size 43. I should have got a 44 to have a little more room for extra socks. Get the wide model and buy a size larger to allow for heavy socks.

Kind of weird to rs to one's own post, but I figured I'd give an update on my 'shoe saga'. Called the original source and found out my shoes were on backorder and that my money'd been refunded. Sure enough, I check my account and there's been a deposit. So, I called back and asked when I could expect the shoes to be delivered. The person said, "Early February." I said thank you and immediately went online to https://www.lickbike.com There was an 800 number listed so I called and asked if they had a pair in my size. They said yes and I ordered them right then. He said to expect them on the 29th or later as UPS was really busy because of the holidays. They would go out Monday12/22. Well, I got them on WEDNESDAY 12/24!! So, needless to say I cancelled the backorder w/t other supplier and took a nice long Christmas ride on my singlespeed in my new Lake Winter road shoes.

PS: They were 8.00 cheaper and NO SHIPPING! Go figure.

If you don't mind using platforms, perhaps with Power Grips, the North Face Storm Peak II boot is great. A pair weighs about 2 pounds. Totally waterproof. Has a D-ring for gaitors (I made neoprene ones from an old pair of zip-up scuba booties, and they keep the lower leg/ankle area very warm).

It's insulated with Primaloft, the new synthetic down substitute. Rated to -25 F (-32 C). I've ridden at +6F, -12 windchill, with only thin cotton socks, and feet were very warm.

I got them at REI, which has a full-satisfaction refund policy, even after extended use. TNF makes serious gear for outdoor enthusiasts, and these boots should hold up well.

Price: $130. Size 14 is a tad roomier than my Shimano 122 50s.

throw toasty feet insoles in the lakes and chuck the stock ones
and you will not regret it

edit: holy crap ! I just went for another ride in them, in the woods on the
pugs..and had to stand around in snow a few times while I was
sawing 2 blowdowns...

the toasty feet prevented heat from escaping my shoe, and no snow melted
into the cleat. when I went to clip back in the cleat was fine. unlike the usual
ice block that forms and you have a hell of a time clipping in

honestly zero temp change when riding or standing in snow...toasty feets are teh ballz

The lake shoes seem good. I was looking at them last year in my search for winter shoes. I ended up passing them over for some Sidis, though-- the Sidis are goretex all the way around, so much more waterproof. Warmth wasn't a big thing for me-- so long as my feet are dry, they have more of an overheating problem than anything else.

I've had the Lake winter road shoes for several winters and they are excellent. I ride every day at 0545 with a group all winter long, and have warm happy feet.