Our role here at Lake isn’t simply to sell cycling shoes. That would be both too simplistic and too arrogant of us. Ultimately, we listen to cyclists all over the globe, and then we go away and try to design and create cycling shoes that deal with painful feet when cycling, and which wrap your feet in the ultimate in cycling shoe comfort.
When it comes to autumn and winter, the comfort issue is more important than ever, as nature decides to add a few more impact factors into the equation – cold feet when cycling, and wet feet when you’re trying to get in those final miles on the road before the cold season really hits home. Overshoes can help a little; however, many overshoes won’t last a season, and it can be like wrestling with an Octopus as you try to get those tight-fitting overshoes to fit properly over your cycling shoes. Then, once you’re all wrapped in, you can’t properly adjust the closure and deal with any painful foot issues such as hotspots that may now be happening due to extra compression.
Nope, you need a better cycling shoe solution for autumn and winter, which is where the new Lake MXZ21 comes into play. Best of all, for those cyclists who not only want to maintain pain free feet in winter, the MXZ21 is a performance-orientated winter cycling shoe, with a carbon sole – probably the only winter-specific cycling shoe currently available with this race-ready addition!
MXZ21 – Getting to grips with autumn and winter cycling
Built on our Competition ‘Last’, the MXZ21 is designed to be a lighter-weight and more athletic-fitting high-performance and inclement weather cycling shoe. It comes with a carbon fibre and real rubber sole for that necessary winter grip, maintaining incredible power transfer to the pedal, alongside added stability on slippery ground conditions. The sole is the same as that on our MX239 and MX242, with the added addition of 5 Ice-Lock inserts. These vertically injected micro glass fibres are designed to grip on virtually all surfaces and give you that added confidence that autumn and winter cycling requires. There are 2 placements in the rear of the outsole and 3 in the mid-foot, giving extra-stability and security on the areas of the sole in most contact with the ground. There are also replaceable spikes at the front, for those maybe taking on a cyclocross adventure season.
The wind in your hair, but not in your shoes
With a windproof and highly water-resistant upper to keep out the elements, it also has the latest Speed laces technology for ultimate adjustability and secure closure. Speed-laces offer durability, fast opening and closing, while remaining locked in place. They’re also familiar to those outdoor activists who race other disciplines, and they provide an easily replaceable and optimal secure fit to help you to maximise your performance. Inside the wrap-over, hook and eye closing soft-shell fabric and water-resistant microfiber cuff, there’s also two elastic channels for you to tuck away the speed laces once you’ve carried out the required adjustment around your feet.
Dry feet for autumn & winter cycling shoes
It’s that dream we all have at this time of the year; dry feet in autumn and winter, without resorting to cycling overshoes. Thankfully, having dealt with the painful feet issues of hotspots and tightly fitting cycling shoes, we can concentrate on giving you a winter cycling shoe that focuses on keeping the weather at bay. That includes a wider toe box and forefoot area, that allows you to wear a thicker pair of socks, trapping the air and allowing your feet to stay warm. The warm ‘Thinsulate’ inner of the MXZ21 also has a wicking liner with a seam-taped membrane barrier, which helps make this cycling shoe highly water-resistant and suitable for various conditions. It won’t stop water coming in through the top where your feet go in, but we’ve done as much as possible to protect you on those inclement training rides and races.
Clarino microfiber provides excellent durability and the suppleness of leather with a significant weight reduction. The upper is then treated with a DWR (Durable Water Resistant) coating that prevents the upper from absorbing water. Like all other products with water-resistant functionality, this DWR coating will need to be reapplied using a readily available DWR spray found in the marketplace. Exposure to the elements, such as rain and mud will eventually wash away this DWR coating, requiring a reapplication when used frequently in inclement conditions. You can also utilise our new, Lake shoe cleaning kit to keep your cycling shoes in tip top condition for many years to come.
Get ready for racing – with the MXZ21
Being based in the cold winter climate of Chicago and the North American Lakes, we began our journey by creating cycling shoes to take on the challenges of cycling in cold winter conditions. Using this unrivalled knowledge and expertise, the MXZ21 is the evolution of the winter cycling shoe, with the only currently available carbon fibre sole, alongside 40+ years of winter cycling shoe expertise.
These days, with gravel biking going on well into the autumn, and with the need for many cyclists to train outdoors all year long, we designed the MXZ21 to be the ultimate in autumn and winter cycling footwear – with the bonus of pain free cycling feet and maximum performance from one of the world’s best cycling shoe brands. The MXZ21 is another innovative cycling shoe from our world-leading design team, drawing on our unrivalled experience.
At Lake, we’re focused on maximising your comfort and performance, and the MXZ21 – being the first carbon sole winter specific cycling shoe – is the perfect fit for your own autumn and winter cycling adventures. Ride with Lake on your side... and your feet!
Ben Swift goes gravel biking at Dalby Forest
Lake MXZ305 Winter cycling boot