The Lake MX177 are off-road-specific shoes designed for all-day comfort yet still deliver when it comes to performance and stability. With many sterling options available, do the Lake MX177s have what it takes to stake a claim as one of the best mountain bike shoes?
Lake MX177 mountain bike shoe – Technical details
The MX177 is available in EU sizes ranging from 36 to 50 (regular width) and 39 to 50 in wide width - this goes above and beyond most other brands, some of which have no wide fit while others only at higher price points. The shoe is also available in three different colourways, with identical sizing across the board.
Across the full range of shoes Lake produces, there are five different lasts and three different width options. The MX177 sits within the MX Sport range, aiming to provide a larger volume fit.
Lake MX177 mountain bike shoes – Fit and performance
Lake provides a guide to help find the right size and I found the size chart to be accurate, although there are no half-EU sizes if you are looking for a very close fit. There is ample room in the toe box, something I often struggle with in other brands. The Boa retention extends high enough to give plenty of tension adjustment.
The pair of EU41 shoes tested weighed in at 780g, which makes them heavier than some of its rivals such as the Shimano XC3 which come in at a claimed 710g for the pair. To give some idea of the range of shoe weights, the Shimano RX8 is a lightweight carbon sole shoe aimed at gravel racing - weighing 610g for a pair.
The shoe upper is made from Clarino Microfiber, giving the look and feel of leather but with more durability and less upkeep. The upper has just two mesh panels and some perforations along the side. Testing was carried out during winter and the shoes ran warmer than expected. An upshot of the microfiber panel is its ability to hold off water and spray - this kept my feet drier for longer.
For winter riding and those looking to increase warmth further, the extra space available in the toe-box will make it possible to wear thicker winter socks and increase comfort further. While the shoe does add warmth, one small factor to bear in mind is that the overall girth is also larger than other brands - and this holds true for the regular fit model, too. If you are switching from a different shoe - and using overshoes - it is something to take into consideration.
The insole is contoured with pronounced support around the hee' - there's also a raised arch and raised section, and a similarly supported metatarsal relief button.
With a nylon sole, there is a level of stiffness that makes riding comfortable but enough flex that also makes walking possible if needed. The shoe gives some movement for any prolonged hike-a-bike scenarios and I found the heel had a secure fit, preventing my feet from lifting out. The shoes are not very stiff or race-focused really but there are more suitable options available if that's what you're after - both within the Lake range and from other brands.
For times when you may need to walk, the grip afforded by the sole is very good, helped by the deep lugs which feature small square “Ice Lock” inserts, which Lake claims 'gives more grip on icy or other slippery surfaces". The sole is rubber with a contoured section on the midsole to prevent slipping, and there is the option to fit toe studs although none are provided.
Lake MX177 mountain bike shoes – Adjustment
The MX177 has a single Boa L6 adjustment dial with a one-way micro-adjustment system to increase tension - all tension is released by pulling up on the dial. It could be frustrating when you are trying to find the exact tension you want , but this type of Boa system is par for the course at this price point.
The main frustration with the adjustment is the way in which any added tension needs to be balanced through the full length of the lacing. This is despite having a “Carbitex Tongue” that Lake says reduces friction in the laces. Initially, when starting a ride I would adjust to the tension I felt was right, but found I was continuously increasing as the tension took time to spread through the full lacing system. This is the downside of a single Boa in general and something that affects all shoes that use this system.
Lake MX177 mountain bike shoes – Verdict
The MX177 mountain bike shoes might be positioned in the lower rungs of Lake's range but they cost £150 which is not the cheapest budget option around. What the MX177 offers that most of its rivals don't is the broad fit range with wide sizing across almost all sizes.
This isn’t a super stiff race shoe but the Bont Riot MTB+ is almost the complete opposite with a very stiff carbon sole and priced at £170.
The Fizik Terra Atlas shoes have a similar balance of stiffness and comfort, although they lack the sizing spread and possess a more basic construction. Shimano offers the XC3 at £110 as well as the XC5 at £140, although both are only available in a single-width option.
The Lake MX177 mountain bike shoes have proved to be extremely comfortable. The stiffness in the sole should suit almost all riders, except those looking for a firmer race shoe. The features list is limited for the price point but this is balanced against the broad sizing spread and colours offered.
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