The Lake MX235C Mountain Bike Shoe, while not in the same class as a Sidi Dominator, is an excellent MTB shoe. This shoe has a 100% carbon sole, full-grain leather upper and a non-slip rubber tread with mud studs (included). At only 365 grams this is an incredibly lightweight shoe and the carbon sole dampens vibrations from the trail.
Lake MX235C Mountain Bike Shoe
If you ride off-road trails you are going to appreciate the rubber tread and the mud studs—they provide amazing traction for those times you have to get off the bike. And when you do get off the bike you will find this shoe is very easy to walk in as well. This shoe has two pre-drilled holes for SPD cleats. I am using Crank Brothers Egg Beater cleats and they work well with this shoe. The shoe closes with three hook ‘n loop straps and has a very secure fit. Mesh inserts in the upper make this shoe very breathable.
As for size, these shoes are available in sizes 39 through 48 (European), and they seem to be true to size. They are also available in wide widths. I bought the wide width shoes (MX235C-X) and they have the widest toe box I’ve found in any cycling shoe. In fact, there is enough room for thick socks, which I need for about half of the year (I live north of Chicago).
Mesh drainage hole
One of the greatest features of this shoe, and one I’ve not seen anyone else mention, is the mesh drainage hole in the sole of the shoe (like in the shoes triathletes wear). This mesh hole is located under your heel, but is covered by the sole insert. You might not need this feature, but if you ever get caught in a thunderstorm or heavy downpour you will appreciate how this little device helps drain water out of your shoes! I got caught in one downpour this summer and for over an hour my road shoes were filled with water on my way home (not a pleasant feeling).
The Lake MX235C Mountain Bike Shoe has a list price of $190, but I was able to buy a pair from Nashbar.com on sale for $90. At the sale price this shoe has to be one of the best buys you will ever find for a MTB shoe.
As I said in an earlier product review for another Lake shoe, the only downside to this shoe is Lake Cycling itself. I don’t know of a single manufacturer or distributor of cycling products that has a worse reputation for customer service than Lake Cycling. The shoes they sell are fine, but if you ever need help from Lake Cycling you are out of luck. Their Web site has absolutely no contact information on it at all!
