Looking at recent developments in off-road cycling shoes
For many years, off-road mainly meant mountain bike, and that was usually trail riding or cross-country mountain bike racing. It was limited only by your individual willingness to explore and to seek adventure. And in truth, it has been that sense of adventure that has helped off-road cycling to evolve more dramatically than any other area of cycling sport in recent years.
The growth in Enduro mountain biking was borne from a desire to try to merge the speed and adrenaline rush of cross-country racing with the technical aspects of downhill – with just a little extra room for manoeuvre! Gravel bikes in many respects have been a renewal of that long-lost childlike spirit, of taking one bike everywhere and seeking adventures on 2-wheels. And yes, as gravel bikes have increased in usage, so now is cross country mountain biking coming back into view and growing in popularity once more.
The advent of the E-Bike
Yes, off-road cycling has gone full circle and has picked up a few passengers along the way. There are now so many options to ride along the trails on, that it’s difficult at times to know what shoes you need for the task. Add to this, the power of the E-Bike, and it complicates the situation even more. Where hike-a-bike was once commonplace, riders of all abilities can simply boost the motor and ride on through the rough stuff. In terms of footwear, it means that the commonplace flat style shoes of yesteryear, albeit excellent for walking, but not always ideal at stability and control on the bike, are to some extent becoming a thing of the past, as modern riders ask for more stability and control on the trails and on the pedal in particular. We’reentering a time where speed is your friend, and a shoe must perform in all aspects of the modern off-road riding genres.
Thankfully, here at Lake, we’ve been watching and listening to riders, and our current range of off-road cycling shoes embraces both mountain bike specific shoes and gravel biking shoes, as well as cycling shoes that will serve you well on both types of bikes.
Stability and control, alongside form and fit – the MX238
One huge problem with the previous iterations of flat shoes for off-road riding has always been the lack of stability for the foot when on the pedal, and the lack of power transfer, alongside the control element. Whilst they might be super-comfortable hiking up that hill, their weaknesses become evident was the pedalling begins in earnest. With the growth in off-road biking events, for both mountain bike and gravel, riders have been asking for that control and stability. Here at Lake, our MX238 has been providing that to a high-level for some time. The MX238 comes in various guises, with all of them having the carbon sole insert, rubber sole for grip, and the heel counter to hold the foot in place. The full MTB version also has Aramid protection and Helcor abrasion resistant leather panels, to take those knocks and bumps all ride long, looking after your feet on the harsh and technical trails.
Designed on our Competition Last, the MX238 Gravel features a larger toe box and a tighter heel cup than the Comfort Last and comes with slightly more overall volume than our Sport last. The Gravel version somewhat lighter, with less abrasion control additions to the front and rear of the shoe, and it also has options for a lighter suede upper. Both the MTB and Gravel versions have the same dual BOA fastening system, meaning that alongside the legendary Lake cyclin shoe fit, the heel counter and double BOA will secure your foot perfectly, maximising power transfer and stability through the carbon sole. Whether you’reracing the technical trails of mountain biking, or the fast and furious, dusty gravel bike races, the Lake MX238 could just be the perfect off-road cycling shoe for you.
MX20G – Laced and ready to race
created on our legendary Race Last, the MX20G is a recent addition to the Lake off-road cycling shoe range, being a gravel-specific shoe, that’s also good for stylish commuters who want to race the traffic. It creates a new era for adventure cycling, setting the standard with an extremely lightweight, breathable and adjustable upper that is also available in 3 widths. We’ve utilized the lightness and durability properties of Clarino microfiber, alongside a micro mesh panelling and laces, to give riders a race-ready, durable and lightweight classic adventure shoe, with ultimate adjustability. This classically designed off-road shoe is the culmination of over 40 years of world-leading innovation and expertise, and is ideally suited for long days on the gravel grind. Welcome to the off-road adventure shoe revolution – the Lake MX20G.
Hit the trails with the Lake MX201 Flat
For riders with a wider foot, and those who know that they’re likely to spend time on hike and bike, the Lake MX201 reflects the more relaxed look of traditional off-road flat cycling shoes – save for the fact that it comes with the added security of a BOA closure system. It’s styled to look good both on and off the bike, and has a rugged and tough Clarino Microfiber NuFoam mesh upper, perfect for off-road adventures.
Our Lake MX201 Flat strikes the perfect balance for flat pedal riding and all-day walking comfort. The semi-flexible sole offers the rider perfect comfort for walking and the stiffness needed for all day cycling. It gives you that perfect balance between performance and comfort. Built on our MX Comfort Plus Last, the MX201 has a wider toe box and a unique construction that offers a lightweight and extremely breathable cycling shoe. The generous forefoot platform can also accommodate a multitude of foot shapes. It’s also an ideal commuter cycling shoe, giving you a balance between biking and hiking footwear, with the benefit of a super secure BOA closure.
Looking across the varied range of off-road cycling shoes here at Lake, it shows perfectly how we’ve been valuing tradition, whilst innovating and developing some of the very best cycling shoes to match the evolving needs of riders, for over 40 years. As the adventure cycling scene continues to grow, then so will our range of cycling shoes to support the needs of everyone seeking an off-road adventure. The MX201, the MX20G and the MX238 are just a few examples of what Lake has to offer for your own adventures on 2-wheels.
These are exciting times for cycling, and the advent of the E-Bike will only help to increase the opportunities; and, as more and more riders take to the trails, we’ll be ready to wrap their feet in our legendary Lake comfort – with performance and style as standard.