Lake MXZ 304 Winter Boots: Happy Feet

by David Cohen
Maryland National Capital Park Police Reserve Unit

Winter riding can be both fun and beneficial to the public safety cyclist.  I’ve written about this topic previously in “Riding in a Winter Wonderland”, which appeared in the 2019 Board issue of IPMBA News and online at https://ipmba.org/blog/comments/riding-in-a-winter-wonderland. ; While layering up is essential, the two make-or-break items for me on whether a cold weather ride is enjoyable is if my hands and feet are warm.  

For years, I trusted my feet to a pair of Lake MXZ 300 boots that I bought nearly 20 years ago, when they were already being replaced by the MXZ 302.  To keep them warm, I had to add toe caps and would often insulate my feet with plastic bags.  It was reasonably effective down to about 35 degrees (1.6 degrees Celsius).  Anything colder, and I’d have to switch to a full-on winter boot and use platform pedals.  As one would expect after nearly 20 years of use, the MXZ 300s finally bit the dust this winter, so it was time for me to invest in a new pair of cycling boots.

Lake Cycling was founded in 1982 and they have been one of the most notable “go-tos” for cycling footwear.  Unlike many other cycling companies that have branched into other areas, Lake has remained solely focused on shoes.   And, based on the performance of my MXZ 300s, you are definitely getting a quality and long-lasting product.

I chose the MXZ 304 winter riding boot.  The MXZ retails for $349.99, but you can find it on sale between $250 - $280 on some websites.  I suggest using Lake’s measuring protocols for choosing the right size (https://www.lakecycling.com/pages/size-guide).  I ordered a pair using the size I wear for my Patrol Cycle shoes, and the fit is definitely tight.  I probably should have gone up a half-size.  Even Lake states on their website that, in order to accommodate winter weight socks, one should order the winter boots 1 to 1.5 sizes greater than their summer shoes.  Why Lake simply did not make the boot sizes      one to 1.5 sizes larger so that the sizing would be consistent across the line is beyond me.  Like all Lake shoes, it has an accommodation for a cleat on the underside.  The tread is meaty and grips on most surfaces.   

The 304 has done away with the VelcroTM straps and instead uses a twist knob attached to plastic cords to close up the top of the boot (a boa system).  I found that after you ride for a bit, the cords need to be tightened up again.  The knob is large and easy to grab, so it’s something you can do without stopping or leaving the saddle, if the conditions are safe to do so.  The forefoot cover is still Velcro and also has a strap to secure it to your foot.  The plastic strap loop tends to pop out of the bracket that retains it.  It can be snapped back in, but it is rather annoying when it happens.

Just like its predecessors, the 304 can be adapted to mount an SPD cleat on the underside.  Mounting and adjusting the SPD cleat is fairly straightforward and you can be dialed in within 15 minutes or so.   

In terms of keeping my feet warm, though, the 304 is a quantum leap over my old pair of 300s.  No more toe caps or plastic bags over my feet.  My feet stayed comfortable in these boots with temperatures down into the 20s and wind chills in the teens (sub-zero, Celsius).  They also do well in the snow, as I discovered on one of my attempts to ride in the snow this past winter.  The typical snow in Maryland tends to be a wet snow that packs quickly, making it relatively easy to ride on.  In this instance, I was trying to ride through six inches (15 cm) of powdery snow.  My 29er was having none of this, so I had to hoof my way back out.  

Overall, my feet were much happier this winter in the 304s just wearing a pair of socks than they were in my previous pair of 300s with toe caps and plastic bags.  In terms of finding a winter riding shoe that is comfortable in temperatures below the freezing mark, it’s mission accomplished. 

Here’s a quick summary of the MXZ 304:

PROS

• Toasty warm
• Very little seepage when tightened

CONS

• Having to order a larger size than you typically wear  
• Boa system requires retightening periodically during the ride

Is the Lake MXZ 304 worth the $250 - $280 price tag?  Without a doubt, yes.  Warm feet are a great thing to have during the winter.  If the durability of my MXZ 300s is any indication, odds are these 304s are going to last me another two decades or so.  Maybe at that time, I’ll be writing a review of the MXZ 308’s! 

David is a 15-year volunteer with the Maryland-National Capital Park Police.  When he isn’t riding or tinkering with bicycles, David can be found tinkering with vintage cars or his collection of 19th and early 20th century musical instruments.  An avid historian, David enjoys researching and writing as well.  He can be reached at onyxsax@aol.com. 

(c) 2024 IPMBA.  This review appeared in the 2024 Product Guide issue of IPMBA News. 

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