Lake MX30G gravel shoe review: retro sneaker vibe disguises a thoroughly modern race shoe

Lake has built its reputation on crafting high-performance cycling shoes in a wide range of sizes, widths, and lasts compared to other brands, and the MX30G is one of their latest designs. We have reviewed the top-of-the-range MX333 before here at Cycling Weekly, and we rated them highly. So how do their more cost-effective siblings fare against one of the best gravel shoes?

I used these over the summer and autumn months on a mix of riding, from fast-paced chain gangs to a multi-day gravel tour across Ireland and plenty of rides on my local Peak District trails. I went for the blue version with large vented mesh sections at the toe and side panels. This was probably not ideal for the wettest summer in recent memory, but I was hopeful the weather would match my optimistic footwear choices. The white versions feature a complete microfibre construction if you want more warmth and a more traditional-looking shoe.

Construction

The MX30G upper is crafted from lightweight mesh and microfiber fabric, providing excellent breathability and plenty of solid reinforcement in high-wear areas. Lake says these excel in hot and humid conditions. I agree, but don't be fooled into thinking these are only for when the mercury rises. Though very breathable, there's still enough material to be comfortable (for me at least) down to around twelve degrees without overshoes and down to around 6-8 degrees with a neoprene style overshoe.

The airy mesh build has another counterintuitive benefit: when it's wet, it actually works better than expected. Water can drip out quickly, so it won't stay soaked and dry much quicker than a standard construction. I found this especially beneficial on multi-day rides. Putting on wet shoes is a pet hate of mine, so this was a welcome bonus after being caught in a brief but heavy downpour midway into a bikepacking trip.

Twin low-profile BOA Fit System Li2 dials deal with closure. These are multi-direction dials, which allow you to micro-adjust when tightening or loosening the shoe, which is very handy for mid-ride tweaks and a noticeable benefit over the cheaper L6 versions with a single directional release mechanism. The lower dial adjusts straight across the lower section, with the upper crossing over the rest of the shoe. It's a pretty standard style, and although not quite as good as the side-mounted version on the MX333, it's more than enough and spreads the pressure well over the top of the foot. The way they hide the loops on the opposing side of the dial looks cool, too.

The Lake Race 100% Carbon Fibre Sole is the heart of the shoe's performance, offering exceptional stiffness for an off-road shoe. Durable TPU lugs on the outsole provide adequate grip on loose and technical terrain, though due to the stiffness and low-profile tread, there are better shoes for extended periods of walking. The shoe also comes with screw-in studs, should you fancy some cross-action or think you'll encounter muddy walking sections.

The last, or the internal shape of the shoe, is one area that Lake excels in, offering more options and widths than anyone else. This can make picking the right one a bit confusing, but they have plenty of helpful info on their site. If you need more in-depth help, they also sell them via bike shops, so you can try them on and speak to a real person. The MX30G uses the MX Race Last, which is slightly narrower than Lake’s Competition Last, offering a tighter heel and lower volume fit and is available in a narrow, regular, or wide fit.

The ride

On the bike, the MX30G excels in power transfer thanks to its stiff carbon sole. Whether climbing steep gravel inclines or sprinting on flat sections, the solid platform ensures none of my meagre power output is wasted. Generally speaking, I prefer more flexible shoes for off-road endeavours as some other race-orientated shoes can feel harsh, especially over longer distances, but I have no such issues here, with no hot spots or points of discomfort.

I know looks are a subjective thing, but I love the style of these. The navy blue and white flash combined with the white dials look great in my eyes and strongly remind me of a vintage sneaker. Like all Lake shoes, they have a different aesthetic to other brands, too, more in keeping with a handmade shoe than a mass-produced item, and it's something I'm a fan of. It's hard to get across in pictures, but they look and feel noticeably different in the hand from other shoes out there.

The twin BOA dials offered easy adjustments on the bike, allowing for fine-tuning on the move. I tend not to fiddle much when on the bike, but having the ability to make micro-adjustments for both tightening and loosening is helpful to make sure my feet are comfy. There was a bit of a break-in period with these for me. For the first few rides, the upper and tongue section felt a little stiff, and I could feel a pressure point where the top dial sat, but after 4-5 rides, they softened up, and it was no longer an issue.

The MX race last worked well for me. After consulting the size chart and following Lake's instructions, which involved drawing around my feet and taking measurements, I opted for a 44 regular, which is generally the size I go for in most brands, but they are also available in narrow and wide versions should you need them which I think is a great option. The heel cup was snug without being restrictive, and the slightly smaller toe box worked well for my feet. Generally, I get on well with slightly narrower style shoes, with my foot measuring 105mm wide as a reference.

Lake uses a Syksol insole or footbed; again, I found the one used here very comfortable. I prefer a mid-to-high arch, and these fit the bill nicely. Of course, insoles are a personal preference, but I had no complaints here and no need to change anything else throughout testing.

Value and Conclusion

The Lake MX30G Gravel Cycling Shoes are a premium option at £250 / $250, but they are significantly cheaper than the range-topping MX333. The upper isn't as supportive as those, and the more common Boa setup might be marginally less snug, but honestly, I was more than happy with the MX30G, and £145 / $150 is a considerable saving.

Around the £250 pricepoint isn't the busiest section of the market, flying just below the ultra-premium offerings yet slightly higher than midrange. However, similar options are still available, like the Specialized Recon 3.0 with its carbon sole and double Boa arrangement at £230 / $297 or the stylish Sidi Dust with a single Techno 3 dial at £260 / $324. Both of these are good shoes in their own right with similar features, but neither comes with different width options as standard or a choice of upper materials.

Styling is subjective, but I love the way these look. They're a welcome change from the standard white or black options and have a timeless look that is different without being garish. A white version is available if you're after that, too.

I was worried the mesh construction would limit their appeal and useability, but they aren't as cold as you'd think and strike a better balance between warmth and breathability than their construction would suggest. The white microfiber versions will be a better option for year-round riding, though.

These are supremely comfortable and have been better than I expected for anything I wanted to do on a gravel bike. As with all shoes, the fit is a personal preference, but thankfully, Lake has enough options to keep most riders happy, and I would definitely recommend trying these.