Lake MX90 leisure shoe

Curiously marketed as an mtb trainer shoe, on the surface Lake’s MX90 look pretty much like any other SPD leisure shoe with all the virtues of civilian styling and day long comfort and to their credit perform moderately paced touring leisure duties very well. However, a wealth of technology and unexpected materials employed in their manufacture might give them the edge.

Take the uppers for instance, not your average cheap suede, they’re actually made for Lake from K-lite Kangaroo hide, claimed to be the lightest, strongest and most durable of hides. This is impregnated with a host of other treatments designed to strengthen and protect from abrasion and water damage. Even the mesh is constructed to maintain a constant skin temperature.

Over the years, I’ve come to treat these claims with a scepticism usually reserved for washing powders and even with good quality socks and appropriate hygiene, my feet can usually turn nice pumps into biological weapons in a matter of six months. Fit is slightly narrower than their looks suggest and you’ll need a size up from your street trainers too, although the toe box is deceptively generous. The soft, natural rubber sole is great for walking in but doesn’t detract from riding prowess either.

For bowling along at moderate paces-say between 15 and 20mph they’re perfect if you do take them off-road they offer surprisingly good grip on dry trails too without clogging with mud or sand in the way more aggressive designs can. Clever lace tidies keep them out of harms reach and complete the clean look. Riding in temperatures nearing the mid 70’s sees feet turn warm but not uncomfortably so and in the short term they do indeed offer good odour control. Uppers have resisted accidental dips in the North sea, sand and other light debris, needing only a post-ride wipe-over with a jey cloth, although they’re too broad for overshoes so need stuffing with newspaper after a soaking and allowed to dry naturally.