I feel like autumn has been short this year, or rather, it’s gotten cold all at once. The temperature has dropped significantly since yesterday.
Do you all prefer summer or winter? If asked which I prefer, I would say winter.
The reason is that while winter is cold, the air is crisp, and if you head out, there are wonderful landscapes waiting for you. It’s cold at first when you leave the house, but as you keep riding, your body gradually warms up, and I love riding through the clear air while feeling my blood circulation. It’s also great to be able to enjoy a meal at a shop along the way that tastes especially delicious because it warms up my chilled body. Yes, as long as you have the right gear, winter rides can be a lot of fun.
※The photo shows last year's snow ride. This might be a bit of an exaggeration, but if you can overcome the temptation of your bed and head outside, you’ll always find a view different from the usual!
For those winter rides, one thing I personally focus on is keeping my extremities, like my hands and feet, protected from the cold. When it comes to steering the handlebars or pedaling, if your hands and feet go numb, you can’t really focus on the ride. So today, before the arrival of full-scale winter, I’d like to introduce some reliable shoes that will make your winter rides comfortable.
LAKE was founded in 1982 in Evanston, Illinois, USA, as a manufacturer of cycling shoes.
As a pioneer, they have introduced many excellent shoes to the market, such as the industry's first mass-produced carbon-soled shoes and models specialized for disciplines like mountain biking and triathlons. Although they are now based in the Netherlands following an acquisition, they remain a long-established cycling shoe brand. Many of their current products feature real leather uppers, and their top-tier models offer services like heat-moldable heels and custom color options to help you create your own unique pair.
While many manufacturers now release clipless shoes that can be worn daily or used for casual rides compared to a while back, the reality is that it’s quite difficult to find "the one" when it comes to shoes specifically for winter or rainy day riding. However, LAKE has a robust lineup of models for winter riding. That’s why at Circles, we have stocked two models that we particularly recommend.
The MX145-X (WIDE) is a winter shoe with enough warmth to withstand the harsh cold of winter. It uses a BOA dial for quick entry/exit and a secure fit. With waxed canvas, leather, and a highly waterproof membrane used for the upper, these are SPD shoes capable of handling riding on rainy or snowy days in winter.
The sole uses Hyper Grip’s Ice Lock, which provides high grip to ensure stability even in poor conditions. These are shoes that excel in various situations, such as snow riding, commuting on rainy days, and long tours. Also, they feature a wide last, making them easy to fit for those with wider or higher-instep feet, which is common among Japanese people.
Simple black shoes are easy to match with any style, but they also go great with bib tights and winter jerseys, making them very useful for winter rides.
On the other hand, the MXZ200 features a tan leather upper with a waterproof membrane and 3M Thinsulate, a high-performance insulation material, giving it warmth and waterproofing that stands out even among cycling shoes.
At first glance, the rugged style—which uses laces and looks like a pair of trekking boots—tricks you into wondering if it's really a cycling shoe, which really appeals to the rugged side of one's sensibilities. The last is set wider and higher than standard Lake lasts, allowing for stress-free riding even when paired with thick socks, which is a key feature of this model.
It uses a Vibram sole with high grip, ensuring you keep your footing even in rough terrain. Of course, you can cut out a portion of the sole to attach SPD cleats. While there are generally few choices for winter shoes, these are SPD shoes that perform well in various scenes, such as snow riding, commuting on rainy days, dirt touring, and trail riding.
As shown in the photo, these shoes look great with styles that skip the jersey in favor of a wool shirt or casual trousers for riding.
The two pairs introduced this time are models that aren't usually available in Japan, but at Circles, we have all sizes in stock.
Generally, many clipless shoes have excellent ventilation, leading many people to use shoe covers or wear warm socks to cope in winter. I'm sure quite a few of you have been waiting for shoes like these. To make your winter riding more comfortable, let’s start by taking proper care of your feet!