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If anyone looking to buy some Lakes ( I have opted to try a pair of the MXZ200s) I can thoroughly recommend Salt Dog Cycling as a place to make a purchase.
After a few emails regarding best fit, Richard rang me (on a Saturday afternoon) and talked me through the best way to size winter boots. Interestingly, Lake own the "lasts" that they use to make their boots so the sizing is consistent. Apparently Shimano, Specialized etc go to whichever factory suits them at the time so there is some variation in size.
Anyway Richard was extremely helpful, first class customer service.
I'm still on the Shimano boots I bought in 2007.
They look trashed, but I still had warm feet after 3h in the muddy snow this morning.
I thought they were expensive at the time, but they have more than paid for themselves in warm dry feet.
They are the version with neoprene round the top. This has never sealed. Gaiters and waterproof trousers if it's a splashy day as the water just runs down inside.
Also happened to get a pair of discounted Fizik Artica X5. Comfortable, very nicely made, great to walk in with a proper rubber sole. The ankle is quite stiff but seems to be slowly breaking in. I had to stitch the tongue behind the zip in place because it just slid round to the side. Pair about 160g heavier than Northwaves. Not particularly stiff considering they’re apparently carbon reinforced. Zip leaks slightly but nothing that’s going to get feet wet. I expect problems with the zip in the long run. Slightly behind Specialized and Northwave for warmth. Cleat slot too far forward IMO.
Update: That didn't take long, zip dead. Will be returning when I can work out how to fill in a customs form.
Lake 303’s here 6 years old, still solid, waterproof, & warm, if huge & clunky. Had the original NW celcius many year ago, they were rubbish, so I stopped wasting money in half hearted attempt at proper boots. I have used the majority of Shimano offering, which are great waterproof boots Ime but crap winter cold weather ones.
Had diadora chills.
Then the Shimano winter boots.
Then the Shimano waterproof walking boots (warm but gets wet easy)
Now on bonty old man winters and the wife has 45nrths -wish we had these availible years ago. None of the normal winter boots come close for warmth
Worn with your waterproof trews pulled over they stay dry for ever unless you submerge them in standing water
Thanks for all the info, there was a lot to think about. In then end I decided to stick to what I know works for me ! Managed to find anothe pair of the classic Celsius, should keep me going for a few more winters.
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So the Lake's MXZ200s arrived and they are a very fine boot. They appear to be very well made with lovely soft leather, reinforced in various places, and they are toasty warm. I went out for a couple of hours today in -2 air temp and my feet were warm and comfortable throughout - I have been out in similar conditions with various other "shoes" and have always been in pain after about 30-40 mins.
Money well spent. 👍
Trying to revive this thread: Could anyone compare the new, BOA-equipped Shimano MW7 winter shoes with the old Shimano MW81 in terms of sizing and fit? From what I've read, the MW7 runs larger and one should size down compared to the MW81. But I've also read a few comments here and there that the MW7 still runs small/narrow as most Shimano shoes.
For reference, I wear US 9 street shoes, US 9 or 9.5 (mostly 9.5) sneakers, Specialized EUR 43 and EUR 44 in the Shimano MW81. So I wonder if I should try my luck with the MW7 in EUR 43?