The Lake MX333 is about as stiff as off-road shoes come, but that does not mean comfort has been sacrificed. Thanks to heat-mouldable construction, three width options and widely spaced Boa dials, fit is firmly front and centre, which is something Lake has built its reputation on. Designed with racers in mind, whether that is cross-country, marathon MTB or high-paced gravel, the MX333 takes Lake’s flagship race shoe and refines it even further.
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Lake MX333 shoes – Technical Details
The previous version, which you can probably guess was the MX332, shared many similarities, but there are a few key updates that Lake has introduced. The most notable is the change in sizing terminology.
The MX333 sits within the Race Last range of models. What were previously called Regular, Wide and Extra Wide are now labelled Narrow, Regular and Wide. The last itself has not changed, only the names. Details and sizing remain clearly explained on Lake’s website, including a step-by-step measuring process to help riders find the correct fit.
The Dutch brand has long been popular with riders who struggle to find comfort in mainstream shoes, partly because of the sheer variety of sizes on offer, but also due to the amount of fit technology built into each model.
The MX333 is available in three widths and in sizes from 36 to 50, with half sizes covering most of that range, which results in a huge amount of choice. On top of that, there are two fabric options: Clarino microfibre in blue or Helcor leather in black. Clarino is a synthetic material designed to mimic leather but is 30 per cent lighter, dries faster and offers good durability. Helcor is genuine leather that Lake claims provides excellent abrasion resistance along with a supple fit and feel, although it does add noticeable weight compared to Clarino.
The shoe features a full carbon sole with a bonded section on top to improve grip while walking, as well as two threaded toe studs at the front. Closure is managed by a pair of Boa Li2 dials, which are now placed further apart than on the MX332.
The pair tested in size EU 40.5 (UK 6.5) with the Clarino upper weighs 684g without cleats. That is almost 100g lighter than the MX332 fitted with the heavier Helcor upper. The soles are unchanged, so the difference comes entirely from the fabric choice. Some shoes are lighter still, such as the Specialized Recon, which claims just 560g for a pair in size 44 thanks to its pared-back sole. The latest Recon 3.0 is closer in comparison, with a claimed weight of 690g for a pair in size 42.
Lake MX333 shoes – Performance
The MX333 shoes feature a heat-moldable section in the heel area of the upper. This can be done at home with relative ease, with plenty of guides and videos available, although I would strongly recommend using a standalone oven thermometer rather than relying on your oven’s built-in dial for better accuracy.
Moulding is not essential, as the shoes may fit perfectly straight out of the box, but it can improve the fit depending on your foot shape and how much heel retention you prefer. The process may take a few attempts, but the heel can be remoulded as often as needed, so there is scope to experiment until you achieve the fit you want.
Given the amount of choice in sizing and the performance of the upper, the insole of the MX333 is surprisingly basic. It is at least size-specific, rather than shared across sizes as some brands do, but there is little variation in thickness along its length and minimal arch support. The shoe’s support instead comes from the sole and the upper. Lake does offer a mouldable custom insole in partnership with Syksol, although this is an additional £70.
The sole is extremely stiff, something you notice even when walking around before riding. There is no flex at all, making them feel much like a road shoe. Walking is a little more natural than in pure road shoes and without the loud clacking, but they are still not designed for extended time off the bike.
Closure and comfort are excellent. The wraparound tongue and the Carbitex OmniFlex panel create a glove-like fit. This material runs from the inner foot across the arch to the upper Boa dial. It does not stretch but remains flexible enough to conform to the shape of the foot, which is especially useful for riders with high insteps.
The Boa Li2 dials are Boa’s top specification and allow for incremental adjustment in both directions. The wide spacing of the dials helps spread pressure evenly across the foot, avoiding hotspots while still holding the shoe securely. This is one of the most notable and biggest improvements over the MX332.
The Clarino microfibre upper feels softer than leather or PU and has a touch of give, though not to the extent of knit uppers. This slight flexibility was welcome in use and helped comfort on longer rides.
On the bike, the stiffness is outstanding, especially when racing or on rides without any walking. They are the closest to a road shoe I have used in terms of efficiency and support. If your ride involves long hike-a-bike sections, however, the lack of give can lead to heel lift and discomfort over time. While the sole has rubber lugs, the grip is not the best, and I found it lacking on muddy or slippery ground. Toe studs can be added and are a worthwhile upgrade for cyclocross or conditions where traction is essential.
The blue Clarino upper does show dirt more easily than other materials. Even after repeated cleaning, both wet and dry, they never quite return to looking pristine. That might be a frustration if you like to keep your shoes spotless. In all other respects, the material has impressed. Across hot, wet and changeable conditions, the MX333 has remained comfortable and coped well. I expect it will hold up equally well through winter use.
Lake MX333 shoes – Verdict
Considering the fit and overall performance of the Lake MX333, the only real drawbacks appear when you are off the bike. Hike-a-bike sections or slippery ground highlight the limited sole grip, but this is forgivable given that the MX333 is built for racing rather than walking up mountains.
The other factor is the price. At £400 they sit above most rival premium options. The Specialized S-Works Recon retails at £350, the Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon at £300, and the recently tested SIDI Physis at £300. What sets Lake apart is the heat moulding technology and the sheer breadth of widths and sizes, something no other brand comes close to offering, and a clear reason why the MX333 appeals so strongly to performance-focused riders.
Comfort and fit will undoubtedly be the main reasons to choose the MX333, but they are far from the only ones. They are among the stiffest off-road shoes available, delivering the kind of efficient power transfer any racer will appreciate, while still feeling exceptionally comfortable over long rides. Lake has taken what was already close to the ideal shoe and refined it further.
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