SQUIRREL_13184149
The sturdy CX146 boot has a much higher cuff than pretty much any road-going winter boot I’ve tested – and offers better protection than any of its rivals.
The upper is made from Clarino leather coated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) and combined with a similarly DWR-coated softshell ankle section.
The closure system uses a single, oversized Boa M4 dial and a massive wrap-over section that starts just behind the toebox and finishes at the calf-height cuff.
Added to this top-level performance, the CX146 boots compare favourably to their rivals on price, with an RRP of £200 / $279.99 / €249.
Lake CX146 winter boots specifications
According to Lake, the DWR coating across the outside of the upper needs to be refreshed once or twice a year.
Internally, Lake’s insoles combine a waffle-like underside to trap warm air and are topped with felt-like fleecing to aid warmth further.
The whole of the substantial upper is lined with Thinsulate 200g insulation, sitting on top of a full-waterproof membrane.
The insulation is doubled up on the inside of the toebox to counter windchill. Lake rates the CX146s down to an impressive -4ºC (25ºF).
The outsole is solid, vent-free and made from fibreglass-infused Nylon, although Lake makes no specific claims about its stiffness compared to its other winter road shoes.
The toe is protected by three substantial textured bumpers and a large horseshoe-shaped heel bumper.
Lake CX146 winter boots performance
On the road, the CX146 boots offer hugely impressive protection. I haven’t found a winter boot that's better at coping with both cold and wet conditions.
The higher cuff, wrap-over design, and large Boa M4 dial mean you can cinch the boot down to keep warmth in and water out.
The downside is that the stiffness of the boot can feel a little restrictive compared to other, less protective boots.
The large cuff feels firm against your shin, too, although not uncomfortably so. It's certainly not as uncomfortable as having cold or damp feet.
Lake should be applauded for the massive size range it offers, from EU36 to 50 and from EU39 to 50 in a wide fit.
Lake CX146 winter boots bottom line
Overall, the Lake CX146 offers the best protection of any winter boot I’ve tested. At £200 / $279.99 / €249, they are also cheaper than options I've tested from Sidi, Gaerne and Ekoi.
I can’t recommend these boots highly enough for keeping you out riding comfortably when the conditions suggest that won't be possible.
SQUIRREL_13184149
Product
| Brand | lake |
| Price | 249.00 EUR,200.00 GBP,280.00 USD |
| Weight | 462.8000, GRAM (45) - per shoe |
Features
| br_winterSpecific | yes |
| Closure | dial |
| br_cleatFitting | 3_bolt_look_type |
| Features | Sizes: EU36-50 in regular, EU39-50 in wide |
