Lake Shoes questions

[Aden]

I have relatively wide feet and a high arch and I'm looking at a couple of models of Lake (road) shoes. Don't want entry-level shoes (prefer stiff/carbon soles), but don't want to break the bank either. The CX 238 looks like a good choice. Any input on this model would be most helpful!

Lake's fitting guidelines drive me batty--I *think* I need size 40.5. Does anyone out there in CyclingChat have a pair in this size (either standard width or wide) and are willing to provide the actual measurements of the insole length and width?

Also, I stumbled on a mint pair of the original version of the Lake CX 400 shoes--purchased 8 years ago and never worn! I am fascinated by the heat moldable feature, but... does it really work? I know the CX 400 has been updated this year ($349 msrp), but this might be a chance to grab a pair for a bargain. Any thoughts at all on this earlier model would be greatly appreciated!

 

[YMFB]

I’m sorry I can’t answer your questions.

I have two pairs of Lake shoes the first pair are MX30G can’t remember what the other pair are, both excellent shoes, however I tried them on and had the cleats setup by a professional bike fitter. It made a massive difference to m.

 

[Regular.Cyclist]

Sorry, I don’t have any in that size, however my experience with the brand is that they size small, so you do need a larger size that you would usually require in other shoes.

 

[Webbo2]

I have 2 different models of Lake shoes one with 2 boas the other with one. They are both 42.5 wide fitting yet they size up different. The single boa pair feel roomier.

 

[fossyant]

Designs of shoes change, which means the fitting changes too. I've had Lake shoes before- wore mine all the time till they fell to bits, but I sized up. I do the same with Shimano.

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

I have relatively wide feet and a high arch and I'm looking at a couple of models of Lake (road) shoes. Don't want entry-level shoes (prefer stiff/carbon soles), but don't want to break the bank either. The CX 238 looks like a good choice. Any input on this model would be most helpful!

Lake's fitting guidelines drive me batty--I *think* I need size 40.5. Does anyone out there in CyclingChat have a pair in this size (either standard width or wide) and are willing to provide the actual measurements of the insole length and width?

Also, I stumbled on a mint pair of the original version of the Lake CX 400 shoes--purchased 8 years ago and never worn! I am fascinated by the heat moldable feature, but... does it really work? I know the CX 400 has been updated this year ($349 msrp), but this might be a chance to grab a pair for a bargain. Any thoughts at all on this earlier model would be greatly appreciated!

Do you have a shop you can get too that stocks them? I have had several pairs of Lake shoes but the fit and sizing is tricky as there are so many options. I am a 42 wide, and the width measurements for sizes around 40-42 should be around 9.5-10mm at the widest part of the toe box (mine are 10mm exactly). The shoe length becomes trickier, you will notice that Lake put a range in mm on the box as they are hand made on a last so there can be some discrepancy, even with the same size in the same model. My 2 pairs of CX332 in 42 wide measure 266 and 270mm in length respectively.

For this reason, I personally would not buy a Lake shoe that you can't return as you are stuck unless you get very lucky and they are the right fit. I bought mine online and ended up returning 2 or 3 pairs before I got it right.

Just my opinion, but heat moulding does very little on Lakes or any other shoes, but I know other people that swear it makes a big dfference.

 

[Norry1]

I have a pair of Lake 238 wide fitting 53.4. I bought them nearly 5 years ago when I had a bike fit. The fitter had them in stock and he made custom inserts for me at the time. I am a 43.5.

They have been great for me. Not cheap, but long-lasting as you can see. I do 8-10,000 miles a year.

I'm due a new pair soon and will probably buy the same.

 

[PaulSB]

Do you have a shop you can get too that stocks them? I have had several pairs of Lake shoes but the fit and sizing is tricky as there are so many options. I am a 42 wide, and the width measurements for sizes around 40-42 should be around 9.5-10mm at the widest part of the toe box (mine are 10mm exactly). The shoe length becomes trickier, you will notice that Lake put a range in mm on the box as they are hand made on a last so there can be some discrepancy, even with the same size in the same model. My 2 pairs of CX332 in 42 wide measure 266 and 270mm in length respectively.

For this reason, I personally would not buy a Lake shoe that you can't return as you are stuck unless you get very lucky and they are the right fit. I bought mine online and ended up returning 2 or 3 pairs before I got it right.

Just my opinion, but heat moulding does very little on Lakes or any other shoes, but I know other people that swear it makes a big dfference.

My experience of heat moulding is limited to walking boots. This may be completely different to cycling shoes, I don't know. Heat moulding and stretching worked for me on a pair of very expensive boots that had become uncomfortable. The cause of the discomfort was a bunion.

By chance I'm going to be fitted for a pair of Lake shoes tomorrow. We start with the fitting and this determines the shoes that are potentially suitable. It will be interesting, I'm hoping for success as the last two summers increased temperatures have made my feet very uncomfortable in my current Lakes.

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

My experience of heat moulding is limited to walking boots. This may be completely different to cycling shoes, I don't know. Heat moulding and stretching worked for me on a pair of very expensive boots that had become uncomfortable. The cause of the discomfort was a bunion.

By chance I'm going to be fitted for a pair of Lake shoes tomorrow. We start with the fitting and this determines the shoes that are potentially suitable. It will be interesting, I'm hoping for success as the last two summers increased temperatures have made my feet very uncomfortable in my current Lakes.

Interesting. I think I have just found that the actual moulding is fairly limited to a bit of movement around the heel. I accept though that perhaps a very specific shaping to accomodate something like a bunion in your case may be more effective.

Fortunately I haven't suffered at all with foot swelling but I know many people do. Let us know how you get on.

 

[PaulSB]

Interesting. I think I have just found that the actual moulding is fairly limited to a bit of movement around the heel. I accept though that perhaps a very specific shaping to accomodate something like a bunion in your case may be more effective.

Fortunately I haven't suffered at all with foot swelling but I know many people do. Let us know how you get on.

I'm wondering if single words are important here? You mention moulding and heels and I may have interpreted "moulding" too broadly. My walking boots were stretched and fitted by the independent shop where I bought the boots. This is a service they offer to anyone. Quite possibly "stretching" and "moulding" are two quite different things and my interpretation is confusing. We will see.

I will report back. My shoe fitting is with a good friend who offers bike fitting and builds/servicing on bikes. I'm so tired of the discomfort increased temperatures are bringing I'll spend whatever it takes to get this right.