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.

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

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.

Yes, I am talking more about the heat mouldable elements of a Lake shoe, which tens to be the panels in the heal. As you say, this can be done in combination with stretching the uppers to give more flexibility on fit.

Will be interested to hear how you get on.

 

[PaulSB]

My shoe fitter was running late so we postponed to next week. I was the 4.30 appointment and he's a friend.

 

[YellowV2]

I have Lake CX302 in the narrow version they are the most comfortable cycling shoes I have had, however Lake are very specific in their designs and sizing, they also design their different models for different shapes of foot meaning that not all models even in the correct size suit everyone. I would not buy them without a fitting from someone who knows the range and can measure your foot correctly to advise the correct model/size/width. They are expensive but worth every penny imo.
The heat moulding heel is I believe limited to only one model (cx333) which happens to be the most expensive!
Worth looking at their website for more details.

 

[PaulSB]

I promised to return and comment on my shoe fitting experience. I should qualify this post and be clear my bike/shoe fitter is a friend and club mate. Some might see a potential for bias, for me it's the opposite effect. I find it very difficult to approach professional friends for their professional help unless I'm absolutely confident in them. I don't want to say "no" to a friend.

My feet were measured for length and width as one would expect. The insoles inspected for tell-tale signs of how my current Lakes fit and are working on the bike followed by a visual inspection of my feet. From this I was told the different problems I have with my feet and how we might address them. I already knew the problems, diagnosed by my podiatrist, so these remarks reinforced my confidence. How to solve them is another matter!!

After discussion and trying various shoes we hit on the Lake MX242. My exact size won't be available until next week but even trying a pair a size too small felt very different and more comfortable than any other shoe I've used. Once we have the right shoe we will follow up the fitting with G8 insoles.

My feet are broad, arches virtually non-existent, a bunion on each big toe all of which leads to me pronating if I don't have the necessary support. Walking/hiking is very uncomfortable for me without good boots. About ten years ago I had a fitting at a local independent outdoor shop - Whalley Warm and Dry - and after 2½ hours left with very comfortable boots that I still wear today and have since purchased a second pair. That day I spent more than four times the budget I had for boots. Such was my confidence in the professional care and service I received. The point here is yesterday's shoe fit left me with the same level of confidence and I'm expecting to ride in the best fitting shoes I've ever had.

For now I feel a shoe fit is, for me, every bit as important as a bike fit

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

I promised to return and comment on my shoe fitting experience. I should qualify this post and be clear my bike/shoe fitter is a friend and club mate. Some might see a potential for bias, for me it's the opposite effect. I find it very difficult to approach professional friends for their professional help unless I'm absolutely confident in them. I don't want to say "no" to a friend.

My feet were measured for length and width as one would expect. The insoles inspected for tell-tale signs of how my current Lakes fit and are working on the bike followed by a visual inspection of my feet. From this I was told the different problems I have with my feet and how we might address them. I already knew the problems, diagnosed by my podiatrist, so these remarks reinforced my confidence. How to solve them is another matter!!

After discussion and trying various shoes we hit on the Lake MX242. My exact size won't be available until next week but even trying a pair a size too small felt very different and more comfortable than any other shoe I've used. Once we have the right shoe we will follow up the fitting with G8 insoles.

My feet are broad, arches virtually non-existent, a bunion on each big toe all of which leads to me pronating if I don't have the necessary support. Walking/hiking is very uncomfortable for me without good boots. About ten years ago I had a fitting at a local independent outdoor shop - Whalley Warm and Dry - and after 2½ hours left with very comfortable boots that I still wear today and have since purchased a second pair. That day I spent more than four times the budget I had for boots. Such was my confidence in the professional care and service I received. The point here is yesterday's shoe fit left me with the same level of confidence and I'm expecting to ride in the best fitting shoes I've ever had.

For now I feel a shoe fit is, for me, every bit as important as a bike fit

Hope they end up as hoped, sounds promising. I think this epitomises what proper bike/shoe fitting is really for, people with issues that are significantly more complex than the norm.

Just purchased a pair of CX333 to replace my now defunct CX332. Got a very good deal on a new pair via ebay. I stuck with a 42 wide. Lake have definitely changed the width, I suspect the current wide is what was previously extra wide. Fit is great, covered about 600km so far and no issues.