Lake has one simple mission. To make the best fitting and most comfortable high-performance cycling shoes on earth. Not everyone’s feet are built the same, and Lake takes this mantra by producing a dazzling array of cycling footwear to cater to nearly every foot shape and size out there. Instead of trying to make one or two foot shapes fit every rider, Lake has created a variety of lasts to meet most riders’ needs. In this quick guide, we will break down these lasts and show what options are available.
Lake is well known for its complete size ranges, including half sizes, ranging from EU 36 all the way up to EU 50. Not only this, but within each model are 3 different widths: narrow, regular, and wide, ensuring that no matter your preferred style, there will be a shoe that fits you.
Lake Cycling – Where It All Began.
Born in Evanston Illinois in 1982, Lake quickly became a household name for cycling shoes. The MXZ304 winter boot was Lake’s first creation, adhering to the unique demands of the cold climate on the shores of Lake Michigan in North America. Since that early development, many other designs have been born into Lake’s collection. More recently Lake took cycling shoe comfort to a new level with the CX/MX 242 featuring a wider toe box and segmented panels to adhere to your unique foot shape.
Road.
13 models, 25 variants. From the outlook, it can be a minefield knowing where to start in the Lake road cycling shoe range. In this article, we will explain the features and differences of their road line of shoes, and touch briefly on Lake’s off-road options.
CX333 – Headline Shoe
Heading up the lineup is the CX333. Evolution occurs in order for us to adapt to the environment and circumstances, and it’s as true in the cycling world as it is in the biological one. For over 40 years, Lake has been listening, researching, and developing to ensure it stays ahead of its competitors when it comes to shoe performance. Launched in October 2023, the CX333 is the latest result of that innovation, aimed to improve upon 3 main pillars: performance, power, and comfort.
Lake is one of few manufacturers that utilise real leather in their cycling shoe products, and this new model continues that trend with high-grade Kangaroo leather. Offering incredible suppleness that is hard to achieve with synthetic materials, it’s been a mainstay on Lake’s previous top-of-the-range shoes.
A carbon moldable heel counter is also used, allowing unprecedented security of fit whilst improving stability. One big addition to this CX333 model is the use of Carbitex. Added to the arch area to increase support, it improves the control and the stretch of the upper.
Wrapping over the closure system on the instep, gives the rider a more secure feel, whilst locking the heel in place too. These subtle changes and developments allow you to transfer more power, increase performance, and ride in more comfort than ever before.
Alongside the launch of the CX333, Lake announced three World Tour road ambassadors to its programme. Ben Swift, Fred Wright and James Shaw, who ride for Ineors Grenadiers, Bahrain Merida and EF Education-EasyPost respectively, have a wealth of experience and exposure that has elevated the CX333 to new heights.
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- Size options: EU36-50 (half sizes excluding 36)
- 3-bolt road cleat compatible
- Carbon moldable heel counter
- £395 RRP
CX177 – Budget Performance Road Shoe
The CX177 shoe is pitched at raising the bar for performance-level cycling shoes. Packed full of features, the CX177 has been one of our most popular models for Lake shoes. They are the most affordable from Lake’s range but are still packed with premium features. A clarino microfiber upper, a material that was designed in Japan to emulate leather as close as possible, offers great durability and comfort.
This upper is enhanced with mesh panels along the outer side of the foot and the toe area, including a mesh tongue. Additionally, triangle-shaped perforations on the outer have been thoughtfully designed to further improve ventilation. At the point where the closure wire laces intersect the tongue, there are small Carbitex carbon fibre panels in place to safeguard the upper. Completing the closure system is a Boa L6 dial.
The utilisation of Carbitex in this shoe is significant, as it is also used, albeit more predominantly, in the CX333. This is not a traditional budget shoe that has been left without innovation. Here, Lake use trickle-down technology from their most premium model down to this entry-level option.
As you would expect, this shoe is kitted out with a fibreglass-injected nylon outsole. It features attachments for your standard 3-bolt cleat systems synonymous with road cycling. Plenty stiff enough to provide efficiency for all-day riding, with some flex to be expected when out of the saddle compared to a full carbon outsole.
- Size options: EU36-50 (No half sizes in the CX177)
- Available in Black, White or, Matte Grey
- Reflective heel detailing for visibility
- £150 RRP
CX238 – A Miracle Shoe
With the CX238, we’re now entering into the realms true to lakes fit philosophy. A premium level shoe, offered in two widths, to ensure maximum compatibility with a wide range of riders. The CX238 uses the competition last width from Lake, which signals a wide toe box, differing from the race last (CX333) and sport last (CX177).
To delve into some specifics, a size 45 in a standard width CX238 will have a width measurement of 104mm. The race last is 5mm narrower, and the sport last is only 1 mm narrower. Jump up to the wide version of the CX238 and the forefoot volume increases by a significant 12mm. What does this mean to the rider? If you have been someone who has increased their shoe size to compensate for the width of your feet, then with the CX238, Lake offers a clear solution to be able to find your perfect fit.
Not only that, the shoe is packed full of premium features. Firstly is the quality of the upper. There is the option of two materials, a clarino microfibre (white/white) or an ECCO leather (white/black, black or red). Both offer a durable finish, but the premium grade ECCO leather will offer an incredible feel whilst aging beautifully, maintaining breathability whilst naturally adjusting to your foot.
You will also find two ultra-secure Li2 BOA Dials for opening and closure, a full carbon outsole for maximum power transfer, mesh paneling for breathability in warm conditions, reflective detailing, and a cat’s tongue heel pad for non-slip pedaling. A model we like to refer to as the miracle shoe due to its prosperity in fixing a wide range of riders feet related issues.
- Size options: EU36-52 (Half sizes 39.5-46.5)
- Regular and Wide options for a wide range of fitting
- 3-bolt road cleat compatible
- £295 RRP
CX242 – Fit for every Purpose
Lake Cycling has applied their extensive expertise in shoe design and material science to create the CX 242 shoes. Featuring a split upper design and unique pressure relief zones, these shoes are ideal for riders with specific fit requirements or non-standard foot shapes. The CX 242 represents an evolution from the CX 241, with significant upgrades including an updated closure system, Carbitex carbon fiber support panels, and a broader toe box shape.
Unlike anything else on the market, that split upper design is the key stand-out feature here. Fit wise, they measure the same as the previous CX238 – their competition last. Equally specced Li2 BOA Dials and carbon fibre sole are also found on this CX242.-The upper material is divided into six distinct zones, with each connection point on the bottom lacing forming a separate piece. This design enables the shoes to accommodate a variety of foot shapes and allows for customised pressure adjustments in each zone. Inside the shoes, NuFoam linings offer padding, while pressure relief cutouts ensure that bunions are not pressed, enhancing both comfort and ventilation. Carbitex carbon fiber material is featured along the upper part of the shoe, offering a lightweight, flexible, and non-stretch support to the closure system. This finely tunes the fit of the shoes without introducing hard edges or bulky materials, making it a standout addition.
There are very few options on the market – if any – that cater specifically for abnormal feet shapes or bunions. This is where the CX242 comes into its own, providing a solution for a rider experiencing pain having been used to squeezing into conventional road cycling shoes.
- Size options: EU36-52 (Half sizes 39.5-46.5)
- Regular and Wide options for a complete range of fitting
- Moldable carbon heel pads for precise adjustment
- £325 RRP
Other Road Models
As previously mentioned, Lake has several other road models in their lineup. The 4 models listed in more detail above are the bulk of what we stock and sell. However, the CX201, CX219, and CX302 are also worth an honorable mention.
CX201
The CX201 elevates comfort and fit, introducing an entirely new design that includes a wider toe box and a unique, lightweight, and highly breathable construction. It’s complemented by a broad forefoot platform designed to fit a variety of foot shapes.
CX219
The Lake CX219 Road Shoe mimics the CX177. It delivers race-level performance, fit, and features without compromising on quality or durability. It boasts snug and robust microfiber and mesh uppers, paired with a comfortable and secure BOA closure that incorporates Carbitex tongue panels for smooth lace adjustments. At its foundation, a 100% carbon fiber sole forms a comfortable, lightweight, and stylish ensemble – an upgrade over the nylon sole found on the CX177.
CX302
The CX302 stands as the pinnacle of lightweight climbing shoes, striking a perfect balance between comfort, a secure fit, and efficient power transfer. Crafted with Clarino microfiber, equipped with dual BOA® Li2 dials, and grounded on Lake’s Handmade CFC 3K carbon fiber sole, this cycling slipper impresses with its mere 195 grams weight.
Lake Cycling Shoes – Off-Road
The off-road armory of Lake cycling shoes boasts some sophisticated and well-equipped shoes for every type of off-road riding. From gravel to XC to Enduro to Cyclocross, there’s an option to fit your feet and your style of riding.
A common theme is the mirroring of silhouettes, where the off-road version uses the same last, fabrics and performance features of the road shoe, but uses a specific off-road outsole instead. These would be the MX333, MX242, MX238, MX177 and MX219. To refer to these shoes, please follow the CX guides above for their features, fit, and functionality.
With that being said, Lake produces 3 unique options for their (mainly) gravel-focused market. The MX30G, MX21G, and MX20G were all released in 2024 with a fresh approach to gravel footwear performance and style.
MX21G
- Competition Last wrapped in clarino microfiber
- A sleek and modern classically styled cycling shoe that gives a low-key look
- An adjustable fit and secure comfort with a lace-up design
- 100% Carbon Fiber Sole with Mountain Race X real rubber sole
- Regular and Wide fit options are available, similar to the CX238 and CX242
- £225 RRP
MX20G
- MX Race Last features a narrower toe box and tighter heel than the Competition Last
- A shoe designed for racers wanting a lightweight and close-fitting ‘second-skin’ shoe
- A lightweight, breathable, and adjustable upper complimented by a lace-up design
- 100% Carbon fiber outsole for super stiffness and performance
- Narrow, regular, and wide options available
- £200 RRP
MX30G
- The MX30G is a classically designed, pure, and simple off-road adventure shoe
- Dual Li2 BOA closure system delivering ultimate precision
- Available in two options- lightweight Clarino Microfiber (white) or highly breathable mesh (blue)
- Lake Race 100% Carbon fiber outsole with our durable and grippy TPU lugs
- Narrow, regular, and wide options are available with the MX Race Last
- £250 RRP
Found a model that tickles your fancy? Why not shop the full Lake range below.
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