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Lake is a Dutch brand specializing in footwear. It offers a wide range of models dedicated to cycling. Here we present the CX 403 model, which we have on long-term test.
By David Polveroni – Photos: All rights reserved
Lake, unlike most of its competitors, only makes cycling shoes. The brand, founded in 1983 in North America, has continuously developed its models with the sole objective of satisfying its customers. It is now established in the Netherlands after growing on the American continent. Many professional riders have used Lake shoes, such as Carlos Sastre (winner of the Tour de France in 2008), but now the brand is becoming increasingly rare due to sponsorship deals.
As we all know, it can sometimes be difficult to find the right shoe. Complete custom solutions exist with some artisans. Here, on the 403, we are close to a semi-custom, even if, as we will see, we are not far from a “production” custom at all.
Comfort rhymes with performance
Be careful, when we say comfort, it doesn’t mean soft, because on the contrary, Lake shoes are rather to be classified in the category of rigid or even very rigid shoes. Here we are talking about a shoe that will form to your foot. Becoming one with the shoe means performance.
Depending on certain specificities, you will be guided towards a particular model. It’s up to you to let your local bike shop reseller of the brand guide you or to contact AlternativSport, the official distributor, directly.
I selected the 403 model for our test, the flagship of the range at €469. Why such a choice? Simply because I used the 402 model before and I wanted to see what changes and/or improvements had been made to this shoe. While the 402 gave me full satisfaction, the only drawback was that I felt a little cramped in the forefoot, especially in winter with slightly thicker socks. So when choosing, I opted for a wide model. And this was confirmed by the measurements taken. An extra wide model is also possible, as is a mix between a wide right and a normal left.
Indeed, as is very well explained on their website, Lake allows you to choose your size without necessarily going through a fitting, even if it is always preferable.
Riding with Wahoo (Speedplay) pedals, I chose the 3-hole model to get the shoes faster. I don’t optimize the height between the pedal platform and the foot (since an adapter is needed), but it is already very low. For comparison, we are at the level of the Shimano S-Phyre, already very close to the axle to ensure smoother pedaling. The model compatible with the 4-hole cleat requires about three months of lead time without changing the price.
These shoes are characterized by having an upper (the outer part that covers the foot) made of kangaroo leather. A flexible material that naturally adapts to the shape of the foot. As with the 402, I noticed that it ages well as long as you take care of it, like any natural textile, with a suitable wax sold by Lake.
The price goes up to €529 for a simple color customization, then to €649 for advanced customization, by choosing patterns or colors… These options are free for clubs, for example, for a purchase of 20 pairs.
Regarding the upper, some carbon panels (Carbitex CX6 from the USA) have been added compared to the 402, and the closures are now the latest BOA Li2 Dials.
The pair of shoes, in 41 Wide, weighs 593 g with the basic original internal insoles, which I replace with insoles made by a podiatrist. You can also take Lake insoles as they also make a model that can be easily molded to your foot. This is a preferable choice, but Lake shoes are so customizable that you could do without the custom insole.
With a full carbon sole that is more than just a sole, as it extends up the sides to truly envelop the foot and thus become more one with the pedal, the Lake 403s are very rigid. This is also an important point for those who ride with Wahoo pedals like me, because the rigidity of the sole means that you feel a little less like you’re pressing on pads, compared to other shoe brands.
This sole has a particularity: it can be molded. Yes, the first step once the shoes are at home is an unusual one: baking them in the oven. No need to be a chef: five minutes at 80°C, in order to be able to modulate the carbon. Don’t forget to remove the insole and the cleats. This will avoid some unpleasant surprises. Then, once the shoe is heated, you have to mold it to fit well. Ideally, but this comes with experience, you need to know which pressure points will be a little more prominent or uncomfortable in the shoe. But you’ll see it quite quickly when you put your foot in: where there is pressure, you need to spread the carbon with your (gloved) hands. Then you need to do a few rides and see where it is necessary (or not) to adjust the thermoforming. You can repeat the operation as many times as necessary.
But normally, once you’ve found the right fit, you’re in little slippers… Then, they just need to be ridden and accumulate kilometers. See you in a few months for a more in-depth analysis of their performance and comfort on the road.
Contact: Alternativsport
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