Leading the way with cycling shoes

Daan from Bikeshoe4u

Whilst cycling shoes are quite obviously one of the most important elements of riding, there are very few retailers who specialise in nothing else than cycling footwear. One person who has led the way globally in this area, is Daan from Bikeshoe4U, in the heart of the Netherlands of course!

For over 11 years, Daan has been helping the feet of this cycling-mad country, and he says that, whilst people are surpised at the uniqueness of his business, it fits perfectly with the national love of bikes -  with so many cyclists, both leisure and commuting, having foot problems. Through this and his interventions , they then understand the importance of the cycling shoe being properly fitted. It’s a philosophy that matches our own ethos here at Lake, in trying to ensure that as many cyclists as possible can find their correct fit and be able tp ride in comfort all day long.

After 11 years of providing this dedicated cycling shoe service – now, also alongside bike fits - Daan is committed to telling cyclists about the importance of the shoes and their feet as contact points. After all, the whole concept of Bikeshoe4u was borne through his own experiences,  which is always a great starting point. Ironically for  sports people and athletes, cyclists tend to think about their cycling shoes as the last element for their important cycling preparation. That’s despite the fact that your feet are one of the 3 main contact points and do most of the work.

In the beginning

Being a cyclist himself though, Daan was always curious about the difference s between cycling shoe brands and how they fitted the riders. This enquiring mind is what makes him a leading advocate for Lake, as one of the best cycling shoes brands in the world. Talking with this deep thinking Dutchman, he tells me that it was about 12 years ago, as he was looking curiously at the differences between brands and how web-based shops were then selling cycling shoes. He’d found his own fit and comfort by trying out Lake and as such, he understood that cyclists needed to have a better choice and more cycling shoe options for themselves, if they were to make similar decisions – and Bikeshoes4u was created.

At that time, most retailers only had 1 or 2 brands to choose from, and the web-based retailers only 4 or so options. Starting off this inovative business, Bikeshoes4u had 10 different high-end cycling shoe brands. However, it was when they began to use detailed foot measurements for customers, that Lake came to the fore and led the way. Moving to a better cycling shoe fit system, Daan was aware that Lake offered the most choice in size and width fittings. As he measured the unique feet of more and more Dutch cyclists, Lake exploded into the cycling community and his customer base, and he hasn’t looked back since.

The devil is in the detail

Bikefitting soon came onto the scene too, and it’s an element that Daan values highly. His bikefit sessions always start with the feet and cleat postioning – how the rider uses the pedals. Across the various cycling dsciplines, it’s a critical element that he understands, as he rides Cyclocross, road and mountain biking himself – also having ridden the MTB Trans Alp route. Yes, having the most comfortable cycling shoes that can also help you to perform, is critical for Daan.

However, the simple fact is that cycling is more than just a sport and a leisure acivity. Within the Netherlands, there’s a phenominal number of commuter cyclists. Many riders are using their bikes up to 5 times a week. It’s unique and the ideal place for the world’s first dedicated cycling shoe shop. Mostcommuter and general leisure cyclists have never had their feet properly measured in the Lake way – if at al. When this happens for the first time, it’s a complete revelation when they find their own unique fit and are finally able to ride in comfort wherever their bike takes them. Creating a place where attention to detail in measuring feet is the key, the Bikeshoes4u approach has enabled thousands of cyclists over the years, to benefit from the shoe fitting service. Ultimateley, as Daan says: “it’s all about creating comfort and better performance for your feet.”

Daan’s favourite Lake cycling shoes

For his own riding, Daan’s cycling shoe of choice is the globally renowned Lake CX238. It’s also my own favourite cycling shoe, although I am looking ahead at some exciting new designs coming soon – so keep checking our website!

For both Daan and I, it’s the real leather option that we prefer, as it stretches in time, to form a better fit around the whole foot. He’s also impressed at the new Lake MX20G with laces, which he describes as being super comfortable for his customers and super-lightweight. In terms of the continual growth in gravel bikes, maybe the MX20G is the gravel biking shoe for you, as it’s also on Daan’s list of great cycling shoe options from Lake.

Our new Lake MX30G with a double BOA closure system, provides riders with, as Daan says, a narrower shoe and an excellent heel fit. This is one area where our cycling shoe guru, feels is often overlooked – the heel. If the heel fits better, the foot is more comfortable and the performance will increase, with less movement inside the shoe. You’ll be wrapped in that legendary Lake cycling shoe comfort. So, if you’re in the area and cycling around the Netherlands or the fantastic tracks of Flanders, why not give Daan and the team at Bikeshoes4u a call, and let this cycling shoe expert from the heart of the Netherlands help you on your own cycling journey in 2025 - with Lake cycling shoes on your side... and on your feet! ​​​