Living in a material world

The technology behind cycling shoes

Back in the day, cycling shoes – like most other shoes – were made of leather. It was easy; you designed the necessary shaped parts, chose the last – very limited over 40 years ago – and created a cycling shoe. It was Lake who first thought to introduce some innovation and technological thinking into the process. And, over 40 years later, we’re still innovating, developing new models of cycling shoes for all cycling disciplines, and looking at how we can improve comfort and performance with a range of new and yes – exciting materials.

Take Carbitex for example; developed as a flexible form of carbon fibre, primarily for the motor racing industry, and yet which we now use on the lateral support of cycling shoes such as our CX403. Made in the USA from carbon fibre, Carbitex OmniFlex has the highest tensile strength of any commercially available fibre, it doesn't stretch and is manufactured in an exceptionally flexible form - enabling carbon fiber performance in soft applications. This makes it ideal to help in keeping your foot stable and maximising power transfer.

CX403 – the pinnacle of cycling she technology

In a cycling shoe such as the CX403, this is critical as a marginal gain. Along with our use of Klite Kangaroo leather, it’s a highly technical race-ready cycling shoe. The joint usage of the Klite Kangaroo leather and Carbitex OmniFlex Carbon Fiber Stabilizer Support panels help keep the foot stabilised; control stretch and allow for increased power transfer. The Klite leather is strong yet light – an important feature for racers. The CX403 is also lined with perforated Kangaroo leather for a great fit and comfortable feel. And, in terms of that technology we mentioned earlier, the CX403 also has a moldable carbon heel, which when heated, ensures that your foot is a perfect fit, reducing lift and maximising that power transfer.

Yes, the CX403 is not only one of the most technically advanced cycling shoes in the world, it merges a number of innovative elements to create the absolute pinnacle of cycling shoes. Every aspect of this shoe is purposeful, with a goal of offering the highest performance and comfort while also delivering optimal power transfer. Yes, we live in a material world – and when we use materials in the right way, they create something quite special – a Lake cycling shoe!

MX333 – utilising the appliance of science

Our MX333 is designed for the toughest of conditions and for the keenest riders. Those riders who are looking for that perfect balance between performance and pleasure. Ultimately, if you’re feeling good and your feet are comfortable, you’ll be in the right place mentally to give your best performance. The MX333 uses everything that we’ve learnt in over 40 years, in terms of material sciences. We wanted to create a robust and race-ready cycling shoe for gravel and mountain bike. This required a new way of thinking about how to use the available materials.

This shoe gives you a choice between a lightweight Clarino Microfiber or an extremely durable Helcor leather upper.

The Helcor leather option is an extremely durable leather, with unique and abrasion resistant finishes – perfect for that gravel grind or technical trail. These leathers offer the great fit, feel and durability that lake has based its reputation on. It retains its shape and wraps your feet like a second skin.

Engineered in Japan to emulate leather as close as possible with many additional benefits, Clarino Microfiber is up to 30% lighter than leather of the same thickness, is fast drying and has great durability and surface finishes. Again, the ideal traits for an off-road technical cycling shoe; which is why we believe that our MX333 is one of the best off-road mountain bike and gravel biking shoes in the world.

Support and security for your feet

Both options within the MX333 provide you with a Carbitex Medial Support panel for a secure fit and an Outlast temperature regulating heel and a tongue liner. The internal Thermaform Carbon Fiber heel counter adds to the secure fit and stability on mixed terrain. Our MX333 draws from the same Thermaform technology as found in the leading CX403 shoe that we discussed earlier.

As mentioned with the CX403, the Internal heel counter used on both models (CX403 & MX333) is heat moldable carbon, giving the option to better customize the heel hold to match your own unique foot shape. A secure heel will stabilize the foot and eliminate heel slip, increasing comfort, power transfer and a reduction in fatigue, through a more stable foot.

Technology and innovation create the ultimate in cycling shoe comfort

Ultimately, here at Lake we strive to create the best cycling shoes possible. Cycling shoes that fit the feet of just about every cyclist in the wide tapestry of the global cycling community. Our passion is your comfort.

That means a continual search for the best possible materials, then hundreds of hours of research by Hutch and the team, into how to best use those materials. The result of this innovative and industry leading approach to material technology – it’s simple really. Lake creates cycling shoes to provide every cyclist with the most comfortable high-performance cycling shoes in the world. Isn’t it time that you took a ride with us, too!

Click here for an overview of all the materials used in creating some the best cycling shoes in the world!