CX201:
The CX201 is notable as it is build for riders with very wide, high volume feet. Athletes with this foot type are typically very muscular and often not super tall [more endomorphic]. For these types of riders, the 201 can be a huge relief as they have likely been cramming their feet in shoes that are built on a much smaller last than what they need. The entire toe box of the 201 is made of a very pliable, flexible “scuba” like material that conforms to a wide forefoot, prominent knuckles, or bunions very well.
CX403:
One model in Lake’s line up, the CX403, is very unique. It is the only shoe in Lake’s line up with a “bath tub” style construction [similar to Bont shoes] but with a very supple kangaroo upper. The carbon is heat moldable [more so than the Bont shoes] and the heel cup is very good on this shoe. However, there is a significant S curve built into the last of this shoe and this means anyone with a very low arch or poor arch tone will likely not be a good fit in this shoe. The S curve cannot be changed with heat molding, only the shape and orientation of the “vertical walls” the bath tub can be altered. Additionally, once the shoes are heat molded, they cannot be returned. I only encourage riders to try this shoe if they have a very particular foot type. This is an exceptional shoe for the right rider but it is a somewhat niche product. This shoe is not available in MX version.
The CX333 or MX333 are considered the flagship models in the Lake line up. these shoes are defined by premium materials and a very nice upper that wraps the foot. Fabric BOA guides [as opposed to plastic channels] help make the upper disappear on the rider’s foot, and an offset pattern helps distribute stress away from the tibialis anterior tendon, the large tendon at the front of the foot that becomes active when you point your big toe towards the sky. This shoe has a curved last [as most Lake shoes do] and works well for a rider with a medium or high volume foot.
CX242
The CX/MX242 is a unique shoe in all of the landscape of cycling. The upper is made from a fabric that has to be felt to be fully understood; the texture is a scuba-like neoprene that allows a phenomenal amount of room for the width of the metatarsals or sides of the feet. For riders who have been feeling trapped in more conventionally constructed cycling shoes, this can be a miraculous solution.
