These are some of the stiffest shoes on the market. Most models offer a three layer upper which is very structured. Bont shoes are characterized by:

• construction is fundamentally a carbon “bath tub” design which gives the shoe a high degree of torsional stiffness

• low heel rise relative to most shoes on the market

• low toe spring relative to most shoes on the market

• stiff fabric in the upper of most models

• heat moldable, but not in a way that makes them completely custom. Some aspects of the shoe will change during heat molding [the vertical “walls” of the carbon sole, the shaping of the upper], while others [the curve of the sole, the toe box width] will not. The upper material will conform to the foot during heat molding, to a certain degree. Some areas of these shoes may require specific modifications for rider comfort.

• leather or microfiber uppers with BOA or lace closures

• wide models

• Asian fit models [6mm wider in the toe box, standard heel width]

A newer Bont model is the Vaypor SL, which has a lower toe box height than previous models in the Bont line up. Historically this toe box height has given some riders a challenge, so this newer model may help alleviate this problem.

Lore offers a completely new perspective on shoes, redesigning cycling footwear from the ground up. I have been heavily involved in the development of these shoes for the last few years. The project has taken some time to get off the ground. As of Q1 2025 Lore is shipping Lore 2 shoes to customers, with a lead time of about 10-12 weeks.

Lore shoes are ground breaking as they are fully custom shoes that are made of 3D printed carbon fiber. The shoe is created off a 3D scan of your foot.

In Lake nomenclature:

• CX = road or track shoes

• MX = mountain shoes

• G = gravel shoes

Lake shoes offer some unique solutions for riders, in particular for a riders looking for shoes that fit wide or very wide feet. The CX or MX242 models feature an upper made from a material that is almost like a scuba suit, it is very breathable and conforms to the shape of the foot extremely well. For riders who have thick, strong feet, these shoes can be a new chance to enjoy cycling.

The newly revised CX and MX333 shoes offer offset fabric BOA guides, which allow the upper to conform to the foot more effectively and avoid pressure points on the toe extensor tendons or the ankle retinaculum. The microfiber upper fabric is very pliable and will wrap the foot nicely, but it won’t conform as well over time as leather will.

To help our session, visit the Lake website to familiarize yourself with their line up, and use their sizing guide and tool to measure your feet. This will give you an idea of where we can start.

https://www.lakecycling.com/pages/how-to-measure-your-foot-for-lake-cycling-shoes

Lake cycling shoes are characterized by:

• narrow, normal and wide versions in most lasts, more size options than most other shoe companies

• average toe spring and heel rise relative to most modern shoes

• a curved shoe last in many models

• leather or microfiber uppers

• many models including winter shoes