The Lake CX402 is the latest representation of the ultimate custom high-performance moldable cycling shoe.

The Lake CX402 is the company's latest take on a customizable high-performance moldable cycling shoe.​

Looking to transfer every last watt of energy from the body to the wheels, serious riders are constantly in search of gear that prioritizes energy efficiency. A lot of times this equates to stiffness and as little weight as possible, which in material terms usually leads to carbon fiber. This obsession with lightweight composites goes beyond bike frames, with most high end cycling shoes sporting carbon fiber soles for maximum power delivery to the pedals.

Lake Cycling is no stranger to the cycling footwear world. Founded in 1982, the company has been churning out top tier shoes for several decades. The CX402 is the latest example. This $530 pair of kicks features soft and supple kangaroo leather uppers with perforated kangaroo leather lining, a Boa dual side mounted lacing system, and a carbon fiber sole that is fully heat moldable. With Shimano cleats mounted, total weight is 720 grams.

Molding the Shoe

Molding the sole is as simple as sticking it in an oven pre-heated to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, letting it bake for 5 minutes, then sticking your foot in and gently securing the Boa closure system. It's recommended that you only mold one shoe at a time to ensure the best fit. The shoes should be molded while either sitting or while clipped into your road bike while on a trainer. Applying hand pressure to the moldable areas helps improve fit within the heel area. Wear the shoes for about 15 minutes, enabling the carbon to cool and harden. Here's a video demo of the molding process.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-uuiWgJrtk

It may take two or even three tries to really get the molding dialed to your feet. Lake claims the shoe can be remolded up to 5 times, just make sure that the shoe never cooks above 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and never leave it the oven for more than five minutes. As for personal experience, once the shoe was properly molded, I was extremely impressed with how well it cradled my foot. The shoes felt like they had been made just for my foot shape.

On the Road

The carbon sole is where all the business of the CX402 is conducted. Immediately upon clipping in and pedaling, it feels as if your feet and heels are comfortably encased in a mold as stiff as an I-beam. Despite its balance of comfort and stiffness, the clear advantage of the CX402 isn't immediately noticeable. It takes some serious power delivery to see the benefits.

The Custom Fit Carbon sole delivers outstanding transfer of power from the legs to the pedals.

The carbon sole delivers outstanding transfer of power to the pedals.​

For me, the moment where these shoes shone the most is when absolute low-end grunt power is needed. You know, those times when you're in a monster gear and someone in front initiates a gap in the group. A moment where you need to throw down extra watts for a few seconds to bridge that gap as quickly as possible. This is where the CX402 really comes alive. Because of the midsole's custom wrap around the heel and underfoot, there is an efficient connection between rider and pedal.

Comfort

I've done three 100-mile rides in these shoes and had no issues with discomfort. But the CX402s aren't lounge slippers either. After your ride, you'll want to switch over to something more casual pretty quickly. Indeed, these shoes are made for uncompromising performance first.

The heel cup is where a majority of the custom fit on the CX402 comes from, perfectly cradling the heel once molded.

The heel cup is where a majority of the custom fit on the CX402 comes from.​

Like any high performance cycling product, perhaps the only downside of the CX402 is its $530 price tag. Whether or not that's too much is ultimately up to you. Their fit is dialed, and efficiency of power transfer is absolutely noticeable. And if you consider that there are now high end bib shorts that cost nearly as much, then maybe $530 for a top flight pair of road shoes isn't all that outrageous.

The Boa Closure system and K-Lite Kangaroo leather uppers round out the top quality construction of the CX402.

The Boa closure system and K-Lite kangaroo leather uppers round out the construction of the CX402.​

Lake CX402 Specs

  • MSRP: $530
  • Upper: K-lite Kangaroo leather and mesh upper
  • Outsole: Custom Fit Carbon Fiber sole. Men's regular with available in a 3-hole or Speedplay specific cleat pattern for use without adapters. Replaceable heel strike pad.
  • Lining: Perforated kangaroo leather lining
  • Closure: Dual side mounted push/pull Boa lacing system with releasable lace guides.
  • Colors: white/black, red/black, black
  • Sizes: men's, men's wide, woman's specific (M 39-48.50, 39.5-46.5; W 36-43, 37.5-42.5)

For more information visit www.lakecycling.com.