First ride in Speedplay specific shoes

DIRT BOY · Oct 28, 2012

Got my first ride in my Lake Speeplay shoes. I have been using Shimano R300 shoes with the aluminum adapters for Speedplay.

The difference in comfort and lower stack height made thing such better than I could ever hope for. Less issues with hot spots and the cleats felt more stable on the pedals. Even with a few cleats wedges, being closer to the pedals and having the cleats mount directly to the sole is spool much better.

If you ride Soeedplay pedals, find out if your favorite brand if shoes have a SP version, or find new shoes.

I could also get my cleats back the sane as using the aluminum adapter plated as well!!

carlislegeorge · Oct 28, 2012

+1

I like the Lake version and have a pair. But the new Northwave approach is even better, at least for the month I've had them. Downside to Lake is they're a little heavy. Downside to Northwave is the fit can be a little tricky. But overall both feel better than the total 3 hole adapter thing.

NWS Alpine · Oct 28, 2012

Going native speedplay using the metal carbon protective plate on my Bont vaypors. Stack height is going to be very very low.

CHARLES M · Oct 28, 2012

I'de call it a good shoe / sole change versus the fact that the drilling is SP specific.

DIRT BOY · Oct 28, 2012

CHARLES M said:
I'de call it a good shoe / sole change versus the fact that the drilling is SP specific.

Nope! My Shimano R300 are a out as good as they get sole wise. The Lake CX236 seem nice as well. I have run Speedplays with Shimano, DMT, Northwave and SIDI, all using the TOP shoe in thier perspective lines. Nothing has come close to comfort of the pedal interface and my feet. Hot spots and numb toes seem to be gone for now. All soles were stiff carbon or magnesium soled.

Between the snap shims, baseplate and speedplay cleats, nothing is better than a show DESIGNED for this specific pedal. You don't think those thin plastic snap shims flex? Add an aluminum plate to that or plastic adapters flexing as well? Not sitting perfect on a sole with the shims? Enough said!

Like I said, go Speedplay soles or go Shimano, LOOK, etc for pedals.

phoehn9111 · Oct 29, 2012

I was looking at the Lake CX401, but can't find them anywhere. I emailed Lake and they told
me unavailable until spring. Can anyone point me in the direction of their favorite Speedplay soled shoes? I am really thinking this direction would benefit me as well.

kbwh · Oct 29, 2012

I've been using the Speedplay-specific DMT Radius for two seasons now.Having such a low stack height is great. My only peeve is that cleat position on my size 46 is on the limit. I cannot get it further back on the left side (my left foot is the smaller), and I would like to try getting it a few millimeter further back.

I'll probably go back to Sidi next year, if I can get the cleats further back on them.

carlislegeorge · Oct 29, 2012

I've switched to the Northwave Extreme Tech. They have a system that swaps out three hole for 4 hole in the sole, using a proprietary adapter. The overall stack height is even less than the Lake shoes that I have. They are light and comfortable and well ventilated. I'm liking it very much after a couple of months.

Maybe next year I'll treat myself to the new Sidi Wire but you won't find those on sale anywhere, and as much $ as I waste on bike stuff, I still refuse to drop $500 on shoes (maybe $400 though).

NWS Alpine · Oct 29, 2012

You can order Bont shoes without holes drilled. Lets you select where you want to place the cleats. It's a great option if you need something out of the ordinary.

DIRT BOY · Oct 29, 2012

phoehn9111 said:
I was looking at the Lake CX401, but can't find them anywhere. I emailed Lake and they told
me unavailable until spring. Can anyone point me in the direction of their favorite Speedplay soled shoes? I am really thinking this direction would benefit me as well.

Pro Bike Kit has them in stock:
http://www.probikekit.com/us/clothi...clothing/cycling-clothing/cycling-shoes/lake-cx401-speedplay-cycling-shoes.html

I cot my CX236 there: http://www.probikekit.com/us/clothi...lothing/cycling-clothing/cycling-shoes/lake-cx236c-speedplay-cycling-shoes.html

I am going to get another pair while they are on closeout!

Rekless1 · Oct 29, 2012

Awesome.

Been running SP soled shoes since I first came across them.

Carbon DMTs for a while currently. Definately a bigger difference than one would think.

I dont buy sole protectors tho , I just cut up some SS sheet found locally in the shape of the cleat and use that. Cheap, last a really long time and very thin.

NWS Alpine · Oct 30, 2012

The sole protectors are only like $10. They are really thin and clean shape. Not worth the effort to go buy and make my own and I usually DIY everything.

kevhogaz · Oct 30, 2012

Just ordered some Lake CX236 from PBK. They're on sale right now for $161 or so. I did a google search, and came up with a discount code for 10% off the entire order. Added a jersey, just because!!

Rekless1 · Oct 30, 2012

NWS Alpine said:
The sole protectors are only like $10. They are really thin and clean shape. Not worth the effort to go buy and make my own and I usually DIY everything.

Had the material....

Cut em out in like 2 mins....

Less trouble for me than ordering and waiting.

Not paying $10 plus shipping for .50 worth of product.

YMMV

NWS Alpine · Oct 30, 2012

Rekless1 said:
Had the material....

Cut em out in like 2 mins....

Less trouble for me than ordering and waiting.

Not paying $10 plus shipping for .50 worth of product.

YMMV

Free shipping so there! :thumbsup:

Rekless1 · Oct 30, 2012

Well why didn't you say that the first time !!

CHARLES M · Oct 31, 2012

DIRT BOY said:
Nope! My Shimano R300 are a out as good as they get sole wise. The Lake CX236 seem nice as well. I have run Speedplays with Shimano, DMT, Northwave and SIDI, all using the TOP shoe in thier perspective lines. Nothing has come close to comfort of the pedal interface and my feet. Hot spots and numb toes seem to be gone for now. All soles were stiff carbon or magnesium soled.

Between the snap shims, baseplate and speedplay cleats, nothing is better than a show DESIGNED for this specific pedal. You don't think those thin plastic snap shims flex? Add an aluminum plate to that or plastic adapters flexing as well? Not sitting perfect on a sole with the shims? Enough said!

Like I said, go Speedplay soles or go Shimano, LOOK, etc for pedals.

Hot spots and numb toes aren't generally about the cleat interface.

The standard interface and adaptor (to use with 3 hole shoes) dont have any play or cant / tilt and have virtually no movement in relation to the sole surface that wouldnt otherwise be there. The interface doesnt change the action of the cleat/pedal either.

The issues you have tend to be more about the shape of the last and shaping of the sole and insole... They can also frequently be about sole flex (too much OR to little). They can also be about total foot tilt as well as the cleat position but neither of those things are changed much relative to useing 3 bolts versus 4 to fasten the mech.

The cx401 have a very good sole and when molded properly can be quite a bit nicer than a lot of top line shoes. The CX236 soles have a bit more shape than several other brands and dang nice retention system with a VERY even load spread across the foot.

Hold the heel well and add a bit more arch fit and security to some foot types (and potentially also match the right sole stiffness and cleat position) and it will make a lot of difference... Add a fourth bolt, not so much diff...

Probably the best / only indicator would be to use the same shoe model sold in two formats. Ive had the CX236 in 3 and four hole, Sidi Ergo in 3 and four hole and virtually the same custom lasts in 3 and 4 hole. (It's not a practical expectation for most folks not sponsored or in the industry...)

The only difference is a bit different sole flex in the Sidi (and it's damn near no diff).

Carga · Jan 31, 2013

I've had the Lake CX236 spdply since August '12. I commute approx 103 miles a week. I love the fit due to the half size fit 45.5. Power transfer was very efficient. However last week I noticed the sole separating from the shoe. I'm sooo bummed. I bought them from Nashbar and they appear to be out of stock.

DIRT BOY · Feb 13, 2013

Carga said:
I've had the Lake CX236 spdply since August '12. I commute approx 103 miles a week. I love the fit due to the half size fit 45.5. Power transfer was very efficient. However last week I noticed the sole separating from the shoe. I'm sooo bummed. I bought them from Nashbar and they appear to be out of stock.

Check colorado cyclist. On sale for $129. I think that's were I saw them.
Or search Google. I should get another pair

KennithKaniff · Feb 14, 2013

i dont think fizik do

First ride in Speedplay specific shoes

DIRT BOY

carlislegeorge

NWS Alpine

CHARLES M

DIRT BOY

phoehn9111

kbwh

carlislegeorge

NWS Alpine

DIRT BOY

Rekless1

NWS Alpine

kevhogaz

Rekless1

NWS Alpine

Rekless1

CHARLES M

Carga

DIRT BOY

KennithKaniff

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