Cycling shoes for all cyclists

Choosing cycling shoes for Sportive and Gran Fondo rides 

It’s that time of year when we’re halfway through the cycling season and the grand tours, and all over the world amateur cyclists are entering events and taking on their own challenges. Most of these riders will be occasional evening cyclists and weekend riders, usually cycling between 30km and 80km on average. They’ll likely be balancing their cycling expenditure alongside the main impact factors of modern life and trying to get the best value from the equipment that they use.   

In many cases, cycling shoe sizing will be a guess, based at best on the size shoe that they wear in everyday life. And the most common purchases will be from the sale items on the myriads of cycling websites. We unfortunately still live in an era where too many cyclists don’t book a cycling shoe fit, nor a bike fit, and too many cyclists are wearing the wrong size shoes purely due to cost. However, how much of a saving is it to have painful feet when cycling, or to cause long term damage to your feet through ill-fitting cycling shoes.  

Cheaply made cycling shoes may seem a bargain at first glance. However, how well made are they? What is the quality of the materials used, and how many width and Last shape options does the cheap cycling shoe brand present you with? Very few I would guess. And so, whilst you might be able to purchase a set of cheap cycling shoes for a particular fee, think about doubling or tripling that fee when they wear out quickly. Then add the cost of the pain and discomfort due to ill-fitting.  

Yes, as tens of thousands of summer cyclists set out on their Sportive and Gran Fondo adventures, too many of them will be in pain and discomfort – physically and emotionally from the waste of money spent on cheaply made and ill-fitting cycling shoes.    

Cycling shoes shouldn’t break your feet, nor the bank  

High-quality cycling shoes aren’t as unobtainable as you might think. Having been designing and creating some of the world’s best cycling shoes for over 40 years, Lake has recently introduced several models that are a perfect choice for summer sportive riders on a limited budget. Best of all, you can wrap your feet in our legendary comfort, whilst knowing that the shoes will also last a long time due to the quality of both the materials and the manufacturing.  

Lake CX178 

The all-new CX178 delivers modern performance with an emphasis on anatomical efficiency and everyday comfort. Built on a redesigned last featuring a broader toe box, like many of our latest shoe designs, it supports natural toe splay and reduces compression for improved stability, alignment, and long-distance comfort. Combined with Lake’s proven nylon composite sole and a lightweight microfiber upper, the CX178 balances adjustability, breathability, and durability—making it a versatile option for both casual and competitive riders.  Just the kind of rider preparing for that forthcoming Sportive.  

Redesigned with a broader toe box and stable forefoot platform, the CX178 uses our Sport Comfort Last, which promotes natural toe splay, improved alignment, and helps to reduce pressure points while maintaining pedalling efficiency as you tackle those extra miles. The CX178 upper is constructed from durable, stretch-resistant microfiber with precision cut ventilation ports along the forefoot and midfoot. These ports promote airflow and moisture management without compromising structural integrity. The microfiber will withstand years of usage and maintain shape and fit. The anatomical shaping of the upper complements the reengineered toe box, reducing compression at the medial and lateral forefoot and allowing the toes to expand naturally under load. This design improves comfort while maintaining a secure, performance-driven fit at a cost-effective price point.  

The shoe also has a world-leading BOA® Fit System L6 dial. The L6 dial provides fast, micro-adjustable tension across the midfoot. The system ensures even pressure distribution and quick entry/exit while keeping weight low. Combined with the supportive upper pattern, the closure delivers a glove-like, secure hold throughout the pedal stroke. Ultimately, the Lake CX178 isn’t simply an entry-level cycling shoe – it’s a Lake cycling shoe, and that makes it one of the best and most comfortable cycling shoes in the world.  

Lake CX190 – adding that little extra to your rides   

Meeting with and talking to cyclists all over the world, we realised that our range of cycling shoes had a gap that needed to be filled. The all new CX190 allows us to drip down many of the features from our more high-performance cycling shoes, in a more affordable cycling shoe platform. It blends the adjustability and styling of Lake’s higher-end road shoes with the fit and comfort that we are renowned for. Built on the Sport Last, it strikes a balance between efficient pedalling performance and long-ride comfort, making it a versatile option for riders who want advanced performance without giving up all-day wearability. 

If you’re one of those riders preparing for a sportive event, then the CX190 may just fit the bill – and your own feet. The higher cadence and longer ride times which characterize road cycling require excellent foot control to avoid hot-spots and numbness. Our Sport last is designed to cradle the foot securely, to prevent any unwanted movement, leaving you free to concentrate on the ride ahead. This now legendary Lake cycling shoe ‘last’ features a precisely fitted toe box, high arch, and mid width ball girth, to support your feet on every ride. It uses Lake’s proven nylon composite sole, engineered to maximize stiffness in key power zones while maintaining controlled flex where comfort is needed. This balance ensures efficient energy transfer into the pedals without excessive foot fatigue, even on longer rides. It’s also compatible with 3-bolt road cleats, and the sole construction provides dependable performance with an optimized stiffness-to-weight ratio. 

Like the CX178, we’ve used a lightweight microfiber combined with breathable mesh panels to create a durable yet supple upper that resists stretch and maintains form over time. The mesh promotes airflow and moisture management, helping keep feet cool and dry across varied conditions. A wrap-around tongue stabilizes the midfoot and improves heel lock, reducing unwanted movement for a secure, slip-free fit during hard efforts.  

a dual BOA® L6 dial closure system allow independent adjustment over the forefoot and instep. This two-zone system enables on-the-fly micro-adjustments, creating a secure, even fit without pressure points. Low-profile and impact-resistant, the L6 dials are designed for reliability in real-world riding conditions, and will support your feet with stability and assurance, allowing you to concentrate on your own performance in comfort.  

Find your own fit at the right price – with Lake   

Lake is proud of the fact that we make cycling shoes for everyone – not only in terms of the fit. Our extensive range of the world’s most comfortable cycling shoes has been expanded and brings our legendary comfort into range for everyone. You no longer have to surf endlessly online, taking a guess on comfort and fit, and then cycling in pain simply to save costs. The quality of a Lake cycling shoe will guarantee you years of pain-free cycling and help you to take on those cycling challenges this summer. Why not visit your nearest Lake shoe fitting partner and find your own fit today.