Meet the Team: Feet Lab Netherlands

Delivering cycling shoe comfort through science

Feet Lab, based in the Netherlands are different, and proudly so.  Run by Steven van den Berg, he is the fourth generation of the family that run their shoe business since it began in 1937. His great grandfather was a shoemaker, whilst it was his grandfather that initially made and developed the early association with sports shoes – ski boots to be precise.  Then, his father saw the benefits of delivering a more detailed analysis and introduced the podiatry side of what is now the current business.

Speaking with Steven himself, with such a rich background in footwear he tells me that save for skiing, where footwear is critical to the athletes, most sports neglect their footwear choices, too frequently treating it as an afterthought. This surprises him, as when you think about it, good cyclists look for every last gain, and footwear can be the cheapest and most reliable option for this.  

A key point for Steven is that: “most cycling shoes are designed in Mediterranean and for a different foot shape to the Germanic foot shape. They are too narrow for instance. It is the same issues for pro cyclist’s feet – shoes are designed for professional cyclists’ feet not amateur cyclists’ feet.” The reason that Feet Lab and Steven work with us at Lake, is as he says, “because Lake counter this with wider fittings and more foot shape choices with their various shoe lasts.”

Educating the cyclist on comfort and performance gains  

When you consider how the foot is used in cycling, as Steven tells me, it should be prioritised when buying a bike – and at Feet Lab, Netherlands it always is. Their unrivalled set-up and base delivers not only retail, podiatry and a wealth of choice; they also have state of the art bike-fitting studios. All of this is aimed towards Steven and the team delivering cycling shoes that perfectly match each rider, holding the foot stable and ensuring that those niggly gaps don’t exist, creating energy loss and which in turn leads to less power, alongside the inherent comfort issues.  

Talking with Steven, we discuss that regular cyclist list that seems to dictate their thinking – and not always in the right way. A lighter bike for instance doesn’t equate to being a faster bike – and a slim and sleek cycling shoe is just the same. It won’t give you what you need.Aero shape in shoes doesn’t equal performance or comfort. Only a properly fitted cycling shoe can do that.

Footbeds

A particular point that both Lake and Feet Lab absolutely agree on, and which forms a detailed part of the chat with Steven is the importance of footbeds.

“Footbeds are absolutely vital, as they work to ensure the underside of the foot is taken into consideration,” he tells me. Here at Feet Lab, they carry out a full 3D analysis and pressure testing to determine every aspect of your foot and how to create your own ideal footbed.

“It’s critical, to get the right position of the foot in the shoe and on the pedal, as this is the base for everything. The team here work to ensure this before looking at shoes themselves.” As he says, “Even the right shoe for you needs the right footbed, creating a foundation for that right position for the foot.”

The benefits of 3D foot scans

The specialists at Feet Lab spend time at the beginning of every consultation simply talking with the cyclist. This conversational approach, alongside the podiatry input ensures that they know exactly what the problem is. The 3D scan adds more data and information. It tells them those important in-depth metrics about the foot: length, width, heel height, instep, inward or outward stance, volume, pressure and weight distribution.

After this, they take measurements on flexibility of joints, ankle etc.  Remember that earlier point from Steven about the importance of the position of the foot in cycling. It’s absolutely vital, as the foot is stationary whilst creating power most of the time.

Once they have this data, they’re in a position to create that footbed. The subsequent custom insole will give you more square cm below the foot for that all-important power transfer. It will ensure that the pressure is correctly and more evenly distributed, leading to better power transfer and a more comfortable cycling experience. Another benefit will be that you’ll avoid those regular issues with cycling shoes that are too narrow, such as numb toes and hot spots. And you will hopefully end up with a cycling shoe that compliments the foot and your body, rather than constricts it.

The best cycling shoe is the most comfortable shoe

Whilst Steven himself uses our CX400 road cycling performance shoe, he tells me that the really good problem solvers for many customers are the CX239 and the CX242. In terms of really problematic feet, the CX242 is a great cycling shoe, especially when combined with a great footbed that allows the fitter to alter the rider’s stance.

CX242 Road Cycling Shoe

The CX242 shoe has separated panels on the full grain leather upper, another Lake Cycling innovation, which allow for fine tuning the pressure and the fit. These separated panels, and the Dual BOA Li2 Fit System allow the shoe to conform around the sensitive and painful areas of the foot, without the constraints and without the pain felt in ordinary cycle shoes. We also added a Carbitex Omni Flex Carbon Fiber Stabiliser, to ensure that the foot is kept stable inside the shoe – an important issue that Steven and the team always focus on. Alongside a heat moldable heal, it ensures that the shoe is literally wrapped around every part of your foot, giving the rider the perfect balance between comfort and performance. We like to think that the new Lake Cycling 242 shoe literally becomes a second skin for your hard-working feet.

Taking a scientific approach to cycling 

Ultimately, the medical side of the Feet Lab company is a unique selling point, having the podiatrists on hand for all customers. They’ve been doing things this way for a long time andhave built their name and reputation – initially in the ski business and are now doing the same within the European cycling community. Cyclists are a lifestyle group as well as athletes, and as Steven says:

“People seem to be willing to spend more on good shoes now. The message is getting across. They appreciate our fit experience: the appointment, a coffee, a chat. We research problems, carry out the 3D analysis, do the scan and find the right solutions. “

Like Lake, Feet Lab believe that the foot is the primary focus, and the shoe comes second to this. Thankfully, with our industry-leading range of cycling shoe options, Lake are able to work with Steven and the Feet Lab team to provide the perfect fit for all cyclists seeking their expertise. Maybe it’s time for you to do the same and wrap your own feet in our legendary comfort and performance, with a personal fitting consultation at Feet Lab, Netherlands!