Riding the pro peloton, with Lake

Ben Swift – Ineos Grenadiers, Lake Cycling Ambassador

By Robert Thorpe & Ben Swift

Creating some of the most comfortable, high-performance cycling shoes in the world, means working with some of the world’s top riders. Ben Swift from Ineos Grenadiers is one such rider, and thankfully a Lake cycling shoe ambassador. He’s been at the top level of world cycling for many years and knows exactly what’s required for comfort and performance - and, how important it is to get the perfect balance between the two aspects. After all, the more comfortable the shoe is on your feet, the better you feel and the more likely you are to be able to give your maximum when it counts - and in the pro peloton of the world tour, the shoe needs to fit perfectly.

With the 2024 season now history, and Ben already three weeks into training for 2025, I caught up with him, to find out how the season had gone, riding with Lake cycling shoes on his side. The first thing the Ben spoke about, was having had the opportunity to try on lots of models from our vast range of cycling shoes. Using so many different designs and shoe ‘lasts’ means that we’re able to give all riders, at every level, a huge range of cycling shoes to choose from, in finding their own perfect fit.

Finding my fit with Lake cycling shoes

The shoe that Ben started the season off with, was our new CX333; a shoe that embraces over 42 years of cycling shoe innovation, giving great performance without compromising on comfort. However, his goto shoe for the season was our Lake CX302; an awesome cycling slipper, weighing in at only 195 grammes. It has our handmade carbon fibre sole, and a dual BOA Li2 dials for great adjustability. Speaking with Ben, he likes a shoe that helps with climbing, meaning that it has to be light, stable on the forefoot and in the heel, and with a stiff sole and room in the toe box for his feet to feel natural; and the CX302 is the perfect fit - literally.

However, when working alongside a rider with Ben’s level of experience and knowledge, it makes sense to give him a range of options; and our lace-up closure system on the Lake CX2OR, also proved to be a great fitting shoe for his unique feet, with the bonus of being exceptionally adjustable due to the laces. Speaking with Ben, he tells me that:

“Using the lace ups on the CX20R, it seemed to be a better shoe for me than I’d been used to with other brands. It was superb for me on the really hot days, having the benefit of the Clarino upper alongside the mesh panels for breathability, and the Carbitex medial support panel giving that necessary stability and secure fit. I love it on those days where it’s hot and filled with tough climbs.

With Lake, I’ve found that the volume is good for the width, and it seems to fit my foot shape better - and it’s also a lighter climbing shoe, which suits me. With the guys I train with, we tend to have those accidents that people see. They can really hammer the shoes. However, the Lake shoes have been tough and well made. I only needed 1 change of shoe after accidents last season - good for me and the shoes!”

Communication is the key to comfort

Communication is also key to us here at Lake. We’re a small team and it’s like working alongside friends as well as colleagues. It allows us to relate to each other's role, and to share ideas, as we speak closely with cyclists at all levels, right across the global cycling community. I can pick up the phone and easily chat a colleague in Netherlands, Chicago or Taiwan. That means that information quickly gets acted upon, as we continue to drive forward with new designs and ideas to maximise cycling shoe comfort. It’s something that Ben tells me he’s also noticed about Lake, now that he’s a key member of the Lake family.

“I really like the close-knit group that you guys at Lake give me. I’m able to feedback to you easily and quickly and build in changes when I need them. It’s good to have the communication this way; and it’s a far better communication process than the larger brands, where we tend to get lost in the system. I like how it feels like a personalised shoe brand for me.”

As Ben points out, more and more of the riders in the peloton are using Lake cycling shoes and benefiting from our adherence to cycling shoe comfort and performance. One aspect goes hand in hand with the other; and at this level, you need that reliability on your side. As Ben says, “the riders are using Lake because it’s a a great shoe - plain and simple.”

Riding into the future, with Lake on board

For 2025, Ben will be starting the season with the Lake CX333 with Kangaroo leather. In his own words, “It’s a really nice and light, and comfortable shoe, and great for climbing. I’m really happy with Lake; especially having a close-knit group of people such as Rich and the U.K. team around me. Knowing that I can discuss ideas. It’s something that I like - being able to inform the process and help to develop the brand.”

Working with Ben and our other Lake ambassadors, allows us to continue to drive forward with our philosophy of innovation and excellence. We know that cycling won’t stand still - it’s a moving beast and it requires constant attention to detail and commitment to riders. After all, they’re the most important element in the process - the end user. Which is why we’re committed to continuing to create the world's most comfortable high-performance cycling shoes. Not just for Ben Swift and the pro peloton - but for riders everywhere, on tarmac or trail.