I recently bought some Lake shoes after watching several of your fitting video’s and they have been a total game changer. I need a wide shoe and did get the 238’s - online from Lake and used their DIY measure method. The shoes were immediately super comfortable and they totally cured me of a corn on my small toe that had been a lomg term problem. Shoes that actually fit - what a concept.
I spent hours researching, measuring, and trying to understand Lake's shoe range and sizing. It was absolutely worth it, my MX238s in size 47 Wide are absolutely perfect.
I got some too recently when Lake had a big sale. Great fit in forefoot though a bit loose at the heel for me (wide size). Also I race CX and the tread blocks have good clearance which helps with clipping in. Only negative is the suede like finish which is hard to keep clean especially is riding in dusty conditions.
I have the MX238 & CX238 and think they are both excellent. I've done multiple day endurance rides in these and found them very comfortable (18 hrs+ x5 days). The boa fasteners are great if your feet swell in the heat, and can slacken / tighten easily. You don't even need to get off the bike.
100% truth James, I always had to go a size up even with Shimano Wide until I discovered Lake and now I have the right size! Lake CX201 is the one that fits me the best (and the guide on the website worked perfectly for me), the only bad thing is that they are harder to find now and it's their only shoe in their Comfort Plus Last!
I took your advice when I was getting my first pair of cycling shoes. They tried fitting me with specialized shoes but they were uncomfortable. I had to ask to try on the lakes. They were perfect. Thanks. 🙏🏻
Well I remember a podcast with Christian van Asten of Lake shoes basically saying just because you like the shoe if it doesn't fit properly you can't have it.
Last year, I bought wide Lake shoes and it has been the best bike fit upgrade I've ever made. Even better than going wide q-factor! Then I bought wide Fizik shoes and it's almost as comfortable. Now I have pain in my quads, glutes and other power-related muscles, not feet skin and joints and the nervous system can relax. All 3 older "standard" (aka too narrow for me) shoes are rotting on the rack. Measure your feet and buy the right ones!
I am a very satisfied wearer of the Lake 238, however, the worst part about Lake shoes is living in an area where there is not a dealer that stocks a sufficient variety of shoes/sizes, especially Lake shoes. I have found that with the local bike shop takeover that is happening (in the US) by Specialized and Trek, it is harder and harder to find shops that will carry the non-corporate lineup of clothing and equipment.
My feet are too wide for shimano, Sidi etc Had lake cx219, regular width. Nice fit at the front, heel is too loose. Tried specialized torxh- has nice wide toe box but much tighter in the heel so perfect for me
The problem with most shoes in general and especially cycling shoes is that they aren’t foot shaped. They have a tapered pointy last like a dress shoe. We wouldn’t buy gloves that bound our fingers together or a helmet that was cone shaped and squashed our heads. I had real problems finding cycling shoes after moving to ‘barefoot/minimalist’ shoes for running and everything else as my feet spread to a natural shape and gained some muscle. Thankfully Lake released a comfort plus last, which is actually foot shaped and my little piggies wiggle happily ever after.
And the other thing Lake does is that assume that guys that race bikes and choose high end shoes are high cadence, high arched, pointy curved feet. Oh well. If you have wide feet, like really wide feet, the Lake thinks you are fat and buy lower end value line sht.
I really end up alwys around the “toe box” thing. I’d not consider my weet wide. Max a medium. If i measure withe Lake method it does not put me directly in the wide. But i have constant issues with plenty shoes in the toebox area (running, hiking, street, cycling) I’ve just seen that lake has now this comfort plus last, so i might give that a try with an mx201 or mx169
I'm a EEEE and EEEEE in terms of width and I've been using custom (Lamson Cycle Shoes, formally D2) for 20 years. I can't imagine going back to off the rack shoes at this point. Plus he includes orthotics with the shoes.
I wear flat shoes (MTB) with flat pedals on my road bike due to the stop start nature of my commute and some bad experiences with clipless in city riding. Overall in the minority I know, but I do see riders like me on a regular basis. Would you be open to doing a video on suggestions and ways to make this flat pedal / more normal flat shoes work better? I'm using Shimano GR7 MTB shoes combined with the OneUp composite MTB pedals on a Canyon Ultimate. (Quite the ugly / Frankenstein combo, but it kinda works...)
Love Lake shoes been using them for a few years and wouldn't go with another brand, tried them before landing on Lake. I have about 4 pairs, I have flat feet and Lake's fit me best and are very hard wearing. Pete :)
My problem is not necessary shoe width, but toe box shape. Since my large toe goes straight and doesn't bend inwards, most shoes with pointy or rounded roe boxes does not fit without going size up. My daily shoes are Merrell Vapor Glove 3 and it's the best fitting shoe I ever had. Any recommendations on SPD cycling shoes that could fit?
Just exactly the same. Main issue is toe box, and I also like the merrells due to the comfort they provide. And hard to find an spd which has proper shape and i can do hike a bikes as well. Like doing hike a bike in the Northwave is terribel due to the narrow heel (sole, easy to roll my ankel)
@@Paul9 thanks, i’ve just looked that up, and looks good. I don’t remember that this was an option a couple of years ago when i was last time in the shoe market, but the rime is worn now and i might try an mx169…
Lake shoes... After tolerating Shimano in a 45 for summer use, and a 46 to get winter socks/sealskinz in, I duly measured my feet, and the Lake MXZ176 came out at the 44 I am in every other size of shoe/boot I own, being a UK9.5. The 44 I ordered (US size 11 therefore UK 10). The box arrived, I opened it up and removed these heavy clogs (442g less cleats) and my partner looked across and she said- "they'll never fit you"..."Nonsense!" I replied, "Bikefit James says Lake are the best and they are true to size, unlike all the other brands just making it up as they go along".... So in my thinnest Home Bargains black socks I proceeded to get my right foot into one, toes curled and battering off the end, no wriggle room and the distinct feeling these could be marketed as a UK 8..... Oh dear..... thanks Bikefit James, this 30 second try on of a single shoe has cost a tenner in postage now as they're going back tomorrow..... I have NEVER had such a tight pair of shoes as this...As for the weight, I have a pair of 46 Shimano's with the SPD cleats installed that weigh 3g less (less than what's probably a 42 if we are being accurate here, ie 4 sizes less!!)
They are not true to size at all. I have the CX332 in a full size bigger and my toes are almost touching the front. They fit perfectly like that but it is a full size bigger than the lake sizing sheet and my normal size.
Can you elaborate any more on pain along the outside edge of the foot? I’ve struggled with that, and the best solution I’ve found is pretty massive arch supports. I bought G8s on your recommendation and they were a game-changer for me.
Może masz jedną nogę krótszą. Noga próbuje się wydłużyć żeby dosięgnąć pedału. Może krzywo siedzisz na siodełku. Może być kilka powodów. Dlatego jest bikefitting.
had Northwave "wide" shoes, nowhere near actually wide, same with Shimano, which were also very tight on top of my big toe even though the length was spot on, what saved me is spending the premium but getting some Lake wide ones, got the MX20G which are as comfortable on mile 1 as on mile 100, cycling every day
300 and 400 series are their narrowest. See the Lake website for dimensions to the millimeter. It’s weird but I’m an 11E in dress shoes but a 44.5 regular width in 238s. The 300 series is too narrow or too wide.
One thing that should be mentioned is the shape or curvature of the shoe. Despite all the praise for Lake or even Shimano, most of their shoes are for curved feet, and my feet are not. Fizik and Bontrager are straight and fit much better, but the higher end models of Fizik shoes have more cleat range adjustment.
Hi, bike fitter James. I think you could read audio books but I’m not here to talk about that. I’m thinking of selling my speed play pedals and going back to keo. Maybe Max to have a wider platform. Or should I keep my speed play to one side if I buy Keo incase I want to go back? Tough life decisions. 🤷🏼♂️
I might have to make a trip to Richmond. Can't find anywhere in London that stocks all of lakes shoes. The cx1** series in wide are still too narrow unless i take out the insole. Not sure i can spend over £100 on a cycling shoe unless it will suit me for several years.
Wanted to like the Lake MX238 Gravel but the cleat location seemed too far forward for me in direct comparison to the Specialized Recon ADV (which are wide but not THAT wide) …
Shimano makes SPD sandals but a guy I know said the heel broke ridiculously quickly. This was 6-7 years ago so I hope the issue is fixed. You need water proof socks for the rain though. The sandals breathe incredibly well 🎉
So I have a question: you say if you have pain on the outside of the foot that builds up over the ride that it’s likely not the shoe. I have pain that builds up, that runs from the tuberosity of the 5th metatarsal distal to the base of that toe. I was hoping to hear a little explanation of the possibilities, but haven’t heard one yet. Will that be covered or touched on in any of the remaining videos?
When you say “pain on the outside of the foot could be something else” if it’s not the show then the most probable culprit, be experience is ? Top3 possible answers 😂🎉
Any feedback on Quoc shoes? I had their older Tourer (with laces) and it worked perfectly. Even in hot 40 degree weather for 8+ hour rides, I had no discomfort. Never tried their road shoes though.
I have pain on right foot outside on road shoes, ski shoes. Id tryed low seat pos, spec tourch shoes,now cx403..any idea what to try more (pain comes after 20min..) i stoped sking by pain..
Just purchased a pair of Bont Motions last week. Paired with SPD-SL. Went with those because I have flatter, wider feet. Curious where you recommend to put the cleat position for a flatter foot.
I have this particular model of the Lake shoes and despite it was the only shoe that fits me, it’s not perfect: the heal area too wide (I have the standard version, I‘ve saw the same complaint many times), so the shoe doesn’t sit snug. Also the toe area could have less aggressive curvature (and if you go with the wide version your heal area will be even wider!). So I‘m still looking for a perfect pair of shoes
Which model do you suppose? Relatively wide, long days in the saddle with quite a lot hike a bike (bikepacking). Northwave origin to narrow on lon rides, specized rime fairly ok, but legs are “shaky” does not suupport enough. (But hikes well) using green spec footbed.
So I have the lake mx238 wide fit, which fit my square duck-feet perfectly (thank you James) ..... but what can I wear in UK winter? Lake's chart shows their winter boots are much narrower so I don't think they'll work and I'm fed up of using overshoes for half the year.
Have a look @ Bont. I have struggled to find a narrow fitting road / mtb shoe . I have tried most shoe brands over 35 years for riding / racing and have struggled to find a shoe to fit my narrow foot . I run Bont vapor G with G8 insoles . I have the road and mtb version and love them !
I already own a Lake 238 and am looking for something to ride in monsoons in India. Something cheaper and made with synthetic materials. The leather construction of 238 makes it unsuitable for Indian monsoons. Can you recommend something?
My problem as with all shoe is that I have very large feet, I can’t even say what size because the sizes feel very inconsistent (50-52). I barely find any shoes online and the only one I found in a store were Shimano XC3 in 51 where my tie is just shy of touching the front.
I’ve really struggled a lot to find good bike shoes. My problem is that my toes are quite long in relation to the rest of my feet, and my second, third, and fourth toes are all further forward than my big toe so any shoe which doesn’t have a squared-off toe box rams into my fourth toe unless they’re two sizes too big. Additionally, this foot shape has resulted in built-in arch support being located too far forward (my current shoes have the g8 inserts, which are all the way back and would fit better if they were even further aft). I do not have a shop like yours with a very large selection of shoes within 200 miles of where I live, maybe further. It would be helpful if you could include in your guide how to find shoes which fit non-standard foot shapes.
@Bikefitjames hi James, I have a set of lake mx238 which are really comfortable once the sida insole and heel wedge (2deg varus) were setup properly. BUT, they are a nightmare to clean after a CX race and get very wet. I used to race with mavic crossmax SL pro, have a set of winter mavic for winter training. Can you advise a shoe model that is more closed and easier to clean may be like giro empire V something or fiziks Altas ( i havea set of these but they hurt the lateral side of my foot despite G8 insoles)? Thanks
I had the same problem with mine so I bought a shoe drier for £20 from Amazon after seeing it recommended by Francis Cade. Works a treat and fries them out in about half an hour after giving the,ma thorough wash.
I ride the CX238 for road and the MX238 Supercross for cyclocross, but I have a major problem with my heels popping out while running uphill. I have to crank them down uncomfortably tight for my feet to not pop out on run ups. Does anyone else have this problem? Maybe Lake's are just not that great for CX?
I don't do CX or XC, but yes, my wide Lake MX177 is a bit forgiving / soft / flexible on the top (which is what I like and need). My wide Fizik Vento on the other hand has stiffer top material, but its Boa dials aren't as good as the rest of the shoes I own. I need to tighten them a few times in the first couple of kilometers. But I do road sprint better with the Fizik than the Lake.
once again, another informative and great video about bike fitting mostly intrigued on the topic of the pressure outside that develops throughout the ride, I do use G8 insole, and I would to learn to adjust and mitigate that pressure.
I noticed that I often bend down my toes. I don't know if this is just a bad habit, or some kind of compensation and my feet are trying to tell me something. What can be the cause?
I am no expert and would like to see James' comment as well, but I used to do this, and in a better fitting shoe with better foot beds (and a better cleat position) I don't do it anymore. I think the adjustment that finally fixed it was getting my cleat farther back. It's as though I was subconsciously crunching my toes to get my feet farther forward, and put the power through the part of my foot that my brain naturally wants it to go through.
That's usually because your shoes are too big in size and you're unconsciously trying to improve foot stability by clawing your toes. Did you size up for a better fit in width?
Interesting video, looking forward to the rest of the series! Would it be possible to get a recommendation or short list of shoes that might minimise top of foot pain and numbness due to fibromyalgia? Even a sock that's too tight can cause severe pain (love the fit of Injinji because of this) and finding usable shoes is difficult to say the least. Currently I'm restricted to using and upright gym bike which is less than ideal, and have found lately the pain and numbness is exacerbated a lot, and is increasingly occurring in ankle, low Achilles calf, side of the foot and from the top of the foot toward the shin. I prefer Topo Athletic for a wide forefoot and natural toe splay, but they're narrower in the midfoot and heel - a lot of other foot-shape shoes tend to be too wide at the heel and slip constantly. Typically I wear largest size that works with ~16mm toe clearance for hiking, ~11mm for gym, laces are always loose enough to slip shoe on and off without untying. Do the Lake wide fit styles have a narrow heel and midfoot? or are they just wide all the way through? I'm about to try some flat FiveTen Freerider, but I'm interested in Lake if I can get something suitable that could be used flat for now, and later with MTB/gravel SPD. N.B. would love to do the shoe fit in Richmond, but it's a 5-6hr journey I can't do unless my symptoms go into remission.
Have a look at the Lake MX242 as it's designed to accommodate feet with various issues. The forefoot upper is split into sections to allow for greater variation in tension across the foot.
Sandals may or may not work depending on the placement of the straps over your sensitive parts of the feet. I know of only SPD cleated two bolt sandals from Shimano.
One thing I got incredibly lucky with, is having what most would consider narrow feet. I tried a Shimano wide fit shoe and it felt like everywhere forward of the heel cup was loose even when the boas were tightened down. When it comes to regular shoes, I’ve never understood why people complain so much about shoe width until I started to learn about foot function and running, and common foot deformities (bunions, etc) that I realized I’m the outlier.
Ok, how about some cheaper shoes?!?! Are they all really that bad, i doubt it! Shoes from Decathlon for example. And for my experience cheap shoes from Shimano are really not that great!
Nobody sais that it can’t be good. The point james is making that people size up (which is increasing shoe lengt) to achive fit in width and volume, which affects their cleat position. To me decathlon shoe last does not fit (mostly) . I’ve tried one which was comfy, but that way too flexy. Cleat: my northwave: it’s all the way back, and should be a little bit more back to be optimal. My specialized rime has still appx 1 cm adjustment opportunity. In the northwave I’d have to size up to ge more comfort, but than the cleat would move even more forward… What is great about lake that they don’t just make different models, they use different lasts for those
@@maaszviktor and you are?!?! Are you a bike fitter?!?! Regardless you are missing the point, as James acknowledged Decathlon bikes have great fit at a great price, so could their shoes be also good or only high-end/expensive shoes fit the bill in this instance?!?! I'm afraid we will not have the answer as James has a business to protect!
I have a pair of their new brand 'Van Rysel' and love them. They fit me much better then the Fizik's and Shimano's I had before. But it is all so individual...
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James could you do a video on the Lake range? Models, widths, best uses, who each show is for, etc. thanks man and loving the content.
I recently bought some Lake shoes after watching several of your fitting video’s and they have been a total game changer. I need a wide shoe and did get the 238’s - online from Lake and used their DIY measure method. The shoes were immediately super comfortable and they totally cured me of a corn on my small toe that had been a lomg term problem. Shoes that actually fit - what a concept.
just got the Lake MX238 for my gravel riding earlier this year after having a bike fit and consulting with them. LIFE CHANGING SHOES. So good!
I spent hours researching, measuring, and trying to understand Lake's shoe range and sizing. It was absolutely worth it, my MX238s in size 47 Wide are absolutely perfect.
I got some too recently when Lake had a big sale. Great fit in forefoot though a bit loose at the heel for me (wide size). Also I race CX and the tread blocks have good clearance which helps with clipping in. Only negative is the suede like finish which is hard to keep clean especially is riding in dusty conditions.
same. been on them 2 years. amazing. Combined with the G8 inner sole, its just out of this world.
Great video. I am curious if you will explore SPD (two bolt) shoes and pedal systems in the future?
I have the MX238 & CX238 and think they are both excellent. I've done multiple day endurance rides in these and found them very comfortable (18 hrs+ x5 days). The boa fasteners are great if your feet swell in the heat, and can slacken / tighten easily. You don't even need to get off the bike.
100% truth James, I always had to go a size up even with Shimano Wide until I discovered Lake and now I have the right size! Lake CX201 is the one that fits me the best (and the guide on the website worked perfectly for me), the only bad thing is that they are harder to find now and it's their only shoe in their Comfort Plus Last!
I took your advice when I was getting my first pair of cycling shoes. They tried fitting me with specialized shoes but they were uncomfortable. I had to ask to try on the lakes. They were perfect. Thanks. 🙏🏻
This kind of content is why I'm a subscriber to the channel. Good shit.
I'm really looking forward to the last volume video (if there is one).
I’ve had a bike fit there with Denver excellent service and shoe fitting . It sorted out all my problems.
definitely recommend them 👍
Well I remember a podcast with Christian van Asten of Lake shoes basically saying just because you like the shoe if it doesn't fit properly you can't have it.
Last year, I bought wide Lake shoes and it has been the best bike fit upgrade I've ever made. Even better than going wide q-factor! Then I bought wide Fizik shoes and it's almost as comfortable. Now I have pain in my quads, glutes and other power-related muscles, not feet skin and joints and the nervous system can relax.
All 3 older "standard" (aka too narrow for me) shoes are rotting on the rack.
Measure your feet and buy the right ones!
I think my biggest regret is not stopping in for a bike or shoe fit with James back in June when I was visiting London.
I am a very satisfied wearer of the Lake 238, however, the worst part about Lake shoes is living in an area where there is not a dealer that stocks a sufficient variety of shoes/sizes, especially Lake shoes. I have found that with the local bike shop takeover that is happening (in the US) by Specialized and Trek, it is harder and harder to find shops that will carry the non-corporate lineup of clothing and equipment.
Sidi mega works for me , although they only do mega in some models so options are limited.
My feet are too wide for shimano, Sidi etc
Had lake cx219, regular width. Nice fit at the front, heel is too loose.
Tried specialized torxh- has nice wide toe box but much tighter in the heel so perfect for me
The problem with most shoes in general and especially cycling shoes is that they aren’t foot shaped.
They have a tapered pointy last like a dress shoe. We wouldn’t buy gloves that bound our fingers together or a helmet that was cone shaped and squashed our heads. I had real problems finding cycling shoes after moving to ‘barefoot/minimalist’ shoes for running and everything else as my feet spread to a natural shape and gained some muscle. Thankfully Lake released a comfort plus last, which is actually foot shaped and my little piggies wiggle happily ever after.
Do you only have the 201s? How do they feel?
And the other thing Lake does is that assume that guys that race bikes and choose high end shoes are high cadence, high arched, pointy curved feet. Oh well. If you have wide feet, like really wide feet, the Lake thinks you are fat and buy lower end value line sht.
I really end up alwys around the “toe box” thing.
I’d not consider my weet wide. Max a medium. If i measure withe Lake method it does not put me directly in the wide.
But i have constant issues with plenty shoes in the toebox area (running, hiking, street, cycling)
I’ve just seen that lake has now this comfort plus last, so i might give that a try with an mx201 or mx169
Some of the custom builders like Don Lamson, Rocket7, Simmons, Marchese (more speed skates) and Bont do make foot shaped shoes.
@tomimaanoja772 I have the MX169 and CX201. Love them.
Lakes are great. Have the 238 wides and love them. Wish they made they hire end shoes as wide as the 238s
Lake is The only shoe i Can fit! Its been a joy too ride since !
I'm a EEEE and EEEEE in terms of width and I've been using custom (Lamson Cycle Shoes, formally D2) for 20 years. I can't imagine going back to off the rack shoes at this point. Plus he includes orthotics with the shoes.
Shimano wide fit was great for me as I found Lake wide to be too wide. But of course you knew that’s a possibility
I wear flat shoes (MTB) with flat pedals on my road bike due to the stop start nature of my commute and some bad experiences with clipless in city riding.
Overall in the minority I know, but I do see riders like me on a regular basis.
Would you be open to doing a video on suggestions and ways to make this flat pedal / more normal flat shoes work better?
I'm using Shimano GR7 MTB shoes combined with the OneUp composite MTB pedals on a Canyon Ultimate.
(Quite the ugly / Frankenstein combo, but it kinda works...)
Lake are great. I’ve had great luck with adidas gravel shoe. Shimano are good, but so narrrow, their wide is a normal D width.
Love Lake shoes been using them for a few years and wouldn't go with another brand, tried them before landing on Lake. I have about 4 pairs, I have flat feet and Lake's fit me best and are very hard wearing. Pete :)
Also loving the content James. Looking forward to episode 2 and hopefully some tips for narrow feet please!
My problem is not necessary shoe width, but toe box shape. Since my large toe goes straight and doesn't bend inwards, most shoes with pointy or rounded roe boxes does not fit without going size up. My daily shoes are Merrell Vapor Glove 3 and it's the best fitting shoe I ever had. Any recommendations on SPD cycling shoes that could fit?
Just exactly the same. Main issue is toe box, and I also like the merrells due to the comfort they provide.
And hard to find an spd which has proper shape and i can do hike a bikes as well. Like doing hike a bike in the Northwave is terribel due to the narrow heel (sole, easy to roll my ankel)
Try Bont. Heat mould at home
Cycling sandals like from Shimano are great for barefoot accustomed naturally splaying toes.
MX169 or CX201 are actually foot shaped. Very similar to a Vivobarefoot style last.
@@Paul9 thanks, i’ve just looked that up, and looks good. I don’t remember that this was an option a couple of years ago when i was last time in the shoe market, but the rime is worn now and i might try an mx169…
Lake shoes... After tolerating Shimano in a 45 for summer use, and a 46 to get winter socks/sealskinz in, I duly measured my feet, and the Lake MXZ176 came out at the 44 I am in every other size of shoe/boot I own, being a UK9.5. The 44 I ordered (US size 11 therefore UK 10). The box arrived, I opened it up and removed these heavy clogs (442g less cleats) and my partner looked across and she said- "they'll never fit you"..."Nonsense!" I replied, "Bikefit James says Lake are the best and they are true to size, unlike all the other brands just making it up as they go along".... So in my thinnest Home Bargains black socks I proceeded to get my right foot into one, toes curled and battering off the end, no wriggle room and the distinct feeling these could be marketed as a UK 8..... Oh dear..... thanks Bikefit James, this 30 second try on of a single shoe has cost a tenner in postage now as they're going back tomorrow..... I have NEVER had such a tight pair of shoes as this...As for the weight, I have a pair of 46 Shimano's with the SPD cleats installed that weigh 3g less (less than what's probably a 42 if we are being accurate here, ie 4 sizes less!!)
They are not true to size at all. I have the CX332 in a full size bigger and my toes are almost touching the front. They fit perfectly like that but it is a full size bigger than the lake sizing sheet and my normal size.
@@wesw6787 Thanks for that, good to know it wasn't a one off then!
Can you elaborate any more on pain along the outside edge of the foot? I’ve struggled with that, and the best solution I’ve found is pretty massive arch supports. I bought G8s on your recommendation and they were a game-changer for me.
Może masz jedną nogę krótszą. Noga próbuje się wydłużyć żeby dosięgnąć pedału. Może krzywo siedzisz na siodełku. Może być kilka powodów. Dlatego jest bikefitting.
had Northwave "wide" shoes, nowhere near actually wide, same with Shimano, which were also very tight on top of my big toe even though the length was spot on, what saved me is spending the premium but getting some Lake wide ones, got the MX20G which are as comfortable on mile 1 as on mile 100, cycling every day
I have shimano wide... Frequent pain on top of big toe joint. GP thinks it's gout... I'm now thinking it is tight shoe!
4 videos! I sure will learn a lot!
Question: which is the narrowest fitting Lake shoe?
300 and 400 series are their narrowest. See the Lake website for dimensions to the millimeter. It’s weird but I’m an 11E in dress shoes but a 44.5 regular width in 238s. The 300 series is too narrow or too wide.
The Fut
Great video as usual. Thanks, James.
S works recon sl and road sl sort my tootsies out. Cleats almost positioned back. Never ached anywhere.
It would be lovely to watch an episode on winter bike shoes!
Whats about narrow shoes? Favs?
Great advice, never looked back from my bike/shoe fit. ❤ Happy Birthday x
can we get the same video, but for narrow feet please ?
This. A thousand time this! Wide feet get way too much air time.
@@Gwegm Amen!
Shimano makes shoes that are not wide.
@@JanneRasanen2 I have a pair of Giro Empire SLX (previous model, not latest) which appears to be narrowish
Good information. Can you do a video of how to set up a G8 insole correctly? I just cannot seem to get mine right.
@@Crymerge yes please i m in the same boat
One thing that should be mentioned is the shape or curvature of the shoe. Despite all the praise for Lake or even Shimano, most of their shoes are for curved feet, and my feet are not. Fizik and Bontrager are straight and fit much better, but the higher end models of Fizik shoes have more cleat range adjustment.
Hi, bike fitter James. I think you could read audio books but I’m not here to talk about that.
I’m thinking of selling my speed play pedals and going back to keo. Maybe Max to have a wider platform. Or should I keep my speed play to one side if I buy Keo incase I want to go back? Tough life decisions. 🤷🏼♂️
Another great video, James and team. Thank for sharing the passion and knowledge.
🎵 Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday..........🎵
I might have to make a trip to Richmond. Can't find anywhere in London that stocks all of lakes shoes. The cx1** series in wide are still too narrow unless i take out the insole. Not sure i can spend over £100 on a cycling shoe unless it will suit me for several years.
Lake is the ONLY cycling company I've found who do an actual wide. Someone really needs to tap into that market. Insanely hard to get a fit.
Bont does as well
Crazy how shoes that are shaped like feet is a niche market
Or just…don’t be a fat teddy bear? Hmmmmm
@@stfu6397 I'm 5'11 70kg
@@stfu6397 My bmi is 22 and I run a 17:30 5K, you're regarded
Wanted to like the Lake MX238 Gravel but the cleat location seemed too far forward for me in direct comparison to the Specialized Recon ADV (which are wide but not THAT wide) …
Do you have a recommendation for an SPD touring shoe in a wide fit? Just ordered Shimano SH EX 700 to give a try…thanks for the video
Shimano makes SPD sandals but a guy I know said the heel broke ridiculously quickly. This was 6-7 years ago so I hope the issue is fixed. You need water proof socks for the rain though. The sandals breathe incredibly well 🎉
So I have a question: you say if you have pain on the outside of the foot that builds up over the ride that it’s likely not the shoe.
I have pain that builds up, that runs from the tuberosity of the 5th metatarsal distal to the base of that toe. I was hoping to hear a little explanation of the possibilities, but haven’t heard one yet. Will that be covered or touched on in any of the remaining videos?
When you say “pain on the outside of the foot could be something else” if it’s not the show then the most probable culprit, be experience is ? Top3 possible answers 😂🎉
James, assuming you get to G8s can you discuss their fitting please. Love the content, shame I can't get to London for a fit but long way from Aus.
Neill Stanbury on the Sunshine Coast is excellent if you're not too far from there.
@@jasonhurst2491 Thanks Jason, I'm in Perth but I'll look him up 👍
Great video mate! Short and fully packed with tonnes of knowledge topped with experience. Can't wait for next episode! Greetings from Poland!
Any feedback on Quoc shoes? I had their older Tourer (with laces) and it worked perfectly. Even in hot 40 degree weather for 8+ hour rides, I had no discomfort. Never tried their road shoes though.
Meh
@@Bikefitjames lol.
I actually like my shimano rx8 in a wide. AND I didn't size up! they're snug! very stiff though. shimano GE5 for bikepacking
What about flat pedal shoes?
I have pain on right foot outside on road shoes, ski shoes. Id tryed low seat pos, spec tourch shoes,now cx403..any idea what to try more (pain comes after 20min..) i stoped sking by pain..
James and the team at bicycle helped me with a shoe fit made a massive difference numbness gone thank you
Just purchased a pair of Bont Motions last week. Paired with SPD-SL. Went with those because I have flatter, wider feet. Curious where you recommend to put the cleat position for a flatter foot.
I have this particular model of the Lake shoes and despite it was the only shoe that fits me, it’s not perfect: the heal area too wide (I have the standard version, I‘ve saw the same complaint many times), so the shoe doesn’t sit snug. Also the toe area could have less aggressive curvature (and if you go with the wide version your heal area will be even wider!). So I‘m still looking for a perfect pair of shoes
Which model do you suppose? Relatively wide, long days in the saddle with quite a lot hike a bike (bikepacking). Northwave origin to narrow on lon rides, specized rime fairly ok, but legs are “shaky” does not suupport enough. (But hikes well) using green spec footbed.
So I have the lake mx238 wide fit, which fit my square duck-feet perfectly (thank you James) ..... but what can I wear in UK winter? Lake's chart shows their winter boots are much narrower so I don't think they'll work and I'm fed up of using overshoes for half the year.
I have very narrow feet. Could you recommend me a narrow fitting shoe?
Have a look @ Bont. I have struggled to find a narrow fitting road / mtb shoe . I have tried most shoe brands over 35 years for riding / racing and have struggled to find a shoe to fit my narrow foot . I run Bont vapor G with G8 insoles . I have the road and mtb version and love them !
@@vaughanayson4392 thank you!
Shimano make narrow shoes.
@@JanneRasanen2 too wide for me
Can we talk about Dmt? I've tried a couple of them and looks like they offer wide fitting with amazing arch support shoes
0:01 my foot looks just like that, gnarly white claw with a thin veneer of wraith like skin!
😂
I already own a Lake 238 and am looking for something to ride in monsoons in India. Something cheaper and made with synthetic materials. The leather construction of 238 makes it unsuitable for Indian monsoons. Can you recommend something?
Can I ask about Giro and cleat location? Is it ok?
James I'm really enjoying these. As you start to do more of them, it may be time to add a microphone as it will make you sound better.
My problem as with all shoe is that I have very large feet, I can’t even say what size because the sizes feel very inconsistent (50-52). I barely find any shoes online and the only one I found in a store were Shimano XC3 in 51 where my tie is just shy of touching the front.
I’ve really struggled a lot to find good bike shoes. My problem is that my toes are quite long in relation to the rest of my feet, and my second, third, and fourth toes are all further forward than my big toe so any shoe which doesn’t have a squared-off toe box rams into my fourth toe unless they’re two sizes too big. Additionally, this foot shape has resulted in built-in arch support being located too far forward (my current shoes have the g8 inserts, which are all the way back and would fit better if they were even further aft).
I do not have a shop like yours with a very large selection of shoes within 200 miles of where I live, maybe further. It would be helpful if you could include in your guide how to find shoes which fit non-standard foot shapes.
Very good James. Looking forward to the shoe series of posts.
@Bikefitjames hi James, I have a set of lake mx238 which are really comfortable once the sida insole and heel wedge (2deg varus) were setup properly. BUT, they are a nightmare to clean after a CX race and get very wet. I used to race with mavic crossmax SL pro, have a set of winter mavic for winter training.
Can you advise a shoe model that is more closed and easier to clean may be like giro empire V something or fiziks Altas ( i havea set of these but they hurt the lateral side of my foot despite G8 insoles)?
Thanks
How is the width of the Empire V? My Empire I think the model is SL is narrow. I cannot use it in my size unless I remove the insole.
I had the same problem with mine so I bought a shoe drier for £20 from Amazon after seeing it recommended by Francis Cade. Works a treat and fries them out in about half an hour after giving the,ma thorough wash.
2:24 So the pain on the outside of my foot is caused by "something else". How helpful 😩
I ride the CX238 for road and the MX238 Supercross for cyclocross, but I have a major problem with my heels popping out while running uphill. I have to crank them down uncomfortably tight for my feet to not pop out on run ups. Does anyone else have this problem? Maybe Lake's are just not that great for CX?
I don't do CX or XC, but yes, my wide Lake MX177 is a bit forgiving / soft / flexible on the top (which is what I like and need). My wide Fizik Vento on the other hand has stiffer top material, but its Boa dials aren't as good as the rest of the shoes I own. I need to tighten them a few times in the first couple of kilometers. But I do road sprint better with the Fizik than the Lake.
once again, another informative and great video about bike fitting mostly intrigued on the topic of the pressure outside that develops throughout the ride, I do use G8 insole, and I would to learn to adjust and mitigate that pressure.
I noticed that I often bend down my toes. I don't know if this is just a bad habit, or some kind of compensation and my feet are trying to tell me something.
What can be the cause?
I am no expert and would like to see James' comment as well, but I used to do this, and in a better fitting shoe with better foot beds (and a better cleat position) I don't do it anymore.
I think the adjustment that finally fixed it was getting my cleat farther back. It's as though I was subconsciously crunching my toes to get my feet farther forward, and put the power through the part of my foot that my brain naturally wants it to go through.
No expert here. Could be hammer toes so if that is the case look with those search words for causes and fixes. Good luck.
That's usually because your shoes are too big in size and you're unconsciously trying to improve foot stability by clawing your toes. Did you size up for a better fit in width?
I wear size 50. Im screwed. 😢
Nike Metcons
Nice thumbnail. You play Final Fantasy XIV online?
Interesting video, looking forward to the rest of the series!
Would it be possible to get a recommendation or short list of shoes that might minimise top of foot pain and numbness due to fibromyalgia? Even a sock that's too tight can cause severe pain (love the fit of Injinji because of this) and finding usable shoes is difficult to say the least.
Currently I'm restricted to using and upright gym bike which is less than ideal, and have found lately the pain and numbness is exacerbated a lot, and is increasingly occurring in ankle, low Achilles calf, side of the foot and from the top of the foot toward the shin.
I prefer Topo Athletic for a wide forefoot and natural toe splay, but they're narrower in the midfoot and heel - a lot of other foot-shape shoes tend to be too wide at the heel and slip constantly. Typically I wear largest size that works with ~16mm toe clearance for hiking, ~11mm for gym, laces are always loose enough to slip shoe on and off without untying.
Do the Lake wide fit styles have a narrow heel and midfoot? or are they just wide all the way through?
I'm about to try some flat FiveTen Freerider, but I'm interested in Lake if I can get something suitable that could be used flat for now, and later with MTB/gravel SPD.
N.B. would love to do the shoe fit in Richmond, but it's a 5-6hr journey I can't do unless my symptoms go into remission.
Have a look at the Lake MX242 as it's designed to accommodate feet with various issues. The forefoot upper is split into sections to allow for greater variation in tension across the foot.
@@jasonhurst2491 Thanks, those look interesting.
Sandals may or may not work depending on the placement of the straps over your sensitive parts of the feet. I know of only SPD cleated two bolt sandals from Shimano.
First, man.
One thing I got incredibly lucky with, is having what most would consider narrow feet. I tried a Shimano wide fit shoe and it felt like everywhere forward of the heel cup was loose even when the boas were tightened down. When it comes to regular shoes, I’ve never understood why people complain so much about shoe width until I started to learn about foot function and running, and common foot deformities (bunions, etc) that I realized I’m the outlier.
Same here. I love James complaining about shoe brands that are too narrow. Just gives me a good shopping list haha.
Ok, how about some cheaper shoes?!?!
Are they all really that bad, i doubt it!
Shoes from Decathlon for example.
And for my experience cheap shoes from Shimano are really not that great!
Nobody sais that it can’t be good.
The point james is making that people size up (which is increasing shoe lengt) to achive fit in width and volume, which affects their cleat position.
To me decathlon shoe last does not fit (mostly) . I’ve tried one which was comfy, but that way too flexy.
Cleat: my northwave: it’s all the way back, and should be a little bit more back to be optimal.
My specialized rime has still appx 1 cm adjustment opportunity.
In the northwave I’d have to size up to ge more comfort, but than the cleat would move even more forward…
What is great about lake that they don’t just make different models, they use different lasts for those
@@maaszviktor and you are?!?!
Are you a bike fitter?!?!
Regardless you are missing the point, as James acknowledged Decathlon bikes have great fit at a great price, so could their shoes be also good or only high-end/expensive shoes fit the bill in this instance?!?!
I'm afraid we will not have the answer as James has a business to protect!
I have a pair of their new brand 'Van Rysel' and love them. They fit me much better then the Fizik's and Shimano's I had before. But it is all so individual...
I don't clip in, so I don't know why I even bothered watching this.
should have thrown wide feet in the title. i have narrow feet and just wasted my time on this.
Shimano is likely good for you then.