Lake CX302 cycling shoes review

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Lake has built a stellar reputation for high-quality cycling shoes over the years, and the CX302 is its flagship climbing shoe.  

Weighing an impressive 270g per shoe on my scales (size 44.5), the CX302 comprises a soft Clarino microfiber  upper, two BOA Li2 dials and a handmade carbon sole utilising Lake’s  patented double-sole system. This sole construction sees the addition of an inner sole made of semi-flexible carbon fibre to offer more flexibility and reduce hotspots, and a much stiffer carbon  outsole on the bottom of the shoe.  

Suspending the inner sole over the rigid  outsole, Lake says, means the shoe can still be extremely stiff without sacrificing comfort. There’s also a ‘Carbitex Medial  Support panel’ for extra stability, plenty of venting and a replaceable heel bumper for more durability when you need to briefly hop off the bike. 

The shoes accept standard three-bolt road cleats, and there is a detailed scale on the sole to dial in the fit of your cleats.

Lake CX302 fit and sizing

Four colourways are available, and there are also wide and extra-wide fit versions.  Putting the shoes on for the first time, they instantly had that slipper-like feeling, and I think the Clarino microfibre plays a big part here. 

This non-woven material is synthetic, but its superfine construction and microscopic perforation during manufacturing is designed to mimic the look and feel of real leather. It’s also more appropriate for a cycling shoe because it’s easier to wash and wipe down, but first and foremost it just makes for a very comfortable experience indeed. 

There was no unwanted pressure on my midfoot, and after securing the dials I barely felt them tightening up, the upper of the shoe moulding to my foot almost perfectly. 

The toebox is more rounded  than a lot of cycling shoes, but I personally got on fine with the shape.

Lake CX302 sole and comfort

Older models of high-end Lake shoes have felt a little harsh underfoot to me, and perhaps a bit too stiff at times; but I didn’t experience any of that with the CX302. 

The outsole is a very solid slab of carbon composite that you can feel and hear when clipping in, yet I didn’t experience anything close to discomfort during my test rides. 

There is a school of thought that a carbon cycling shoe sole can be too stiff, to the point that it sacrifices comfort – but from my  experience of using the CX302 so far, I think Lake has done an excellent job of finding a compromise with its double-sole system.  

Elsewhere, the insole is nothing fancy but did what I needed and the grippy material on the inside of the heel does a great job of holding the foot in place.  BOA’s Li2 dials provide simple and secure closure with replacement parts available if yours get tatty over time.

Head to our guide to the best triathlon cycling shoes for more options with racing features.

Lake CX302 specs

Price	$389 / £300
Weight	270g per shoe (EU44.5)
Sole	Dual-carbon construction
Features	Two Boa dials, microfibre vented upper
Sizing	Narrow, regular, wide / EU39-50