Cx
Recently there’s been some online chat regarding barefoot shoes for cycling. As a Podiatrist with over 25 years of experience, the term barefoot shoes still triggers a little PTSD. Not because the concept behind it isn’t salient, but because the idea of a barefoot ‘shoe’ by definition is incongruous. Essentially, a more appropriate term would be ‘shoe without any upper structure or sole padding that still can protect your feet from glass’. Whether you want to run in that shoe is up to debate. If it were faster, then i’m sure many would embrace it. The cynical would still suggest there’s a commercial element at play. I’ve used both and I prefer running in standard shoes - I feel better and I certainly run faster. I also look less ‘odd’ at park run and at the end of the day, I’m too self conscious of my appearance to pull it off.
Now we enter a period where the idea of barefoot cycling shoes has taken root. Again, this may be because the idea of an alternative shoe to those who like foot freedom sounds awfully appealing and may trigger a new marketing niche. It is entirely possible to ride a bike barefoot on flat pedals and you are also much less likely to get glass in your feet than when you run! But would you really want to?
If you’re after freedom at any price, then go for it! However, there are a large number of studies out there that have reliably demonstrated that being clipped into the pedals is much more efficient and able to deliver more average power than when you are riding in sandshoes on flat pedals. (I couldn’t find any studies that compared genuine barefoot pedalling to clipped in cycling - unsurprising I guess but it would be a page turner!). This is perhaps the sweet spot where new barefoot styled shoes have their moment in the sun.
The CX201 (and MX201) certainly fall into this category. They are cycling shoes that feel like you are wearing smoking slippers - in a good way. The upper and toe box are super wide, and the material is also incredibly stretchable. There is only a single Li2 Boa to fasten the shoe so the fitment isn’t super tight. The synthetic leather is soft and pliable around the heel - although a lot firmer than a traditional barefoot running shoe. As a consequence of this design you can barely feel the forefoot inside the shoe. This is where the concept of a ‘barefoot’ cycling shoe essentially comes from.
Does this make them comfortable - absolutely. If you have bunions, protuberances or sore spots on your lumpy feet, then these are the shoe for you! Do you want your feet to feel unencumbered by the shoe and have zero compression from side to side, then these are the shoe for you. All this comfortable luxury still strapped to a quality carbon sole for pedal stroke efficiency. You could argue that the carbon sole deletes some credibility from the barefoot concept, however, having ridding 90km in sandshoes on a TT bike, carbon is way better as a conduit to the pedal than foam. Waaaaaay better.
This shoe has been a game changer for many of our patients. Many of this cohort almost gave up cycling before the option of these shoes came along. Thats a huge win for the Lake CX/MX201. Is it for everyone? Absolutely not.
If you desire firmness, structure, connectivity and the idea of efficient power transfer, than these are not the shoe for you. Pick your options amongst essentially any other shoe on the market for this and that’s fine. But if you are in the corner of the market that needs a problem solved, then this is it!!
Is it a barefoot shoe - not really. Does it offer hope to people who need enormous pressure relief - absolutely! Is it markedly different to every other shoe on the market - 100%. There is nothing else like it. Well done to Lake Cycling for building it. It’s a necessary tool in the shoe arsenal. It doesn’t mean that I’ll be wearing it, but I know dozens who will and will love it.
To read more about the complete design features and materials, click here.