Lake Cycling has long been our go to for wide fitting shoes. This goes back to our first experiences with the collection fitting largely the leather road shoes, the CX237s. Since those early offerings, the whole collection from Lake has evolved and each shoe style has been improved and redesigned. As each model has been subtly updated, the aesthetics have also changed, and in many cases, improved.

The CX400 is not a completely new shoe, but it certainly feels like it. Based on the CX400 series that captures the CX410, CX402 and CX403, the CX400 runs a deep carbon chassis to create the feeling of stiffness and whole hind foot support that many riders cherish. The fibre in the carbon ‘boat’ is not heat mouldable relying more on gradual internal lining adaptation to create that secure fit.

So who is this new shoe for? As a rider who raced in the CX402 for a few years, I thought I’d give my opinion as to who this shoe most suits.

I personally loved the CX402. The shoe was tricky to bed in initially, and needed to be molded to make it comfortable. This remains the challenge with the CX403. Off the rack, it feels pinchy in the heel, but once modded, the shoe’s carbon boat feels supportive and secure. As the CX403 is a top level shoe with a price to match, many cyclists are nervous about buying as once you’ve molded the shoe, there’s no going back. I’ve had to hold the hands of a number of cyclists as they made this journey.

The CX400 holds none of these fears. Out of the box it fits. That’s not to say that every foot will be in love with the heel counter, but it’s unbelievably more forgiving and comfortable than the previous models. Whilst not plush, there is enough generous felt and lining to give the shoe a comforting hold while not feel flabby. The Clarino upper holds its shape well with only subtle flex giving the mid foot a secure fit also. As is typical of Lake shoes, the toe box is super generous with enough space to accomodate all but the largest standard deviation of foot widths.

When in use, the biggest single shift this shoe presents is its weight. This shoes comes in 75 grams lighter per shoe in a size 41 over the CX403. And you can feel it. There’s no question the mega fans of Lake who longed for a lighter offering of the more supportive versions of these shoes will be celebrating exuberantly. The CX303 is still the weight weenie of the bunch (and a new summer version of the CX303 is on the horizon offering an even lighter footprint) but the foot feel isn’t the CX400. This shoe feels structured,, supportive, comfortable - and light. It’s certainly a tremendous benefit of this model.

The other huge pro for this shoe is the aesthetics. The CX400 is stripped back, simple and elegant. Minimal branding, clean lines are the order of the day. It’s certainly the best looking shoe Lake has produced to date based on looks alone (my personal view). This doesn’t count for much for many purists, but for those tempted to dip their toe into the water with the Lake brand for the first time, it' might get them over the line. You get good looks and comfort combined, what’s not to like!?

For me, this shoe is a must have for those who want the lake feel and width, but a different look. In the standard width offering, the shoe fits similarly to the CX239 and the CX333 standard. In the wide fit, it sits a fraction narrower than the CX239 wide and the CX333 wide. As mentioned, the extreme widths of fit are probably better heading to those offerings, but those who trend towards the narrower side of wide (is that even a thing?!) this shoe will be suitable.

Overall it’s a great outcome for Lake. This shoe has been in the wings for a while, but now it’s out, there’s going to be a bunch of converts. I’d give it a solid 9/10. And yes, we have a few in stock.