Lake CX238 Wide Review 💥 What I hated, What I liked 💥 HONEST Non-Biased

[@ShawnIsBatman]

Thanks for the review! I have been looking at these shoes based on other reviews (wider foot, high arch) and your detailed review helped me decide that these are probably a good choice for me. I appreciate your attention to detail in the review...even the small things are important! I found your site via a search for the product and am now a subscriber!

[@skullyleake4241]

so do I. I have these shoe get some g8 insoles and you will be money.

[@richardforde6553]

Great review - I've had my 238's for 2 years and I agree with everything - especially the weird wide heel - am now looking at switching to 332 or 333 for something a bit tighter

[@brianbecker1468]

I have paddles rather than feet and I looked for ages for a suitable fit. Always bought one size up and then struggled with cleat position fore and aft. These solved both issues. They size a bit small so think about half a size bigger than usual. I've worn Shimano S works for over 10 years. Unreal fit and I added G8 innersoles to compensate for supernation. Fit like a glove. Beautiful craftsmanship. They are heavier however I don't notice that when riding. I use Speedplays and they are a quick bolt on and with the newer cleats the walking angle is great no covers necessary at the cafe like he older cleats. Boa's are same direction both sides and micro adjustable so you can losen and tighten one or 2 clicks at a time. Highly recommended.

[@tongucyaman]

I bought CX238s for the same reasons. 4000 miles later, these are the first set of shoes I love to bicycle in. I agree with all four reasons why you love these shoes. In fact, I am about to order MX238s for my gravel bicycling. I don't have a problem with the hind grip of the shoes. I am comfortable all around. Sorry that your feet are wide only in the front. However, I have one very minor gripe with these shoes, similar to your comments about the lip. When I am in a rush and want to tighten the Boa links, more frequently than not, the lip stays on top of the shoe's opening, and I end up releasing the ties and placing the lip underneath where it belongs before I huff&puff and tighten the shoes again. As these shoes are the best ever for me, I will not even rank my only complaint in the top 10 reasons for my buying decision. There are 5+ stars from my point of view. I like your objective review.

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

Thanks. I appreciate that.

[@mudiesimon]

Every single observation is spot on. I’ve used these in Lake’s road an off road, and cyclo cross versions. The comfort of the leather is indeed their downside in that it’s a bit too stretchy for a performance shoe. Not quite stiff enough in the sole either. Also, Lake’s heel cup design is rubbish compared to most of the other players. Fizik, Giro, Sidi, Spec, Bont etc. Lake rely on their cats tongue Velcro liner, instead of the other makes mentioned that design the heel cup to that it retains the heel when cycling by its internal shape. I want the more performance version of this shoe, which would be the 332. Only they jump straight from a 48 to a 50😐 If you are a fairly casual cyclist rather than a racer, these are super duper comfortable and forgiving of foot lumps and bumps, bunions etc. probably your best choice. Great review!

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

Thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@stephendenagy3396]

Just got the MX238. Agree completely, though the gravel version (suede) has a different better tongue. Until they adapt the lasts, we wide footed folks will have to put up with the loose heel in walking. But…there is literally no alternative. Fortunately, the carbon fiber footbed is ridiculously stiff. And there is so much volume in the shoe I can slip in a lift to palate my leg length discrepancy. I agree with the Shimanos, I wore some for years. But the Lake shoes are game changing. Improved power transfer, better comfort and fitment. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! (Ps, their website is very helpful and will lay out in a matrix all the shoes, all the widths and lasts, and CRITICALLY, the widths in mm per size. The MX238 looks to me to be their widest last in the wide size.

[@Ziggggy]

Your review really helps me

[@Ziggggy]

A lot

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

Cool

[@michaelgreen6592]

I found your channel because of this review. I have not quite pulled the plug on a pair of these lakes. But every time I get home after a hot day in the saddle, and my Morton’s neuroma is acting up. I will almost pay anything for a pair of shoes that will fit right in the toe box.

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

@@michaelgreen6592 neuromas suck

[@rodneyat]

Good review, I am a long time Lake shoe user. I too have a wide foot and they fit me better than any of the other "wide" cycling shoes (Shimano, Sidi, etc). I used the CX-217 for years and switched to the 218 when those wore out and they have the 238 on sale now and will be buying those.

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

Thanks for sharing!

[@johnpaulstez]

I have a pair of xc902 wide coming to try, but I’m considering the 332’s. My foot isn’t super wide but I do have metatarsal issues. I’m coming off of custom D2’s so I’m a bit spoiled, but they’re $1600 now.

[@robertengstrom1183]

Tks. Helpful info.

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

Glad it was helpful!

[@th3090]

Thank You! Great review! 🙂👍 I just ordered my first Lake shoes (CX238 wide). The reason I chose Lake is that they have real wide last. Shimano and most of the competitors only have more fabric around their regular last on their wide shoes. My Shimano MTB shoes (regular last) and my Five Ten flat shoes feel little bit too narrow and my Northwave road shoes way too narrow to my feet. I really hope Lake would be worth money. CX219 would have been about 60 euros/dollars cheaper. Hopefully I made the right choice.

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

I’ve been happy with mine. I have other videos about cycling shoes and orthotics if you want to watch them

[@buster.keaton]

Truth! Most "wide" shoes aren't actually wide, just extra material. I watched a video where someone used a micrometer to measure the last width on his "wide" and regular width shoes and it was the same. I found the same when purchasing different shoes other than Lake.

[@leedorney]

My story with Lakes is this; i bought a pair of 332 in extra wide and they're nearly as wide as the 238w but narrower in the heel + you can heat adjust them. The 332's are 42 i tried 238's in 42, 41.5 and 41 - the latter are listed as an 8 the 41.5 as 9's..work that out lol. I use the 238’s mainly and the 332’s are slightly lighter and more form fitting with width, that's the best way i can describe 'em..just to mention IF you do heat-mold them watch the toe box as THAT is carbon too and can fold down towards your toes, so be very wary of that!

[@mvhan911]

So you like the238 more since you use more ? And how about the heel slip issue?

[@leedorney]

@@mvhan911 I like to use the 332’s on the trainer dont know why but they work better on that, yet the 238's go fine outside - you can fasten it down the boa and it's not an issue in all honesty, so it's just important to get the length, exactly right! 👌

[@mvhan911]

@@leedorney the length is a good point! Are your longest toes touching the shoe in the front? I have a size 43,5 here where my big toes are touching the front and half size up 44 where my toes have clearance. While the smaller size sits tighter I worry if it will hurt on longer rides.

[@leedorney]

@@mvhan911 I had the 41.5 and they where comfortable BUT I was tried the 41 which was tight - I went with the former 41.5 out of comfort, and sold them and went with the 41 as the shoe stretches, I took the insoles out and replaced with a thinner variant and it's just right now 👌 : so yes theyre (toe/s) are close to the front of the shoe then (the foot) will pull back slightly, as in a mm or 2..from what I've found a cycling shoe needs to form around 'your' foot & it's the width that's the fact for me and the length is relative to the foot itself

[@grantmcalpine6364]

I agree with you about the fore aft size of the shoe. I also have wide up front, narrow in the rear. I love the width and they feel better in that regard but I also wish the tongue Boa lace was a bit further back which would lock in the heel better. Great video overall.

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@jarhead4657]

Yeah I’m a 14 wide and a 49 would be perfect but they only do 48 and 50. So I went with 50 wide. Too long and a little too wide but the regular 50 isn’t wide enough. I have the CX and the MX 238.

[@bengt_axle]

I've had both Shimano (like the ones you've shown) and the Lake 219s which are similar. Regarding the fit, if you feel that there are certain areas that are too loose, take some handlebar tape (with flared edges) and use this to glue inside of the shoe, just below your ankle joint, in your case, to fill up the space. I added some under the tongue, because I too, had too much space, and on the medial side of the foot, facing the inside of the foot, because one foot is smaller than the other. You can also add a thin piece of cardboard under the supplied insole or get a thicker insole. The stock Lake insoles are pretty poor in any case.

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

Good ideas!!

[@olsonmap22]

Awesome video!

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@gregoryspowell]

well done.

[@ananovo8662]

Good stuff. I already own older lakes and was on the fence, but will stick with the brand!

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

Good choice!

[@hlobend2111]

Great Info. Pros and Cons. T hanks.

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stephendenagy3396]

I just discovered Lake shoes, and have their MX219. The wide heel box is a godsend, this is really the only available biking shoe in widths. Really, the industry is letting Isu’s down. Perhaps partially explained the there is a certain size and physique for a road racer. But actually, that is the myth. At the typical price of these suckers, you would think they would make them in widths. And the BOA cinch mechanism! With the rubber edges I can actually tighten them! Shimano, what’s up with a knurled device that shreds my fingers! But what confuses me in your review is why you didn’t get the thermal activated moldable shoe? I was reading on them and they are designed exactly your fit/use case. If I were riding competitively that is exactly what I would get. No foot pain! Yay! And now with my SQLabs Active saddle no butt pain either! Here is a tip, get SQLab long shank pedals. According to them, people rocking size 47 and above should be riding them. I realized that my size 14 shoes were rubbing off the finish on the cranks. That must be worth a few watts! But aside from that my knee pain is gone! It seems Lake and SQLab are the only vendors that care at all how our bodies *actually* work! Just did a modest ride, new pedals, new shoes, new saddle. I found my cadence is suddenly so much smoother. Oh, and I waxed my chain. Heaven! Good review!

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

I love my shoes!!!

[@buster.keaton]

Sounds like we have similar shaped feet... narrow at the heal and very wide at the toes. I've been riding the MX237 for years and recently purchased Lake's new CX201 and MX242 shoes. The CX201s are dreamy in the toe area due to the new Comfort last, but as your video states, very wide in the heal as well which isn't ideal. They're super ventilated up front so I use them as my indoor riding shoes. The new CX/MX242s might be your perfect shoe... carbon, heat moldable heal cup and slightly rounder toe area than the CX/MX241s. They aren't cheap, but they're getting closer to my "perfect shoe" (The toe area is still a bit too pointy for my feet, but everything else is a win.)

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

I’d pay more for comfort and shoes can last a long time.

[@pieterjandebaene2171]

Thank you for this review! What is your opinion on the reinforced toe box? I have wide feet, but in addition they tend to swell a lot during hot weather. I live in Belgium, so a lot of differing weather conditions here.

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

I’m not sure exactly what you’re asking about the toe box… what do you mean by “reinforced?”

[@reynardramos1506]

Thanks for the review, what's the size of your lake cx239 and the size of the specialized insoles?

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

45

[@dominiquenuyts8309]

Hello, you know you can put then in the oven for 5min on very low temp (60-70deg), take them out, put them on and squeeze the heel inwards for good grip?

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

The 238’s?

[@cabaneencac5168]

Xc skiing is now finish here so my poor 2nd little toe is now swelling like at the end of every ski season . Now I'm tired of returning many model like the mx177 ''wide'' and I wonder if the mx242 ''wide'' got a enough wide toe box ????

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

This video is speaking about the CX 238, not the MX242

[@cabaneencac5168]

@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia I know but if I look at a bird eye view photos of these two models they seem to have the same toe box shape?

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

@@cabaneencac5168 I’d contact the company. I’m just some guy on KZbin with my own opinion.

[@theyorkshirewheeler]

I have wide feet and these exact shoes, they are perfect me and would never consider another brand of shoe now.

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

Me too

[@RonaldPoulin]

I have the same shoes and after one season the tongue is scrap and it cost me $50.00 at the shoemaker but after that the little place where the boa lace past in the upper tongue break .I think it's because the shoes are leather and it's the first time that i have this problem and the first time that i have leather shoe and maybe with the swear the leathe shoe don't like it and after a ride my shoe had some white swear on the outside.

[@tobimaxx]

You should try the Lake CX332 as you can heat mould the heel.

[@tobimaxx]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHPEg4iXn8-Am8ksi=3qkoqwIjWBu1xMUv

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

When these wear out I will

[@gerald6656]

I read that the mx238 xc's have a tighter heel. I just ordered a pair. We shall see.

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

Let me know. That would be great

[@mvhan911]

Any experience with tighter heel?

[@michaeld9108]

Really helpful review for us wide feet guys. I'm trying to decide between these and the MX/gravel version. I've only ever used the SPD mtb style shoes and pedals on a hybrid but will be getting my first road bike soon. Can you feel any differences in the feel/stability/ comfort between them?

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

Here's my review of the MX238: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3uynKqsodWCrtk but I don't notice any difference between the road vs mtn bike shoe.

[@dmarsey1]

I have the 238 as well and love the feel of them coming from year of Fizik shoes. What would be a model you like from Lake that solves the heal issue that you spoke about? I feel that I have to torque the boa down more than I like to compensate for the loose heal. Thanks for the review and I agree the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn.

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

They have some that are VERY expensive and they're just slightly more narrow in the toe box, but definitely thinner in the heel (from my understanding). I'm just not wanting to spend that much money as I have to buy two pairs (cyclocross/gravel and road). BTW: I solved the heel thingy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ql7FhIJmlJ2ko80

[@dmarsey1]

@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia AWESOME! Heading out for a ride in an hour and will give that a try. Much appreciate the "fix" and your videos. Thanks for the quick response.

[@jkotsche7035]

Did you put them in the oven to mold the heel cup?

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

@@jkotsche7035 this one doesn’t have the heat moldable heel. The next model up does.

[@jkotsche7035]

@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia good to know.

[@5amba]

I have the exact same problem with the MTB Version MX238. But there the slipping heel when walking was a deal breaker for me. I sent them back... still havn't found the perfect shoe. Probably doesn't exists for my feet.

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

Shimano has wide as well as Lake has one's that have narrower heels (402?), but they're expensive (probably worth it).

[@5amba]

@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia Shimano's wide versions are actually not wider. They have just more volume for the forefoot. They are not suited for a really wide foot.

[@5amba]

@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia The 403 is not available as MTB/Gravel Version. And the 332 is not wide enough. But I still haven't tried Bont. One solution could also be to add a heel pad. But I don't think it will stay in place. You could definitely give them a try 😉

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

Here's how I solved it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ql7FhIJmlJ2ko80

[@5amba]

@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia hmm… I actually tried that. It was still not perfect tho. Maybe I'm to critical… My Fitter also recommended the MX242, but tbh I think they are ugly 😅 I'm still using a pair of North Waves, which are actually to narrow. But it's not terrible, so I will continue looking for the perfect shoe, until I found it or until I'm forced to switch because a wear.

[@thedo6750]

I was about going to buy these shoes but thanks to your review, the tongue is really a problem for me

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

Sorry to hear that

[@heyyoooo-ln9lp]

Just get this pair of shoes. hope it get away my numb feet. Had shimano rc702e for few year but feet tingling every ride.

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

Good choice!

[@Eittam]

I think the Lake CX201 would be a good fit for the Ronald McDonald feet :) A question though, I notice you have some cleat accessory there to put the cleats further back. I also tried those from a German brand. Could you share more about those? brand, and why you use them? I get numb feet and have a Morton's neuroma, and having the cleats further back helps a bit but screws my seat height

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

Here's what I'm using now. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWaXfmmfZcqMhJI

[@foxyrollouts]

Dubbin will waterproof/protect leather and make it more supple Check out.. i think its Sidi SP mega shoe. Its supposed to be 2e/3e wide. Mid range price. I d9nt k ow if Sid8 do more megas? Its road or mtb they do for SP shoe

[@foxyrollouts]

I seen folks bake their Lake shoes and squeeze in their heel? Check it out,might help ur skinny ankles

[@foxyrollouts]

I heard the Shimano wide, is only wide in the front and skinny at the back. This may suit you?

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

My older shoes were Shimano and I liked them. I wanted to try a different brand. That's why I have the Lakes now. The Lakes are a bit wider in the forefoot compared to the wide Shimano's I've noticed.

[@foxyrollouts]

@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia did you have Shimano wide? I think they are 1e wide. I heard theyre wide in the toe box only. The lakes look really nice

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

@@foxyrollouts I had the wides. You’ll see them in my older videos. Great shoes.

[@danlane556]

Crazy cleat position !!

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

It looks bad but it works for me

[@tobimaxx]

The bike fitters optimal position.

[@tobimaxx]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHPEg4iXn8-Am8ksi=3qkoqwIjWBu1xMUv

[@brandoncook7972]

My fizik terra x5 shoes have a similar tounge and it irritates my foot where it sits. Specialized recon shoes are so much better for my feet.

[@jarhead4657]

Recon are mountain bike shoes and the only model with widths is the $450 one in black only.

[@deg050607]

I have been wearing a pair of Shimano wide size 44(they look similar to yours) for 8 yrs now and lately my right foot has been hurting while riding because I think these shoes are not wide enough.I can see my toes trying to expand outward.I thought about switching to LAKE CX238 shoes because they are truly wider .In a perfect world I would go to a store and try a pair on,but in my world there are no stores within a 100 miles or so from me north of Milwaukee Wi.The LAKE sizing chart is somewhat confusing and trying to measure my foot I get different numbers.I have wide up front but not really narrow in the back. I also wear wide ASICS size 9.5 running shoes.Could you or anyone please give me a size suggestion based on my Shimano size 44 wide ???

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

I got mine at competitive cyclist.

[@deg050607]

I know of that company but I need a size to order..I thought the author of this video who has Shimano cycling shoes like me could give me a size suggestion for lake......@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

I can only tell you what I bought. I can't possibly know what would fit you.

[@deg050607]

What I am asking,is LAKE sizing for your Lake cycling shoes the same as your running shoes?After measuring my feet with my socks on and then adding 5mm which is what Lake says to do I come up with 268mm which puts me at Lake size 42.5 and 8.75 US size.My Shimano cycling shoes are 44 wide and my Asics running shoes are 9.5.EX WIDE.. Should I just use the 268mm and order the Lake 42.5? @@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia

[@Nick-_-452]

Just curious, what ended up being your "go-to" shoes? Still using the Lakes?

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

Yes. Still using Lakes for both cyclocross and road.

[@hayatwahob]

Hi, do you have any recommendations for a female with wide feet? I am looking for shoes to do indoor cycling. Thank you.

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

Lake or Shimano make great shoes for wide feet and are affordable IMHO

[@hayatwahob]

@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia Thank you, will try to find a place that sells them so I can try out.

[@hayatwahob]

Any recommendations of a place that carries the brands? In the LA area. Thanks.

[@bengt_axle]

A touring shoe will always be wider than a racing shoe. There are many touring shoes with rubber soles and laces that even look more like running shoes, and they would be ok for spinning. Be sure that the cleat area is stiff so that it won't flex under your weight.

[@AJXOXO-vz1pn]

Your feet are way more normal than you think. I worked in the shoe industry and we’ve looked at anthropological data on shapes of people’s feet. The vast majority of people actually have their toes as the widest part of their foot. This fits with some newer running shoe companies philosophy of redesigning shoe lasts to accommodate the norm not the established shoe last norm.

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

If my feet are normal, then most shoes aren't fit to help normal feet. I find most shoes too narrow in the toe box and too pointed. Maybe I'm wrong, but after two neuroma surgeries, I can't wear standard shoes anymore.

[@AJXOXO-vz1pn]

@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia most sandals and flip flops are cut to fit a normal foot. I have never seen a sandal shaped like a standard shoe last.

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

This is true. However...I don't ride with sandals or flip flops. I'm talking about cycling shoes.

[@AJXOXO-vz1pn]

@@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia this is what I’m saying. Most shoes are designed around shoe lasts that were developed over 100 years ago from the British dress shoe. Hardly anybody has the pointy toe shape. The anthropological data shows that the majority of feet are shaped whereby the toes splay out.

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

Are we talking about cycling shoes or regular shoes?

[@michaelwatters5600]

Just bought them for 50% off.

[@davidide1525]

Nice video. They do make a synthetic model of this shoe now. Your cleat looks mid-foot , if so did you have them re-drilled ?

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

here's what I used: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWaXfmmfZcqMhJI I have drilled them before. Here's how I did it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYLaZ52Kh9atiJY

[@MitchVanVit]

Thanks for that review. I have the same feet, cyclo-crosser using MX218 Wide, very happy with the mid/front width (1/2 size up would be better, I have to ride without the insole to be OK), but the heel slip is hudge! I'm thinking of sewing an additional fabric (foam) around the "rim" (your tightening fix didn't work for me). Anyways I think I'm gonna buy 238X for the road soon, but the 241 look even more accomodating. Cheers

[@ryancompton7598]

You forgot to mention that they are not the most attractive shoes, especially at this price point. Specialized Torch 3.0 look way nicer and are way cheaper. This could be vastly improved by removing the rubber toe bumper which I feel is pointless for road biking.

[@achn2b]

I admit the black is kinda plain, but I think the white and the burgundy ones are really good looking. And there's the new red and fluo yellow one, which I would love except that it's made of synthetic instead of real leather So there are choices besides white and black.

[@jarhead4657]

In your opinion Ryan. Not everyone is you. Shocking I know….the Torch 3 doesn’t come in widths either which is the whole point of his review. The only Torch models that comes in widths, and only in black, is the $450 one. Last time I checked that’s $100 more than these Lakes. Pay attention before posting some drivel.

[@ryancompton7598]

@@jarhead4657 I think "drivel" is an unnecessarily harsh response to my comment. You're right that torch 3.0 isn't wide. However, if you compare quality and performance I'd say the torch 3.0 is similar to the cx-238. It has double Boa, similar stiffness, lighter, better heel hold, and better aesthetics. So comparing the cx-238 to a similar shoe out there I feel they are overpriced. As a consumer in a competitive market I don't love having to pay $100 more just to get a wide fit shoe. And certainly the other big companies are also to blame for not having more wide fit options. Also, I don't see how critiquing looks is invalid, appearance is part of selling products, especially in the $300+ range.

[@annenglehart4651]

Did you do the heat molding for the heels? Or are the 238s not heat moldable? Love your shirt.

[@achn2b]

@@annenglehart4651 the 238 range isn't heat moldable.

[@dannyghalayini]

Go Cutters. 2023 Little 500 champs