Lake CX403 Unboxing - Does the online sizing guide actually work?

I purchased a pair of Lake CX403 shoes in Chameleon Blue off of Competitive Cyclist using Lake's online sizing guide. The shoes are great - but do they fit?
For reference, I'm a size 10.5 to 11 in US shoes and ordered a size 44 per Lake's recommendation.

[@krider7296]

I have a pair of CX402, the previous version, and they are fantastic shoes. With 21K km on them they are still going strong. I find that Lake cycling shoes fit normal width feet very well and they also offer wide versions. Most othe high end cycling shoe brands fit narrow so that even if you go up a size, they don't fit well. The other nice thing about Lake is that they are one of the few brands that offer Speedplay 4 bold dedicated cycling shoes. Once you figure out the correct size with Lake, you can purchase other shoes using the same size, and they will fit reasonably the same. Both my CX402 and CX175 fit very similar in the same number size. Good luck with the larger size.

[@yendoradon7836]

I recently purchased a pair of Lake shoes using their sizing guide and the shoes fit perfectly. My feet are short, wide and flat with a narrow heel. Zero issues on a 200 km. brevet. My feet expand on longer rides and I can’t loosen them enough with other brands of shoes. Downside is that the shoes look like my feet, short and wide.

[@TacomaCyclist]

Haha- that's a pretty funny downside. I'm surprised that mine didn't work well, but I've read mixed reports on whether they would or wouldn't. I think they really do work better for the wide sizings than they do for narrow.

[@turboplopp]

Hi, I got a similar foot. Wich lake model did you choose? Thanks!

[@achn2b]

I can never get an accurate measurement by tracing my foot on a sheet of paper. The angle of the pencil is never straight up and down, so you end up tracing at an angle, the line ending up inside or outside the actual width of your foot. I have better, more accurate results using a metric measuring stick, putting my heel against a solid surface, and standing on the stick, hold another straight edge against the front of the foot, and measure. Measure width the same way.

[@FrankJackson]

That’s the problem I have with most cycling shoes. There are not many local stores that have the shoes you want in stock or for you to try on for sizing. This leaves you at trial and error with shipping shoes back to retailer.

[@XCRiders]

Appreciate the video

[@grantmcalpine6364]

I found the same. Just ordered the CX332-XX in 39.5, which is supposedly correct. Once my G8 insoles were put in, they feel okay when no pressure is put on them but once even the slightest pressure happens, the toes are at the end. I've got Lake bringing in a size 40 which will hopefully do the trick. Thanks for the video.

[@michaelsteven1090]

1/2 size bigger people!..Great shoes..I've had many..

[@yannickokpara4861]

Did you match the width with the last? They have normal, wide and extra-wide variations, which are all different widths depending on which last you pair it with. Personally I've gone down 2 sizes in length on other shoes just going to the correct width plus I use aggressive arch support so my foot won't flatten out and get bigger that way compared to a paper measurement.

[@jinwpark]

One thing about shoe lasting... lake shoes with Kangaroo leather lasts... I have 10 year old pair that still is going (looking pretty beat but fully functioning). Only reason (well excuse) I got a new one recently is because they have extra wide sizing which suits me better.

[@stevephillips2002]

Had exactly the same problem with the CX332 (and subsequently cx176 / 238 and cx1-c); came up an entire size too short (needed EU 46 having started at EU 45). Even an entire size up is borderline in length once I've put a custom insole in. I'm 45 in both Fizik & Specialized FWIW.

[@mattk8810]

You picked the wrong shoe.

[@GregSheehan733]

I have the same shoes and I ran into width and slop issues. Custom color and didn't want to try to return. Was able to take up some space by using G8 insoles.

[@TacomaCyclist]

Interesting. So yours had extra space. I'd be interested in hearing your impressions on the shoes and the inserts.

[@jarhead4657]

Competitive cyclist does say buy this a size up. But the online sizing guide should work too. I'm a 14 wide so already leery of getting the wrong size

[@frankbusch3058]

Glad i watched ur video. I’m close to ur measurements at 278 mm. Also says 44. Did u get pair that fit and ultimately what size? Thank u

[@mvhan911]

You have to add +5mm to the measured length while wearing socks. I guess 44 is too small then.

[@0RANGOTANG]

These look amazing and if I had the money then I would bite

[@0RANGOTANG]

and yeah the insoles that come in the shoes are always garbage

[@turboplopp]

This is one of the best unboxing videos I ever watched. Ok, I don't usually watch too many unboxing, was just interested in the Lake fitting system that had failed me, too... So forgive me if the best moment for me was "these are going back". Hope you found a fitting shoe of your liking!

[@ivanustinov5082]

Hi, thank you for the video! Can you please specify what are your measurements for the left and right foot in mm please?

[@maximilian3004]

did you add the extra 5mm prescribed in the directions? you're not supposed to just order based on length alone.

[@ThePaulromi]

What size did you end up getting that fit?

[@MarkPollard]

The heel needs to be molded, you probably did buy the correct size. Non molded 403s push your foot forward because the heel is pinched.

[@mvhan911]

Yes I thought of this, too. But considering the price and factor of not being 100% sure I would only let them do it in the shop as a service or if you have an experienced person to make the decision.

[@Snicker60515]

So what size did you end up buying? Or did you give up on Lake and bought another brand? I'm on the fence with buying the CX238s and I really don't feel like paying for shipping twice for a pair of shoes that aren't gonna fit if I follow the Lake sizing guide.

[@michaelsteven1090]

Did you buy a pair..You have to buy them 1/2 size bigger..Great shoes..

[@rickdoehler502]

boy, i wonder if you got a proper size?

[@jesuswouldkilhimself]

What are the components of your stereo system?

[@jesuswouldkilhimself]

Since these are leather, should you expect them to stretch and mold to your foot?