Lake
Lake 2020 CX 238 Road Cycling Shoe
Premium full-grain leather cycling shoe with dual Boa closure and a stiff carbon fiber sole for maximum power transfer.
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Overview
Maximize Your Performance with the Lake CX 238 Road Shoe
Experience unparalleled comfort and power transfer with the Lake Cycling CX 238 Road Shoe. Featuring a dual Boa system and a carbon fiber sole, these shoes are engineered for optimal performance on the road.
Specifications:
- Upper Material: Full-grain leather, mesh
- Closure: Dual IP1 BOA or Dual Li2 BOA
- Sole: Carbon fiber
- Cleat Compatibility: 3-bolt road
Key Features
Footbed Design
Competition 100% Carbon Fiber Sole
Sole Construction
Race Carbon Fiber Sole
Upper Material
Fullgrain Water Resistant Premium Leather or Clarino Microfiber
Fastening System
BOA Fit System Li2 dials
Additional Information
Shoes may ship with IP1 dials
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Full-grain leather upper molds to foot shape over time for a personalized, comfortable fit.
- Dual Boa dials allow independent micro-adjustable tension across two zones of the foot.
- Carbon fiber sole provides high rigidity for efficient pedal power transfer.
- Mesh panels integrated into the upper improve ventilation during warm-weather rides.
- 3-bolt cleat compatibility works with all major road pedal systems.
👎 Cons
- Full-grain leather requires a break-in period before reaching optimal comfort.
- Carbon fiber sole stiffness makes the shoe uncomfortable for extended walking off the bike.
- Premium materials and construction place the CX 238 at a higher price point than synthetic alternatives.
- Leather upper may absorb water in wet conditions, increasing weight and dry time compared to synthetic shoes.
- Boa dials, while durable, can be costly to replace if a cable or reel mechanism fails.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cleat system does the Lake CX 238 use?
The CX 238 uses a 3-bolt road cleat pattern, compatible with Look, Shimano SPD-SL, and other standard 3-bolt road pedal systems.
What is the benefit of the dual Boa closure on the CX 238?
The dual Boa system allows you to independently adjust tension across the forefoot and midfoot zones, providing a more customizable and secure fit than a single-dial or Velcro closure. Micro-adjustments can be made on the fly while riding.
Does the full-grain leather upper stretch or break in over time?
Yes, full-grain leather naturally conforms to the shape of your foot over multiple rides, providing a personalized fit that synthetic uppers typically cannot match. The break-in period is usually a few rides.
How stiff is the carbon fiber sole on the CX 238?
The carbon fiber sole is designed to be highly rigid to maximize power transfer from your legs to the pedals. This stiffness is suited for performance-oriented road cycling where efficiency matters, though it is less comfortable for walking.
Are the CX 238 shoes available in wide or narrow widths?
Lake is known for offering multiple width options across their product line. Check the specific listing for available width sizes, as Lake typically provides standard and wide versions of their road shoes.
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