Recently bought by two Dutch investors, high-end road shoe manufacturer Lake has long been known for the fit, finish and choice materials of its footwear. The latest model to join the Lake road line-up is the CX331, which comes in as a lower-cost alternative to the top-flight, custom fit CX401.
Interestingly, Lake expects the CX331 to supersede the more expensive shoe thanks to its new outsole design, which offers the same heat-formed custom foot fitment as that of the 401 but at a significant cost saving. Where the 401’s Custom Fit Carbon Fiber sole is constructed in one pice from toe via forefoot to heel cup, the 331’s Lake Race 100% Carbon Fibre outsole is made in two parts, with the Internal Thermaform heel counter moulded separately. The reduction in manufacturing costs apparently accounts for almost all the £70 difference between the two shoes.
Both employ a separate perforated carbon-fibre plate as a foot board to keep the insole away from the cleat mounting bolts and to absorb some of the vibration typically felt through a carbon-fibre shoe sole. The CX331 also features three loops in its BOA® closure system in place of the two plus Velcro-style flap found in the 401. The upper is contructed in kangaroo leather and mesh, there’s an Outlast Smart Fabric lining and, as with the 401, there’s a choice of three-bolt or Speedplay-specific cleat mounting holes.
Lake CX331 road shoe £249.99; Men’s sizes 39-48, 50 and 39.5-46.5; Women’s 36-43 and 37.5-42.5; colours White/Red or White/Silver
See more or add your review on MporaGear
