Lake: a history of cycling shoe innovation & excellence

History has a pattern of repeating itself, or so they say. We like to think so too; which is why we’re still leading the way in cycling shoe excellence and innovation, over 42+ years since Lake began designing some of the best cycling shoes in the world. Yes, it was on those cold shores of Lake Michigan and nearby Chicago, when Lake was born in Evanston, Illinois, USA.

Cycling was growing as a sport, and there was a new desire for cycling specific footwear. Our early MXZ304 winter cycling boot was created to keep out the cold climate that hit Lake’s headquarters every year, where the Lake Michigan temperatures are quite possibly the coldest in North America. It defined the Lake philosophy of creating shoes that solved a problem for cyclists. More often than not, the problem has been finding your own perfect fit; which is why we at Lake of one of the most extensive ranges of cycling shoes in width, length, volume and ‘last’ shape, in the cycling shoe industry.

In those early days, our cycling boots and shoes quickly became a firm favourite for comfort, performance and style; those 3 key elements that we stand by as our signature, to this day. And, in the 42 years since, we’ve continued to lead the cycling shoe peloton, with some of the most impactive elements in cycling shoe design, form and fit.

Lee Katz and the first EVA foam Insole

When Lee Katz started Lake in 1982, obtaining a truly comfortable cycle specific and high-performance shoe, with a firm and stable sole to remove rider foot fatigue simply wasn’t possible. Cycling shoes came in all manner of styles – none of which provided a specific EVA foam insole. However, Lee and the small team at Lake, looked to solve the issue of foot stability, comfort and performance, and created the first ever EVA Foam Insole specifically designed to fit inside the nylon sole cycling shoe.  It was a game-changer, and that problem solving approach to design has been our DNA ever since.  

The first ever ‘white coloured’ cycling shoes

Setting the standard with innovation is something that Hutch and the design team are extremely proud to carry forward to this day. We believe in the individuality and uniqueness of every cyclist, and we believe in doing things differently. For instance, in 1987, Andy Hampsten wore the first completely white Lake, roadcycling shoes (white uppers and soles). Battling the heat, the completely white shoes reflected the rays of the sun and prevented the shoe from absorbing the heat and swelling the foot. Once more, our drive for comfort looking at every possible innovation.  These days, most cycling shoes seem to be white in colour, but it was Lake that started this trend; not for style, but with a purpose in mind – comfort, which leads to power and performance.

A thirst for being the first in the cycling and triathlon world

These days, cycle-sport includes the globally popular Triathlon and Duathlon events. However, in the 1980s, both disciplines were still in their infancy.  It was in 1985 that Lake once again led the pack, creating the very first pure Tri shoe, worn by Mark Allen. In doing so we changed the perception of what’s fast for a triathlete, and how footwear can become a critical element of the triathlete’s kit bag. Over the subsequent years, we haven’t stood still. Today our TX 322 Air Triathlon shoe comes with an enlarged toe mesh window, to aid airflow, and has a profile specifically designed for very high-cadence riding & higher pressure, using our Competition last which features a more curved profile than the Sport last. And, for 2025, there’s something new on the horizon, that we’re working on, to add an extra element of excellence in comfort and performance for triathletes – watch this space!

Creating that second-skin feeling of a perfect form and fit

In 2005, the Lake CX400 road cycling shoe was born, from our own innovation called ‘Thermoforming’(today called Custom Fit Carbon CFC)> Still used in many of our top-end cycling shoes, this innovative process allowed the cyclist to shape the shoe around the rear and heel of the foot, adding extra stability alongside our signature comfort. Importantly, with stability through the entire pedal stroke and the increase in performance, it also meant a reduction in muscle fatigue – which is why we continue to develop this in our high-performance cycling shoes today.   
 
Our Lake CX241 Road Cycling shoe was another cycling industry footwear first. This stylish and unique cycling shoe came with an articulated microfiber upper and Nufoam lining panels, allowing the dual BOA system to bring the shoe upper around any foot shape, literally wrapping the cyclists foot in comfort, like a second skin. The latest iteration is the Lake CX242, which has NuFoam lining with Carbon fiber support panels, which help to maintain a secure fit while adding foot stability. The upper is segmented into 6 independent zones for the most flexible fit to accommodate narrow or wide feet as well as high instep and low instep feet. The moldable heel counter doubles the heel hold for a secure fit. Carbitex support panels offer additional support to enhance the closure. The Carbitex comes from tech that evolved within the Formula 1 world and helps to stabilise the foot. Its use is synonymous with our own drive to look for innovative ways to protect your feet and to deliver comfort and performance in perfect harmony.

The evolution of the cycling shoe

And, in a similar problem-solving way, we’ve continued to design and produce innovative designs within the cycling shoe world, such as our Cyclocross specific model - the MX331 – which supported the arduous and testing needs of the rider in this toughest of cycling sports. Today, the MX333 carries its heritage, displaying the evolution of the cycling shoe, and is used by many of the world’s top riders. Yes, like those first mountain bikers, driven by passion and innovation, to create excellence that performed at the highest level, our pride has grown out of a simple fact: that we are first to market with many if not most new developments in cycling shoes. We are first and foremost, the cycling shoe brand that others follow, remaining true to our core value, and that is to produce the best fitting, highest quality cycling shoe on the market - and we’ve been doing that now for 40 years.  

Grinding out greatness for gravel bike riders

To make history, sometimes you have to be the one to take those crucial first steps in an exciting new direction. The Lake MX30G is one of the world's first Gravel specific race shoes! It’s a prime example of Lakes dedication to progressing and innovating the cycle shoes adaptability to whatever terrain you choose to throw at it. At the heart of this shoe is the Lake MX Race Last, Featuring a slightly narrower toe box and tighter heel than the Competition last, and less overall volume than the Sport last, this allows the MX30G to fit like a second skin, whilst maintaining that famous Lake comfort, as you take on the gravel race revolution!

For over 40+ years. We've been at the heart of the cycle shoe industry, making sure that all riders can cycle in comfort. We’re as excited now as we were all those years ago, on the shores of Lake Michigan, seeking new ways to ride into the future!