Driven by Passion, Perfected by Craft
At Lake, cycling isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. Every shoe we create reflects decades of dedication to comfort, performance, and fit. From first concept to final ride, our passion drives every detail, and our craftsmanship ensures every pair meets the highest standards. Welcome to a brand built by riders, for riders.
Designed to perform
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Built by craftsmen
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Proven on every ride
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At LAKE, we believe that perfection starts at your feet. With craftsmanship and passion, we create cycling shoes that don’t just fit your ride — they fit your story
LakeCycling Shoes: Timeline of Innovation
1970–1982
The Origin
• Cycling has gained popularity in North America as a sport and lifestyle.
• Early cycling shoes, all European-made, lack power transfer and efficiency—using only stiff leather soles.
• 1979: Injection nylon soles revolutionize cycling performance but neglect comfort.
• Lee Katz, a North American distributor of a European cycling shoe brand, requests more comfort options.
• Katz founds Lake in 1982, launching the first nylon injected cycling shoes with foam insoles for added comfort.
• 1982: Lake establishes the first American cycling shoe brand and builds the first cycling shoe factory outside Europe, in Busan, South Korea.
1983–1989
Breaking New Ground
• 1983: Lake introduces the first mountain bike-specific shoe, anticipating the MTB boom.
• 1985: Lake creates the first triathlon-specific cycling shoe, worn by triathlon legend Mark Allen.
• 1987: Andy Hampsten wears the first all-white cycling shoe (white uppers and soles), designed to reflect heat—not just for style, but for foot comfort during long, hot races.
1990s
Staying True During Industry Shifts
• As road cycling wanes and marketing-driven brands dominate the market, Lake remains focused on product innovation and rider needs.
• Lake introduces the first real winter cycling boots and the MXZ300 winter boot becomes iconic for cold-weather performance, rooted in Lake Michigan winters and tested through multiple Iditabike wins.
2000s
Innovations in Fit & Form
• 2005: Lake introduces thermoformable heel cups (now called Custom Fit Carbon CFC), offering custom-molded fit and rear-foot stability.
• Lake introduces the Competition shoe-last shape and an industry leading truly wide fitting cycling shoe.
• Lake develops the first MTB shoes with proprietary Vibram rubber soles.
2010s
Renewed Focus & Global Reach
• 2010: Lake is acquired by European owners and reaffirms its commitment to comfort, performance, and fit.
• Lake develops the CX241, a shoe with articulated microfiber upper and dual BOA closures, setting a new standard in adaptable comfort.
• Sales strategy shifts to include more direct-to-consumer and diverse retail models, allowing closer relationships with riders.
2020s
Leading the Pack
• MX333 builds on Lake’s cyclocross heritage, continuing the legacy of the MX332.
• Lake creates the first barefoot style cycling shoes with comfort plus models CX201 & MX201.
• TX224 debuts as a cutting-edge triathlon shoe with airflow-focused design and available in three different distinct last shapes.
• MX30G becomes one of the world’s first gravel-specific race shoes, blending comfort, durability, and low-profile race fit.
2020+
Today & Beyond
• Lake now offers one of the widest ranges of fit options in cycling: multiple lasts, volumes, widths, and lengths.
• Every shoe is designed with real rider input, built for real performance, and shaped for real feet.
• Over 40 years of innovation, Lake remains true to its founding principle:
Make the most comfortable, best-fitting, highest-performing cycling shoes in the world.