Lake shoes wide feet

Back by popular demand, the general all-things Road forum!

Moderator: robbosmans

Post Reply
Roadbiker10
Posts: 495
Joined: Fri Apr 30, 2021 8:22 am

by Roadbiker10

bikeboy1tr wrote:
Thu May 06, 2021 4:54 am
A few years back I purchased a pair of the Lake MX 331 and took the chance of a sz43 wide which are likely the best fitting shoes I have had. My left largest foot measures out at 276 by 110 and according to the shoe chart they have now and the one I went by back then nothing has changed. Their chart shows a sz43 to be 273 long by 110 in the wide. That said I normally cut the forefoot portion of my insole on the left which buys me a bit of room and gives me a little more arch support while my right foot is 274 in length and 108 wide the insole is uncut and the shoe fits like a dream. I was looking at one time to purchase the road CX403 but at the time it was not available in wide.
For the road I have been using Northwave for many years and the 43 fit nicely but the latest Extreme RR was supposed to be a little tighter according to reviews and I went to the 44 when I could have been fine with 43.5 so I just ran the ITS Wedge and it was okay for fit.
The latest Extreme Pro is tighter and I got it in the 44 as well and good thing because its noticeably tighter but it fits very well and the width on all the Northwave have been good for me at 110 wide. The sole on the Pro is definitely more ridgid than any of the Extremes before it though. If I was to go to another shoe I think the Lake 403 wide would be something of consideration for sure.
I was at an XXL store nearby yesterday and tried on a pair of Northwave Extreme GT 2 in 44, a Ghost XCM 2 in 43 and a pair of Shimano RC300 standard width.

The Extreme GT 2 was way long for my 273mm feet, but the width felt pretty much spot on. So i wonder how they would be in 43 or 43.5. The Ghost in 43 where almost the right length, my toes were touching in front though when I wiggled them. 43.5 would probably be good but the width was quite a but tighter than the Extreme GT 2.

Lastly, the RC300 non wide actually didn't feel that bad, except for being a little tight at the balls of the feet. Midfoot they were pretty much perfect in width. Which leads me too believe that wide will fit me. So I went ahead and ordered a pair of XC300 Wide for the mtb.

That made me think of something. I have pretty much only been buying top end shoes and have forgotten that they tend to be tighter than the lower end to midddle, which they are supposed to be of course. Also, the fact that more expensive shoes are more stiff generally, doens't really help if you have some kind of foot pain.
Scott Addict RC 20 2021
Ridley Kanzo Adventure 2022

bikeboy1tr
Posts: 1395
Joined: Thu Mar 21, 2013 3:19 am
Location: Southern Ontario Canada

by bikeboy1tr

Yes Roadbiker10 I would say you are right about the higher end shoes being somewhat tighter at least for Northwave. I also have a pair of the Revolution 2 in size 43 which fit just like my older Extreme Tech shoes of old whereas my Extreme RR and Pro would be very tight in a 43. The sole of the Revolution has an index stiffness of 12 and the RR and Pro have a stiffness of 15 but the Pro has a sole that curves up around the bottom of the foot more than the RR and they call it Powershape. I know the Pro feels more ridgid than the RR for sure but its still relatively comfortable. It looks like they have finally updated their sizing chart but its still not quite right and it was way out for a number of years.
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=154188
2018 Colnago V2R Rim Brake
2019 Colnago V2R Disc Brake
2014 Norco Threshold Disc Brake
2006 Ridley Crosswind Rim Brake

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

www.starbike.com



Roadbiker10
Posts: 495
Joined: Fri Apr 30, 2021 8:22 am

by Roadbiker10

@bikebiy1tr Thanks for the info. Yeah, I was wondering about the sizing, as I remember that the table stated 43,5 to be only 1mm shorter than 44, I believe. Right, for 44 it says 28.6 mm and 43 28.5 mm.
Scott Addict RC 20 2021
Ridley Kanzo Adventure 2022

Roadbiker10
Posts: 495
Joined: Fri Apr 30, 2021 8:22 am

by Roadbiker10

I got the RC 701 Wide yesterday and they fit terribly. I have to take back what I said about wider soles maybe not being that important if there is extra upper material. My little toe is extremely pinched in these shoes and they are just generally too narrow.

The strange thing about it is that they actually measure 103mm at their widest points. Which is wider than any other shoe I've tried, except for the CX201. I'm guessing the issue is that the material is pretty thick, so there isn't that much space inside. Especially at the front of the shoe. The sole is extremely narrow in the midfoot area as well.
2DDD8A6F-954D-4B77-A9A5-80FF5C2302F6.jpeg
D09A01E1-F545-4702-BFFD-9BA4DAF29735.jpeg
Scott Addict RC 20 2021
Ridley Kanzo Adventure 2022

jlok
Posts: 2400
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2015 3:30 am

by jlok

Roadbiker10 wrote:
Sat May 08, 2021 12:40 pm
I got the RC 701 Wide yesterday and they fit terribly. I have to take back what I said about wider soles maybe not being that important if there is extra upper material. My little toe is extremely pinched in these shoes and they are just generally too narrow.

The strange thing about it is that they actually measure 103mm at their widest points. Which is wider than any other shoe I've tried, except for the CX201. I'm guessing the issue is that the material is pretty thick, so there isn't that much space inside. Especially at the front of the shoe. The sole is extremely narrow in the midfoot area as well.

2DDD8A6F-954D-4B77-A9A5-80FF5C2302F6.jpegD09A01E1-F545-4702-BFFD-9BA4DAF29735.jpeg
What size are they?
Rikulau V9 DB Custom < BMC TM02 < Litespeed T1sl Disc < Giant Propel Advanced SL Disc 1 < Propel Adv < TCR Adv SL Disc < KTM Revelator Sky < CAAD 12 Disc < Domane S Disc < Alize < CAAD 10

Roadbiker10
Posts: 495
Joined: Fri Apr 30, 2021 8:22 am

by Roadbiker10

jlok wrote:
Sat May 08, 2021 5:48 pm
Roadbiker10 wrote:
Sat May 08, 2021 12:40 pm
I got the RC 701 Wide yesterday and they fit terribly. I have to take back what I said about wider soles maybe not being that important if there is extra upper material. My little toe is extremely pinched in these shoes and they are just generally too narrow.

The strange thing about it is that they actually measure 103mm at their widest points. Which is wider than any other shoe I've tried, except for the CX201. I'm guessing the issue is that the material is pretty thick, so there isn't that much space inside. Especially at the front of the shoe. The sole is extremely narrow in the midfoot area as well.

2DDD8A6F-954D-4B77-A9A5-80FF5C2302F6.jpegD09A01E1-F545-4702-BFFD-9BA4DAF29735.jpeg
What size are they?
Forgot to add that, they are 44. My feet are 273mm and Shimano 44 is 277 i believe. Lengthwise they are good.
Scott Addict RC 20 2021
Ridley Kanzo Adventure 2022

JWTS
Posts: 98
Joined: Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:44 pm

by JWTS

I had a pair of the new Shiman RC9's, and they were a disaster in terms of width. My past Shimano wides were perfect, but these were much more narrow, and just plain uncomfortable.

I tried the Lake 403 wides, and they still weren't great. Swapped them for the CX332 Extra wide and they're perfect. The do require some break-in, but really pleased. As far as heel retention, the heel is moldable and I've had zero issues after moding the heel. These are probably the best non-custom option out there for really wide feet.

FYI, feet are 268mm x 105mm, and I'm using the 42.5's. Great shoes.

Roadbiker10
Posts: 495
Joined: Fri Apr 30, 2021 8:22 am

by Roadbiker10

Another update. I decided to take the plunge on the CX241 standard, since I watched that video where they say the 241 in 44 can stretch up to 106mm inside. They fit perfectly widthwise. Really, really great fit and more comfortable out of the box than the CX332 Wide. Also the heel collar edges aren't as hard.

Now, the only potential issue here is the built in arch height in the carbon sole. I have low arches, although not superlow according to the doctor. He says my feet are flexible so the arch becomes low when pressed down. He mentioned that I should beware of too high arches, as that can cause pain on the outside of the foot. I don't think I can really know unless I try them on the bike.

Would the arch maybe not be an issue when riding though? Since you only put pressure on the forefoot area. I think I am goin to have to keep the CX201 as well though, just in case the 241 don't work.


The CX241 are about the right width, they measure 102,7. And one other thing, they look much better irl. Here are some pics comparing the 241 and 201.
A894FDA2-0399-4416-B9F3-0D25377EF098.jpeg
978C4E26-71F5-46CD-A3F3-2CCC04EF2D1C.jpeg
078F655E-59F8-4E38-B7D0-3146EB760BB7.jpeg
1514FD84-C341-4841-B907-FCA58E84EF54.jpeg
Scott Addict RC 20 2021
Ridley Kanzo Adventure 2022

Roadbiker10
Posts: 495
Joined: Fri Apr 30, 2021 8:22 am

by Roadbiker10

JWTS wrote:
Tue May 11, 2021 5:51 pm
I had a pair of the new Shiman RC9's, and they were a disaster in terms of width. My past Shimano wides were perfect, but these were much more narrow, and just plain uncomfortable.

I tried the Lake 403 wides, and they still weren't great. Swapped them for the CX332 Extra wide and they're perfect. The do require some break-in, but really pleased. As far as heel retention, the heel is moldable and I've had zero issues after moding the heel. These are probably the best non-custom option out there for really wide feet.

FYI, feet are 268mm x 105mm, and I'm using the 42.5's. Great shoes.
That's great. I really loved the chameleon green color mine were. Was bummed having to send them back. Going by your measurements, I'm guessing they would fit me as well.

Do you happen to have low arches? You haven't had any issues with the curved soles? I didn't notice how high the arch is on the 332 but I'm guessing it's the same as the 241?
Scott Addict RC 20 2021
Ridley Kanzo Adventure 2022

JWTS
Posts: 98
Joined: Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:44 pm

by JWTS

I'd say my arches are medium low. My previous shoes were Shimano R321's, and I did not use the arch instep, as it put too much pressure on my arch--so I'd say closer to "low".

I have the blue/purple version--and yeah, they look awesome! Huge difference in fit between these and the 403's, which really weren't that wide. I will say that since they use a natural material upper, they do require a bit of break-in around the heel. I rotated these in and did only hour long rides for the first 10 or 15 rides. Now they feel great. Out-of-box comfort was better on my old Shimanos, but after about 40 hours on these they're incredible.

Holding both these and my old Shimanos up next to the new Shimano RC-902 wides was an eye-opening experience. The RC902's were about 20mm more narrow. I thought they were mismarked at first. They are definitely not "wide". I think the R321 E were the last of the actually wide Shimano shoes.

winterorb
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Jan 06, 2021 4:30 am

by winterorb

Has anyone here owned a pair of both 237s and 238s before?

Currently I'm very happy on the 237s (sz 41 wide), but when I recently bought a pair of 238s (sz 41 wide) the last seems to be different.

Tried to mount cleats the same way I did for my 237s and rode on a trainer for an hour. Ended up with my second last and last toe of my right foot numb. Not sure what's wrong but rather bitter about this as I've also made a mistake of rushing through an earlier purchase of a Bonts Helix (sz 42.5 asian fit)..

Roadbiker10
Posts: 495
Joined: Fri Apr 30, 2021 8:22 am

by Roadbiker10

Update. Like I suspected, the curved sole of the 241 was terrible for me once I tried riding in them. My foot pain flared up pretty bad and I could feel the pain while riding. That's a real bummer since they were perfect width wise. Now I don't dare ordering the 332 Extra Wide since the sole is also curved.

I also wound up buying the used S works Ares, and ended up selling them on 1 day after. Whoever said these were good for wide feet, there's no way that is true. These are the narrowest shoes I've ever tried. Yes they do have that stretchy material on the side where the ball is but overall they are too narrow for that to help.

Here is a comparison between the sole of the Ares and the 241 standard. Next picture is of my foot next to the cardboard insert that was inside of the Ares.
C32B894D-9159-4D16-ACB3-C925520168C5.jpeg
1F57888E-DAB0-498A-BF95-EB6DE5AECB4E.jpeg
Scott Addict RC 20 2021
Ridley Kanzo Adventure 2022

Roadbiker10
Posts: 495
Joined: Fri Apr 30, 2021 8:22 am

by Roadbiker10

TobinHatesYou wrote:
Fri Apr 30, 2021 10:52 pm
I have the Ares and they are, in fact, pretty narrow for a Specialized shoe.
Hello there again. I saw a post of yours where you wrote about the Prolight Techlace and Factor Techlace. And I have a few questions.

I also have the Prolight Techlace since about two months. I didn't realize that these might work for me since I had pain in any shoe when my foot pain was at it's worst. But now I tried using them and they have worked really well. The strange thing is that they measure the narrowest of all the shoes I have tried but they fit the best. But I realize that it is because of the upper material.

Now since these are working for me, I thought that maybe the Factors would also work. You mentioned that the Factors have little space at the heel with custom insoles. What about the material? Do you think they would work for wider feet?

Lastly. I see that both the new Empire SLX and the Imperial have what looks like the same upper material as the Prolight Techlace. Do you think they would fit the same? I would prefer the Imperial but SLX would also be an option.
Scott Addict RC 20 2021
Ridley Kanzo Adventure 2022

TobinHatesYou
Posts: 12457
Joined: Mon Jul 24, 2017 12:02 pm

by TobinHatesYou

^^

I don’t think the Factor Techlace will work for you. The upper is much stiffer and thicker. It conforms less to your foot shape and is effectively narrower.

I also caution against the newer Imperial and Empire SLX. The upper is similar to the Prolight Techlace, but they reinforced it and there’s also more padding in the heel. It may or may not work for you…they definitely don’t have quite the same bedroom slippers feel as the Prolights.

milanv
Posts: 611
Joined: Wed Mar 10, 2021 9:03 am

by milanv

S-Works Ares are not so narrow as you describe.
As an owner of several Specialized road shoes, I have found them their standard form, not wider, maybe a very very little from S-Works 7 e.g....

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

www.starbike.com



Post Reply