Lake CX239 road cycling shoes

The Lake CX239 road cycling shoe is available in a large range of sizes and variable widths and upper materials, which isn't an option you hear of very often. Specifically, the shoes you see here are roomy, very comfortable and their carbon sole provides a stiff platform to push against in anger.

For more options, check out our guide to the best road cycling shoes.

The CX238 was Lake's best-selling shoe, so it's no surprise that the new CX239s haven't deviated hugely from their design, getting more of an overhaul than a complete redesign. Mat reviewed the CX238 back in 2020, and a lot of the highlights he picked up are still relevant here.

He commented on how stiff the full-carbon fibre sole was and that's the same here. In fact, comparing the pictures of the CX238 with the CX239 that I have here in my hand, it appears to be the same sole. 'If it ain't broke' and all that.

2024 Lake CX239 - sole heel.jpg (credit: road.cc)

I like a sole with no flex whatsoever, and this one has ticked all the boxes for me, with hard efforts out of the saddle seeing it stand firm.

I'm also a big fan of the high gloss finish, although it does mean I have to focus on being extra careful of where I walk to make sure it stays looking shiny and unmarked. There is a rubber toe bumper, and another on the heel that does help protect them as well.

Speaking of marks, you'll find a pattern of markings around the cleat area for simple alignment and set up for any three-bolt pedal system.

2024 Lake CX239 - sole toe.jpg (credit: road.cc)

For the warmer months there are a couple of mesh vents on the sole, not that I've had any benefit yet as most of the testing has happened over the winter. The insole has vent holes under the ball of your foot to marry up with the front vent, so you should see a bit of relief there in warmer climes.

The CX239s use Lake's CX/TX Competition last which has a profile designed for very high-cadence riding and dealing with high pressures according to the blurb. The arch is about medium height, I'd say, as in it's supportive without being noticeable, and this last also has a larger toe box than most other shoes I've worn. It feels less rounded in shape than the CX302s I reviewed in 2023.

2024 Lake CX239 - instep.jpg (credit: road.cc)

In fact, the CX239 is generally roomy throughout, even in this regular width option. On long rides I found this a benefit as there is more room when your feet start to naturally swell, especially beneficial in the summer months

2024 Lake CX239 - front.jpg (credit: road.cc)

There is a wide fit offering too, covering the same range of sizes as the regular fit – 36 to 52, with half sizes available between 37.5 and 46.5. Lake offers quite a comprehensive size questionnaire on its website to help you with getting the right size, and the results look to work well.

The heel cup is snug, which gives good foot retention and stabilisation, while the texture inside is patterned, and grips your foot on the upstroke.

2024 Lake CX239 - heels.jpg (credit: road.cc)

The CX239 is available in three colours: black, black/white, and these completely white ones. The first two have a water-resistant and breathable Ecco Premium leather upper, while this white model uses Clarino Microfiber and mesh.

I found the upper to be very soft and supple, and when the shoes are tightened they fit snuggly around my feet without any pressure points. This is helped by the fact that they don't have a tongue as such – the inside of the shoe wraps over the top of the foot and slides underneath the outer side.

For foot retention Lake has used two Boa Li2 dials, with the lower dial tightening the bottom two-thirds of the wire, the upper dial tweaking the last part. These Li2 dials give small increments of adjustment in both directions, which allows you to get the tightness just right while also being easy to tweak on the fly. To remove the shoes, you just need to lift the dial to remove all tension.

2024 Lake CX239 - BOA dial.jpg (credit: road.cc)

There is more venting on the upper by way of holes and a couple of mesh panels, which all work well. When riding I could feel some airflow over the foot.

The microfibre upper stands up well to the day-to-day rigours of riding, and light scuffs and marks are easily wiped away. The rubber toe bumper protects the lower front section of the shoes, which is one of the places to see most abuse when walking around.

Value

Priced at £295, the CX239s are a big chunk of cash, but that isn't unheard of for a pair of shoes with this sort of specification. They sit around midway in Lake's range, with the CX403s topping it at £450 and the CX177s kicking things off at £150.

Mountain bike and gravel versions of the CX239 are also available.

The quality is very good throughout, and the CX239s are finished to a high standard, which backs up the price, and the cost is in line with their competitors. The only thing I would say is that on paper they are a bit heavier than most at 614g. I say on paper, as we are talking, like, 100g, which unless you are riding the Tour probably really isn't going to be a concern.

Giant's Surge Pro shoes are priced at £299 and weigh 515g, for instance, in the same size. And Quoc's M3 Air road shoes are 480g (size 43) and cost £320, but they don't offer half sizes at all and are quite narrow.

The Lakes aren't alone at tipping the scales at these heady heights, either: the £296.99 Northwave Extreme Pro 3 shoes Ben tested in a size 45 weighed 638g.

Conclusion

The Lake CX239s are a very comfortable pair of shoes with a top-performing carbon fibre sole that allows you to get the most out of your pedalling motion. They are finished to a high standard too, so while the price is near 300 quid, they compare well with similarly priced rivals.

Verdict

Stiff race shoes with a comfortable shape and upper, especially for those who like a generous fit