The Lake CX322 was a beloved shoe by those who enjoyed the snug feel of the Kangaroo leather paired with a slimmer fit. Of the entire Lake Cycling range, it was also the most popular shoe from an aesthetic perspective. The pearly white outer with more minimalist styling was appealing to those who found the CX238 and CX242 a little more utilitarian. Despite the slimmer width option, the wide and extra wide fits still allowed those with voluptuous feet to find a shoe that was suitable. The later options of aqua and purple colour ways were also extremely popular especially with female clients.
The new CX333 has supplanted the CX332 in the range and brings with it some new features pulled from the top of the line CX403. Does this make it better? Well, it certainly makes it different. So, let’s cover the pros and cons of the CX333 in detail.
The new CX333 has grabbed the new tongue design that first featured in the CX403. The stitched tongue attaches to the medial (inside) aspect of the shoe and prevents annoying movement of the tongue during riding. The CX332 tongue was certainly not the strongest feature of that shoe as the thin kangaroo skin would occasionally wear, and the tongue would drift or finish a little short of the desired position. These problems have been solved comprehensively in the new model. The wrapping effect of the new tongue also solves the issue of ‘pocketing’ on the inside of the shoe where extra material would gather and fold. This was especially an issue in lower volume feet. All these improvements are a huge plus for the CX333.
Along with the new tongue design, the CX333 also features a firmer carbon weave wrap in the midsole of the shoe. This creates a firmer foot feel for the arch of the foot. The added benefit of this feature is additional strength to the inner lining and better long term wear as well. Aesthetically, it looks pretty good but for those who just want ‘white’ shoes, its adds a layer of extra visual distraction.
The new CX333 features the latest BOA dial offerings which are wonderfully light and have the best tension feel in the business. These aren’t cheap, but they are the best in the industry and for high end shoes they are a must.
The new range whilst not yet offering the extra colour ways just yet, does come in a black offering for those who can’t be trusted with nice things, and a stock white CLARINO leather finish. The harder wearing CLARINO option tends to hold its colour and shape better then the Kangaroo leather. It also provides the option of white shoes with white BOAS that plenty of young lads desire.
The carbon race sole remains very stiff (as stiff as is required) and has the nice matt finish that replaces the original high gloss design. As usual, Lake is very generous with the cleat hole locations and adjustability, and those seeking a more mid foot position won’t be disappointed. The toe box is also borrowed from the 403 and is firmer and squarer then the previous CX332 model. This gives the sensation of roominess the Lake is famous for.
The CX333 also retains the heat molding components from the CX332 to improve heel retention. Whilst this a nice option, I still wouldn’t rely on it overly to improve the heel tightness. The grip around the heel on most lake offerings isn’t super tight compared to other shoes on the market but the gentle roominess is where the sweet spot remains for the company.
Aesthetically, the shoe is toned down with less Lake logos featuring on the upper. This is certainly what most riders want. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but this shoe certainly looks very clean and tidy. Some will still find it a little busy compared with some of the very minimalist designs but it’s certainly a solid 8/10 from me on the visuals.
There remains three width options, but slightly confusingly, these have been changed to narrow, standard and wide (previously standard, wide and extra wide). This is a crucial change as those wishing to update from the CX332 need to adjust down a width accordingly. If you were in a wide previously, it’s likely you will fall into the standard category now. In general, this shoe feels roomier then the previous CX332 so it’s potentially worth getting resized if possible to double check the fit. The narrow version certainly feels a little roomier than the standard CX332 offering from the previous model. If you have a genuinely super narrow foot, then probably look to other shoes offerings.
The shoe comes with the standard Lake Syksol offering which we tend to upgrade to the Cobra9 SemiPro for most clients. The factory insole is comfortable and has some arch structure and is perfectly suitable for a shoe of this level.
Overall, I’d give this shoe a solid 8/10. It looks better than the CX332, tightens better than a CX332 but may just be a little roomy for those with slimmer feet that snuck into the CX332 previously. This is certainly a reboot and not an upgrade. This shoe is perfect for those who want to ride long distances and not worry about compression and numbness. Let’s hope the Chameleon Purple is on the way!!
Overall 8/10
Pros
Improved Aesthetics
Better Retention
Updated BOAS
White on White - come on!!!!
Vastly improved tongue design
The MX333 fits the same for those playing at home
Cons
New Widths could be confusing
Not best in class for heel retention
Slightly heavy (300 grams sz 43)
