Verdict from 1 expert and 7 user reviews

6 reasons to buy

  • Comfort: A lot of Lake CX403 owners applaud the shoe for its excellent comfort.
  • BOA dials: Many users especially appreciate the pair's double BOA dial closure as it cinches the foot down securely without any pressure.
  • Heat-moldable: Plenty of individuals love its heat-moldable feature as they can customize the fit according to their needs.
  • Power transfer: This road cycling shoe's soles are super stiff, which some bikers admire.
  • Good looks: The CX403 is deemed to be stylish and good-looking, say several consumers.
  • Quality: Its materials and craftsmanship are of excellent quality, according to a number of buyers.

2 reasons not to buy

  • Lacks support: A tester claims that the insoles do not provide any support.
  • Ventilation: One commenter says the shoe's breathability could be better.

Bottom line

The CX403 is one of Lake's race-level road models and is the updated version of the CX402. It features several improvements such as a redesigned closure system and additional rubber toe bumpers for enhanced durability. The shoe highlights comfort, power transfer, and fully customizable fit.

Despite some minor misfires, the Lake CX403 is a competent road shoe that ticks all the essential features for high-performance on the bike.

Tip: see the best cycling shoes.

Expert reviews:

Video reviews

Lake CX403: One of the brand's top-tier road shoes

The Lake CX403 belongs in the brand's high-end range of their road cycling shoe section. It is recommended to road cyclists who like to compete professionally, train daily, or just want to surpass their daily best.

Highlights of the CX403

  • Kangaroo leather uppers yield supple and breathable feel and conform to the foot perfectly.
  • Carbon reinforcements for pedaling stability.
  • Full carbon soles for power transfer with moldable heel cups for a customizable fit.
  • Double BOA system for accurate adjustments and prevents pressure points.
  • These shoe's colorway and design can be customized.
  • Replaceable heel pads for longevity.

Lake CX403 vs. Lake CX332

These two cycling shoes have a lot in common when it comes to features, so it's easy to get confused about which shoe is more ideal for you. Both Lake shoes sit on the brand's top-tier range of road bike shoes. Hence, quality and premium elements can be expected.

  • If you're searching for a more durable and leading-class option, the CX403 might be for you. This pair's pure kangaroo leather upper suggests that it is more durable than the CX332's mixture of kangaroo and mesh upper materials. But the CX403 also costs more.
  • For a cheaper yet well-performing alternative, try the CX332. It has the same features as the CX403 except for the minor difference of upper materials. If you don't find this significant, the Lake CX332 could work excellently for you.

How CX403 compares

This shoe: 90
All shoes average: 81
60 94
This shoe: $550
All shoes average: $247
$85 $550
This shoe: 9.7oz
All shoes average: 9.8oz
5.4oz 16.9oz
Ready to buy? Available from $550
Not sure yet? Overview of all 250 cycling shoes