Verdict from 6 experts and 9 user reviews
8 reasons to buy
- Comfort: Majority of the reviews talk about how the Louis Garneau Course Air Lite II shoe provides excellent stability and support throughout the day.
- Efficient closure: The pair's dual BOA dials offer a convenient, on-the-go, and accurate adjustments, according to most owners.
- Power transfer: This road cycling shoe's stiff soles do not waste any energy being exerted, say plenty of users.
- Excellent fit design: The Course Air Lite II's adaptable toe area fit is greatly appreciated by many cyclists.
- Premium quality: Several wearers praise the model's excellent quality in materials and construction.
- Interchangeable arch support: Some individuals love this shoe's insole as it gives them the option to customize to their needs.
- Good value for money: A number of buyers say the money they paid for this shoe is well worth it, given its comfort and performance.
- Black tongue: A commenter thinks that the black color of the tongue is genius as it is the first to show signs of discoloration, but the black perfectly hides this.
1 reason not to buy
- Shows scuffs: A couple of reviews claim that the toe guard area scuffs easily.
Bottom line
It is most praised for providing the essentials in a road shoe like stiffness, durability, and adjustability, but fits and feels like a training shoe.
The Course Air Lite II shoes aren't cheap and come with minor flaws, but reports say anyone will be hard-pressed to find another race-level shoe that's as comfortable for daily use.
Tip: see the best cycling shoes.
Louis Garneau Course Air Lite II: The road bike shoe that fits more like an everyday shoe
Garneau's Course Air Lite II is an updated version of the brand's highly-rated shoes called the Course Air Lite. One of the main updated features is the X-Comfort Zone technology that works wonders in providing an 'extension' for when necessary. Wide feet and the inevitable swelling of the feet are well-accommodated in this shoe.
This innovation has won the prestigious Eurobike award and is recognized to be the main reason for its ultimate comfort. It is also claimed that it can fit B to D+ foot widths.
Apart from the X-Comfort Zone technology, other excellent factors are also in play. Check them out below.
Other main features of the Course Air Lite II
- Adaptable Ergo Air Transfo 3D insoles offer the option to customize arch support according to the wearer's preference.
- Dual BOA dials for easy two-way incremental adjustments.
- Carbon Air Lite outsoles with inserts for a light fit and excellent power transfer.
Course Air Lite II's worthy contender
With the lousy rep road bike shoes get for their uncomfortable fit or too rigid soles, there are just a few other models that can match the LG's Course Air Lite II. One of them is Shimano's S-Phyre RC901.
Both shoes provide natural, comfortable fitting, excellent power transfer, and double BOA dials. Picking between the two shoes comes down to taste and price. The S-Phyre RC901 has a more minimal aesthetic and pays a slightly higher price.