Helping your feet to breathe when cycling
We’re in the middle of a climate change phenomenon, let’s not kid ourselves. Summer days seem to be getting hotter more frequently, and unless we all do something to help the planet, then things are going to get hotter. This summer has been particularly hot, with the Tour de France evidencing the issues for cyclists. It’s now a fact that heat is one of the impact factors that the pro peloton has to build into its planning. And, while we seem to be moving headlong into a global warming crisis, at a cycling level, there are some things that you can do to keep your feet as cool as possible, and to help let the air flow around them.
This weather is likely to continue, unfortunately, and we believe that you would also benefit from some cycling shoe tips for your warm weather training this autumn and winter.
The benefit of leather cycling shoes
At a fundamental level, wearing real leather cycling shoes help feet breathe because natural leather has microscopic pores that allow air to move and sweat to escape. This natural airflow helps by reducing the build-up of heat and moisture, making leather a comfortable choice compared to stiff synthetics. Yes, natural leather can cost more – but what price do you put on comfort.
How does it work then? Quite simply, the natural pores in leather have an open fibre construction which freely lets air and moisture pass through. Sweat turns to vapour and diffuses out of the shoe. It’s something that we design into our leather cycling shoes too, maximising this effect. The result is l drier feet and a lower chance for hotspots and friction issues. Add to this that leather will form and alter its structure over time, shaping to your foot and providing an excellent fit. And, if you look after those cycling shoes with our Lake shoe cleaning products, they’ll look after your feet for years to come.
Lake leather cycling shoe favourites
CX239 Road Cycling Shoe
Our already iconic CX239 road cycling shoe comes with a choice of uppers, including leather. Created on our Competition Last, it’s designed for high cadence riding and higher pressure. Ideal then for those hot and long days on the bike. It comes with a choice of either a full-grain water resistant and breathable Ecco Premium leather or as an alternative, Clarino Microfiber and mesh with Outlast heel lining. However, as already mentioned, the natural leather has the fibre pores to help your feet to breathe. It also has an Outlast temperature regulating heel, maintaining a breathable, durable and firm grip to your foot, alongside a tongue lining for extra comfort when the shoe is adjusted with the BOA® closure system.
CX403 Road Cycling Shoe
For the racing cycling who is looking for that performance orientated cycling shoe, the Lake CX403 fits the bill and your feet – once properly measured by our shoe fitting experts! The CX403 is the pinnacle of cycling shoes. Every aspect of this shoe is purposeful, with a goal of offering the highest performance and comfort while also delivering optimal power transfer.
The CX403 upper is made from Klite Kangaroo leather and has Carbitex OmniFlex Carbon Fiber Stabilizer Support panels help keep the foot stabilized, to control stretch and allow for increased power transfer. It’s also lined with perforated Kangaroo leather for a great fit and natural feel. The heel counter is also moldable, and over time the leather will form you to feet perfectly, whilst also benefitting you from those breathability benefits.
Types of leather used by Lake
Recycled Leather
Here at Lake, we use several types of leather, including smart, eco-conscious material created by repurposing offcuts and scraps from traditional leather production. It’s a durable, consistent material that looks and feels like genuine leather, but with a reduced environmental footprint – benefitting in a small way our goal of creating the world’s most comfortable cycling shoes whilst also trying to help the planet.
Packer Kangaroo Leather
Kangaroo leather, for Lake by Packer Leather, is the lightest, strongest and most durable natural leather available – which is why we choose it for our premium performance cycling shoe – the CX403. It utilizes multiple surface treatments to better protect and increase the comfort of your feet. Duratek treatment also strengthens the leather helps to protect it from abrasion. And finally, Microblok antimicrobial treatment renders the leather uninhabitable to microbes and germs, meaning that your hard-working cycling feet stay fresh all ride long!
Ecco Leather
Known for its exceptional quality and supple feel, this leather naturally conforms to your foot for a personalized fit. It’s highly breathable, helping regulate temperature during long rides. Sourced from traceable hides and tanned with environmentally responsible methods, ECCO leather delivers classic style with modern performance. It’s what we use as one of our options in our best-selling CX242 road cycling shoes.
With Lake, comfort is key
We choose the upper materials for our cycling shoes very carefully, and that includes which leather to use and how to use it.
The type of leather is critical to the purpose of the cycling shoe and how it will work and perform. For instance, full grain leather breathes very well, albeit they are a premium, thigh-quality material – like our cycling shoes. Coatings and treatments also have an effect, which is why we keep leather as natural as we can, because over-treating the material can block pores and ultimately affect the breathability. WE use leather only when and where it will be beneficial – like that Kangaroo leather lining on the CX403. Ultimately, shoes that are fully lined with genuine leather retain breathability, while synthetic linings can trap heat despite a leather outer shell.
At Lake, comfort is key to you having the perfect ride – all day and every day.
And so, next time you’re looking for the ultimate in cycling shoe comfort for that hot summer ride, take a look at our range of leather cycling shoe options, and let Lake guide to that perfect warm weather cycling experience – wrapped in the world’s most comfortable cycling shoes.
Foot shapes and cycling shoes