Louis Garneau CFS-300 shoes review

With a fully customisable fit, the CFS-300 shoes are the latest heat-mouldable offerings to visit the kitchen before our feet. 

Simply remove the main strap, place on a foil-covered baking tray in a hot oven (150F) for 10 minutes, replace the strap, pop them on over some socks and stand around for 10-15 minutes while they cool. If they aren’t quite right then do it again.

The Exo Jet carbon sole is stiff enough to satisfy the most demanding riders, and incorporates a moulded arch support and the Ergo Air system, with a forefoot scoop, and huge midsole vent between the cleat and heel for air circulation. 

Cleat positioning for all road pedal systems is simple, with clear guides, and sensible heel and toe bumpers aid walking.

The tough but lightweight, smooth microfibre and layered nylon mesh uppers have no tongue, the well-padded inner wraps over the foot and can be held in position with a small loop while you tighten down the straps. 

The effect is like a cosseting slipper, with no pressure points from the adjustable ratchet closure or the offset Velcro straps. The heel uses a clever fabric that allows easy entry but also grips your socks to prevent any slippage, and no matter how hard we tightened them the Louis Garneaus were always extremely comfortable.

Hot or cool weather insoles ventilate or insulate your feet, but the uppers are built to stop your toes from getting too toasty. The large toe vent allows a noticeable airflow through the shoe, so much that toe covers are supplied for some protection on chilly mornings.

After many miles in the CFS-300s, we can categorically say they’re one of the most comfortable pairs of performance shoes we’ve tried this year, and among the easiest to fit. 

Our size 45s weighed 731g for the pair with cool insoles, suited our wider feet well with their generous last, and have been an excellent choice on long days of extended mountain climbing. 

This article was originally published in Cycling Plus magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.

Origin: BikeRadar.com Road Bikes & Gear