Many mountainbikers stick to their proven brands when choosing riding shoes and nothing will convince them to change. However, when something new appears on the market, I personally try to check it out and do some research. This season there was an opportunity to test the latest models of shoes from the Italian brand fi’zi:k, which in Poland is well known mainly among road cyclists.
Gravity fi’zi:k shoes
So far, the editors of 43RIDE have had contact only with Fizik Terra Artica GTX winter shoes, which were designed for riding in the most difficult winter conditions and SPD pedals. Our editor Ania even described them as “perfect shoes for winter riding”. However, what does the offer of the Italian brand look like for normal riding in the warm season?
The choice is limited to two models: Gravita Tensor and Gravita Versor, and several of their variations. Each of the models is available in both SPD and flat shoes, as well as several color versions. The higher model Gravita Tensor also has the option of “painting” in black and white team edition.
The Fizik Gravita Tensor is a footwear aimed at DH/enduro riding and is more built-up than the Gravita Versor model, which was my choice for this test. Why so? Well, the Versor seemed to be a more civil shoe and aimed at enduro/trail climates. So how have the shoes performed this season?
fi’zi:k Gravita Versor Flat shoes
A versatile, lightweight lace-up mountain biking shoe that’s ideal for riders using flat pedals when combining lift-assisted downhill laps with trail riding.
fi’zi:k
Honestly, I can’t complain, although at first I was afraid of the delicacy of the Fiziks. The shoes are very light and thin, which makes them perfect for casual outings, and a little less for typical bike park harassment. However, the biggest unknown for me was the sole based on Vibram rubber, which I had contact with before, but did not make a very good impression on me.
I do not know what the engineers of the Italian brand have changed, but I must admit that when riding on natural trails in the Dolomites, I did not complain about the lack of grip. Fizik footwear holds firmly in both dry and wet conditions. On the other hand, when flying on local jumps, it’s quite easy to take your feet off the pedals to do a trick or just adjust the foot position. In turn, thanks to the Ripstop material from which the upper is made, the comfort of riding in the worst heat is at a very satisfactory level.
Minuses? Due to the lighter construction of the shoe, the profile is low and the shoe is very slim, it does not protect against impacts like typical downhill shoes. The heel and toes have additional rubberized reinforcement, but you can feel that some material could be added here. However, this is not what this shoe is about and with typical trail/enduro use, it will be an excellent choice for all-day mountain trips.
Specification
- Ripstop fabric upper
- Laces closure
- X6 outsole – EVA midsole, Vibram Megagrip tread
- Outsole stiffness index 2
- Intended use: Downhill, Enduro, Trail
- cholewka z tkaniny Ripstop
- Weight: 663g (size 43, pair)
- Sizes: 36-48 (37 to 47 also in half sizes)
- Colours: black, black/purple, grey/mud (tested)
Summary
The fi’zi:k (or simply Fizik) shoes surprised me with their top-notch quality. Choosing shoes based only on the website, I did not know what to expect, but the lower Gravita Versor model fully met my expectations. It was supposed to be a light and civil shoe for everyday riding.
Tomasz Profic, 43RIDE
A certain curiosity is the lacing shifted to the side, which makes the shoe look much more interesting, but does it translate into greater comfort and convenience of use? Honestly, I don’t know, just a design curiosity. In terms of grip, I can’t fault anything, I tested both on flow jumplines and in natural, bumpy and wet terrain. The sole based on Vibram rubber held well in all conditions.
About fi’zi:k
Founded in 1996 by Selle Royal Group, fizik’s mission is to make the most sophisticated, inspiring and beautiful gear for the world’s most discerning cyclists. The passion for design and performance behind fizik’s diverse product range for road, off-road and triathlon is expressed through the countless victories, being the choice of the most inspiring athletes and winning many design awards. Based in the province of Vincenza, the Italian brand is committed to providing the ultimate in saddle, shoe, bar-tape and component design – combining comfort and light weight with technology and innovation.
Official website: fizik.com
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