The Fizik brand has shown new shoe models in 2023, which are designed for riding in wet and cold conditions. Presented here Ergolace GTX model or the typical winter Nunaq GTX are equipped with a Gore-Tex membrane, which is supposed to ensure a comfortable ride even when it rains or even snows and the temperatures are not among the highest. A year has passed since I received both models for test. Today I invite you to a summary of my impressions of using the Fizik Ergolace GTX shoes.
Fizik Ergolace GTX – Bike shoes with Gore-Tex
Fizik Ergolace GTX shoes are typical low footwear designed for biking. It is not intended for some specific cycling discipline, but will work wherever temperatures during riding drop below a dozen degrees or there is rain or mud. The main feature of this model is the use of a three-layer PRISM 3L membrane, which was created in close cooperation with the Gore-Tex brand. Acording to the manufacturer, thanks to this solution, the material is 100% waterproof from the outside. However, it still allows for ventilation and allows moist air and sweat to escape outside. The combination of these properties should provide users with a dry and comfortable foot in all riding conditions.
Fizik Ergolace GTX shoes has been designed for use in poor conditions and on difficult terrain. The upper part is reinforced with appropriate inserts that improve durability and also protect the foot. Another important element is the sole, which was created in cooperation with the respected Vibram brand. More specifically, there are two versions to choose from for SPD or platform pedals. Both options, apart from the part adapted to work directly with the pedals, also have quite aggressive tread on the sides. Thanks to this, even if you have to get off the bike to walk, the shoes will provide good grip. The design of the Ergolace GTX model is complemented by classic laces.
Fizik Ergolace GTX – my choice
For my enduro riding style, I chose the Fizik Ergolace GTX Flat model, the one design to use with platform pedals. After checking reviews of Fizik shoes online, I decided on size 43, which is slightly smaller than most other manufacturers, because normally shoes in sizes 43.5-44 usually fit me best. However, after the parcel arrived, it turned out that the mentioned size 43 was perfect for me. This model is available in two colors: grey-brown-black or white-black. Normally I would probably choose the gray version, but I was given white version.
Fizik Ergolace GTX – How did i use them
I have used my Fizik Ergolace GTX shoes on my rides all year round. In the article with First impressions, I mentioned that thanks to the wide-open tongue and simple construction, the shoes are exceptionally easy to put on and take off. In the other biking shoes that I have, it is not so obvious at all and with some you have to struggle a bit. Thanks to this ease, I’ve took the Ergolace as a top choice for daily bike commutes to work. In the mornings, these are not long routes (about 3 km one way), but I almost always extend my return route to the Kampinos forest paths. During cooler mornings, I quickly appreciated the limited cold air incoming, which is guaranteed by the Gore-Tex membrane. Of course, in the middle of summer, when I rode on hot and windless afternoons, this feature turned into a disadvantage. On 30-40 minute rides, it was not very bothersome and the “breathability” of the materials also coped well. But it is clear that, this is a shoe designed primarily for riding in cold and wet conditions.
When I had a rainy or even snowy day, I had no reason to worry about my feet getting wet. Water splashing from under the wheels or riding, or even walking through wet grass is not a problem. The coating and materials do not absorb moisture, so the shoe does not soak in. Of course, these are still “low shoes”, so there is a chance that water or moisture will get inside from the top. There is a feature that shoes have the laces and tongue area moved more to the outside, thanks to which the front part of the shoe is better protected against splashes, e.g. from under the wheels. But if the foot or your pants get splashed, the water will simply flow into the shoe and there is no additional protection in this place. However, the parts of the foot most exposed to cooling, i.e. the toes, are always well protected against moisture. Despite the lack of any insulation, the Fizik Ergolace GTX are noticeably “warmer” than my other shoes.
The biggest challenge for these shoes was definitely an all-day e-bike trip during the Pass Portes event in France. My struggles with the E-Pass Portes routes were preceded by an all-night downpour, which turned some of the prepared trails into one big swamp. When I went out on the routes, it slowly stopped raining, but anyway, I spent the whole day wallowing in flowing mud. In total, I rode about 60 km and covered about 3000 meters of elevation, on totally wet trails and enduro paths. I was most worried about mud pouring in from the top. I did not use any additional shoe covers that could prevent this. However, I must admit that for an all-day ride in watered-down mud, it was not bad. All this unpleasant moisture did not reach anywhere further than a bit below the collar. Considering such nasty conditions, the comfort was at a higher level than I expected. After taking off the shoes, it turned out that most of the foot remained dry. It’s true that some additional protection around the ankle was missing, but using such protection always restricts movement a bit. Some neoprene also doesn’t work very well and can rub your leg badly during long rides. Ultimately, I was pleased with how the Fizik Ergolace GTX performed in such conditions.
The Fizik Ergolace GTX shoes were not my first choice when it comes to typical enduro or bike park riding in the summer season. If the conditions were dry, I would stick to the Specialized 2FO DH model, which is more closed, and its flat sole offers slightly better grip. The Gore-Tex membrane used in the Fizik is ideal in muddy and wet conditions. However, during intensive off-road riding when it is dry and warm, it slightly impairs ventilation. During different bike trips, the Ergolace GTX shoes were always in as my backup, in case the weather does not cooperate. And apart from the aforementioned muddy adventure in France, I was very happy to have them with me several times.
Fizik Ergolace GTX – Sole and how do they stick
The sole of the Fizik Ergolace GTX shoes was created in cooperation with the Vibram brand. As for a bike shoe for platform pedals, the deeper and more varied tread of the sole is immediately noticeable. After all, this is a model designed for riding in wet and muddy conditions. So the point is that it will be easy to clean and will not easily get clogged with clay or wet sand. This is a very big advantage in the case of climbing on wet surfaces. If someone has ever happened to climb a muddy hill in the famous Five Tens, they will immediately know what I mean. The grip on various types of surfaces is very good. The stiffness of the shoe also allows you to “dig in” more deeply into the soil. After a short walk in the mud, it is also relatively easy to clean the sole enough for the pins to bite into it well.
This sole design also means that the pins from platform pedals do not always hit the right place. I already mentioned in the article about first impressions that you can feel a slight decrease in grip compared to, for example, my main off-road shoes, the Specialized 2FO DH. This situation was especially noticeable when I used the most classic HT AN01 platforms with pins screwed in from the top. A little later I rode a lot on test bikes with platforms equipped with pins in the form of screws of a smaller diameter and screwed in from the bottom. Here the difference in grip between the Fiziks and my other shoes was definitely smaller. The same when I later changed the platforms on my bike to the Specialized Boomslang model, which also has narrower pins than the HT I used before. The conclusion is that especially on narrower pins these shoes hold very well and there is nothing to complain about it.
Fizik Ergolace GTX – After a year of use
I use my pair of Fizik Ergolace GTX thru a whole year. I can’t count how many km they have on them, but as I mentioned, I use them very often, although mainly for short distances. The white color has obviously lost some of its shine, but if I had made an effort to clean them, they could look better. The materials are stiff on the outside, but there are no major scratches or cracks and absolutely nothing has come apart. Most of my bike shoes quickly show visible abrasions around the ankle. Here, I suspect that due to the construction that adheres tightly to the foot, nothing like that happens. There was a slight abrasion on one lace and that’s it. The bottom of the sole shows more signs of use after working with the pins. However, considering a year of use, in my opinion the wear is not significant. These shoes will definitely serve me well next season, and I think more than one. The high quality of the materials used is visible from the slight wear of the shoes. During the last autumn days, of course, there were also some wet and damp ones. After a year, the Gore-Tex membrane still fulfills its function and does not let moisture in, although I have never used any additional waterproofing stuff on it.
Fizik Ergolace GTX – Summary
To sum up a year spent with Fizik Ergolace GTX shoes, I think they are a good and valuable product. I think they are an ideal proposition especially for those looking for that “second” pair of shoes designed strictly for wet and cold weather conditions. For typical summer days, however, I do recommend something else. But when you do get rainy or even snowy weather, then they are a very good choice both for off-road riding and in situations where you need to hike with your bike somewhere. The membrane and materials used have withstood the year-long test very well, so I can recommend them with a clear conscience. Those arent the cheapest offer on the market but the value seems to be good. The manufacturer’s recommended price is around EUR 189. Of course, there is also a version adapted for clip-in pedals available. As always, it is worth trying them on your foot before buying. The Ergolace model is quite narrow and stiff. I like it that way, and definitely will continue to use them thru next season.
About Fizik
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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