At the beginning of November 2023, Fizik presented new Nanuq GTX winter cycling shoes. This model is designed for riding bike in low temperatures, rain and even deep snow. We received 2 pairs of them for winter testing. One version for SPD pedals and the other prepared for use platform pedals. Since winter came early to Poland this year, we already have some first impressions of using both versions of Fizik Nanuq GTX shoes.
Fizik Nanuq GTX – winter bike shoes – specification
Fizik Nanuq GTX shoes are designed for riding on a bike in any terrain and in the worst possible weather conditions. Our feet are protected against moisture from the outside by the specially designed GORE-TEX Koala membrane. The shoe is additionally equipped with a raised cuff that protects our ankles and prevents water or snow from entering inside of shoes. The footwear is designed for use in sub-zero temperatures. The inside of the upper is finished with a special fleece lining, which is designed to ensure good thermal comfort while puting sweat away. The outer layer is made of Rip Stop fabric and additionally rubberized in all places exposed to damage while riding in terrain. The sole was made in cooperation with the Vibram brand and is intended to ensure adequate stiffness and traction not only while riding, but also when we have to push up the bike thru snow and mud. Fizik Nanuq GTX shoes are available in CLIP version for SPD pedals and FLAT version intended for use with platform pedal pins. The design of the shoes is complemented by a quick BOA® L6 Dial fastening and a sealed zipper at the cuff, which allows you to quickly “tie” the shoes even when wearing thick gloves.
Fizik Nanuq GTX – winter bike shoes – technical data
- Membrane GORE-TEX Koala
- BOA® L6 Dial fastening and additional cuff with weatherproof zipper
- Ripstop fabric
- Outer sole X2 with EVA and Vibram technology
- Stiffnes index: 3
- Weight: 438 g (1 but – rozmiar 42)
- Available sizing: 36-48 (37 – 47 also with half a number)
- Sugested retail price: 279,00 €
- Fizik Nanuq GTX Flat
- Fizik Nanuq GTX Clip
Fizik Nanuq GTX FLAT – winter bike shoes – Marek riding impressions
I thought that I would have to wait a bit longer to test the Nanuq GTX winter model and for now the Fizik Ergolace GTX shoes, which I also received for the test, will be enough. Meanwhile, December, even in the Polish lowlands, turned out to be frosty and snowy. In such conditions, I quickly fell in love with the insulated Fizik Nanuq model. Since I have always ridden only on platform pedals, I naturally chose the FLAT version for my test. It has a sole made in cooperation with Vibram. This is exactly the same pattern that I know from the more autumn-spring Fizik Ergolace GTX model, so I knew I had nothing to worry about in this matter. A slightly higher tread at the point of contact with the platform may not give the shoe the same feeling of sticking to pedals as in the famous 5.10, but thanks to its design it definitely improves the removal of mud from the sole. This means that you don’t have to nervously stamp your feet after each stop with your foot in mud or snow. At the same time, the shoe has good adhesion to the platform while riding, which allows for good fun in the various terrain.
The most important change compared to the Ergolace GTX shoes is the upper part. Not only is it insulated from the inside with additional fleece lining, but it also has a raised cuff that tightly covers the ankle. These two solutions greatly improve riding comfort on frosty and snowy days. The pleasant “fur” inside the shoe works with the GORE-TEX Koala membrane and maintains optimal thermal comfort of the feet even when riding in sub-zero temperatures. These layers perfectly insulate the feet from cold gusts of air, but also from water and snow. Its technical properties allow the foot to breathe and release sweat and moisture to the outside. Additional coverage of the ankle with a neoprene sock also protects this part of the leg against cold and moisture. Thanks to this structure, I could go out and ride my bike in the snow-covered forest without any worries, and sometimes leave the first trace on the path. Climbing even in deeper snow was not a problem, because there was no way for it to pile up from above. After returning from the snowy forest, my feet and socks were dry. The shoes were wet only on the outside and there was no effect of soaking materials, so they did not require special drying. I wouldn’t hesitate to put them back on and go for another ride.
After the first snow test, I found that the comfort of riding in Fizik Nanuq winter shoes was so good that as long as it was frosty and there was melted mud, I decided to commute to work by bike. When I used them on a daily basis I felt that they are not light sports footwear. The additional insulated layer and the higher structure weigh a bit and the riding feeling is slightly different than in the light and low Ergolace GTX model. However, in this case, comfort was the most important thing. During everyday use, I appreciated the BOA system, which allowed me to easily and quickly adjust the shoe to my foot. The raised sock-shaped cuff is also designed in such a way that it does not interfere with the process of putting on shoes and does not prolonged it. The zipper on the inside is protected with a layer of material so that we do not cut our skin. You just need to push it well to the top and I have never had it slide apart while riding. When taking off your shoes, the loop at the back is very useful. It is so well made that we can pull it without any worries. Overall, Fizik Nanuq shoes seem very solid and well-made. The thick outer material is additionally rubberized and well protected against obstacles under the snow.
To sum up, the Fizik Nanuq GTX FLAT shoes have definitely met my expectations so far and now when I have them, I have one less excuse before going out on my bike in the winter. It’s a pity that I didn’t have them last year during the winter DH competition at Telegraf, where after an hour of riding in the snow my feet were soaked and frozen. Of course, spending about 280 EUR on winter bike shoes is not small amount of cash. But if you are seriously interested in riding in the snow for a longer time, it is worth considering the Nunaq GTX model. Considering the very solid quality, I believe that the shoes will serve me for a long time, but I will soon describe how the membrane will perform after a year in the long term test.
Fizik Nanuq GTX CLIP – winter bike shoes – Wojciech riding impressions
Eight enduro trips, 280 km in frost, deep snow, liquid mud and rain. This is not a long-distance test, but from the perspective of the events mentioned and the time and hours spent in Fizik Nanuq GTX shoes, I can confidently write a few things about them.
These are certainly the best winter shoes I have ever owned. There are several factors that determine this, but the most important are two – comfort and convenience. Don’t confuse one with the other :) When I write comfort, I mean the comfort of moving both while cycling and walking. Comfort is the feeling resulting from keeping your foot in the shoe for several hours during a trip in difficult terrain and weather conditions.
Comfort during the ride
This is, of course, about a trip, during which the foot fits well in the shoe while working. The upper part is tight, but very comfortable. The high cuff fastened with a zipper and covering the ankle is perfect for windy winter trips. It stiffens the entire structure of the upper above the foot and prevents the ankle from cooling down.
A shoe horn is very useful for putting on your shoes conveniently. Initially, putting it on was a bit of a problem, but after two or three trips, I realized that it was a “small cost” of energy and time in exchange for many hours of thermal safety.
I have the impression that Fizik footwear is intended for people with narrow feet, flat feet may have a problem here. If you have a wider than typical foot, I suggest trying on them before buying.
Riding in these shoes is both effective and comfortable. The relatively stiff sole transfers the force with which we press the pedal well. The sole does not bend excessively and the winter shoe is not too heavy (440g / 1 shoe), so it does not tire the leg excessively during the whole day of riding.
Comfort while walking
I often go on trips to the mountains, especially in winter in areas covered with snow or lots of mud. Sometimes you also have to climb a bit on slippery rocks, and sometimes go for a short walk to the store for a beer :) I must admit that as a user of typical sports footwear with a hard, non-bending sole, I had the greatest fears for comfort while walking. Because while riding in cycling shoes is comfortable, walking is not always that great. I would call the sole of the Nanuq GTX model “semi-sports”, which means that it is stiff enough for “pedaling”, but it bends in the toes while walking, and to a considerable extent. This makes moving in them simply comfortable.
The Vibram rubber sole worked great wherever I put it. Walking through a fallen tree, climbing over rocks or walking 2-3 km in terrain covered with knee-deep snow made no difference, comfort in every situation. What could be disturbing in the long run is the SPD block that can be felt on flat surfaces. Although in the resting position of the footwear it is properly hidden and does not protrude above the surface of the sole, when walking and bending it at the level of the toes it becomes slightly noticeable under the foot.
Comfort
The interior is lined with the GORE-TEX Koala membrane, is pleasant to the touch and serves its purpose very well. During a winter trip lasting several hours, at night at -12*C, wearing medium-thick Merino wool socks, I did not feel cold or cold even for a moment. The previously mentioned high cuff fastened with a zipper also increases the comfort of use. The ankle is well protected against cold wind. Additionally, when wading in high snow, it won’t get into the upper of the shoe.
The Gore-Tex membrane is also positively surprising, the material breathes and does not allow water to penetrate into the upper. Despite the intensity of two winter trips, I did not manage to achieve the effect of sweaty socks, I did not manage to burn my feet or get abrasions on any part of them. The only situation in which I managed to get the upper wet was when washing muddy shoes with excessive amounts of water. I was unable to repeat this trick while wading through deep snow, heavy rain or falling into a deep puddle hidden under the snow. The fabric is well impregnated (the question is for how long), but I will not say that it is therefore waterproof, that would be untrue.
For me it is just like I wrote at begining
Fizik Nanuq GTX is the best winter cycling shoe I have had over the last 20 years.
Wojciech, 43ride
In fact, 20 years ago there were practically no SPD winter footwear in Poland :) And if you managed to get one, it was imperfect. We will see how Nanuq performs in the coming years and winters. To be honest, I really have nothing to complain about new Nanuq model and the only noticeable downside of this Fizik footwear is its price.
Unfortunately, the equation here works like this: high functionality + high comfort = high price :) However, when choosing half-measures, it is worth asking yourself whether it is better to have 3 imperfect pairs of winter footwear or one fully proven… Fizik Nanuq GTX is 100% full of comfort and satisfaction.
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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