FIZIK X5 TERRA
£149.99 > Stylish gravel shoes
FIZIK’S OFF-ROAD RANGE IS DOMINATED by microtex upper, rigid race shoes but look further and you’ll find this super-stylish off-road option ideal for gravel, and your commute.
The upper adjustment, which is based on the revamped R1 road shoe’s design is excellent, with the offset tongue and single Boa threaded through offset anchors. As you turn the dial to tension, the upper seamlessly pulls together across the slick, smooth and, contrasting, bright orange tongue for a crease-free fit. The single Velcro strap across the toe box helps to take up any slack.
The upper combines perforated microtex sections and polyurethane (PU) reinforcements with a luxurious, highly-breathable natural suede that gives the shoes more of a hiking-style look than a traditional mountain bike shoe. The sole has large PU-bonded grip pieces from front to back, making them sturdy and supportive, and easier to walk in than a traditional mountain bike offering. Neat details like the reinforced woven
WE SAY Shoes that work just as well as they look
heel loop mean you can hang them from your tent to dry, further adding to the X5’s more adventurous design. The fit is superb, being both supportive and close fitting yet surprisingly supple. The same goes for the reinforced carbon sole and TPU grip sections. The sole maintains enough stiffness to help get the power down but has enough flex to make walking or shouldering the bike and running more comfortable, allowing you to make the most of the large block treads when the going gets sticky. At 790g a pair (size 45) you can find lighter off-road shoes, but the weight isn’t ever an issue. The X5 offers such a superbly comfortable fit we’ll easily take the minimal extra weight. We also love the suede finish, it may not seem that practical for a shoe that’s going to spend a fair amount of time getting mucky, but ours are scrubbing up well and the suede is taking on a patina like your favourite pair of hiking boots.