FIZIK TERRA ERGOLACE GTX

Fizik's Terra Ergolace range includes trail shoes that are just as suited to hike-a-bike as technical trails, with clipless and flat pedal models available. They have fairly soft midsole to balance easy walking and on pedal stability, with enough protection to deal with tough trail riding, and a Vibram outersole. The Ergolace name comes from the offset lacing, which provides a completely custom fit, with even the tightest lacing spreading pressure evenly across the top of your foot In late 2023, Fizik released the Terra Ergolace GTX. All the design concepts remain, however the upper is modified with the addition of a Goretex lining, perfect for those who ride in foul conditions, or who live in climates where their riding pushes into the colder and wetter months.

A CLOSER LOOK

I’ve used the Ergolace X2 previously, and really enjoyed the low weight and subtle look of the shoe. Aesthetics aside, the shoes don’t have a lot of padding, which I like. It means they are quite fast drying so they don’t hold a lot of water after creek crossings. The tread on the sole has deep channels for grip going up, or for digging in with the heels of you need to get down something you can’t ride. The cleat channel is nice and long and allows for a wide variety of setups as well.

Fizik included a good toe bumper and a solid rubber toe bumper that wraps towards the arch, with more reinforcing on the outside of the shoe. There is an EVA midsole for all-day comfort, and while the lacing looks simple, it is easy to get the fit just right before tucking the laces away for safe keeping in the elasticated loop. The tongue is stitched to the upper up to the second highest lace loop – so in terms of being submersibly waterproof with the Goretex liner, that will only work for a shallow puddle.

The materials are a mix synthetics, and all are quite hard wearing. I had an EU44 on test which fit true to size. I have a 4E wide foot and they are pretty snug on width, but I didn’t find them uncomfortable for trail rides up to about 3 hours. My test pair weighed about 420g per shoe before I added cleats.

ON THE TRAIL

Out and riding, the Terra Ergolace GTX are a comfortable shoe. The toe box is more snug than say, a Fox Union BOA, and the midsole is softer as well. For sole stiffness the Fizik’s have more in common with a Specialized 2FO Cliplite, although that shoe has a wider toebox and the outersole isn’t nearly as capable when off the bike.

Where the Terra Ergolace GTX really shines is when your rides could well combine both on and off bike use, and in a wide variety of conditions. I didn’t venture out in the rain in these shoes but I had plenty of wet conditions to ride in, and I did appreciate the Goretex lining for that. Summer is summer, and it is worth noting that a shoe with a Goretex lining will be warmer than one without.

The Terra Ergolace paired well with my Shimano XT trail pedals, and were totally acceptable with Shimano XT race pedals as well, which I did not expect given the low stiffness rating of ‘3’. My main concern was width, as they don’t have the same give as some other Fizik shoes with a synthetic leather upper. I stayed comfortable, but I think on all-day rides my wide feet would struggle – and I should look at the 44.5.

VERDICT

The Fizik Terra Ergolace is a comfortable shoe, and the new Goretex lined model will suit riders in damper climates, or those looking for a rough and tumble adventure shoe. I’d lean towards the Terra Ergolace model more than the Terra Atlas for trail riding and adventure rides, specifically for the protection and off-bike stability on offer. Currently, the Goretex model isn’t stocked in Australia, but the standard model is. Still, if you need something that can brush off wet weather and help keep you warmer, you can order these direct from Fizik’s website with global shipping.