Fizik X5 Terra, Men's Cycling Shoe

Product Information

The downside of laces is that they have a habit of working loose over the course of a ride, especially if walking is involved, which is likely on more technical gravel rides.

These need to be stiff enough for us to put the power down but flexible enough to walk in, and light enough not to feel uncomfortable, but sufficiently stable and grippy to keep us grounded. So just like the best gravel bikes, the best gravel bike shoes often feel subtly different to kit designed specifically for other riding disciplines.Gravel-shoe uppers have to help deliver power transfer like road shoe uppers, but also have to have enough stretch for walking. They also have to be particularly durable and resistant to any scuffs from clambering over rough terrain.

Old-school laces have their fans, though. If you have a high instep, you probably find that they allow for the differentiation in tension that gives a snug forefoot fit combined with ease over the instep that you need for best comfort. Outsoles made from rubber or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) add grip and durability, with gravel shoes tending to have a more open lug pattern than the outsoles of off-road shoes. In theory, this provides enough grip while still enabling them to shed mud faster. Volume is generous for comfort, though the roomy fit won’t suit everyone, while the stiff heel cup aids stability.Yes it is good to be waterproof, even if it is just for slogging through puddles and mud without sending freezing water straight in the cleat holes every time our feet touch the ground. But the water will find its way in eventually, running down your legs and generally filling the shoe up if it is a long, wet ride. Short of wearing waterproof trousers that seal around the ankle it is always going to happen. As with many premium saddles it also comes in two widths – 145mm and 160mm to match different sit bone measurements. Fizik says you spend more time in a seated position on an e-bike, which is true, so has included an ergonomic cut-out, to relieve pressure. There’s also a mud flap in the bottom of the channel to stop splatter, while also allowing water to drain away. Clever. Performance XC (cross-country) mountain bike shoes make for the closest match, which is why we’re seeing some styles badged as mountain bike and gravel hybrids. In fact, the difference between the two is often so small it might as well be non-existent and either will work fine for the other. Five things to consider when looking for gravel shoes

Bridging the link between rider and bike, the Fizik X5 Terra MTB Shoes provide a durable construction suited to all-terrain rides. With protective materials and an adaptive fit, these shoes prove to be an excellent choice for the trail rider wanting a lightweight upgrade. Underneath, there is a stiff carbon sole, which we found avoided hotspots and was still forgiving on long rides. There are three main sections of rubber to provide a reasonable level of grip. It’s debatable whether there’s such a thing as a specific e-bike saddle, but I’m open-minded, and was keen to give this one a try. First thing to note is that this saddle is stubby in length, which apparently puts the e-biker ‘in a more planted position, making for greater stability and control when riding heavier pedal-assisted bikes.’The line between gravel shoes and cross-country mountain bike shoes is often thin. David Caudery / Immediate Media Sidi’s microfibre uppers are tough with decent weather protection, and there’s still good ventilation from the laser-cut pinhole vents. A camp by the Linn of Dee was lovely, beautiful sunshine at sunset and a few whiskies were had, it also is in the middle of a figure of eight route wise so you have options. Compatible with two-bolt cleats, these shoes present excellent versatility, leaving you with a wide array of pedal options. If we ask a lot of the upper of cycling shoes in general, we expect the impossible of the sole unit of gravel-specific shoes.

Synthetic uppers are common across the price spectrum. Often, synthetic uppers rely on perforation and mesh inserts for breathability. They don’t mould to the shape of your foot in the same way that leather does, but they don’t cost as much either, and fastening paired with other factors such as insole choice can practically circumvent this issue. The Specialized S-Works Recon Lace is closely related to the S-Works Recon shoe, but trades Boa dials for laces. This won’t suit everyone, but the laces do give the shoes a classy look and provide more points of tension control. At the other extreme, flat-soled mountain bike shoes might have off-bike comfort but their flexible soles aren’t the best for power transfer.

Fizik Terra Atlas bottom line

With an almost air-like feel, the micro-adjustable Boa L6 Dial fastens the asymmetric opening with a non-restrictive closure, dialling your feet inline with the Fizik Cycling sole for the ultimate ride performance. Fitting an array of foot shapes, this ingenious securing system utilises a steel-coated lace through lightweight yet tough plastic guides for long-lasting strength and versatile comfort. A common combination is a strap over the toe section that allows it to be tightened independently, with a Boa dial or similar over the mid-foot. It’s a construction that generally works well, as long as there’s enough adjustment in the toe strap. Sidi’s Jarin is a cross-country mountain bike shoe, but this olive green version is aimed at the gravel market. Immediate Media You get two of Sidi’s Tecno 3 Push dials for retention, with the top one working in tandem with a strap across the instep. We don’t find Sidi’s dials quite as simple as the two-way micro-adjustment of the latest Boa dials, but they are still easy to use and hold firm over long rides. When it comes to walking, the rubber outsole provides a solid platform, but the smaller lugs don’t do so well in the mud.