Fizik X5 Terra, Men's Cycling Shoe

Product Information

For some of us, gravel is simply a jaunt down a few green lanes, while others regard gravel as anything that mixes tarmac and dirt in one ride – even if that dirt calls for what are effectively mountain bike skills but on drop bars. And to keep riders in control and prepared over ever-changing and always unexpected terrain, the fizik Terra series handlebar tape and off-road accessories for all-terrain riding provide just the right amount readiness, no matter the weather or what lies ahead.

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. Volume is generous for comfort, though the roomy fit won’t suit everyone, while the stiff heel cup aids stability. Sidi’s Jarin is a cross-country mountain bike shoe, but this olive green version is aimed at the gravel market. Immediate Media Day two, we took to Glen Feshie with lots of stream and river crossings, bog and more hike-a-bike but it’s a very pretty place to spend time in.

Fizik X5 Terra MTB Shoes

In practice, on rougher terrain an all-over lug pattern is best for stability. The question of whether or not to add studs is a personal one, though for us it’s not crucial unless we’re racing cyclocross, where the extra grip could make or break a race. Fit The Giro Sector comes from the world of mountain biking, but does a great job as a gravel shoe thanks to its all-day comfort, power transfer and lightweight upper. The first thing you’ll learn if you test a lot of shoes is that simply flexing them between your hands is no indicator of how comfortable the shoe will be to walk in. The second is that fit is more important than how stiff the sole is.

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. The upper uses a seamless synthetic material that is lightweight. It isn’t particularly soft at first, which led to some initial discomfort in testing, but over time it did break in. When winter temperatures plummet in Britain, they rarely do so alone. Rain, slush and snow all contribute to our chilly extremities, multiplying the effect of low temperatures and speeding up the process of heat loss. It is a never ending quest to find shoes that will keep the old toes warm in these circumstances but the answer isn’t a straightforward one, unfortunately. The Fizik Terra Artica X5 GTX are, as the name suggests, a winter-ready set of bike shoes. Featuring a Gore-Tex liner for waterproofing, plus insulation, the aim is to stop water getting in and heat getting out while you ride. And based on our test in seriously cold, wet weather (at least for the UK), they really impressed, putting them up there with the best winter mountain bike boots on the market. 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 shoesThe 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. 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. Providing superior breathability and supple coverage, the Microtex upper offers a lightweight composition that moulds to the foot geometry with a supportive fit, preventing unwanted movement and cramps. Laser-cut to promote airflow, the upper material effectively manages both temperature and moisture throughout sweat breaking rides so you can push to your full potential without distractions. So just like the best gravel bikes, the best gravel bike shoes often feel subtly different to kit designed specifically for other riding disciplines.

This olive green version of Sidi’s premium Jarin is aimed at the gravel market. At 760g for a pair of size 45s, it sheds over 100g from the weight of Sidi’s previous range-topping off-road shoes, but has the same replaceable grips protecting the carbon sole. The fit of a gravel shoe needs to be snug but not tight, comfortable but not loose. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that pulling the fastenings tighter will overcome a shoe that’s slightly too big, or that you can wear in one that’s too tight.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. 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 gold standard is the double Boa, which allows you to independently tighten the forefoot and instep. In our experience, this creates a fit that’s both secure and comfortable, yet stays solid throughout your ride. Uppers 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. 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.