Fizik has lightened up their shoe line both in weight and color. The top of the line R1 is now available in white. Where the original black color was full kangaroo leather, the white model has a glossy Microtex inner panel on the upper. Same price as black $400.
In the foreground is the new R3 SL with a full Microtex upper and a broad 15K carbon weave sole that requires less resin to save weight. It’ll also have titanium D-Rings for the straps. Shaves 35g off the regular R3 to come in around 230g per shoe. Straps will have alloy only on one of them. MSRP will be $350 versus $300 for the regular R3.
The 15K weave is simply beautiful and much more striking than the 3K weave used on their other shoes.
The construction of the shoes is very similar, it’s mainly materials that differentiate them. Compared to a ~400g or more weight for the R1 shoes, the R3SL brings their shoes into the range of race-level offerings from other brands.
The R3SL will come with their standard insoles. They have a dense foam pad over the cleat area to mitigate road buzz that can fatigue the feet. The heat moldable inserts of the R1, which use a memory foam panel, are available as an upgrade separately.
Fizik says they’re now working on a mountain bike shoe, but no timeline is given.
