Starting with their mid-level road and mountain bike shoes as a base, the new Fizik Artica R5 road and Fizik Artica X5 mountain bike shoes build extra insulation and a full sealed, waterproof breathable shell onto it for winter protection.
The outer cover is easy-to-clean and waterproof, including the zipper, but uses a breathable membrane to let vapor escape. It’s bonded to the outer to create a seamless shell that protects from wind and water at every angle.
Inside, it closes up with a speed lacing system not found on any of their other shoes, but a welcome design here since the shell hinders full access for something like straps, laces or dials.
On the bottom is a carbon composite (road) or carbon-injected nylon (mountain) outsole topped inside with a winter liner that has an aluminum foil layer underneath a fleecy top. The combo reflects and holds your body heat to keep you warmer.
The Artica X5 mountain bike version adds rubber lugs for traction while hike-a-biking. Otherwise the shoes are nearly identical.
Claimed weight is 380g for road, 463g for MTB. Retail on both is $200, available in limited sizes as of this post (which means, check to see if your shop or distributor has already ordered some and has more availability than Fizik’s website – 40-48 available, with half sizes up to 47, men’s sizing only).
For less severe conditions, check out their new top-end road, gravel and mountain bike shoes from Eurobike.
