Fi’zi:k has a new mountain bike shoe available this season that promises a lot of the performance of their top end XC shoes in a much more affordable package. Designed to cross over from singletrack to gravel bike riding as well, the Terra X5 offers more options than most of their other shoes, both in looks and construction.
Fi’zi:k Terra X5 Suede mountain & gravel bike shoes
The new Terra X5 is unique in Fizik’s line-up, with offerings in either natural suede or their standard Microtex synthetic. Their thinking is that riders from all disciplines need a performance shoe to work with mountain bike shoes. But many riders prefer the fit and breathability of natural materials, while others need the weather resistance of synthetics. We got an early look at the suede shoe back at Eurobike, but now have full details now that they are available.
The 175€ Suede version claims improved resistance to cuts & scrapes, while Fizik also says they maintain good water resistance. And of course you get natural material stretch & improved breathability. The X5 Suede still lets you pick the look you are going for. There’s either the stealth anthracite gray upper paired to a black sole, or the more exciting military green + fluorescent orange combo.
Fi’zi:k Terra X5 Microtex mountain & gravel bike shoes
The 159€ Microtex version saves a couple of grams (although oddly claimed weights remain the same for both). The synthetic shoes add a breathable mesh liner inside that impermeable Microtex fabric. The synthetic does promise to keep its shape better over time, and through repeated wetting & drying. The stiffer upper also is said to offer a bit of protection from flying trail debris.
The Synthetic shoes come in two black versions – one fully stealth & a second with red accents – or a gray upper paired with fluo yellow details.
Tech details
In either case, the Terra X5 shoes all share the same injection molded carbon sole construction (a step up from their carbon reinforced nylon sole). That offers a balance of pedaling efficiency and off-the-bike walkability. Also probably making them a good option for real-world usability for trail riding, gravel biking, or even cyclocross where some walking is pretty much unavoidable. Both get insole ventilation & the same laser perforations across the upper.
A single Boa L6 dial across the asymmetric tongue and a forefoot velcro strap handle closure. The outsole features widely spaced lugs that should offer reliable grip and self clearing. Claimed weight for a single size 42.5 shoe is 282g, with half sizes available now from 40-47, plus a 48.
