fi’zi:k has been dropping lightweight Powerstrap velcro versions of their top road & gravel shoes for over a year. But the latest Vento Powerstrap R2 Aeroweave is more hi-tech than anything else Fizik have put out to date. Adding the simple, light closure to a new open synthetic net Aeroweave upper and a new ultra stiff carbon sole, Fizik calls these the lightest, most breathable & stiffest shoes in their range…
Fizik Vento Powerstrap R2 Aeroweave light, breathable, stiff road shoes
We’ve been catching glimpses of the Vento Powerstrap R2 Aeroweave on & off since Eurobike where they won an innovation award. We correctly assumed that Aeroweave would mean improved ventilation, and that Powerstrap would help make them lightweight & probably keep the price from being astronomical. But the new second-tier R2 designation suggested they wouldn’t supplant the Infinito R1 as their top road shoes. In the end, that wasn’t altogether correct. Sure, the Infinito R1 remains Fizik’s most expensive shoe with top-level performance, and it is likely to remain the regular choice of the Movistar pro riders.
But the new Vento Aeroweaves have them beat on everything except fine Boa-dial adjustment.
Vento Powerstrap R2 Aeroweave – Tech details
The shoes feature an all-new full UD carbon sole that they call “the stiffest outsole in the fizik range” with a claimed stiffness index of 10/10. The new R2 carbon sole is said to have been developed with a UD layup that both “saves weight and delivers increased stiffness” (presumably over the R1 sole). The new sole also appears to offer more cleat position adjustability (moving rearward for better pedaling efficiency), a replaceable heel block, as well as a larger vent opening with deep internal channels for improved cooling.
Improved ventilation is of course a hallmark of the new Aeroweave upper as well, calling these their most breathable shoe. Working to increase airflow, these are the first shoes to come out of Fizik’s new Concept rapid prototype lab & advanced production division.
The net-like Aeroweave upper weaves together opposing light nylon fibers and thermoplastic filaments to create a supportive, durable structure that allows almost unfettered airflow.
On top of the new carbon sole & mesh upper, when you add in a light version of the simple Powerstrap velcro straps which are lighter than any dial or ratchet closure, you end up with a super light shoe overall. The new Vento Aeroweaves then are more than 10% lighter than the Infinito, for a claimed 205g weight per Aeroweave shoe (size 42.5).
Vento Powerstrap R2 Aeroweave – Pricing & availability
The new Aeroweave shoes sell for 350€, a bit less than the Infinito R1 but more than twice their next most expensive velcro shoe. The Vento Aeroweave is offered in black weave only (that will show what color socks you are wearing through it) and comes in half sizes from 37-37, plus 36 & 48. The new Vento Powerstrap R2 Aeroweave road shoes are available now from Fizik & their dealer network.
