Fizik X5 Terra, Men's Cycling Shoe

Product Information

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.

Bridging the link between rider and bike, the Fizik X5 Terra MTB Shoes provide a durable construction suited to all-terrain rides. With protective materials and an adaptive fit, these shoes prove to be an excellent choice for the trail rider wanting a lightweight upgrade.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.

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.’ 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. 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 Compared to road shoes, gravel shoes are designed for walking comfort and are a bit more forgiving. They also differ from many road shoes in that they use two-bolt mountain-bike style cleats as opposed to three-bolt road cleats. Sidi’s microfibre uppers are tough with decent weather protection, and there’s still good ventilation from the laser-cut pinhole vents.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. A camp by the Linn of Dee was lovely, beautiful sunshine at sunset and a few whiskies were had, it also is in the middle of a figure of eight route wise so you have options.

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.

Features

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. Underneath, there is a stiff carbon sole, which we found avoided hotspots and was still forgiving on long rides. There are three main sections of rubber to provide a reasonable level of grip. So just like the best gravel bikes, the best gravel bike shoes often feel subtly different to kit designed specifically for other riding disciplines.

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. Giro’s Sector is an undemanding shoe to wear, and its comfort from the off allows you to get on with the job of bother-free riding. David Caudery / Immediate Media 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. 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.

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 shoes