When the weather gets a little worse in autumn and the sunny days are slowly but surely replaced by dingy, rainy days, you need one thing above all else on your bike: (waterproof) shoes! Fizik has presented the new Terra Ergolace GTX, which is available in two versions: the shoe comes as a flat version and as a clip-in model for click pedals.
Previously, Fizik already had the Terra Ergolace X2 in its programme, but not with the waterproof Goretext membrane... and yes: in many colours from the range of natural tones. Now the MTB and gravel shoe looks fresher and is especially made for wet autumn tours.
UPDATE (07/11/2023): Fizik has now launched a special edition of the Terra Ergolace GTX. It bears the name: Terra Ergolace GTX PEdaled x FI'ZI:k. It is the result of a collaboration between Fizik and the manufacturer of chic - some say hip - cycling clothing, Pedaled. The brand, which was founded in 2007 by Japanese designer Hideto Suzuki, exists together with other brands such as Fizik and Crankbrothers under the umbrella of the Selle Royal Group.
You can find our practical experience with the production model further down in the article (new from 09.11.2023)
The special model of the Fizik Terra Ergolace is identical in construction to the existing clip-in shoe. However, Pedaled has turned the design a little more towards autumn, falling leaves and natural tones.
Fizik Terra Ergolace GTX: Made for off-road tours
The Fizik Terra Ergolace GTX has - as the GTX suggests - a waterproof and breathable, three-layer Gore membrane, which is also integrated into the rubber sole. Damp feet - the end of many an autumn MTB tour - should thus be effectively prevented. The Fizik MTB shoe is also said to be particularly robust with a sturdy toe cap and tear-resistant fabric.
The midsole should provide stability and cushioning, while the rubber tread should ensure good grip in all ground and weather conditions. The fabric and outer skin of the shoe should have a structure that is tear and abrasion resistant. The laminated toe cap and side reinforcements are designed to provide additional protection and increase the durability of the shoe.
The flat version was specially developed for flat pedals. Its lug pattern is designed to match the arrangement of the pedal pins and thus guarantee optimum grip. Even when the bike is not rolling, the shoe should provide secure grip on various surfaces such as smooth stones.
The clip-in version is said to have an extended cleat track with more offset to offer more flexibility when choosing the clip-in position. The click version of the Fizik Ergolace also has a coarse cleat profile.
The flat version of the bike shoe weighs 363 grams, while the click-in version weighs 389 grams. This is slightly heavier than the existing X2 model without the Goretex membrane. However, your feet stay dry.
Fizik Terra Ergolace GTX: Well laced?
With its ergonomic lacing system, the Fizik Terra Ergolace GTX is designed to fit many foot shapes and adapt to the foot. Thanks to its supportive fit and lacing system, it should offer optimum support.
Fizik Terra Ergolace GTX: model variants and prices
The Fizik Terra Ergolace GTX is available as a flat and clip-in version in the colours Antracite/Black and Grey/Black. The bike shoe is available in sizes 36-48 (37-47 also in half sizes) and costs 189 euros as a flat and clip-in version. The Terra Ergolace-GTX special model PEdALED x fi'zi:k Clip-in Dark Red costs 210 euros. According to the manufacturer, the clip-in cycling shoe weighs 389 grams, the folding pedal shoe 363 grams.
The Fizik Terra Ergolace GTX in a practical test
We knew that MTB shoes for winter in white wouldn't stay white for long, but there was a little hope... Well, we already had dark stripes that remained after the second ride. But that's just the look, because the Fizik Terra Ergolace is designed to impress with its functions. The asymmetric lacing and the waterproof Goretex (GTX) membrane give the shoe its name.
The first time you put them on, the sewn-in tongue presses against the instep. To ensure that the shoe is waterproof right up to the edge, the flap must also be sewn in at the sides, otherwise the water will run in through the lacing. Here, however, it forms a thick crease that now pinches. But the all-clear: it only does this at the very beginning, after that the tongue is softer and fits quite well - but if the Fizik MTB shoe is laced tightly, it can still pinch or even chafe sensitive feet.
On the other hand, the Terra Ergolace immediately convinces with pleasant warmth without being sweaty. You'll want to keep wearing it even after the ride. This is thanks to the breathability of the Gore membrane. In the rain, of course, they stay waterproof as you would expect. At least up to the shaft, where water can run off the trousers if in doubt.
On the positive side, the sole is not too stiff when walking. On the other hand, the rubber is not very soft, so that at least the test pedals (Xpedo and slightly better: Nukeproof) can't bite into it very well. On the other hand, nothing slips on wet ground or stones (even tiles!) and the Fizik also provides good grip on forest floors.
Conclusion on the Fizik MTB shoe
Somewhat sensitive to dirt in the white version (there is also the dark-coloured version and the Pedaled special edition). The grip on the test pedals was okay, but very good when walking. The Fizik Terra Ergolace GTX are comfortable on the feet, not too heavy and ensure dry and warm feet. The price of 189 euros is good compared to the Shimano GF800 GTX or the Shimano EX9.
>> In our test series BIKING IN WINTER: Waterproof winter shoes put to the test you can find more MTB shoes. <<
Maik Schröder
Editor
