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The Fizik Terra Artica GTX cycling shoe is aimed at sporty bikers who also want to train outdoors in winter. The Italians have therefore equipped their MTB winter shoes with a full Gore-Tex membrane. The inside is also lined with fluffy fleece. What the Terra Artica GTX lacks, however, is an aluminium layer in the insole, which could provide additional heat retention.
Fizik relies on classic racing genes for the profile: the profile is kept rather narrow and is therefore also used in the summer shoes. Two studs can be fitted for a little more grip. However, neither the scope of delivery nor the list of accessories on the Fizik website includes studs.
The closure is state of the art and consists of a Boa dial (the simpler L6 version) and a Velcro strap. There is a practical pull-on aid on the heel and reflective strips for better visibility in traffic.
Handling & fit of the Fizik Terra Artica GTX
Compared to most other winter shoes, the shaft of the Fizik is kept quite low. It reaches just above the ankles. Although this makes it easier to get on, it has disadvantages elsewhere. But more on that later.
The feel-good factor in the Terra Artica GTX is definitely high: fluffy fleece caresses the foot. However, they should not be too wide, as the cut of the Fizik MTB winter shoes is Italian narrow. However, there is a choice of half sizes across almost the entire range, so you can always find the right model.
The Boa lacing runs smoothly and secures the feet firmly in the shoe. However, the simple Velcro fastening provides little additional support.
Weather protection & insulation Fizik MTB winter shoes
The seamless upper material not only makes a very high-quality impression, it also reliably blocks mud and slush on the trail. Thanks to the Gore-Tex membrane, the forefoot remains comfortably waterproof - as long as it is cold and the ground is muddy.
Up to temperatures of around five degrees Celsius, even the toes remain pleasantly warm. However, if the mercury slips further down the scale, it quickly becomes chilly in the Fizik. Here, a higher quality insole with an aluminium layer could provide additional warmth.
It becomes problematic when moisture in the form of rain comes from above. The short shaft of the Fizik MTB winter shoes is often only partially covered by the winter or rain trousers and the shoes leak from above.
This happened to us twice during our test rides. The only thing that helps here is sufficiently long trousers or an additional overshoe, which makes the actual winter shoe superfluous.
Don't fancy cold or wet feet when cycling in winter? Then perhaps a roller trainer is the better alternative for you. In our article here, we provide all the important information about the different roller trainers and show you the right accessories.
This is how the Fizik Terra Artica GTX
With models from Time as well as from the Shimano SPD system range, there is enough space for cleats to be positioned individually. Clicking in and out is uncomplicated and intuitive. Overall, the connection between shoe and pedal makes a solid impression. This is confirmed on tour: the stiff sole allows direct power transmission without becoming uncomfortable.
Fizik chose a good mix of hard and soft for the rubber of the cleats, so that the MTB winter shoes also perform passably well when running. As long as the rocks and roots don't get too slippery. Then the narrow sole makes it a little unsteady on the terrain. Freedom of movement when pedalling, on the other hand, is excellent. Nothing pinches or pinches, even on long training laps.
What can the competition do? Like the Fizik Terra Artica GTX, we also had the sporty cycling shoes Shimano MW7 or Giro Blaze Winter shoes recently tested. They are also ideal training partners for race laps in cold, wet weather.
Fizik Terra Artica GTX MTB winter shoes - Info
- Price 259 Euro
- Sizes 36 to 48; 37.5 to 46.5 half sizes
- Weight 1088 grams per pair (size 46)
- Equipment (20%) Gore-Tex membrane; fleece lining; Boa fastening; Velcro strap; pull-on aid; reflective
Conclusion & evaluation Fizik MTB winter shoes
In the search for a sporty, comfortable shoe for winter training, our choice in this test fell on the fluffily lined Fizik Terra Artica GTX with Gore-Tex membrane.
Slender feet will always find the right size thanks to the half-size and the clean-running Boa fastener provides good support. In combination with the stiff sole, the Fizik MTB winter shoes transfer power well to the pedals and allow you to ride swiftly through the winter forest.
The shoe is less warm than expected - at just above zero degrees, my toes were cold. An insulating layer in the sole would provide more heat retention. The Fizik is not really made for wet days. It ends just above the ankles. This quickly creates a gap between the trousers and the shoe, allowing water to penetrate from above.
Even off the pedals, the Terra Artica GTX doesn't feel too comfortable with its narrow-profile sole. More of a comfortable racer for dry winter days with temperatures in the plus range.
Stefan Frey
Editor
