Fizik launches Terra Arctic GTX shoe for deep winter rides
Fizik's Terra Arctic GTX are cozy, waterproof Gore-Tex kicks for winter mountain biking and gravel riding
If you refuse to let winter get in the way of your mountain and gravel riding then you will know how important it is to keep your feet warm. Cold toes will quickly ruin a ride but the best winter MTB boots will make sure you are still enjoying the trails when the weather turns foul. Fizik's new Terra Artica GTX is an insulated clipless shoe with a Fore-Tex membrane to keep the water out.
Fizik has designed the Terran Artic GTX's for all off-road winter riding from gravel to downcountry. The upper is made from high-density PU upper and Ripstop fabric and visually the shoe shares many design cues with Fizik's Terra Atlas with a single L6 Boa closure, and X5 nylon outsole. The sole itself is rated as a five on Fizik's stiffness scale, this might not be the stiffest but it strikes a balance for riding and walking performance.
There are some obvious additions to the Terra Artic GTX to make them winter-ready. Most obviously is the high ankle cuff with a velcro strap for a close fit to try to stop water running down into the shoe.
Inside is where the real winter-proofing happens though, Fizik has specced Gore-Tex's Koala membrane which is said to be insulated, waterproof, and breathable. The inside is fleece lined to keep your toes cozy when the temperatures plummet.
Fizik states that the Terra Artic GTX weighs 432g per show which is pretty light for a winter boot, that said, the weight doesn't include the footbeds and Fizik doesn't say what size they weighed. Fizik will offer the Terra Artica GTX in sizes between 36-48, with the inclusion of half sizes between 37 and 47 if you want the perfect fit. The shoe comes in two color choices, Black or Grape.
If you are looking for a winter boot for the road, Fizik has launched a Tempo Artic GTX version with all the same insulation features, a slightly stiffer sole and fittings for a three-bolt road cleat.
Both the Terra Artic GTX and Tempo Artic GTX shoes are available now and will retail for $259.99 / £249.99 / €259.
Graham Cottingham joined the BikePerfect team as our senior tech writer in 2020. With over 20 years of riding experience, he has dabbled in downhill, enduro, and gravel racing. Not afraid of a challenge, Graham has embraced bikepacking over the last few years and likes nothing more than strapping some bags to his bike and covering big miles to explore Scotland's wildernesses. When he isn’t shredding the gnar in the Tweed Valley, sleeping in bushes, or tinkering with bikes, he is writing tech reviews for BikePerfect.
Rides: Cotic SolarisMax, Stooge MK4, 24 Bicycles Le Toy 3, Surly Steamroller
Height: 177cm
Weight: 71kg
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