If you ride all year round you'll know how important it is to keep your feet dry and warm. As summer riding quickly disappears over the horizon for another year, Fizik has launched a new MTB shoe that they say is guaranteed to keep you dry on those autumn and winter mountain bike rides. Fizik's new Ergolace GTX is designed to help riders be ready for whatever winter gloop they might encounter, and the brand says Ergolace GTX is a rugged, versatile, and weatherproof MTB shoe built around Gore-Tex performance.
"Guaranteed to keep you dry" is a bold claim for even the best mountain bike shoes, so I dived straight into looking at the features of the Fizik Ergolace GTX, which at first glance is a gorgeous looking MTB shoe.
Wet weather Gore-Tex protection
As mentioned, the Ergolace GTX’s weather protection comes from a new Gore-Tex Prism configuration, the shoes have a triple-layered, waterproof and breathable membrane, specifically designed to give protection from the elements and keep feet dry.
The woven fabric on the uppers is also said to be hard-wearing and resist abrasion and tearing, while a PU-laminated toecap and side reinforcements add further protection and durability. Fizik also adds that comfort is increased, with the feet Ergolace GTX designed to cradle the foot, and the fit also secured with an ergonomic lace-up closure.
There's no BOA fastening option on the Ergolace GTX shoe with both versions featuring, as the name suggests, a laced fastening system.
Trail-ready versatility
Available in either a clip-in MTB option or a flat-pedal version, Fizik says the Ergolace GTX is a do-it-all-shoe, at home on big mountain days or the local trails on the after-work ride. They also add that the shoe is designed to avoid that "bulky look" and has a slim fit that makes the flat sole version ready to, as they say, blend back into society when the riding is over. Assuming they've passed the keeping your feet dry test of course.
Both versions feature an X2 outsole which enhances the versatility of the shoe. The X2 outsole is engineered to deliver what they say is a perfect balance of efficient pedaling performance and comfort off the bike, with a stiffness index rating of 2, so ready for those muddy hike-a-bike moments.
Stability and cushioning are enhanced with a compressed EVA midsole while the Vibram rubber tread is said to deliver grip and traction, whatever the conditions. There is a directional lug pattern again designed for confident footing, with spacing and depth aimed to bite into softer soil, and made from a unique compound that they say will be ideal for gripping slick rocks while hiking.
The flat-pedal version also has a special low-profile, tapered tread pattern on the midsole that allows for what they add is an immediate, optimal connection with the best flat pedal pins. The clip-in version features an extended cleat track designed to provide more setback and greater flexibility of cleat placement.
The claims of weather protection seem to be backed up by the tech, and although we haven'y yet test the weather protection claims, we will have test reviews coming soon, so time will tell if they can handle deep winter riding.
Pricing and availability
The Fizik Ergolace GTX MTB shoes are available now in either a clipped or flat sole version. Color choices are either Anthracite / Black or Ice Grey / Black, sized from 36-48 (37 to 47 also in half sizes).
Priced at $209.99 / £199.99 / €189.99. You can check out the Fizik Ergolace GTX MTB shoe over at Fizik.com.
