Fizik has announced at this year's Eurobike a new ultra-breathable lightweight shoe, which debuts the brand's stiffest carbon race sole to date as well.
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The new Vento R2 shoe uses an upper material called ‘Aerowave’, which combines a TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) material with nylon ribbon to create a 3D woven upper.
Fizik claims this material offers unparalleled support where needed, combined with elasticity and stretch in areas where your foot requires more give under pressure.
The weave is notably open, so this should be a very breathable shoe. Fizik let slip that prototypes of this shoe are currently being ridden at the Vuelta, and from just looking over it and holding it up to the light, the amount of aeration in the upper is impressive.
Closure is handled by its outwardly simple Powerstrap design. This stretchy, elastic Velcro closure is about as minimal as it gets; we’ve tried it on its budget Tempo R5 Powerstrap shoe and come away impressed by its even tensioning and stay-tight fit.
The woven upper is 3D mapped and constructed seamlessly before being bonded to a carbon outsole. This sole uses unidirectional fibres and a 3D formed shape that integrates a supportive spine, with substantial channels passing through it for cooling.
The sole also features cleat mounts with a wider range, allowing the cleat to be positioned further back than on previous shoes.
Fizik claims that this is because the traditional cleat position hasn’t really shifted since the inception of clipless pedals; with the advent of modern race bike geometry and the prevalence of short-profile saddles it now needs more range of adjustment, with the more forward position of modern bikes putting stress on the knee. This can lead to not achieving either optimal power or potentially putting yourself in danger of injury.
Fizik claims that the Vento R2 is its lightest ever shoe at 209g. Our sample size 44 shoe tips the scales at 233.9g, but this isn’t the final production model, so perhaps a gram will be optimised here or there.
The sculpted sole features a prominent replaceable heel bumper and a fixed toe bumper to protect that stiff UD carbon. Due to the manufacturing process, it’s only available in a stealthy black finish at this time.
Fizik has confirmed pricing at £334.99 / €350 / $400 and the shoe should be available by December.
