The Fiziki Terra Powerstrap X4 ain’t no standard shoe. Designed for the most non-standard of riding, these gravel-focussed shoes are built to handle all conditions.
Words: Cyclist
Groading, gravel grinding, graventure, gravelleuring – Fizik just call it ‘gravel’. The Terra Powerstrap X4 completes the line-up with a dedicated gravel offering that’s built to withstand the rigours of off-road but while maintaining the elegance of a road shoe. The Terra Powerstrap is the new model and it’s purpose built for off-road adventures.
Like most gravel products, the Terra Powerstrap X4 appears an amalgamation of Fizik’s latest road and mountain bike models. The Powerstrap, first spotted in early 2019, is now a staple during the road season for riders of Movistar Team. Velcro straps on first glance seems like an odd choice but Fizik insist this ain’t no run of the mill variety. In a lot of ways it makes sense too. Velcro is easier to use over laces, it’s less susceptible to damage than dials and downright simple, light and secure. Got mud? No worries. These things won’t be giving way even when the conditions turn less than ideal.
Fizik claim the Terra Powerstrap is more comfortable than more traditional laces or BOA dial configurations too. The two Powerstraps wrap around the foot and the lower strap is adjustable both towards the toe, instep and midfoot. The result is a more secure hold that holds the foot more comfortably over just pulling the uppers together at the top.
Cyclist doesn’t has only vague details on the upper construction but from what we can gather from other Fizik models, we assume it’s Microtex. The laser perforations keep it breathable, flexible and help to keep the weight acceptable while the MTN tech crosses over on the underside. The outsole blends Nylon for comfort with a rubber tread over the top for maximum grip. A detail on the sole leads to an assumption that it’s also carbon injected like the Fizik X5.
This sneak peek leaves Cyclist hungry for more and a few questions that need answering. Stay tuned as we attempt to resolve a few of our suspicions over the course of a full Fiziki Terra Powerstrap X4 review.
fi’zi:k Terra Powerstrap X4 shoes stats
Price: $269.95
Construction: X4 Nylon outsole, rubber tread, Velcro closure.
Cleat compatibility: SPD 2-bolt
Weight: 292g claimed per shoe (size EU42.5)
Stiffness: 6
Sizes: EU36-48
Colours: Black/Black, Mud/Caramel, Anthracite/Grape
More details and where to buy: Fi’zi:k website