TESTED: Fizik Terra Atlas Shoes
The Terra Atlas is fairly removed from the pure gravity and XC focus of those shoes, being based on the cross-country focussed Terra X5, with a little more all-round purpose built into the shoe.
Words: Mike Blewitt
Photos: Gerard Lagana
Fizik’s mountain bike shoe range has been expanding and evolving over the recent years, with models like the Gravita Tensor and and Vento Ferox Carbon winning critical acclaim – and not just from us! The Terra Atlas is fairly removed from the pure gravity and XC focus of those shoes, being based on the cross-country focussed Terra X5, with a little more all-round purpose built into the shoe. Fizik state that the Terra Atlas will suit just about any riding from bikepacking to downcountry or light trail use. So they needed to make some changes from the Terra X5 to make that happen.
For the Fizik Terra Atlas, that looks like a change to the midsole and outer sole. The composite sole of the Terra X5 is replaced with a nylon midsole, rated as 5/10 stiffness by Fizik. The outersole is a lugged rubber sole with complete coverage of the upper on the lowers, and room for removable studs at the toes. Fizik have opted for a single BOA closure, removing the small velcro strap over the toe that the Terra X5 had. The synthetic upper remains, with a supportive heal cup, pull tabs on the heal, a slim padded tongue and generous shoe opening to make it easy to get the shoes on and off. The cleat pocket is also ideally located, unlike some of the early Fizik shoes.
Fitting up
I’ve worn many number of Fizik shoes, and despite having a pretty wide EU44 foot, I find the Italian shoes to be a good fit by and large. I did remove the stock inner soles and fitted some Specialized inner soles with more support, before fitting some cleats and heading off for a 2-day, 15 hour bikepacking trip. It was easy to get the cleats in the right spot with the marks on the base of the shoe, and the fit is exactly what I expected compared to every other Fizik shoe I have used over 7 years. The single BOA held my foot in fine, but someone with a narrower (skinnier?) foot may find it hard to get it just right. In my mind, shoes and helmets are a try before you buy item – so visit your local Fizik dealer to get sizing and fit right.
On the trail
I’m used to a very stiff XC shoe for the majority of my trail time. There are infinite downsides to this for most riding, but I’m never left wanting better power transfer or getting tired feet from a softer sole. I paired the Fizik Terra Atlas with Shimano XT 8120 pedals, which have more support than their XC based pedals. This suited the trip, and the shoes – and super long days on the pedals in general.
Our ride included a lot of climbing early on, before a long, steep, rutted descent that was overgrown. We had to hike-a-bike through a number of sections, trample lantana, and contort our way through a barb wire blockade – proof enough that my route planning needs work. But it also proved the versatility of the shoe right off the bat. At day’s end, the shoes hadn’t caused any hot spots, and hadn’t slipped on my heel despite pushing a loaded bike up steep, eroded moto trails. There was no scuffing or cuts from the extensive hike a bike, thanks to the whole sole being covered, and the rubber coming up the instep and the toe bumper.
While it feels odd to remark on how good a cycling shoe is for walking, it does make a difference when you’re on and off the bike quite often. On this trip it meant I didn’t feel like someone learning to walk when entering a pub or cafe, and using the shoes for trail rides it meant pushing back up to session a section of trail was comfortable and with plenty of grip – more than the latest Specialized 2FO that I have been using.
Verdict
The Fizik Terra Atlas have a broad user group. The shoe has a svelte upper that should appeal to those who like the minimalist aesthetic, with an outsole and midsole that plays well for bikepacking and light trail riding. Anyone looking for a dedicated trail shoe is likely best to look elsewhere. I think trail riding has evolved enough that a shoe with a little more protection in the upper should be preferred – and the Gravita Tensor would be an ideal choice. But for light trail use, travel, bikepacking and more, the Terra Atlas is comfortable, easy to get the fit right, and dries fast after getting wet.
RRP: $249
From: fizik.com
Hits:
- Easy opening and closing
- Comfortable and durable upper
- Suits on and off bike use
- Fast drying
Misses:
- Could use a second BOA or further fit options for narrow feet
