TESTED: Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon Shoes

Words and Photos: Mike Blewitt

Fizik have no signs of resting as they continue to improve and expand their range of equipment. Recently, they have created series to categorise their equipment. Gravita for gravity, Terra as all-terrain, Tempo for most road gear and then Vento – the range devoted to racing, be it on road or off. The new Vento Ferox is a race shoe for cross-country, gravel and cyclocross use, it it pulls features from a couple of Fizik shoes I have used in the past, with a few nice updates as well.

A closer look

The Vento Ferox Carbon pairs a synthetic upper to a stiff carbon midsole with moulded rubber lugs and instep. The outsole tread is quite open and aggressive, and there’s room for toe spikes to suit cyclocross racers. The design is for performance, not sauntering around, hence the aggressive lugs are to get you up or down something so steep you can’t ride it. The cleat pocket is long and the slots allow a big range of adjustment, far more than Fizik have offered on some previous models.

The upper is a polyurethane coated mesh, with extra reinforcements around the toe and at the heel, adding strength to high impact areas. The material is light, strong, breathable and fast drying – exactly what you want for a shoe aimed at cross-country, cyclocross and gravel racing.

The upper is secured using Fizik’s PowerStrap closure across the top, and a fas tLi2 BOA dial for the lower closure. Both run over a vented and padded tongue for comfort.

Fit and setup

The long cleat pocket is a huge bonus for anyone looking to get their fit just right to suit their riding and biometrics. The cleat pocket is generous to help clear mud, and the guide on the base of the sole can assist getting the setup just right.

I have a really wide foot, and being Italian most would suspect that Fizik shoes would be narrow. I find they’re pretty middle of the road, but I do rely on a little stretch to make them comfortable. I’ve used Fizik shoes with the PowerStrap before, and it is rock solid, but it’s also worth making sure it’s not too tight – it’s very easy to reef down on for a secure fit. The BOA dial is fast release, so these are a fast shoe to put on and remove, which could be a bonus for those off road multisporters out there.

On the trail

The Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon gave me no surprises. The cleat pocket allowed for easy engagement, and even in a boggy cyclocross race the shoes never missed a beat with getting in and out. They clear mud out of the pocket exceptionally well.

As for stiffness, they are A1. Fizik have an arbitrary rating of 10 but the fact is these are a full-carbon midsole for excellent support on a small pedal. The rubber lugs felt grippier than some XC shoes on wet rock, so that’s a bonus if you need to get off and run a section of trail.

The synthetic upper may have a mesh-like appearance but it has been bombproof over a couple of months of use. These shoes went on local rides, 4 hour rides at rocky and wet trail centres, and cyclocross races ahead of a jetwash clean up. They scrub up easily and dry fast, and have no signs of wear or damage.

The only downsides would be fit for some riders. I did find that the woven mesh style material doesn’t have the give that leather or synthetic leather has to account for my 4E width feet. This meant on a 4 hour ride I ended up pretty uncomfortable, to the point that putting the same shoes on again the next day brought the discomfort back immediately. This is no fault with the shoe, but it is worth being aware of if you have notoriously wide feet.

I really liked the mix of the PowerStrap and BOA dial for retention, it adds another element of long term durability for crashes in stage races where you may not have immediate access to a replacement BOA kit, as even if you trashed the lower BOA, the velcro PowrerStrap will still be functional.

RRP: $519.95

From: Advance Traders

Hits:

• Light, strong and stiff
• Fast drying
• Durable

Misses:

• Doesn’t suit wide feet