Fizik’s Gravita Tensor flat shoe is intended for downhill and enduro use but does stray slightly from the traditional gravity shoe blueprint. It has a comfortable fit yet provides excellent protection with a sturdy sole. Pedal grip isn’t the best and the sole is a little stiff for a lot of off-bike walking however the shoes are well-made and impressively comfortable while riding.
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Fizik Gravita Tensor Flat shoes - Technical Details
Starting with the most important contact point, the sole. It's made from Vibram’s XS Trek Evo rubber compound. It features a large pedal contact area with the toe and heel having a sharper tread for more walking grip. The outsole has a stiffness index of two – for those who haven’t heard of stiffness index, two is low on the scale and is designed to have a degree of flex to help mould into the pedal for maximum grip. A full-on road shoe would have a stiffness index of 12. The inner sole features arch support and shaping to provide a stable base that stops the foot from rolling inside the shoe.
Moving to the upper, the shoe is designed to be minimal and lightweight but sturdy where required. This is achieved using tough ripstop fabrics which are durable yet forgiving. A TPU-reinforced toe box provides protection and improves durability. Protection is also considered for the ankle with an extended inner-ankle profile that features extra padding.
The shoe is fastened with traditional laces that are slightly offset to sit flatter across the top of the foot. A Velcro strap adds to an already secure fit.
Available in sizes EU36-48 (UK3-UK13) and three colours (black, black/red and grey/turquoise) there should be a size and style to suit anyone.
Fizik Gravita Tensor Flat shoes - Performance
The fit is snug but comfortable, hugging your foot in the right places. A padded neoprene-like liner makes it feel like you’re putting on a sock, it's a little tricky to get your foot in but the upside is a very secure and comfortable shoe.
Pedal grip is average, not exceptional but satisfactory. The Vibram rubber doesn’t feel quite soft enough to let the pedal pins dig in but I did find the sole isn’t too stiff which allows the shoe to deform into the pedal. On prolonged descents, the sole is stiff enough to support the foot without transmitting unwanted vibrations from the bike.
Whilst off the bike the shoe stiffness is noticeable, I found my heel would lift when pushing the bike up steep hills and I’ve noticed the foam on the inside of the heel area has started to wear. It is worth noting I have walked a lot in these shoes which has exacerbated the wear more so than you’d see through usual bike use. The off-bike grip is great on rocks and roots but does clog in thick mud.
With a generous amount of rubber around the sole, the waterproof qualities are great shrugging off shallow puddles with ease. The fabric upper is water resistant fending off splashes however the neoprene ankle and tongue let the water in thanks to the breathing holes. This same neoprene inner takes a little longer to dry out, particularly in the toe box underneath the ripstop fabric.
Cleaning the shoe is easy enough with the outer fabric and rubbery materials scrubbing up well. I did find the neoprene inner and ankle pad like to hold on to the mud more hiding in the breathing holes.
Sizing was exactly as expected with my go-to size fitting comfortably.
Fizik Gravita Tensor Flat shoes - Verdict
Retailing at £175, the Gravita Tensor is certainly not a cheap shoe. However, I’d argue the quality and performance go some way in justifying the price tag. In a saturated market, the competition is strong with many other options around a similar price such as the Ride Concepts TNT shoe which is £15 cheaper. Liam rated these highly, particularly as a winter shoe commending them on their grip and tough build. Another option for £15 more is the Crank Bros Stamp Trail BOA shoe, alongside the ease of the Boa dials, the grip and comfort are excellent. At this price range, these shoes cannot be overlooked.
The Fizik Gravita Tensor flat shoes are a well-made, high-quality option. The inner sock-like design provides a very comfortable foot-hugging fit and the sole stiffness is excellent for pedal contact without being harsh. The on-pedal grip is a little lacklustre but the sole makes up for it with a comfortable and stable platform. A solid offering but, if ultimate grip on the pedals is your priority, look elsewhere.
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