Fizik R1 Uomo Classic Shoes (Black)

It is quite rare that a product comes along that really catches our eye, yet the new Fizik R1 shoes have not only caught our eye but also convinced half the staff to buy a pair!

Firstly the shoes are different, unique even in today’s market. Most shoes are constructed of synthetic materials and look like something you would consider wearing to the moon rather than jumping on your bike. The Fizik R1 is completely the opposite; the shoes exude traditional Italian style and attention to detail, the clean black leather uppers and the sailcloth straps are reminiscent of the shoes of old, whilst the lining of the tongue bears the Italian flag to remind us of the shoes’ heritage.

The traditional detailing is not however at the expense of technology. Starting from the bottom up the soles are constructed of a multi directional high modulus carbon fibre which makes them obscenely stiff under load, we would challenge even the strongest sprinters to make the Fizik R1 flex. The soles are unusually complex for a set of cycling shoes, Fizik term this their ‘3D-flex’ sole which has strategically placed areas of different fibres to blend comfort with optimal power transfer. The centre of the shoe is the usual high modulus fibre which is what gives the R3 its stiffness whilst two softer ‘Mobius’ carbon fibre rails run down the sides to keep the heel in place and provide a little softness where the sole transitions to the upper. Finally at the heel a U-shaped composite piece again ensures that the heel is kept in place.

The uppers are as mentioned before all leather, but not just any leather. Indeed the Fizik R1 is handmade from Kangaroo leather, some of the softest and most supple leather around which means that it will shape to your foot after a few rides and become the most sublime shoe you will have ever worn, coupled with this the Fizik R1 features an advanced semi rigid insole designed by Sidas. The insole is both heat mouldable in certain areas to ensure a perfect fit and in others a fibre composite ensures that the foot will not move about, avoiding discomfort (think how uncomfortable it is when the chamois on your shorts moves underneath you) and maintaining maximal power transfer. Memory foam makes up the underside of the front of the insole in order to prevent an uncomfortable pressure upon the ball of the foot, finally the insole is covered in a cotton and polyester sheet to keep the foot cool, dry and comfortable.

The straps of the Fizik R1 are made of sailcloth which is both waterproof and more importantly stretch proof, the main buckle is also adjustable in length in order to accommodate different foot shapes. These beautiful straps are tabbed with ‘Fizik’ logoed zink to complete the finished appearance and the ratchet uses a stylish looking moulded carbon buckle. Underneath the straps the tongue is generously padded to again improve the comfort, this is removable to give a more direct feel and replaceable with special a technolgel  strip for those who like not to feel their straps at all.

The heel cup in the Fizik R1 is reasonably narrow to ensure a perfect, snug fit and to hold the foot in place when really laying down the power. As one would expect with an Italian shoe the midfoot is fairly narrow, although the toe box is more spacious than we expected. Coupled with the adjustable straps these shoes fit remarkably universally, plus which the super soft kangaroo leather will form to your foot over time to give the absolute perfect fit.

The Fizik R1 is overall all about the perfect blend of comfort, performance and style. These are a shoes you could ride for hundreds of miles in and not have the slightest complaint, even when it comes to the sprint at the end. Even when the race is over and you are relaxing in the coffee shop you can be safe in the knowledge that you are the most stylish rider for miles around.