For winter weather I strongly recommend winter shoes. I tend to have cold feet and these winter shoes make biking in mid 20�F temperatures much more tolerable. I wear wool socks and these shoes and can last for about 2 hours before taking a warmup break. I had tried regular shoes with shoe covers and chemical hand warmers, and these shoes are much warmer. I wear these in the same size as my summer Shimano shoes and find the fit, with moderately thick wool socks, to be good.
I just looked it up, and I've owned these shoes since 2/2020 meaning that at this point I have close to 25,000 miles on them. They've held up great, and the Tecno-3 closure system has worked flawlessly. I almost wish that I was ready for new shoes, but honestly I have no objective reason to replace these!
I've owned other brand shoes, but mostly I've owned Sidi. These are my 4th pair. At least for me, Sidi shoes have always been a great fit and their sizing is consistent from model to model. One of the reasons I'm willing to pay a little more for Sidi is that I know I can get service parts. When the heal pieces wear out, I know I can buy replacements. When straps have worn out or broken on older models, I've been able to replace them. That's refreshing in a time when seemingly nothing is serviceable!
The Fizik Terra Powerstrap X4 Gravel Shoe is a solid choice for gravel riders looking for comfort, style, and functionality on mixed terrain. The standout feature of this shoe is its Powerstrap design, which uses a unique hook-and-loop system to secure the foot snugly without pressure points. This makes it easy to adjust on the fly and keeps your foot in place even on rough trails.
The X4 outsole offers the right balance between stiffness and flex, making it comfortable for both riding and the occasional hike-a-bike. While it's not as rigid as a dedicated road shoe, it performs well on gravel, offering good power transfer and decent grip when walking. The shoe also has a stylish, streamlined look and durable materials that handle mud and dirt well.
One downside is that the shoe may not be ideal for riders with wide feet, as the fit is fairly narrow. Overall, the Fizik Terra Powerstrap X4 is a well-designed, comfortable gravel shoe that�s both functional and great-looking, ideal for cyclists who prioritize versatility and style in their gravel gear.
Firstly, prompt delivery and competitive pricing!
Now, I went to greater lengths in figuring out my appropriate shoe size. After contacting Lake and adding another 1/2 size to their measurements (including the initial 1/2 size addition in the original calculation) I ended up with a shoe that fits very well. I am glad I contacted LAKE and went with their recommendation, otherwise their would have been too small. If you are not sure and want to be sure, contact Lakes website for correct calculations and further more contact Lake directly.
Regarding these shoes, I find the leather to be supple, overall comfortable, slightly wider in the regular width, modest arch support which might not fit well for flatter feet, brutal insoles that require replacing and a fantastic Boa system without pressure points. Also, I am quite impressed with the air flow, I had my doubts but these have exceeded my expectations in the ventilation department.
