Fizik has updated its Ergolace off-road shoe with lower weight, a grippier outsole and an updated shape.
According to Fizik senior marketing manager, George Huzford: “Ergolace has always been the shoe people reach for when the ride might not have a fixed agenda, when there’s a bit more curiosity in the plan.”
There are flat sole and cleat-compatible versions of the Ergolace 2, which use different sole units, developed by Vibram specifically for the new shoes.
These have separate walking grip and pedal contact areas, with shorter lugs in the midsole for improved pedal contact, and more aggressive heel and toe lugs.
Fizik says that rather than the usual “faster and stiffer” claim, the new Ergolace 2 shoe is designed for longer distances and durations. It rates the clipped-in version, which incorporates a nylon shank, at stiffness 5 and the flat-soled shoe at stiffness 2.
Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane option
The Ergolace 2’s upper is made from breathable ripstop nylon, which Fizik says is low in weight and quick-drying. There are non-waterproof and waterproof versions of both the flat and cleat-compatible shoes. The waterproof shoes include a Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane that Fizik says is being used for the first time outside running and hiking shoes.
The shoe incorporates PU-laminated sections to avoid damage in high-wear areas. It has a tongue-less construction, as is also used in the latest Ferox 2 off-road race shoe. Fizik says this helps avoid pressure hotspots over the top of the foot, while providing breathability and a lighter, more flexible feel.
The shoe, as its name suggests, uses an Ergolace closure, which is asymmetric, to help keep the laces out of the chainrings. The tightening cord has a Speedlace toggle that, unlike a conventional tied lace, enables the shoe to be tightened and loosened while riding.
New wider forefoot area
Fizik is moving progressively to a wider forefoot shape for its shoes, including the Ergolace 2 and the recently launched Lyra road shoe and Ferox 2 off-road race shoe. It claims this gives the foot more room to move naturally under load and improves comfort both on the bike and off it.
Fizik’s brand director, Alex Locatelli, says: “With Ergolace 2, we focused on making a shoe that feels better the longer you use it. That meant rethinking the shape to give the foot more space, simplifying the upper to remove anything unnecessary and keep weight as low as possible.”
Fizik Ergolace 2 sizes, weights and prices
The new Fizik Ergolace 2 is available in sizes from 36 to 48, with half sizes from 37 to 47. Without a Gore-Tex membrane, Fizik quotes a 352g weight per shoe for the flat-soled shoe and 406g for the cleat-compatible version in an unspecified size.
With a Gore-Tex membrane, the flat-soled shoe has a 370g claimed weight per shoe and the cleat-compatible shoe 424g.
The non-membrane shoe is available in three colours and priced at £149.99 / $149.99 / €149 for both the flat-sole and cleat-compatible versions. With the Gore-Tex membrane, there are two colours and the shoes are priced at £189.99 / $189.99 / €189.
