We spotted new shoes from Fizik back in February's UAE tour. Though then it just looked like another lightweight race shoe with a knitted upper.
Now that the details of the new Vega shoe have been released, it's much more than that.
The Vega’s construction is unlike any previous Fizik shoe in that they’ve embedded the stiff carbon outsole inside of the shoe. Rather than the standard method of bonding a carbon outsole to the upper.
Fizik says that in developing this new construction method, they’ve been able to greatly reduce the stack height at the cleat area, leading to claimed improvements in pedalling efficiency.
Natural shape
Fizik claims it also means improved stiffness (though the Vega’s stiffness rating remains 10/10 on Fizik's scale) and better foot support as the carbon base is ergonomically shaped to your foot. Fizik says they start the new shoe development from the ground up, designing the outsole and footbed as a single unit.
The redesigned contact point has meant a straighter axis of the shoe's shape and a reduced drop from heel to toe. They claim this new shape gives a more natural feeling when pedalling.
The Vegas upper wraps completely around the foot with a carbon plate enclosed within. It’s more of a base to the footbed than a traditional outsole.
The stiff carbon sole being hidden within the shoe and protected by a full polyurethane cover should make the Vega easier to walk in, with a replaceable heel bumper and toe bumper, it should provide lots of protection too.
Multi-material upper
The Vega’s upper uses a blend of materials with a woven fabric called Aeroweave meshed with a thin translucent material, which they say creates a much lighter shoe. At the same time, the upper remains compliant and close-fitting. The inner of the shoe is a foot-wrapping bootie made from a highly perforated Airprene material to add comfort and breathability.
The midfoot and heel cup are reinforced with a bonded material that adds stiffness and stability.
The upper has a more generous toe-box than previous Fizik shoes. Just one of the adjustments made with the new last was developed around the integrated outsole.
Adjust to comfort
Adjustments are made using twin BOA Li2 dials. The upper dial uses a short wire anchored to a ribbon. This controls the fit around the instep, the lower dial adjusts the volume around the medial (middle) part of the foot.
With a claimed weight of 239g, a shoe (size 44) + 20g for the footbeds, the Vega is a lightweight shoe.
The shoes are available in Sizes: 36-48 (37 to 47 also in half sizes) and in all-white, and the white/blue/yellow Fluoro of Team Movistar.
The Vegas are priced at £389.99 / €390.00 / $469.99
