The Infinito X1 is Fizik’s top spec, über-pricey cross-country race shoe, designed to withstand the rigours of tearing round a gnarly track with your heart rate at maximum.
To do this effectively they need to be light, stiff, comfortable and have a certain degree of toughness/durability, because no one wants to break a shoe during a race.
After a full year with the X1s, I can safely say they tick all of those boxes, but they’re by no means perfect.
Fizik Infinito X1s out of the box
My size 45 Fizik Infinito X1s with Shimano cleats weighed in at 880g for the pair — that’s light, but by no means the lightest high-end cross-country shoe available.
The outer is made from a laser-perforated Microtex upper, which comes in a subtle matt black. Two Boa IP1-B dials spread pressure evenly around the foot.
The sole is made from unidirectional carbon fibre, which is covered with some tough and aggressively shaped lugs, hopefully providing that much-needed grip during muddy races.
So, bar their relative heft compared to other high-end shoes, the X1s look pretty nice, but the proof’s in the riding, so it's time to hit the trails.
Fizik Infinito X1s on the trail
I’ve tested plenty of XC shoes over the years and the X1s are up there with the best in terms of fit. They’re relatively narrow, but not as slim as a Sidi and perhaps not as spacious as a Shimano, so I’d say they fit somewhere in the middle.
The heel cup has a rubber gripper on the inside, which, combined with the easily adjustable Boa dials, means they feel secure and I never feel like I'm wasting energy with heel slip when riding hard.
I think the Fizik Infinito X1s strike a nice balance between comfort and stiffness
The Boa dials and the wire lace system combine to spread pressure evenly across my feet, and the fit feels spot on, with no hot spots or sore points during long rides. Simply put, my feet have no complaints after a full year of testing.
Bear in mind, though, that shoe fit can be very specific from brand to brand, so I’d always recommend trying on before you buy, just to make sure the Fizik suits the shape of your foot.
The carbon sole is plenty stiff, but not quite as stiff as a Shimano S-Phyre or a Sidi Tiger. This is neither good nor bad. If you like your shoes with a touch more compliance, the X1s could be a great shout, but if you like them unforgivingly stiff, then perhaps look elsewhere. I think they strike a nice balance between comfort and stiffness, and none of my energy is being wasted in a flexy sole either.
The X1s' toughness and durability is impressive. I often moan on BikeRadar about the fact that high-end XC shoes don’t come with replaceable lugs on the soles. When you’re paying top dollar, I expect shoes to last a long time, and forgoing replaceable lugs drastically shortens their lifespan.
The Fiziks are no different, the lugs aren’t replaceable and that makes me sad… However, the fixed lugs have lasted significantly better than other brands I’ve tested, so while they’re not perfect, I’ve been surprised by the sole’s longevity.
The outer is equally durable and the matt black Micotex upper has yet to succumb to any rips or tears, no matter how sketchy my riding gets.
The Infinito X1s are incredibly expensive and slightly heavy compared to the competition, but I've been thoroughly impressed with their performance and comfort. Make the lugs replaceable and they'd be nudging five stars.
Fizik Infinito X1 specifications
- Materials: Laser-perforated Microtex
- Outsole: Full UD carbon with rubber studs
- Closure system: Infinito closure system with double Boa IP1-B dials
- Insole: Infinito footbed
- Weight: 294g (size 42.5)
- Sizes: 36–48
