The Fizik Nanuq GTX shoes were introduced in the year end of November, just in time for the start of the cold season, at least according to the calendar. In practice, winter temperatures have already been waiting for another month, so we are now ready to present their test.
Details about the Fizik Terra Nanuq GTX
- GORE-TEX Koala membrane
- BOA fit system
- Ripstop fabric: abrasion and cut resistant
- X2 outsole: Vibram rubber
- Sole stiffness index 3
- Weight measured with Crank Brothers cleat, size 42.5: 499 grams per shoe.
- Sizes: 36-48 (37 to 47 also in half sizes)
- Color: Black-Gray
- Flat pedal version available
- Price: €279
Fizik Terra Nanuq GTX on the trail
I have always been happy with the fit and comfort of Fizik shoes, both on MTB and road bikes. The Nanuq GTX are no exception: the 42.5 is perfect for my foot, which is also the shoe size I usually wear. Even if you wear winter socks like that Fox defends winter I didn’t have any annoying pressure points, even though the shoe can be divided into two almost separate parts: the Goretex boot and the neoprene part at the ankle.
The former is rather stiff at the edges, the latter is very soft and is closed with a zipper on the inside of the foot, which faces the wheel. The construction of the bootie is almost similar to a boot: very robust, with a reinforced toe and heel and a Vibram sole that makes it very easy to walk even in the snow. Added to this is a very breathable yet waterproof Goretex membrane with a fast and strong Boa system. When you slip your foot into the shoe, you will need to slightly lift the part under the Boa laces as the material is stiff.
As you can see in the photo, the channel for the cleat is long and allows me to put it in a more backwards position, which I prefer so as not to strain my calves on the descents while being able to his uphill pedaling well. In this context, it must be said that the rigidity of the sole contributes greatly to transmitting power to the pedals, without dispersion due to too much flexibility.
I put a washer under the Crank Brothers pedal plate that’s 1 millimeter deeper than Shimano’s, and engaging and disengaging was always easy with no chance of the sole getting caught in the Mallet E’s pins. There are actually no signs of wear on the rubber around the slide. When walking, the cleat does not touch the ground. The Vibram compound is quite hard, but on the other hand it is a quick release shoe and the surface on the pedal provides the necessary grip.
I told you about the robustness of the Fizik Nanuq GTX: despite the low weight, these are shoes with which you can ride enduro without any problems. The front part is very solid and perfectly protects the foot from impacts with stones or stones thrown from the front wheel. If we really want to see a weak point, we will find it on the Boa wheel, which, however, can be easily replaced in the event of a break. The Boa system, on the other hand, is very practical for fine adjustment when pedaling, but only in the direction in which you tighten the laces. To release the tension you need to lift the wheel, so it’s not the bi-directional boa.
Now we come to the big question: Do they keep your foot warm? The answer is yes, with a hint through the neoprene part on the ankle. While the Bootie is actually one of the best winter shoes I’ve ever tried, the neoprene again presents a problem I’ve found in the past with shoes that offered the same solution: it’s not breathable and creates moisture around the ankle Driving uphill. Moisture that then freezes as it descends. The breathability of the Goretex part including the insole definitely alleviates the problem, especially when riding uphill with the zipper open.
Another disadvantage of neoprene is that it is not waterproof. So while the bootie does its job well and keeps water out, splashes that reach the ankle penetrate the shoe. The neoprene prevents snow from entering from above as well as mud or other foreign objects, also because it fits tightly around the ankle after the zipper is closed. It is then very soft, allowing the ankle to move freely when pedaling.
Fizik Terra Nanuq GTXs are ideal for use at temperatures below 6-7° Celsius, otherwise they will get too warm, even with non-winter socks.
