TEST Fizik Infinito X1: The top model of the MTB shoes from Fizik proves in the test that it is also a very good choice for gravel bikers and cyclocrossers. and what you don't like about it can simply be swapped out.
What does the gravel biker wear on their feet? If you look around the Fizik program, you can come to the conclusion: not necessarily anything other than mountain bikers. Or the cross-country driver. The top model from the Italian supplier is listed in all three categories, which is not surprising - after all, the same pedal system is used in all three disciplines, and gravellers, bikers and crossers have to get off their bikes from time to time and therefore also with theirs can walk in shoes. Sure, if you're particularly stylish, you value a cool look with lacing - but that's not very practical; where function is important, people like to think about tried and tested modern technology.
Fizik Infinito X1: comfort with the figure eight
And so it is that when looking for a quality shoe for gravel (or other off-road adventures) you eventually come across the Fizik Infinito X1. It takes its name from an element that characterizes it both visually and functionally: the front BOA twist lock, whose red rope is laid in the shape of a figure eight - the symbol for "infinity" and used here to evenly tighten the foot. Together with BOA number two above, this shoe is said to provide "infinite" comfort, especially since it is specially constructed: If you turn the wheels, two layers of material are pulled over each other - unlike conventional shoes, there is no tongue over which both sides of the actual shoe flaps. This principle was invented or introduced into cycling many years ago by Mavic, at that time still with conventional Velcro fasteners that had to be pulled with force. Turning the wheel on the Infinito X1, on the other hand, means wrapping the shoe delicately around your foot, just as tightly as is necessary for a secure hold - thanks to the two fasteners, you can adjust the fit on the forefoot and instep independently of each other.
Infinite comfort, then? In any case, very, very high, especially since the shoe is a bit wider in the toe area and offers comfortable space. You can't feel any selective pressure, even when turning properly. Which is of course not absolutely necessary, because the shape of the heel cap certainly prevents the shoe from not having enough support at the back.
The insoles also have to contribute to comfort, which unfortunately doesn't work quite so well with the Infinito. The soft insole is reinforced in the area of the ball of the foot, but is also quite thin there; In the toe area, the teardrop-shaped recess in the outsole becomes noticeable after a long ride, the function of which remains unclear. However, an aftermarket insole à la Solestar can easily be accommodated in the shoe, which makes it look really perfect in terms of fit.
The outsole: stiff and grippy
Of course, the outsole also contributes to comfort in the field. The Fizik has a strong profile and offers good grip; Two studs can be screwed in at the front, which will make cyclocrossers happy. And the robust design also inspires confidence: the toe area is rubberized and therefore impact-resistant and water-repellent, the microtex upper is 1,4 mm thick and therefore very durable. The perforations on the sides are intended to provide ventilation; Overall, however, the shoe appears rather warm - which is particularly pleasant in autumn and spring. With its relatively smooth shapes, it is easy to clean, and neither in black nor in gray does it look old too quickly.
At 350 euros, Fizik's top off-road model is quite expensive, which of course (as is so often the case) is also due to the carbon outsole. Do you absolutely need them? Probably not, especially since shoes with conventional synthetic soles are not necessarily less stiff and also not necessarily heavier – in size 44, the Infinito X1 weighs a whopping 385 grams each with insoles. What you don't want to do without after wearing it for a long time, however, is the BOA lacing, which is not available in any other shoe from the manufacturer. It is therefore worth relying on this shoe - whether for biking, cross-country skiing or even gravelling.
Click here for the Infinito X1 at Fizik
