Fizik unveils new woven shoe technology

Fizik has revealed new Vento Powerstrap R2 Aeroweave shoes with a net-like upper made from nylon fibres and thermoplastic polymer filaments. The new technology is said to combine impressive breathability with a high level of resilience.

There are, of course, many shoes with woven uppers out there these days, but the Aeroweave looks very open compared with others.

"Following the demands from leading professional riders to simultaneously decrease weight and increase ventilation while maintaining exceptional fit, support and protection, our technical team developed a new material used for the first time in this shoe’s upper," says Fizik.

"Aeroweave is an advanced woven fabric that interlaces lightweight nylon fibres with filaments of thermoplastic polymer: a blend of threads creates an open, net-like pattern.

"The Aeroweave upper is so highly vented that the rider's socks are visible through it, and the material is malleable, moving with the fitment system to effectively cradle the foot, but its structure results in a tenacity so strong that it delivers the support and containment required for a racing shoe at the highest level of performance."

The Vento Powerstrap R2 Aeroweave uses Fizik's new R2 carbon-fibre outsole that is designed to be lightweight and stiff... obviously; do manufacturers ever claim any different? Fizik says the R2 is the stiffest outsole in its range. It features a wide vent inlet and a deep internal channel designed to allow maximum airflow.

The cleats are positioned slightly further back than normal, the idea being "to optimise pedalling efficiency and reduce knee compression when in aggressive, aero riding positions".

The Powerstrap closure comprises two wide Velcro straps with the instep and the midfoot separately adjustable. It's a system that's already used on other shoes in the range, although Fizik says that for the Vento Powerstrap R2 Aeroweave these straps have been made lighter and stronger.

Fizik claims a weight of just 410g for a pair in EU size 42 (sizes 36-48 will be available, with 37 to 47 also in half sizes).

Vento Powerstrap R2 Aeroweave shoes, which come in black only, are already on Fizik's website but you can't buy them until 5 December 2019.

It has been a busy week for Fizik. The Italian brand has already introduced its Argo short saddle range and announced Adaptive 3D printed saddles.

www.fizik.com