Fizik Vento Overcurve X3 MTB Shoes

Fizik has a reputation for performance, fit and design when it comes to footwear. My preferred road shoe of choice is the Infinito R1, so I was curious how the MTB iteration would translate to off-road charging. I’ve been spending a lot of time on the BMC Agonist — an XC Marathon style short travel rig — and was looking to pair it with a high-performance XC shoe. The stand out of the line to me was the Vento Overcurve X3. Fizik makes some of the best-looking cycling shoes around—and while that isn’t the main reason I’m a fangirl, it’s definitely a bonus.

Like all of my Fizik shoes, the Vento Overcurve X3 strikes a nice balance of sleek design, packed with technology and comfort.

Features

Designed in collaboration with professional cyclists
X-Road: engineered to perform off-road, from singletrack to gravel roads and everything in between
Microtex upper: supple yet strong and durable for a comfortable and consistent fit
X3 outsole: carbon injected race-stiff interface with a durable TPU tread
Overcurve asymmetrical construction designed to ergonomically conform to the foot’s anatomy
Boa IP1-B dial and lace closure
Compatible with two-bolt MTB cleats
Listed weight: 288 grams (size EU 42.5 – per shoe)

On the Trail

In terms of fit, I’m running a size EU 40 in Fizik shoes. I like my clipless shoes to be slightly longer (from my flat pedal shoes) and prefer the fit of a US women’s size 9 (I’m normally an 8.5).

The one-dial Boa system is a nice upgrade from the old-school lacing system. Being able to adjust the fit and feel with a twist takes but a second. I often play with the tension to make sure they’re uniformly tight, and definitely felt like my feet get sufficient support. I have bony ankles so I was thrilled the shoes did not rub against them due to the asymmetric upper design— the staggered collar tracing wraps the ankle comfortably.

The carbon outsole provides a light, stiff and responsive feel on the pedals but they aren’t so rigid that wearing them on long rides becomes uncomfortable. When climbing out of the saddle, I never wanted them to be any firmer, they offered plenty of power transfer. That being said, I felt equally comfortable on descents and technical terrain—I never felt like my foot was stuck firmly in place to the point of it being uncomfortable. These are comfortable right out of the box.

Shoe pedal combo is very important to me, and these pair flawless with my pedals of choice. (Shimano XT pedals PD-M08020 and PD-M8000)

I’ve been impressed by how well they performed across a variety of riding. Not to mention the traction, versatility, comfort, responsiveness, and weight. They’re also incredibly easy to clean. If you’re in the market for a high-performance XC shoe, put them on your short list of shoes to check out.