Terra Atlas
Herminia Remmen
The Fizik Terra Atlas represents an entry-level option in the growing best gravel bike shoes segment. While it blurs the line between cross-country and gravel use, they're not the cheapest option around and the overall performance is lacking in a number of areas. The sole is flexible, which may aid walking but certain other areas can't quite match the competition.
The Terra Atlas has a slightly wider last (the mechanical form used to create the shoes) than the brand's standard road shoes, which are generally regarded as narrow. In terms of dimensions, it sits between the standard and wide-fit models with a generous toe box, giving plenty of wiggle room, not to mention space for thicker socks during the colder months.
The shoe is available in a wide range of sizes ranging from EU36 to 47, while also catering for half sizes from 38.5 to 46.5. This generous spread allows for a more precise fit - especially if you find yourself between sizes.
Fizik has a size guide online and this proved to be accurate. Compared to other brands, I found them to be slightly longer, so I'd suggest potential buyers check out the size guide before pulling the trigger on a new pair.
This pair, in size 41, weighed in at 710g without cleats. Considering many options in this highly competitive category weigh upwards of 800g, the Fizik Terra Atlas are reasonably light for a cross-country/gravel shoe.
The Atlas features a single Boa dial, which is the basic L6 version complete with incremental adjustment for tightening - there is no reverse adjustment. To decrease, or remove the shoe, the Boa needs to be pulled upwards which releases the tension. A single Boa is not uncommon with entry-level shoes but there are many brands that offer more adjustment at the same or lesser price point.
The first thing I noticed with the fitment was a pronounced ridge that is on the outer edge within the mid-foot area. While not uncommon for Fizik, there is no noticeable arch support and the insole is very basic with little padding and no profiling.
The sole is fabricated from nylon and is rated at 5 on the Fizik stiffness index scale which goes up to 10. To put this in context, it translates to a lot of flex and is particularly noticeable within the forefoot area. This may be of use in hike-a-bike scenarios but, for a shoe that will almost certainly be used with a dedicated clipless pedal, the lack stiffness is apparent and, in some instances, can make things very uncomfortable.
The heel area has several silicone gripper spots that aim to hold the heel in place, but they are nowhere near as effective as Shimano's cat-tongue-like fabric heel area. The Boa dials and area that fastens everything in place are positioned quite forward on the shoe, which at times, gives the sensation that your foot is slipping out.This is especially noticeable when pedalling out of the saddle and climbing steeper terrain. I simply found I was not able to pull upwards for tougher climbs or outwards through the shoe to maximise cornering speed.
Some areas of the fit may be personal but I found I needed to run the Boa quite loose while riding to ease discomfort on the ridged area towards the outside of the foot - something that might be exacerbated should you require third-party insoles or orthotics.
If sole stiffness is not a priority, the dhb Troika are 70. There are multiple options around the same price, including the Bont Riot+ MTB which are among my favourites and have a similar wide fit, but they are significantly stiffer which won't suit all. The Shimano XC7 and Gaerne Hurricane are both within 10 with Rachael and Jim rating them highly.
Shoe fit is very personal and what might be perfect for one rider is simply uncomfortable for another. Even with that being said, the Fizik Terra Atlas have elements that don't match the price. Stiffness is poor and, while some flex can aid in hike-a-bike situations, other areas such as the basic and low-positioned Boa dial and retention, not to mention lack of heel support ultimately impacts the overall impression in a negative way.
Matt is an endurance nut who loves big rides and big events. Former full time racer and 24hr event specialist but now happy riding off-road on gravel bikes or XC mountain bikes and exploring the mountains and hills of Mid Wales.
The Fizik Atlas Mountain bike shoe is a premium footwear option designed specifically for off-road biking adventures. Crafted with the utmost attention to detail and performance, these shoes offer a blend of comfort, durability, and functionality tailored to meet the demands of mountain biking enthusiasts. Here are some key features:
Secure Closure System: The Atlas shoe utilizes a reliable closure system, such as Velcro straps or BOA dials, to ensure a secure and customizable fit that stays in place even on the most demanding trails.
Protection and Support: Integrated features like reinforced toe and heel areas provide added protection against impacts and abrasions, while supportive elements offer stability and confidence on technical terrain.
Designed to take on a variety of off-road terrain, the Terra Atlas handles everything from fast down-country laps and epic all-mountain rides to back-country adventures, overnight bikepacking trips and cross-continent endurance races.
Born from rider feedback and based on the ultra-popular, prize-winning Terra X5, fizik has balanced comfort and performance in this new addition to the line-up. Coupling a redesigned outsole with a more generous overall fit, it features a single micro-adjustable Boa closure, whilst a hidden nylon footplate ensures efficient pedalling. The rubber-coated outsole with deep-set lugs and removable toe studs also provides solid grip when hiking with a fully loaded bike, or chilling with a post-ride brew.
A true all-terrain, all-road cycling shoe designed with a more generous fit for endless comfort, from gravel tracks to MTB trails, all-day adventures to extended bikepacking escapes, for riders who know no borders.
As possibly the most versatile shoe in our entire range, the new Atlas is designed to efficiently spin pedals off-road, equally capable of handling fast and fun downcountry laps, epic all-mountain rides, long-distance backcountry adventures and drop bar gravel grinding.
Long-wearing comfort with a more generous fit than before, Atlas is well-ventilated without sacrificing protection thanks to a TPU overlay that reinforces the toecap. Easily adjusted with a practical, single-BOA closure to dial in your fit and go wherever the day may lead.
On the lookout for a clip-in cycling shoe that does it all? Designed as an all-terrain cycling shoe that covers everything from XC, trail and gravel riding, through to off-road bikepacking, the Fizik Terra Atlas fills a useful position in between super-racy carbon XC shoes and heavy-duty gravity clobbers.
For usability off the bike, the X5 outsole uses rubber tread blocks to provide plenty of traction while pushing your bike uphill. This is a big upgrade over the plastic tread that used to come on many XC shoes, and it makes the Terra Atlas much easier to live with for trail and gravel riding.
A true all-terrain, all-road cycling shoe designed with a more generous fit for endless comfort, from gravel tracks to MTB trails, all-day adventures to extended backpacking escapes, for riders who know no borders. Long-wearing comfort with a more generous fit than before, The Fizik Terra Atlas is well-ventilated without sacrificing protection thanks to a TPU overlay that reinforces the toecap.
The Green Link has now evolved and expanded into a new project: Life Terra. Its goal is to continue the work of The Green Link, and plant an incredible 500 million trees across Europe over five years, some of which will use the Cocoon. An online platform will allow people from any walk of life to plant trees and monitor their growth and survival. And landowners will also be able to offer land for planting, to give more trees more space to grow.
This project has been selected as part of MedFutures, a new content channel that maps the most innovative and inspiring solutions to the water and climate crisis in the Mediterranean and the people behind them. Atlas of the Future is excited to join forces with Aiges de Barcelona.
Fizik's Terra Atlas shoe is a true all-terrain, all-road cycling shoe, designed with a more generous fit for endless comfort. Designed for gravel tracks, MTB trails, all-day adventures and extended bikepacking escapes, for the rider who knows no borders.
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