Fizik Ergolace 2 GTX: The shoe for riding when the weather doesn't cooperate.
When it comes to waterproof MTB shoes, we often think of heavy, highly structured winter models. The Fizik Ergolace 2 GTX takes a different approach: it's a shoe designed for those who ride in rain, mud, and wet conditions, but want to maintain a relatively lightweight and versatile fit, suitable even for longer rides and sections requiring walking.
The second generation builds on the concept of the previous Ergolace GTX, but introduces some interesting changes. The last has been widened, especially in the metatarsal area, to allow for greater toe freedom, while the construction has been streamlined and made less bulky. The sole has also been changed, now featuring a Vibram Megagrip compound and a more aggressive tread pattern, designed to increase grip on loose, muddy, or uneven terrain.
The upper uses a ripstop fabric combined with a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane, designed to keep out water and mud without turning the Ergolace 2 GTX into a boot. The closure system is deliberately simple, with laces and a lace lock, while the version we tested is the clip-in version, designed for use with clipless MTB pedals.
On paper it's a shoe that seems particularly suited to trail riding, adventure, e-MTB, and rides in variable weather conditions. But waterproofness, comfort, off-bike grip, and pedal behavior need to be tested in the field. And that's what we did.
Specifications
| Weight | 415 gr |
| Upper | Ripstop fabric resistant to tears and rips |
| Membrane | GORE-TEX Invisible Fit |
| Sole | Composite nylon + Vibram Megagrip rubber |
| Compatibility | MTB clip-in pedals |
| Cleat adjustment | No |
| Stiffness index | 4 |
FIELD TEST
Whenever I test a pair of Fizik shoes, my first impression is inevitably about the style. Clean, distinctive lines, well-chosen color combinations, and, overall, that "cool" feel that distinguishes many of the brand's products. It might be a matter of personal taste, but I really like the Fizik style.
Now that we've covered the fashion side of things, let's move on to what really matters: how do the Ergolace 2 GTX perform on the pitch?
Fit and comfort
The first impression is very positive. The fit is excellent and the foot is well-supported, without feeling constricted or particularly pressured. Even after several hours of use, the comfort remains high, which is far from a secondary aspect for a shoe designed for all-mountain and longer outings.
I find the lace-up closure a perfect choice for a shoe of this type. It maintains a clean line, distributes pressure evenly across the foot, and, compared to more complex and protruding systems, is also less susceptible to potential impacts against rocks, roots, or the ground.
Sure, it takes a few more seconds to put the shoe on and take it off, but we're really talking about just a few moments: a perfectly acceptable compromise considering the simplicity and reliability of the system.
When you have to get off the bike
The sole immediately gives a good feeling of safety. It offers excellent grip on uneven terrain, and I also appreciated its ability to absorb impacts while walking.
It's not a shoe that makes you feel awkward as soon as you set foot on the ground. And for a product designed for all-mountain use, this is crucial: exploring inevitably means finding yourself, sooner or later, pushing or carrying your bike.
Comfort remains very good even after several hours, confirming the Ergolace 2 GTX's vocation for long days in the saddle.
Pedaling
An all-mountain shoe must strike a challenging balance between comfort, the ability to transfer power to the pedals, and sensitivity when descending. And this is precisely where the Ergolace 2 GTX convinced me the most.
Fizik claims a stiffness index of 4, so we're deliberately far from the values of the most racing shoes dedicated to XC. However, this doesn't mean having an excessively soft sole.
Its construction allows for a natural walking motion, while also limiting flexion during the pedal stroke. The result is a powerful yet comfortable ride, particularly beneficial for long distances.
The non-excessive stiffness also helps reduce the stress on the arch of the foot that I personally sometimes feel when using very stiff shoes, especially after several hours of pedaling.
Sensitivity in driving
Even on descents, the behavior is convincing. The shoe wraps the foot well and allows for precise control of the bike, while maintaining excellent sensitivity under the sole.
This is important because it allows you to better understand what is happening under your feet and to use your ankles and legs naturally while driving.
The version we tested is designed for clip-in pedals. The space dedicated to the cleat is well-sized, and during the test I encountered no interference: clipping in and out occurred naturally and with sufficient freedom of movement.
GORE-TEX: not just when it rains
The GORE-TEX membrane does its job and is one of the main reasons to choose this version of the Ergolace.
I'm not just thinking about rainy days. In all-mountain riding, you often encounter wet trails, puddles, water-laden grass, or small streams and fords. In these situations, having a good barrier against water ingress makes a real difference, especially when you still have several hours of riding ahead.
PROJECTED IMPACT
The Fizik Ergolace 2 GTX is a well-built and above all very balanced shoe, ideal for those who interpret MTB as exploration, regardless of whether they have an e-MTB or a full-size mountain bike underneath them.
It allows you to pedal efficiently without sacrificing comfort, leaves good ankle clearance during the various phases of the pedal stroke and, when it comes time to dismount, offers enough sensitivity and control to steer the bike with precision.
Added to this is a sole that allows you to actually walk when needed and the protection of the GORE-TEX membrane when conditions get more complicated.
It's not a racing shoe, and it doesn't claim to be. Its strength lies precisely in its compromise: stiff enough for good pedaling, comfortable enough to spend many hours in, and sensitive enough to have fun when the trail slopes downward.
For those looking for a clip-in shoe for trail, all-mountain and exploration, especially with long outings and unpredictable weather conditions in mind, the Ergolace 2 GTX hits the mark very well.
