fi’zi:k Vento Stabilita Carbon Shoes Review

Positioned at the very top of fi’zi:k’s range, the new Vento Stabilita Carbon shoes feature an original arch support strap designed to ensure more efficient pedaling. Did they deliver?

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: @3bikes.fr

With the Vento Stabilita Carbon, fi’zi:k offers an advanced and original support system (Dynamic Arch Support 2.0), with an arch support strap in addition to a now well-known closure system with two Boa Li2 dials. This is a large adjustable strap attached to the sole and wrapping around the inside of the midfoot. An adjustment that aims to be even more customizable according to the Italian brand thanks to a two-part enveloping upper, which allows for differentiated tightening between the instep and the forefoot, to meet the needs of a maximum number of foot shapes.

This system is designed, according to the brand, to adapt to the anatomy of the foot and prioritize its stability, with the aim of not wasting power with unnecessary movements during intense pedaling phases.

This very high-end model is based on a carbon sole with a stiffness index of 10/10 according to the brand’s standards, a sole almost identical in structure to that of the Vento Infinito Carbon 2. The main difference with the latter model concerns the absence of an air outlet channel on the Vento Stabilita. The brand also indicates having slightly moved back the cleat mounting holes compared to its other models, in order to meet the requirements of high-level riders. As usual with fi’zi:k, the arch of the sole is not very pronounced, thus favoring “flat” pedaling.

=> SEE ALSO: fi’zi:k Vento Infinito Knit Carbon 2 Review

For the upper, fi’zi:k chose a combination of laminated polyurethane and mesh, to ensure good support for the upper and good breathability while avoiding annoying overlaps and creases when tightening. The heel rises quite high and is enveloping, without being too rigid at first glance. Small silicone inserts prevent the foot from slipping during effort and ensure good support.

As with the Vento Infinito, the insoles are well made, with light padding under the metatarsal support, but without the sophistication of custom models. 

Finally, regarding the fit, fi’zi:k shoes run true to size, with a shoe size that corresponds to street shoes. So there’s no need to go up a size, as is sometimes the case with competing models. Even if they are not initially designed for wide feet, the Vento Stabilita Carbon adapt quite well to differences in volume, thanks to their adjustment system. The Boa closure is very precise and powerful, in both directions, and the cable routing limits the risk of pressure points on the top of the foot.

Very effective support

The upper part of the closure with the strap coming from the sole immediately provides a firm and quite rigid tightening. The foot is perfectly supported and seems to connect directly to the pedal, and above all, very stably. This is particularly noticeable during out-of-the-saddle climbs or sprinting. However, the upper part of the upper, above the tongue and on the instep, is particularly rigid, which can be more or less comfortable depending on the type of riding. Cyclists most engaged in effort will appreciate this feeling of firmness on the top of the foot. Note, however, that this firm contact with the upper does not cause any particular pain over the kilometers, and that the layers of material overlap without creases, which helps to avoid sensations of blood circulation cutoff and associated tingling.

All the foot supports in the shoe promote excellent transmission of pedaling power, without the slightest loss of energy. The heel, which rises quite high, effectively traps the foot, and there is no feeling of collapse or slipping at this level. The Vento Stabilita Carbon are indeed the stiffest shoes in the fi’zi:k range. 

While the upper material shines with its ease of maintenance and a look that remains consistent with the first day, the front part seems to have loosened a bit after almost three months of intensive use. With a foot that is not particularly strong in this area, the shoes need to be tightened more to obtain the same support as on the first day.

Their very high price places the Vento Stabilita Carbon directly in competition with other very high-end shoes such as the Specialized S-Works Ares, which also offer a particularly innovative heel and instep support system. At this level, the choice will primarily be guided by the model that best suits the foot shape and the initial sensations during fitting.

=> SEE ALSO: Specialized S-Works Ares Shoes Review

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