Review: fi’zi:k Vento Powerstrap Aeroweave Movistar Team Shoes

When it comes to the technology used in cycling shoes for the highest-end models, we are now much more accustomed to the essential micrometric buckle, or more exceptionally laces, rather than Velcro straps. So, is it a new fashion phenomenon? Original design? Something new in the air? The most newly appropriate solution? Or just another pair of shoes in the closet, completing the collection, but never to be used? I quickly stopped racking my brain for the answer, and when in doubt, I seized the opportunity offered by fi’zi:k to try on a model worn by Movistar riders and see what it was all about. Here is the review of the fi’zi:k Vento Powerstrap Aeroweave.

By Jean-François Tatard – Photos: All rights reserved

And yes, the famous Italian firm does offer an option solely with Velcro straps on its new model. And after all, we did see the return of laces for cycling shoes some time ago… and ultimately, we had sufficiently investigated on 3bikes.fr to demonstrate concrete benefits. So why would it be any different for the model, now a favorite of Movistar riders, offered by fi’zi:k, with Velcro straps?

The least we can say is that the Movistar Vento Powerstrap Aeroweave is a purely competition shoe. It is lightweight, and from the first use, you can feel that it is very breathable. The one we tested is exactly the same in every detail as the one used by the riders of the famous Spanish team, and it’s easy to see why. With a very high-strength mesh upper, it also provides an extremely breathable reticulated structure in the vamp. As for the R2-Carbon outsole, it ensures high rigidity and lightness, perfectly suited for power transfer to the pedals. And finally, the famous Velcro straps wrapping the foot: they allow for a pleasantly snug fit that I had undeniably underestimated before trying them on.

The Aeroweave

Thanks to the materials used, fi’zi:k has managed to significantly reduce weight and increase ventilation. And the achievement may be having succeeded despite this in maintaining the support and protection that are among our main requirements when wearing such a high-end shoe. And this, thanks to this technology called Aeroweave. It is actually an advanced woven fabric composed of lightweight nylon fibers and thermoplastic polymer filaments. The Aeroweave has an open, reticulated structure that is both extremely airy, very resistant, and very strong. Even socks can be visible through it. But beyond this aesthetic detail, the least we can say is that it effectively holds the foot in place and offers the necessary support for a racing cycling shoe as we practice it.

A look at the Velcro

The Velcro closure, ingeniously composed of two straps, wraps around the foot and offers a very secure hold. The instep and metatarsal are separately adjustable for a personalized fit and compression. The straps have been optimized to make them particularly lightweight and particularly resistant.

The Velcro straps provide a very effective hold, to say the least. We expected it, but not to this extent, to be very honest. And the second positive point compared to laces is that you can readjust the Velcro if needed while riding. Nothing to say, the adjustment is easy and the hold is excellent.

The R2 sole

The R2 sole is lightweight and boasts a stiffness index of 10/10 according to the Italian brand’s standard. A wide ventilation slot and deep internal channels ensure air circulation, which should be appreciated when the hot weather returns.

This applies to almost all fi’zi:k soles. A graduation is present for cleat positioning, but the mounting holes are also oblong. This allows for a wider range of adjustments. A good point for those who, like me, have never been satisfied with a single adjustment and regularly reposition their cleats.

The fit

Fi’zi:k shoes generally run a little larger and wider than some of their competitors, such as Shimano, Sidi, Specialized, or Bont, for example. No need to size down, but this ensures you get the “true” size, the one that corresponds to your usual city shoes.

Our opinion

Fi’zi:k engineers have succeeded in offering us an ultra-light shoe with this model that sacrifices nothing in terms of foot support and provides exceptional pedaling performance. It is also incredibly breathable with an innovative fabric, interlacing lightweight nylon fibers that give the impression of a net-like structure. The Vento Powerstrap Aeroweave also secures our foot well with a simple but ingenious configuration of the lightweight and reliable hook-and-loop strap system that brings the two sides of the upper closer together. Another advantage is a much more aerodynamic finish than a traditional strap system. The sole offers incredible responsiveness, with power transferred to our pedals with exceptional efficiency.

By favoring Velcro in the design of the model, its probable usefulness for triathlon was also necessarily considered. But after reflection and a few kilometers, we changed our minds. Indeed, in this case, the donning tab at the back, which ensures quick donning during transitions, may be missing. It therefore remains a cyclist’s shoe. And more precisely, a competitor’s.

In short, the Powerstrap concept, combined with the other materials used in the design of the fi’zi:k Vento Powerstrap Aeroweave, whether in the sole, mesh, vamp, or upper, impressed us in terms of efficiency. This makes it a supreme shoe for competition. Indeed, thanks to the stiffness-support-lightness triptych, when faced with the need for a sudden acceleration, you are quickly rewarded with immediate energy return. Similarly, its ultra-breathability keeps us away from the risks of overheating. And so now, finally, only our real physical limits still hold us back… But otherwise, we won’t be able to say it’s the shoe’s fault if performance isn’t there.

SEE ALSO: All our Gear articles