The Tempo Beat is like no other cycling shoe I’ve ever seen. For a start it looks, dare I say it, fashionable, and by that I mean it has a vibe that even people who know nothing about cycling will find attractive. With its sleek, low-profile lines, brightly coloured laces and funky, vibrant gel soles it looks every inch the must-have, minimalist sneaker.
White is the most outrageous colourway available, not least because the fabric upper will start collecting grubby marks from the moment you slip it on. To my eye, at least, it’s also the most desirable. The way the gel sole transitions from bright orange at the toe to deep purple at the heel is eye-catching enough, but I love the way that Fizik’s designers have mirrored the gradient on the upper with orange laces and a purple collar. The effect is hardly subtle but thankfully Fizik has exercised some restraint - any more colour and the Beat would have ended up looking like a complete dog’s dinner.
