The Terra Powerstrap X4 is one of Fizik’s more modestly priced best gravel shoe offerings, employing their very own take on a traditional Velcro closure system. Without a Boa or ratchet buckle in sight, I was interested if this paired back design could still perform when the tarmac ends and the gravel adventures begin.
Design and aesthetics
The headline feature of the Terra Powerstrap X4 Gravel shoe is no doubt the ‘Powerstraps’ themselves. Fizik has developed its version on a traditional Velcro Closure system. Instead of any Boa or other ratchet-type buckles, the X4’s two wide nylon webbing straps are anchored at the base of the shoe and then wrapped around the uppers to achieve an enveloping and secure fit. The X4 outsole is a basic fiber reinforced Nylon affair, which still scores 6 out of 10 on Fiziks in-house stiffness index and has been designed for pedaling efficiency and comfort when avoiding tarmac. The sole has a grippy rubber tread which nicely envelopes the 2-bolt cleat area allowing for uninhibited walking and has a simple heel pad at the rear. The lack of any aggressive tread pattern strongly points towards the gravel market that the X4 is directed at.
The single-piece uppers are made from a durable synthetic material that has a limited number of perforations to allow for ventilation whilst still protecting against mud and rain. The reinforced toe area has additional protection on the outside to keep the uppers looking good after a few hike-a-bike escapades.
The padding on the inside is minimal and has printed silicone dots at the heel to help prevent heel lift when pedaling.
The Terra Powerstrap X4’s are available in the Mud Caramel color that we have on test and a Grey, Black or a mixed Grey/Black option.
Performance
I’ve used Fiziks before and know that the size 43 fits me well. For comparison, I’m also comfortable in a size 43 Shimano and Sidi. The Terra Powerstrap X4 is a nice-looking shoe, and it’s good to see an alternative closure system on the market. I can see the Velcro-based Powerstrap system making a lot of sense if you’re heading into the wilderness unsupported. Without any protruding buckles to get damaged by rock strikes or mishaps, the X4s should make for a very reliable option.
I’ve been testing the X4s for 3 months on gravel and light XC rides ranging from 1 to 5-hour duration, paired with Shimano SPD pedals. From the start, I found them extremely comfortable with no breaking-in required. The Powerstrap design certainly makes for a comfortable and secure fit, and I didn’t feel any pressure points when riding. The strap that criss-crosses the front of the foot does a great job of enveloping the forefoot. The only downside I can see is that adjusting the tension on the fly isn’t as easy as a Boa-type buckle but is still doable.
For general gravel riding the sole is stiff enough to keep a good pace and has enough compliance so that you don’t feel too jarred through your feet when things do get a bit hectic off-road. If you’re like me and like to push yourself on the climbs, then you may find the sole stiffness to be a little underwhelming which leads to unwanted flex at the midsole when going for it. If this is a concern for you, then Fizik has plenty of the other stiffer options in their gravel lineup.
The tread on the sole is quite grippy but lacks the bite of a lugged profile found on the best MTB shoes. The cleat is nicely protected, and queuing up at the café for your Latte is uneventful. If you find yourself in muddy or slippery conditions, then keep riding as far as you can, as the X4s won’t be offering you much grip if you do land up hike-a-biking. The small grippy pad underneath the heel would also have benefitted from being larger to give more stability when off the bike.
Verdict
The X4s have been easy to live with during the test period. They dry out reasonably quickly and clean up well with a brush and damp cloth. In hot conditions, the lack of ventilation panels or more dedicated perforations could lead to them running a bit hot, but in my opinion, the protection they offer from puddles and mud is worth it. They’ve been comfortable to use throughout testing but are a little lacking on the stiffness index for me personally. This won’t be a concern for everyone. If your riding takes you into the wilderness, then the reliable Velcro closure could be a ride saver, and if you're honest with yourself about your power output, then the Terra Powerstrap X4 could be a great choice.
Tech Specs: Fizik Terra Powerstrap X4 Gravel Shoe
- Price: $169.99 / £159.99 / €159,99
- Weight: 710g per pair (size 43 tested)
- Sizes: Standard and Wide fits available: EU 36 (US 4.5, UK 4) to EU 48 (US 14, UK 13.5)
- Colours: Mud Caramel (Tested), Grey, Black, or Grey/Black
