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Steve Horstmeyer
November 20, 2021
Narrow last means little wiggle room with thick socks
FIT:I wear size 8 Width D/E and have a high arch.I purchased size 9 and the fit with medium weight socks is good but with a light/medium weight combination there is not enough room in the toe box to easily wiggle my toes and that means circulation issues are a good bet on a long or all-day ride.The speed lace string system makes it easy to secure the shoes even with gloves on and the string tab stows with out discomfort under the zipped upper.Even with my high arch zipping the upper is easy and because the zipper is not holding the shoe on your foot, it is only keeping the elements out, it does not squeeze my foot and restrict circulation.I have not yet ridden in wet conditions but the upper is very effective at keeping cold air from penetrating into the shoe.TEMPERATURE:On a ride at 50°F - comfortably warmAt 38°F - comfortable no hints of chilly toes.At 27°F - after 35 minutes toes slightly cool but not uncomfortable.All rides were a 45min commute to work with one pair of medium weight socks.WALKING:Comfortable and easy much like wearing medium-topped hiking boots.CLIPPING IN AND OUT:I use older Time ATAC pedals and clipping in and out is fast and easy, while riding the shoes are secure.RATING:I gave the Fizik Arctica X5 five stars because the workmanship and material quality are excellent.Putting the shoes on and taking them off is fast and easy. Most importantly they are warm into the 20s F. The Arctica X5 performs as promised.WISH LIST:Wider versions of the last for a larger toe box.
✔ Verified Purchase
Winter cycling in Chicago!
These shoes are amazing. I'd been suffering through numb toes in my summer shoes (with double socks and shoe covers). No more! I'd compare the warmth and waterproofing to a ski or snowboard boot; on the coldest days, you'll still feel a chill, but they're definitely good at what they're made for.The five stars are for the shoes, not the buying experience. I ordered a men's 12 because, when I clicked on that size, it showed up as "Fizik X5 Artica 43 Shoe, Black (X5ARTIC18-1010-43)." I usually wear a 41 and figured I could work with a 43 because they were SUPER discounted (down to $67). I wasn't sure whether I'd get a 12 or a 43, but with free returns, I gave it a try. I was thrilled when 43s arrived, but if I really needed a men's 12 I would have been very disappointed.Sizing up allowed me to add an extra insole (any additional separation from the cleat is a good thing in my book!) and double up my socks (one very thin synthetic layer and one SmartWool layer). This system worked, and I'd still have room for toe warmers if I needed them. They're obviously too big compared to what would be ideal - if I wasn't discount hunting, my regular size (41) or one size up (42) would be perfect.Amazon sizing issues aside, huge shoutout to Fizik for making it possible for me to ride in the depths of winter!
✔ Verified Purchase
Warm. Waterproof. Poor quality zipper. Total loss of $194
Was excited to get this boot for the wet, cold winters here in the PNW. The boot seems solid, it was waterproof and kept my feet warm and dry. Zipper was always a bit hard to close, especially around the foot-ankle transition. Bought these in Feb 2020. It is April 2022. This morning on my commute ride, the zipper split. I had to struggle to get my foot out of the boot. Cannot re-zip the zipper as it is well stuck at the top. Complete loss for this shoe...not sure how I am going to pedal back home. I will probably have to cut the zipper at the top so I can get my foot back in to ride home. Giving one star because of quality. At this price, this kind of thing should not happen.
✔ Verified Purchase
Great winter bike shoes if it has a correct size as described
Great winter bike shoes with enough insulation and full coverage all the way to the ankles. However, the size is ridiculously off. I have ordered a US 10 and this was what Amazon stated in the order description. What I have was US 8 1/4, which was way off from US 10...The product itself seems awesome, but I am unable to keep this due to the wrong size (I was laughing why people were furious about its size chart, but now I fully understood their frustration).At least, the return process was so easy (drop off at Whole Food Amazon return section), and refunds were done immediately. I expect Amazon should put more clear information on its size and ship the matching item at least (10 vs. 8 1/4, seriously??).
✔ Verified Purchase
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Ian Preston
November 25, 2018
Just what I hoped they would be
I never buy footwear online due to the variance in sizes, but I was determined to end cold toes and needed the most options for the best price. The fit is slightly on the larger side which is a welcome variance as it allows for thicker socks if desired. I only have 30 miles on these, so far, but they do the trick. I did 20 miles in mid-40 degree sunny weather with just tube socks on (the kind you find in the supermarket) and my toes were okay but not warm. They were colder than that when I put the shoes on and they got slightly warmer as the ride went on. Figuring starting warm makes a difference, I tried medium weight wool blend socks on the next ride with warm feet when I put them on. This ride was 10 miles in steady rain at night in upper 30-degree weather. With water coming down and up from puddles, my toes were warm the whole trip and my feet were completely dry when I took them off.
✔ Verified Purchase
Zipper just does not feel reliable
I had Fizik X5 Artica for only 10 days and was not happy with the zipper. I am 56 and had lots of zipper failed on me and this one was just a matter of zipping (time). I also did not like the fact that the zipper and all of the stitching was only a single stick and non were sealed/glued. Now i know why folks mention in reviews that they are not water proof.I really loved them. i just wish they worked out. They fit perfect and looked great. I just hope all the defects are taken cared of.
✔ Verified Purchase
