The Fizik Terra X5 Suede Shoes are a variant of the standard Terra X5s. Fizik has replaced their standard Microtex material with suede for a more stylish look and more compliant feel. The shoes are light, stiff without being tough to walk in, and tough while still being breathable. Theyll take to cyclocross like they were born to ride it, then show comfort in cross-country, and look for a bigger hit bike just because riding is that much fun.

The sole of off-road shoes reveals the shoes purpose. Stiff, and its for racing only. Flexible, and it is ready for extensive walking. the X5 sole is a carbon composite. Stiff, but still comfortable for some footingrunning over barriers as well as hiking through segments too tough to ride.

The tread pattern is one that several Fiziks share. Its got enough rubber for walking, but not so much that it resembles a hiking shoe. And, if youre doing cross or facing a muddy course, there are threaded inserts for spikes, which must be sourced separately.

The upper is built of out of Fiziks Microtex. Its tough and light and doesnt stretch, and looks good even after extensive use. The toe and heel areas receive extra protection as thats where scuffing is most likely.

The closure system is a Boa/Velcro mix. The single L6 Boa dial per shoe pulls at three points to evenly snug the shoe around the upper foot. The single Velcro strap is a set-and-forget to adjust the volume around the lower foot.

A single 42.5 Fizik Terra X5 shoe weighs 282g.