Gravel racing is growing exponentially, with events like Unbound gravel and the Traka both being staples in any gravel racer's calendar while attracting riders from all around the world. Off-road racing and gravel, especially, has its own demands on shoes, and Fizik reckons it's got the answer with the new Vento Powerstrap Aeroweave X kicks.

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Built to be the lightest and most breathable shoe on offer, the snappily named Powerstrap Aeroweave X ushers in some fresh tech from Fizik. Namely is the updated Aeroweave construction. Rather than a TPU, or similar, that we're used to seeing on all kinds of shoes, Aeroweave takes a mesh-like form, or literally, a weave, (they and others have been been using this form of construction on road shoes for years), that combines nylon fibres with filaments of thermoplastic polymers in a bid to create a shoe with an upper that doesn't stretch and deform over time.

2025 fizik aeroweave 2.jpg, by Liam Mercer

While we're certain that this upper will allow water into the shoe, we're told that it's not absorbent. So even on the wettest of days, the shoe should stay lightweight, because the water will run back out again… well, apart from what your socks soak up.

Found on its Vento Powerstrap Aeroweave road shoes is that Powerstrap closure. Gone are laces, zips, speedlaces, and dials; instead, it's good, old-fashioned hook and loop. However, Powerstrap claims to be more than just a bit of Velcro, as the Powerstrap wraps around the foot. There's a second strap at the midfoot too, for a customised fit. For this shoe, Fizik says that it has managed to make this tech lighter and stronger.

2025 fizik aeroweave 3.jpg, by Liam Mercer

Moving onto the outsole and the shoe employs Fizik's X1 Carbon Outsole that sits at a 10 on the brand's stiffness index. That's then finished off with a rubber tread over the whole of the outsole for traction when walking. That outsole is complete with a pair of removable studs for increased grip off the bike.

As for weight, Fizik claims that a single shoe with the footbed in place comes in at 285g and the shoe is available in sizes EU36 to 48 and in half sizes.

If you're in the market for a set of mega racy off-road kicks, the Fizik Vento Powerstrap Aeroweave X will set you back £330.

• www.fizik.com

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