Fizik, the Italian brand specialising in high-performance cycling shoes, saddles and accessories, has confirmed the launch of the Ferox 2 Carbon shoe. Described by the company as its most lightweight off-road racing shoe to date, the new model is tuned for speed and power transfer in gravel and cross-country mountain bike competition.
The Ferox 2 retains the signature Powerstrap hybrid closure system found on its predecessor but introduces an updated anatomical fit. This design shift is a response to changes in bike geometry and riding positions over the last few years, which have altered how riders interact with their contact points.
According to the company, the new anatomical shape uses a reduced heel drop to offer a more natural pedalling feeling. This is paired with an expanded toe box to allow the foot space to fully extend during high-intensity efforts.
Alex Locatelli, Brand Manager at Fizik, said “We know flat profile, low drop and a wider forefoot is the best combination for power transfer and long fast days on modern bikes, but we still validated this with extensive testing with XC racers. The prototype we made allowed the riders to drop their heels better on technical descents with less stress on the calf muscle. This meant they could be more relaxed and save energy, but also have more control of their rear wheel.”
Fizik develops its off-road products alongside elite athletes to refine designs in real-world competition. Testers for the Ferox 2 included Greta Seiwald of the Decathlon Ford Racing Team, who used the shoe to achieve multiple Cape Epic podiums. Other professional testers included Sarah Diekmeyer of Megamo Gravel Racing Team; three-time Canadian National Cross Country Champion Jennifer Ming Jackson; and professional gravel racers Payson Mcelveen and Lachlan Morton.
The shoe features a dual closure system and a new foot-hugging bootie made from perforated Airprene material. At the instep, the Powerstrap is designed for foot containment during high-cadence efforts and acts as a ‘crashproof’ system to keep the shoe secure in the event of a fall. The forefoot utilises a Li2 BOA Fit System for fine-tuning the fit.
Simone Orlando, Product Specialist at Fizik, said “We have also invested time into Powerstrap to work even better than before. We added an angled loop where the strap attaches to the inside of the foot. This allows Powerstrap to lock into the footbed and outsole for increased power, but still cross the top of the foot in the most comfortable way possible. The new strap is thinner and lighter than before, increasing the flexibility and comfort. It doesn’t break if you crash, feels better than before, weighs less, is infinitely adjustable and spreads pressure across a wider area.”
The upper of the Ferox 2 is water-repellent and uses a tear-resistant outer layer. It features PU-laminated functional zones, combining lightweight mesh for breathability with extra protection in high-wear areas.
Alex Locatelli, Brand Manager at Fizik, added “Redesigning the upper for Ferox 2 was one of our main challenges; it ended up being a 3-way compromise on the upper. We wanted it to be more breathable and more flexible than the first version, but remain durable for off-road racing. To achieve this, we used 2 different mesh layers, in specific shapes and zones, seeking maximum breathability. Once we’d achived our breathability targets we then utilised a PU layer over the mesh to add durability back in.”
The X1 Carbon Outsole has been redesigned with a wider and lower profile to maximise contact with the pedal. It features a stiffness index of 10 and includes a full rubber coating for grip during off-the-bike moments.
The Ferox 2 is available in three colourways: Black – Dark Forest, White – Light Grey, and Light Grey – Mint Green. It is priced at US$329.99 (£319.99 / €329).
