Just yesterday Fizik launched, listen up, the new version of the ferox which he appropriately called Ferox 2. Appropriately because The Ferox were truly the reference model for a large segment of the off-road world, both mountain biking and gravel. But also, we might add, for more advanced cycle touring.
The Ferox were already, therefore, shoes that could be extremely rigid – and therefore high-performance – and at the same time very comfortableNow, with the Ferox 2, Fizik promises to present to the market a model with the same technical quality, and perhaps even more, but even more comfortable.
Remove the tab, less pressure
Let's start with the most obvious aspect. What immediately catches the eye in the Ferox 2 is the introduction of a wraparound “sock” inner boot, in place of the traditional tongue designWe confess that, as soon as we saw it, faithful as we are to the good old Ferox, we had some doubts.
Isn't it possible that since the sock design is now in fashion, they now have to sneak it into a model that already works so well? But then Fizik explained to us that the choice has nothing to do with fashion, but a very specific technical functionThe new shoe is in Perforated Airprene very breathable, they told us, and wraps around the foot eliminating pressure points which derived from the tongue (which however, we continue to think, aesthetically had its reasons).
Lower and wider sole, more comfort and power
But the most essential changes, as a great classic said, are invisible to the eye. There are two: hidden in the internal structure of the Ferox 2, which was revised to accommodate the driving positions that have evolved over the yearsAs we know, more thrust is directed towards the front of the bike, and therefore requires a different design of the shoes, the crucial support point for transmitting power to the pedals.
Il heel drop has been reduced compared to before, and this is to offer the most natural pedaling sensation possible. The second change concerns the shape of the sole and therefore the fit.the toe area has been enlarged, so as to do two things. It gives the foot more space to fully extend, ensuring a more comfortable fit during the most intense efforts. Furthermore, the fact that the carbon plate is wider maximizes contact with the pedal, and therefore also makes energy transfer more efficient.
Alex Locatelli, brand manager of Fizik, who therefore knows what he is talking about, explained the why and how of this choice as follows: «We know that A flat profile, low drop and wider forefoot are the best combination for power transfer on modern bikes., but we still validated all of this with extensive testing with XC athletes. The prototype allowed riders to lower your heels better on technical descents with less stress on your calf, allowing them to be more relaxed, save energy and have more control of the rear wheel."
Other details, weight and price
With regard to the closure instead everything was confirmed, with the two systems integrating to ensure an optimal fit. Powerstrap strap on the instep (although thinner, lighter and more flexible than the previous model) and Boa Li2 on the front, which allows you to precisely adjust the pressure on the forefoot.
Il weight remained virtually unchanged, that is, very low, under 300 grams, to be precise 295. The price has increased slightly, with the brand new Ferox 2 which are now presented to the public at 329 €.
