Part of Fizik’s new MTB range, the Gravita Tensor has several unique features, including a low-profile ankle protector, offset laces and a Vibram MegaGrip sole. It’s aimed at the best flat pedal shoes on the market, such as the Five Ten Freerider Pro.

Rather than the bulky panels you see elsewhere, the ankle support is really thin, which reduces a lot of rubbing and increases clearance. The insert is formed into a quick-drying neoprene sock that sits inside the body of the shoe. To stop them catching in the chainring, or winding round a pedal spindle, the laces are offset towards the outside of the shoe. It’s weird tying the laces like this, but they are out of the way, and to add further lace security there’s a lightweight and low profile Velcro strap on top of the shoe.

Fizik uses a lightweight, quick-drying, rip-stop material for the upper, but reinforces the toe and heel areas with a PU-laminated (polyurethane) toecap and rubber bumpers. To further improve the support and comfort, the shoe also gets a high-quality custom insole.

Fizik uses a Vibram Megagrip rubber compound (this is the softest available) with a zonal lug pattern for the sole. Megagrip is around 65a, which is on the softer side, and while this isn’t as soft as the Ride Concept or Five Ten shoes, there is still a good amount of grip, because the sole has more flex, which lets you curve your foot around the platform. This flex also takes the sting out of harder impacts.