The biggest news for Fizik shoes of 2015 is the clean inclusion of the Boa system for their shoes below the M1 level. The M3B UOMO is shown above. © Cyclocross Magazine
At Interbike 2014, we got a First Look at the M3B UOMO, although we were introduced to them as the M3 Boa Edition. Fizik is excited about adding Boa closures to their products, more specifically their M3 and M5 men and women’s models, and the company has added this feature while dropping the price for these two models.
Interestingly, Fizik is not including the retention of the Boa on their highest performance model, the M1 UOMO made from kangaroo leather, which will still use a buckle and two Velcro straps.
The M3B UOMO has a carbon sole as well as a red removable skid plate. © Cyclocross Magazine
For the M3 and M5 models, which will be priced at $275 and $200 respectively, the shoes will only have one Boa rather than the dual Boa system which is becoming increasingly popular. When we asked Fizik why they decided to go in this direction, a representative told us that it was in part based on keeping the weight of the shoe down as much as possible, while giving the shoe a clean look.
Rather than the nylon cords of the most recent boa systems, Fizik opted to go with metal cables we’ve seen on some Specialized shoes. The Boa IP1 closure system allows for micro adjusting in both directions with a quick release pull.
The M3B UOMO will be availible in late October, made in Italy with Fizik’s well-known microtex and scratch-resistant leather. © Cyclocross Magazine
The bottom of the M3B UOMO has a carbon sole with an attractive (and removable) skid plate that both adds a flash of color to the show, and protects the sole from constant use. The folks at Fizik told us that they were aiming for their M3 model to be a very durable shoe.
Although cyclocross season is underway, this model is anticipated to be released in late-October, ready enough for those looking for some mid-season upgrades. The weight for size 43 will be 350g.
Fizik wanted a women’s design, pictured on the right, to look like an attractive shoe for everyone. © Cyclocross Magazine
The M5B UOMO and the M5B Donna, both with the Boa “B” designation, get the retention upgrade as well for 2015. The shoes will retail for $75 less at $200, and the lack of stiffness from the carbon sole will likely be the greatest drawback as the M5B models are only 10g less than the M3B versions.
Unlike the kangaroo leather of the M1’s, both the M3’s and the M5’s will come equipped with the familiar Fizik Microtex as well as a scratch resistant leather.
While Fizik will be using a Boa rentention system for the M5 model, their sole will not be the carbon fiber of the M3, keeping the price down by $75. © Cyclocross Magazine
For the women’s models, Fizik reported that they wanted a design that everyone could appreciate. While their road model gets a healthy dose of pink in the sole, the mountain bike version is a clean black and reflective silver.
Stay tuned for a review of the newest models from Fizik on cxmagazine.com.
For more information: fizik.com
