Test: In marathons and cross-country you want to pedal properly, always between the driver and the pedal: the shoe has to take a beating. We tested the Fizik Infinito X1, the high-end mountain bike shoe from Fizik.
“Because there is neither the smallest in the small, but always something even smaller, but even in the large there is always something larger” This is roughly what Anaxagoras said about infinity around 500 BC. Calling your own shoe “infinite” could be called daring. But let's start from the beginning: The Infinito X1 is aimed primarily at cross country and marathon riders. In addition to minimal weight, the shoe should offer the best power transmission, comfort and air circulation. It is available in all sizes from 36-48 for an RRP of €350.
The Upper: The Infinito X1 features a Microtex upper. It's 1,4mm thick and is designed to provide the best combination of protection, breathability, flexibility, support and light weight for everyday training and racing. The side panels are laser perforated to improve breathability and temperature management, while the generous toe and heel protection areas are made of TPU thermal welded seams. The upper flap provides more stability and maximum comfort.
As is usual in this price segment, the sole is made of carbon. Plastic cleats are attached to the heel and toe areas. Two additional rivets can be attached in the toe area to increase grip in muddy running passages. The insole is made of synthetic fibers and has foam rubber-like padding in the area of the cleat to improve wearing comfort.
The closure system: After a look at the closure system, the name Infinito explains itself. The Infinito X1 takes its name from the Infinito lacing system, which features two finely adjustable Boa IP1-B ratchets. The shoelaces here run in the form of a horizontal eight and thus the infinity sign. With their help, the volume of the shoes can be precisely adjusted. In conjunction with the carefully designed textile guide of the upper material, it is virtually impossible for pressure points to occur on the foot.
First impression: These shoes look downright classy. Very simple, clear lines. Just like you imagine an Italian shoe. However, if you want to attract attention at all costs, you should look for another shoe, the Infinito relies on elegant understatement. The shoe has a rather narrow cut. Thanks to the lacing system, the shoe stretches evenly around the foot so that it fits almost like a second skin. The upper feels flexible without sacrificing strength. I use Shimano SM-SH51 cleats on the shoes and ride them in combination with Shimano Deore XT PD-M8000 and Shimano XTR PD-M9000 pedals.
Thanks to the solid sole, the pedals don't press through on your foot, even on longer and hard rides. The shoe sits firmly on the foot and the feedback from the feet on the trail is always direct but not uncomfortable. But when you run, you can tell that this shoe was designed for cycling and not for running. This is not so bad in cyclocross use, where you only have to walk 10 or 15 steps at a time, but if you are looking for a touring shoe for difficult terrain, the Infinito is not a good choice.
Long-term use: In the meantime, the Infinito X1 shoe has been in use for about 150 hours, half of the time it was easy for me because I also use it for road training, but the other half of the time it has relatively hard MTB use can experience in training and racing. The battle marks on the sole are now clearly visible, but acceptable under the circumstances. After all, I had to push my shoes through some rocky passages in the training camp in Poland and the Czech Republic, and I also had to push up on the transition yoke with its 35% incline at the Zillertal Bike Challenge. From above, the shoes look almost new after a little care. The lacing system works like on the first day and the wearing comfort is still the same. So all in all I can't complain about the durability of the shoes.
Do I recommend the Imnfinito X1 shoes by Fizik? Yes, if the budget is there, then yes! Not exactly a bargain, but also very good!
