Review: Fizik Artica GTX Winter Shoes

Jan 11, 2023
by Matt Beer  
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Riding bikes through the winter months can be challenging, especially when the conditions are cold and wet. Thankfully, equipment like the Fizik Artica GTX clipless shoes are built to deal with the elements using a Gore-Tex membrane and fuzzy insulation inside to keep your feet warm and dry.

This GTX version is tailored in a slimmer package and geared toward the folks that want climate security for their feet without all of the extra bulk. I had to double check that these weren't road cycling shoes because they are much lighter and streamlined compared to the X2's. The GTXs have a much rounder toe box and narrower footprint, but still use a mud-busting BOA dial.

Artica GTX Details
• Gore-Tex and ripstop upper
• Fleece lined fabric inside/insole
• X2 rubber sole
• BOA dial and velcro strap closures
• Sizes: 36-48 (half sizes through 37-46)
• Weight: 432 grams (single shoe, size 43)
• MSRP: $259.99 USD
www.fizik.com

We loved the Artica Terra X2 shoes from the Italian brand for their function and features to lock out weather. Even though the GTX shoe is aimed at a slightly different market, it's worth referencing the fit and function against the X2s.

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Tech

The Artica GTX shoes are deceivingly light for their durable, shell-like appearance. At 432 grams, they are nearly 100g less than the Terra X2s. Inside the Artica GTXs, a soft fleece lining adds insulation while a Gore-Tex Koala membrane repels water and pulls moisture out. That magic combo makes them waterproof and breathable.

On the outer surface is a high-density PU finish with a Ripstop fabric in the center to allow the BOA to cinch the shoe closed. That looped system runs 75% of the way up the shoe with the dial tucked inboard slightly and still placed far enough away from the fibula bone. At the top, a velcro strap allows for variable tension to fine tune the pressure of the shoes’ fitment. There’s also a finger loop at the top of the heel to make them easier to pull on.

Underneath, Fizik calls on their X5 rubber compound using sharp lugs that are spread out to critical areas. The center for the sole is void of these blocks which are placed inboard of the sole’s outline.

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Price

Premium construction with features like a BOA dial and Gore-Tex membrane are reflective of a steep price - $259 USD, but you can’t put a price on warm, dry feet. If the John Fluevog-esque maroon and purple colorway doesn’t meet your fashion requirements, a plain black version is available too.

Although they've been caked in mud and hosed down with cleaners multiple times, the stitched and molded rubber seams show no signs of letting go. It's still too early to comment on really long term durability, but neither myself or Mike Kazimer, who also tried a pair in similar foul conditions, have had any issues so far. Fizik do back their footwear products with a two-year warranty when purchased through their webstore, however, there is a dealer network to help you out as well.

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Fit

Fizik offers the Artica GTX shoes in sizes 36 through to 48, with half sizes available between 37 and 46. Judging by the streamlined shape of the Artica GTX shoes, it’s easy to tell that they have a narrow, rounded toe box, but I decided to roll with the same size I tested the Terra X2s in - size 42.

Even with a thin wool sock, there was no way I could fit in the GTX version and so I jumped up a half size. Both the length and width are tighter than normal, at least for my feet. Mike Kazimer didn't need to size up for the size 45 pair he tested - as with most apparel, trying before buying is always the best bet. Whether it’s gloves or shoes, leaving some wiggle room for extremities will keep them the warmest and that’s true for the Artica GTXs. I wouldn’t be afraid to go up a full size to fit a thicker sock if you’re riding in sub-zero temperatures frequently.

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Ride Impressions

The main attraction to the Artica GTX shoes is their weatherproof qualities and weight. My first impressions of the GTX left me curious about stability on the pedals, but totally satisfied when rides took me through rain and snow. If pedalling grueling hours in the rain and snow is part of your training regime, these should be near the top of your candidates list, however there are a few areas of the shoes that may not suit your needs.

Outside, the Gore-Tex label tells all. A solid barrier sheds off all of the puddles while effectively pulling moisture out of the shoe and the toe box is surprisingly armored, although narrow in width. Behind the BOA lace, the flexible tongue is continuous to repel water and flexible enough to remain comfortable throughout the day. The fleece lined inside keeps your toes toasty - just remember to size up.

One feature I missed on the GTX versus the Terra X2s was the tight, zippered cuff that rides high to layer up against water intrusion. Although it applies to all shoes and should go without saying, you’ll need pants that are long enough to overlap with the top of the shoe to keep water from trickling in. The GTX’s cuffs are high, but not to the same extent as the Terra X2s.

I did notice that the backside of the cuff quickly created a hot spot on my Achilles tendon while pedalling. Ideally, I’d prefer the cuff to be less angled forward and the velcro strap to incorporate an eyelet to tighten up the closure. That would allow for a wider range of motion without friction and then you could really clamp down without compromising ankle support.

Underfoot, the Artica GTX’s are rated with a stiffness level of 5, which lines up with most of Shimano’s XC shoes for reference. Luckily, the cleat mounts have miles of adjustment and can be positioned well behind the ball of the foot. That will add some stability so you’re not totally perched on your toes while descending.

When paired with a medium size clipless platform, like the Time Speciale 12 pedals, there is no contact with the pedal platform. If you’re used to standing purely on the cleat, then this will feel normal, but the GTXs sway from the enduro and downhill shoes I typically ride.

Off the bike, there isn’t much surface area and tapered profile of the rubber sole means that you have to watch your step unless you’re on a graded surface. That stiff, curved sole doesn't conform on slippery rocks when crossing creeks or other obstacles, although the grip of the rubber itself is decent - it's a little softer than the hard rubber often found on summer XC shoes.

All in all, the Artica GTXs are a svelte shoe that still offers plenty of protection from winter's elements, at least when it comes to winter in the Pacific Northwest, where temperatures hover around or a bit above freezing. Riders in more frigid climates will likely want something with even more warmth, although the Artica's do a very good job in the 27 - 45° F / -3 - 7° C range. There's a focus on putting down watts over control while descending due to the stiff sole and minimal contact with the pedal platform.



Pros

+ Excellent at resisting winter weather without compromising breathability
+ Quality construction and materials
+ Plenty of range to position cleats


Cons

- Lack of contact with pedal platform compared to shoes with a flatter sole.
- Curved, slim sole and isn't ideal for walking on wet rocks and logs
- Back of cuff could be a friction point for some riders




Pinkbike's Take

bigquotesFor those riders that are used to less purchase on the pedal platform and have a foot shape that matches the contours of the Artica GTX, then this set of Fizik winter shoes is a solid choice to survive the worst winter outings. These premium shoes come at a higher cost, but they do span the gap between flat and curly bars, should you have a few bikes in the fleet. Matt Beer


Author Info:
mattbeer avatar

Member since Mar 16, 2001
360 articles

83 Comments
  • 56 7
 On the 17th day after Christmas,
Where could the advent winners be?
I already took down my tree!
  • 7 0
 was there an advent callendar?
  • 6 0
 @Notmeatall: for good kids only
  • 3 0
 I found the collander in the kitchen, but there were no prizes inside.
  • 6 0
 @noapathy:
Never yell into a collander....






You'll strain your vouce
  • 8 1
 Or save yourself a fortune and keep on wearing your normal kicks but buy a couple of pairs of high length merino thick waterproof Sealskinz socks. Warm dry feet. No shoe full of water scenario and dry feet the next day as well. Maybe thats just a very British way of looking at it.
  • 6 0
 sealskins just turns into a sock full of water for me and trenchfoot. shimano winters tho? bone dry feet
  • 1 1
 Insulated shoe covers for clipless cold riding. They aren't expensive, you can pack hand warmers into them in extreme cold, and have the option to take them off if it warms up.
  • 8 1
 If it’s not got a flap covering up any possible place the winter crud can get….. can it even be called a winter shoe!? Make the clean up after a winter ride as quick as possible.
  • 7 2
 These do have a fully gussetted tongue, so the only place that crud can get in is at the ankle cuff.
  • 2 2
 @mikekazimer: I know what you mean Mike… but just something that was fully enclosed, boa fastening and wire. just something easy to scrub down.
  • 1 0
 Something similar the the Leatt 7.0 HydraDri..
  • 2 0
 @mikekazimer: a gussetted tongue? I haven’t come across one of those in a couple decades
  • 1 0
 I destroyed the zipper closer on a pair of the previous generation of Artica. This is a step in the right direction, at least.
  • 4 0
 I've got a mate with these - the boot cuff is so much lower than Shimano boots that they are really compromised in wet weather - there's barely enough cuff for the trousers to go over the top, so wet feet are a common occurrence...
  • 4 1
 The weak point for winter riding shoes always seems to me to be the footbed, especially under the ball of the foot. You can't really add insulation there, and the cold always seems to creep up and freeze my toes. If it's below freezing I always have to use chemical toe warmers. Curious if any winter shoe has solved this without degrading pedaling?
  • 17 0
 The best passive option is to cut up a Mylar (aka emergency or space) blanket and throw it between the footbed and insole, doesn’t change the fit and works pretty well for almost $0. Alternatively, there’s lots of insulated insole options for $10-15, which are just wool or polyester + Mylar. Not as good as active heat, but it’ll feel like adding 10-15 degrees to the temp that day.
  • 2 0
 I just bought electric heated socks. Will never go back now.
  • 2 0
 @parkourfan: This is essentially what I was going to write. 3M Super 77 spray glue and leftover space blanket from a running event is pretty effective. There's also insulated footbeds you can buy online, but they tend to be pretty narrow. It's super weird to me that my 45NRTH insoles from winter shoes are ventilated.
  • 2 0
 @pgm83: My guess: if they get wet, that water *must* get out. In western Oregon (relatively mild but wet), I prefer to wear well ventilated shoes (Crosstrails) with thick, al paca wool socks if the rain isn't too harsh.
  • 1 0
 Yeah, i was trying clipless this fall, and that was one of the things that kinda turned me off to it, i felt like there was a huge block of ice attached to my foot. Too bad there isnt much way to make a cleat out of something that doesnt conduct cold so well.
  • 1 4
 @parkourfan: How does a thin, reflective layer of mylar do anything in a dark shoe?
  • 3 0
 @JLantz: It reflects your body heat back to your feet instead of being lost to cleat recess/interface.
  • 1 0
 @pmhobson: You're correct. This is very true with trail running shoes. My specific instance was referring to the winter boots for colder winters like where I am at. No water to worry about unless you break through some ice to get to it.
  • 3 1
 @JLantz: inside a dark shoe it's reflecting infra-red radiation (ie heat), not visible light. It does this really well.

Looks like the other brains in the thread decided to downvote you rather than take a second to explain, meanies!
  • 2 0
 @HankHank: Thanks. Pretty counter-intuitive to me with such a compressed layer and conduction. Here's another explanation with examples (specifically the "reflectivity and air spaces" section):

osb.westfraser.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/The-Physics-of-Foil.pdf
  • 7 0
 I have been happy with the Shimano MW5 winter shoes.
  • 1 0
 I have the MW7, but the cuff is not waterproof. Water gets inside the boot if it's really sloppy.
  • 1 0
 @yonderboy: I returned mine Shimano MW7 , not warm, sweaty, and not waterproof if you ride in the rain.
  • 2 0
 @RSAmerica: i have stood in a river for 20 minuted in mine and zero water got in.
  • 1 0
 @skiandmtbdirtbag: But why would you do that?
  • 4 0
 Italian dress shoe lasts, narrow toe box, and a toe spring that rivals alpine boots. Product managers need to look at modern footwear and research.
  • 5 0
 These pair well with my Venetian silk socks. And a foot binding kit.
  • 4 2
 Gore tex kool aid...
That material is waterproof itself, is like rubber, and the whole shoe is made of it minus collar and tongue/gusset. In the dry, breathability is gonna be 99% non existent through those tiny holes + the membrane, and in the wet is gonna be non existent at all once the tiny holes are clogged with water or mud.
Solution, remove the holes and the gore tex, have the same carachteristics and sell it for a reasonable price.
But it's gore tex, Jerry
  • 3 0
 Don't buy them then. Not everyone gets hot feet.
  • 1 0
 @ranchitup: gore tex won't make you warmer
  • 3 0
 @iiman: You just said it doesn't breath
  • 1 0
 @iiman: I have goretex socks and goretex Sidi winter shoes for riding. The goretex does indeed help keep my feet warm into cooler temps. Have noticed that with my normal shoes wearing the socks. They help keep the cold air off my feet. Had the socks for 20 years or so and was my method back in the day when there were no shoes like this.
  • 1 0
 @ranchitup: I misread your comment.
  • 2 0
 given that when you're riding in these conditions you very probably will have to dismount where ice or snowmelt makes riding too treacherous...I'm wondering why such a pronounced curved sole?
  • 2 0
 I'll just thrown on my winter-weight waterproof socks with my regular shoes, for the one or two times a year these Articas would actually be useful to me. Probably best marketed towards fat bikers or places where winters only hover around freezing? Idk
  • 4 0
 Narrow dance boots with rocker sole. And the price! I would invite product development to a meeting.
  • 1 0
 Anyone got suggestions for flat pedal shoes with a waterproof outer, that don't have tons of insulation which takes days to dry out with the water that drips in off the legs? Just want something lightweight that keeps /most/ of the water out.
  • 6 1
 You should invest in a boot dryer - they're worth every penny. The Five Ten Trailcross Gore-Tex or the Leatt 7.0 Hydradri are my two picks for lightly insulated waterproof flat pedal shoes.
  • 2 0
 I picked up the Trailcross Gore-Tex a few weeks ago and dig them. Mine are used for snow (fatbike) in below freezing temps; with Alpaca wool socks I've been plenty warm. Grippy, warm, waterproof, and not overly bulky like Lake or 45NRTH options. Stock is harder to find than they used to be, but there are some sales out there. I recall them being ~$100 around Black Friday.
  • 3 0
 Been using Leatt 7.0 hydradri flat sole shoes for a couple months now since their release and absolutely love them for any riding in 30’s Fahrenheit and below. I usually run a wide shoe and decided to size up a half size just in case. Wifey got a half size smaller than me and they fit fine in thin socks, but sizing up allowed me to wear thicker socks and ankle brace without issue. They actually run pretty wide compared to my 5-10’s but grip is more like new 5-10’s vice old stealth rubber before adidas take-over. For reference I use them with OneUp composite flats and Deity Bladerunner flat pedals with plenty of grip. So far no water or cold feet issues in the New England slop this year. Time will tell at the end of the winter season how the sole holds up, but so far great in last couple months. Hope that helps!
  • 1 0
 Thanks for the tips. I'll also look at the boot dryer, but I want these for riding to work too, and I'm not sure I can stink out a factory with a boot dryer on sodden shoes!
  • 3 2
 By winter....they mean winter in North Carolina where there might be a dusting of snow every month and the temperature might just get below freezing... not winter in the northern states or Canada where its routine to see temperatures far below zero and weekly measured in cm, inches, feet or meters.
  • 5 1
 Is Washington a northern state? Because these have been pretty ideal this winter. But yes, as the review says, if you're riding in temps that are well below freezing these aren't what you're looking for.
  • 3 0
 Who rides in temperatures well below freezing anyway?
  • 1 0
 Winter in NC where the ground seems to be perpetually wet/muddy/crappy and the wet leaves create the "brown ice" effect...it's not England but still pretty poo
  • 3 0
 It got to -4*f here in NC over Christmas lol
  • 2 2
 @willdavidson9595: some of us wouldnt get to ride much if we didnt. Though climate change seems to be making winter go away around here, so maybe itll be a non issue in a few more years
  • 3 0
 @preach: when just the right amount of rain has continuously fallen for just enough consecutive months, we get "hero poo" conditions.
  • 1 0
 Yeah, I am not going to ride in temps much below the upper 30's. Y'all can have that mess. I have been caught riding in temps at or just below freezing and the goretex socks or shoes are better than my normal shoes.
  • 1 0
 @willdavidson9595: fat bikers, there’s 4 of us in the family. We ride year round. Can’t afford to ski anymore so 4 Norcos Bigfoots it was.
  • 1 0
 @willdavidson9595: I ride pump track when it's really cold because it's the only time it's firm and dry in winter
  • 1 0
 All we want is an high topped goretex lined Waterproof boot similar to Shimano ME7 or GR 9 (or similar from other brands) and with the cleat position further back for enduro/DH use .All waterproof clipless shoes for trail/xc use with solid soles and a cleat position too far forward
  • 1 0
 These could be next for me. I have the x2's on last years review but they are bulky. I don't need the deep sub freezing protection, but something warmer for the 35ish degree days.

We buy $6k bikes with GX, what's $259 for a quality shoe to keep riding?
  • 2 0
 What is a Gore Tex koala membrane? Has the marketing department run out of suitable animal names? (Koala’s being marsupials that generally live in warm dry climates…)
  • 1 0
 "BOA dial and Gore-Tex membrane are reflective of a steep price - $259 USD, but you can’t put a price on warm, dry feet."

They did put a price on warm, dry feet - one that's far too steep.
  • 1 0
 Looks like a massive sponge for UK riding. Might work in a cold dry environment but totally useless in cold wet. Cheaper to buy neoprene overshoes that will at least keep your feet dry for the first 30 mins!
  • 1 0
 If this is winter shoes. Here in eastern Canada we might need SUPER EXTRA HEAVY DUTY ARMAGADON TERMINATOR WINTER shoes to ride in winter.
  • 3 0
 they look like spongebob's shoes
  • 3 0
 definitely a gravel bike specific winter shoe IMO.
  • 3 0
 Agree! And it looks like a good one
  • 3 0
 Skinny shoes for fat bikers?
  • 1 0
 I had a pair of Fluevog clip in shoes I found in a thrift shop. Kind of heavy, and the cleat ripped out. But my younger self enjoyed them
  • 1 0
 Will someone other than 45NRTH please make a real winter boot for people who ride in the actual cold? Till then, I'm riding in my hunting boots with flat pedals
  • 3 0
 make wide shoes fizik!
  • 3 0
 Flats for cold weather.
  • 2 0
 Don’t buy unless you can try on, these aren’t a forgiving fit.
  • 1 0
 I used to have some Nikes that velcro'd at the ankle cuff. #yourgenxfriend.
  • 2 0
 these look like shoes a bent elf would wear.
  • 1 0
 That last picture haha! Hopefully you don’t have to walk ever… zero traction.
  • 1 0
 spend the $ on electric socks
  • 1 0
 They spelled arctica wrong.
  • 1 0
 Fizik doesn't make a single one of their MTB shoes in Wide. Sad!
  • 2 0
 Boa's a fail.
  • 1 0
 Clipless chelsea boots .. yuck
  • 1 0
 45Nrth boots… if you have real winters
  • 1 1
 Socks matter more then the shoes...
  • 1 1
 It's Goretex!







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