Three years ago, Emily and I set our sights on Australia for a two-month bikepacking getaway. We knew we wanted to ride in flat shoes that would be comfortable for on- and off-bike adventures, and we eventually landed on the Fizik Terra Ergolace lineup, influenced by my positive experience testing the Fizik Terra Clima X2 shoes a few years prior.

The original Ergolace X2 Flat shoes performed flawlessly over 2,000 kilometers of riding, and we really appreciated the lightweight construction and walkable sole. Still, there was room for improvement. The first batch had some delamination issues, which were addressed by Fizik, and Emily and I found the narrow toe box and shallow heel cup made for an odd fit, forcing us to size up to be comfortable. Despite these annoyances, we’ve both continued to use our Ergolace Flat shoes, logging thousands of kilometers, and they’re going strong to this day.

When Fizik shared news of a totally updated Ergolace lineup a few months ago, I didn’t hesitate to get my hands on an early sample of the totally redesigned Ergolace Flat 2 shoes. They promised an updated fit, lighter construction, and a grippier sole. I’ve been testing them for several months now to see just how accurate Fizik’s claims really are. More importantly, I was eager to discover if they addressed the issues I had with the Terra Ergolace shoes.

Terra Ergolace Flat vs. Ergolace 2 Flat

For starters, the new Ergolace 2 lineup marks the end of the Terra Ergolace lineup, so if you want a lace-up Ergolace shoe, you’d better act fast. The Terra Ergolace Flat and the new Ergolace 2 Flat shoes share a similar light-hiking-shoe aesthetic, but they’re actually quite different.

The most obvious distinction is the closure. The Terra Ergolace uses a simple lace-up closure, whereas the new Ergolace 2 Flat shoes use a drawstring speedlace system. The fabrics and construction feel familiar, with a ripstop upper that has proven to withstand the demands of bikepacking, hike-a-bike, and anything else you might get up to on your feet.

Starting at the back, the heel cup is deeper than on the model Emily and I tested, resulting in a more secure fit. The large tongue, which we loved because it allowed the shoes to open wide for drying, has been replaced with an “Airprene bootie,” which feels like a lightweight neoprene gaiter that fits snug against the ankle. The biggest change is at the shoe’s front, which has been updated with a wider metatarsal area, leaving more room around your toes and offering a generally roomier fit. According to Fizik, this change will affect their entire shoe lineup, so although not every shoe will fit like the Ergolace, you can expect a wider, roomier fit across their range.

The last major difference is the outsole, which sometimes feels undergunned on the Terra Ergolace. The Ergolace 2 Flat shoes feature slightly larger lugs and Vibram’s stickiest XS Ride rubber. Where the outsole doesn’t contact the pedal, Fizik increased the size of the lugs so they dig into the ground better when you’re walking or pushing your bike. Fizik says the new Ergolace 2 Flat shoes have a “lighter construction,” and while they are undoubtedly lightweight, they actually weigh 51 grams more than my same-sized Terra Ergolace flats.

Fit, Grip, and Flex

I opted for the same size that worked with the Terra Ergolace flat shoes, a 44.5 (US size 11), and I’m glad I did. The updated fit feels more secure and noticeably roomier at the front, with plenty of space for my toes to move around and a bit more room when I wear thicker socks.

The tongue-less design wasn’t my favorite at first, but I’ve gotten used to pulling the front and cramming my foot inside. The first time I tried them on, I thought the opening was too small, but they have stretched out a touch, and feel as good as they can despite not having a tongue. I still prefer a tongue to make them easier to put on and off and to air them out at camp, but the updated design is comfortable due to fewer overlapping layers of material, which was Fizik’s intention.

In virtually all conditions, the outsole is noticeably grippier than the previous model. While pedaling, the softer rubber offers much more pedal control, but still isn’t as grippy as a dedicated mountain bike shoe. Off the bike, I’ve found the lugged outsole to grip better in loose conditions and when hopping between wet rocks on awkward creek crossings. More recently, I biked out to an alpine hut, spent an hour hiking in the snow, and was surprised by how well the shoes performed, even with the added weight of a backpack.

Like the Terra Ergolace, the Ergolace Flat 2 Shoes will likely remind most people more of a light trail runner or hiking shoe than a mountain bike shoe, which is exactly why they have consistently been my favorite bikepacking shoe. They have a 2 out of 10 stiffness rating, which seems to hit a sweet spot for equal parts riding, walking, and pushing. If you’re used to a stiff cycling shoe, they might take some getting used to. On a recent 1,500-meter climb with several steep sections and a slightly undergeared bike, my feet felt fatigued. I wish I had a stiffer shoe in that moment, but I imagine the average bikepacker will appreciate the forefoot flex any time they’re off the bike.

Compared to the previous version, the Ergolace Flat 2 shoes are noticeably stiffer under the heel and mid-foot, which was one of my main complaints. It’s not only the vertical stiffness that is noticeable while pedaling, but also the torsional stiffness that allows for more control and less of a “sloppy” feeling that can be present when shoes don’t have much structure to them.

Splitting Hairs

The roomy toe box, grippy outsole, and lightweight design make for what might be the best flat pedal shoe for bikepacking I’ve ever used. Previously, I regularly recommended the Terra Ergolace shoes to folks looking for a dedicated touring shoe, but with the Terra lineup officially being phased out, the new Ergolace 2 shoes will be my go-to suggestion. As long as you’re planning to be off your bike at times, then the flexible sole will be appreciated. If you tend to pedal, rather than hike, then a stiffer shoe—or maybe the clipless version, which is stiffer than the flat model I tested—is worth checking out.

My only complaint, which is more of a personal preference, is that Fizik went with a speedlace system instead of a more traditional lace-up closure. I find normal laces have more stretch, which usually means I can get better control of the fit and avoid any tight/hot spots across the top of the foot. The drawstring speedlace system has proved to be much more secure than other shoes I’ve used with similar systems, including some Salomon trail runners, but it doesn’t feel like an upgrade at this point. If repairability is a concern, the lace loops are all exposed, so even if the cord broke or the adjuster failed, it would be easy to whip up a quick fix using a piece of rope, purchasing an alternative replacement speedlace system online or from a reputable brand like Salomon, and for a more permanent fix, Fizik will be offering brand-matching versions of the $11 Crankbrothers Speed Lace replacement kit soon.

The lack of a tongue also means the shoes don’t open up as much as the Terra Ergolace, which I appreciated when drying them out at night or between rides. It hasn’t been a major issue so far because of the lightweight, breathable upper, but I imagine if they get totally submerged or soaked, they might take a while to dry out.

After a few hundred kilometers of use, the shoes aren’t showing any concerning signs of early wear. The original Terra Ergolace shoes had some delamination issues between the sole and the upper, but that was revised, so it’s promising to see no similar issues with the Ergolace 2. Considering how much mileage my Terra Ergolace shoes have seen since my review, I expect the new Ergolace 2 Flats to hold up just as well.

• Size/Model Tested: Fizik Ergolace 2 Flat, 44.5
• Material: Vibram tread, Ripstop Upper
• Weight: 415 grams (per shoe)
• Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
• Price: $149 USD
• Manufacturer’s Details: Fizik.com

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