Fizik has been offering winter cycling shoes for some years, with the Fizik Tempo Artica GTX reviewed here replacing the Artica R5.
Based on a redesign of the same sole, the boots have been updated with a Boa and Velcro closure rather than zip and Velcro, and the new boots also feature a Gore-Tex membrane.
These are also available with a MTB-style two-bolt cleat and chunkier tread for gravel and MTB riding, named the Terra Artica GTX.
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While the Tempo Artica GTX winter road shoes excelled in every other element, there was one area that let them down on test.
- Buy the Fizik Tempo Artica GTX winter cycling shoes from Wiggle (from £169.99)
Fizik Tempo Artica GTX design and features
The Fizik Tempo Artica GTX are a high-cuffed and insulated pair of road cycling shoes designed specifically with cold, windy and wet riding in mind.
The outer is constructed from synthetic leather for the main body, with ripstop nylon for the tongue and cuff. The Gore-Tex membrane promotes breathability while maintaining the boot’s waterproof qualities, according to Fizik. A medium pile fleece lines the shoe for insulation, while it is secured using a single L6 Boa and lace system plus a Velcro strap around the ankle.
Unlike other models in Fizik’s range, the nylon outsole does not feature channels for ventilation. Fizik awards the sole a mid-range stiffness index rating of six.
The Tempo Artica GTX boots weigh in at a respectable 639g per pair (EU 41), and are available in a good range of sizes from 36-48, including half sizes from 37-47.
Fizik Tempo Artica GTX performance
The Fizik Tempo Artica GTX boots are easy to fit, and can be worn easily with winter cycling socks of any thickness thanks to the closure method that allows you to pull the tongue away from the body of the shoe.
The fit is not too dissimilar to conventional road cycling shoes, and once on it’s hardly noticeable that you’re wearing higher-cuffed boots rather than shoes. The fleece lining no doubt adds extra comfort as well as thermal insulation.
The only kit that I found the Tempo Artica GTX shoes were not compatible with was bib tights that feature ankle zippers, as these can press against the ankle bone and cause discomfort. However, I’m sure the same could be said for any winter cycling boot with a high cuff.
These shoes were first tested in autumnal conditions with temperatures between 7 and 12°C on wet roads with multiple showers and some flood water crossings. My feet were plenty warm enough without getting too hot, and the outer did a great job of shedding any road spray.
The only part of my feet that was wet after my four hour ride was around the top of my ankle where rain had soaked a little down through my winter bib tights; toes were perfectly dry and cosy.
On one ride, the boots became particularly filthy. After I washed my bike, I gave them a quick hose off while wearing them and the one-piece exterior prevented any water penetrating through to my socks underneath. I kept them inside for a few days to dry out and was impressed with how easy they had been to clean.
As the weather turned colder, my toes did start to feel the chill in the Fizik Tempo Artica GTX shoes. At around 5°C they would go numb after an hour of pedalling, though still nowhere near as painful as what I’d usually experience in standard cycling shoes.
It’s worth adding here that I do suffer from Raynaud's Syndrome, which affects the circulation, so I do tend to struggle with keeping my feet and hands warm on winter rides more than most!
I did trial thicker socks, thinner socks and different levels of closure tightness to make sure this was consistent, and I was disappointed to find that it was.
Fizik Tempo Artica GTX review summary
In every other respect, the Fizik Tempo Artica GTX boots were exemplary, but I couldn’t get past cold toes when temperatures headed for zero. If you mostly ride outside in the autumn and spring, but reach for the turbo when it gets really cold, these could be a good compromise without spending too much on the beefier winter boots on offer.
- Buy the Fizik Tempo Artica GTX winter cycling shoes from Wiggle (from £169.99)
Read our guide to the best cycling shoes for winter for more options.
