The Gravita Versor Flat is Fizik’s lightweight trail MTB shoe that’s designed to suit all kinds of riding from enduro-style loops through to uplifted gravity-fed riding. Thanks to its supreme levels of comfort, sorted grip, relatively low weight and impressive weather protection, they’re certainly among the best MTB shoes on the market but the Vibram sole limits grip over high-frequency bumps.
- Best mountain bike shoes 2024 - top-rated flat and clipless kicks
- Giro Latch MTB Shoes review
- Cycling shoes: everything you need to know
Fizik Gravita Versor Flat shoes - Technical details
Coming as part of Fizik’s Gravita lineup, the Versor Flat takes pride of place as the brand’s more trail-friendly and versatile shoe that can still take on the odd bike park day.
Differing from the burlier Gravita Tensor shoe, the Versor uses a lace-up-only closure but Fizik has interestingly arranged its laces. Instead of the usual setup, the laces and tongue are offset to keep the delicate shoe components away from the chainring.
The upper is built using a rip-stop fabric in a bid to up resistance against tearing. The midsole employs EVA and there’s an X6 outsole with a Vibram Megagrip tread. That outsole benefits from a zonal lug pattern so at the mid-foot, the pattern is sculpted to offer as much mechanical grip as possible whereas at the heel and toe, it opens up for better traction when walking.
It's rated at two on Fizik’s stiffness index but this stiffness has been chosen for practical reasons – to flex over the pedal and boost grip. The shoe is also designed with minimal foot roll and the bottom is widened to increase its surface area on the pedal and evenly spread the load.
There's also a PU-laminated toecap and side reinforcements that have been engineered to shed weight by binning excess material which, in turn, reduces bulk.
Fizik Gravita Versor Flat shoes - Performance
Fizik has a wealth of experience making some of the best road, XC, and gravel shoes on the market so moving into the trail and enduro market back in 2021 was a very sensible step. And, despite the Versor Flat’s unusual looks, the comfort it provides is of the highest level.
Slipping into the Gravita Versor Flat is almost like pulling on your favourite pair of socks. Although there are loads of very comfortable shoes out on the market, these shoes hug the foot while leaving just enough wiggle room in the toe box. Granted, not everyone will get on with the shape of the shoe but I’ve gelled very well with these.
The laces are offset and tying them up is a slightly different challenge, as is looping them under the elastic lace strap on the tongue once tied. Regardless, the system is simple and has remained secure throughout my time with the shoe.
Where this shoe stands out is its impressively slim profile. Essentially, it opens up more room over the pedals which allows for a greater range of foot placement without having excess shoe hanging over the edge. This also means that there’s more clearance between the shoe and the crank and the frame, so any foot/heel rub is greatly reduced.
But let’s get onto the important stuff. Grip is good. It’s not as tremendous as some of the tackiest shoes around, like soft-rubbered Five Tens so there is a small trade-off to be had. I’ve ridden in these shoes with the Funn Python and Race Face Aeffect R pedals and, my feet, for the most part, have stayed in place. It’s only over more significant high-frequency bumps where the shoes struggle but that is part of the compromise. The Vibram rubber provides a very appreciated balance of all-out grip and easy movement and replacement of the foot on the pedal.
And with good grip comes an impeccable pedal feel. The payoff is exceptional interaction between the foot and the pedal.
Nowhere in Fizk’s marketing is there any mention of weather protection or breathability, which comes as a surprise because the Versor Flats balance these attributes incredibly well. The shoe is capable of fending off spray and other wet nastiness while allowing decent breathability, making for an excellent shoe for year-round riding. Don’t get me wrong, the shoe can easily flood when overwhelmed but I’ve been able to ride in mildly wet conditions while staying perfectly dry.
Fizik Gravita Versor Flat shoes - Verdict
With a price tag of £140, the Fizik Gravita Versor flat is a little pricier than many great shoes and right in the firing line of the Fox Union Flat shoes. Performance is similar in terms of grip and the Unions aren’t bulky but in terms of comfort, the Gravita Versor Flats edge ahead. However, the Union’s tread is slightly stickier, so it’s a better shoe through rough sections.
Another one of the most comfortable shoes around is the Crankbrothers Stamp Lace. While certainly comfy, its outsole isn’t as grippy on- and off the bike but it is £20 cheaper.
If it's low weight, excellent pedal feel, and top-end comfort you’re after, the Fizik Gravita Versor Flat is worth a look. The grip is appreciable as is weather protection and breathability. Whether it’s worth the extra tenner over the Fox Unions is another question but the Gravita Versor Flat is without a doubt a top-shelf shoe with the performance to match.
