Our verdict
The Terra Atlas is the most versatile bike shoe from Fizik. It is a true crossover that handles all terrains and distances as well as various types of cycling adventures. Bikepacking, gravel grinding, down-country, you name it. All while remaining comfortable and flexible enough when getting off the bike. The shoe proves to be a real value for money.
Pros
- a more generously fitting shoe for wider and swollen feet
- other MTB shoes
- Top 9% most popular cycling shoes
- Roomy toebox
- Possible heel slips
- Fizik Terra Atlas makes long rides extra comfortable
- best road cycling shoes
- Excellent grip
- Well-made
- Ventilated upper
Cons
- Possible heel slips
- best road cycling shoes
Smooth pedaling with efficient power transfer
Snug fit with a generous toebox space Fizik is a gem for cyclists who need the following:
- a shoe that rides them all (on and off-road, gravel, hike-a-bikes, multiple-day bikepacking)
- updated Mar 11, 2023
- Snug fit with a generous toebox space
- Who should buy the Same brand only
best sPD cycling shoes
If you are looking for an MTB shoe that’s more specifically targeted at speed and performance on demanding trails, get the Fizik Terra X5. It comes with a stiff carbon plate that ensures the most efficient power transfer and a combination of BOA and Velcro that provides the most locked-down fit. It is also super lightweight: 2.6 oz (75 g) lighter than the Atlas.
is a gem for cyclists who need the following Most versatile bike shoe is a more suitable choice. It is also a more lightweight gravel shoe: 2.2 oz (62 g) lighter than the Terra Atlas.
Double BOA would be better
Riders agree that the Terra Atlas feels comfortable straight from the box thanks to the flexible upper material and a good toe box space. Even those with wider feet highlight that the pair feels “roomy enough,” has a “wider fit than normal,” and a “more generous fit” than the Terra X5 and Fizik’s “racier shoes.”
A cozy in-shoe feel is provided by the 100% polyester lining and minimal padding. There are no reports of hot spots or chafing.
Unfortunately, a few bikers did experience heel slips when walking and pushing the bike up on the trail.
other MTB shoes
Many reviewers find the BOA a very practical lacing system that can be easily adjusted on the go, with just one hand. The 1-mm increments allow you to make micro-adjustments to the shoe’s fit. One expert also took note of the clean look created by this BOA closure as well as the smart positioning of the eyelet loops which helps with keeping the tongue in place.
However, more than a few bikers think that the shoe really benefits from the double BOA closure or at least a combination of the BOA and a Velcro strap. The problem with a single BOA seems to be that they have to get the fit much tighter than what they normally prefer around the ankle if they want a snugger fit in the midfoot. For those with narrow feet, having a separate dial on top of the instep would make the adjustment much more precise.
Same brand only makes long rides extra comfortable
Quite a few wearers of the Terra Atlas claim that this is the most comfortable cycling shoe they’ve ever worn. This is primarily due to the fact that the shoe hits a sweet spot between flexibility and power transfer with a stiffness index of 5 out of 10:
- “it's a difficult balancing act,” claims an expert
- another reviewer reports that the shoe is “as at home when riding as [it is] when walking”
The Atlas employs a nylon plate instead of carbon that gives more flex for walking and long days on the bike. “Think more of a hiking trainer feel,” says one of the testers. A few more people have compared it to a hiking shoe with a pedal cleat. They say that walking is also made easier as the rubber sole covers the SPD release well. Some of their comments include: “very pleasant to walk on” and “instills confidence walking.”
This is also one of the most highly recommended options for long bike trips and bikepacking. It comes from the bike riders who have traveled over 100K in the shoe.
other MTB shoes
Those riding a variety of surfaces in one go, including gravel, tarmac, woodland, and others are happy with the “balanced stiffness” of the shoe. It makes the pedal strokes feel smooth and distributes pressure across the foot very well.
a hybrid of a racer and a recreational cycling shoe Easily adjustable BOA, Fizik Terra X5.
Plenty of grip off the bike
A great number of reviewers report feeling very surefooted thanks to the robust studs and grippy rubber on the outsole. The latter covers the entire heel-to-toe surface, including the mid-foot, which creates a larger contact area. This is really helpful when hike-and-biking a steep, rough track. The two studs under the toes come into play when pushing or walking up steep sections becomes inevitable.
An avid cyclist also finds the middle rubberized section very helpful for the times when he misses clipping on trickier terrain. Another one was amazed at the grip on wet roots and off-camber mud as he pushed the bike up “some steep muddy stuff.”
Terra Atlas is a quality product
“Definitely feels like a premium product,” “the quality appears to be outstanding,” - many reviewers are highly satisfied with the quality level of the Terra Atlas. They find it a great value for money and at par with all other Fizik shoes.
Some also report that it “holds up well to bumps and scrapes,” with its TPU overlay on the toe cap and sturdy upper.
a hybrid of a racer and a recreational cycling shoe
With ventilation holes covering the entire upper of the Terra Atlas, none of the cyclists had issues with the shoe’s breathability. As one of them says: “I don’t think your feet will overheat in hot weather.”
