Test fi'zi:k Transiro Hydra Aeroweave

Dedicated to the practice of triathlon, the fi'zi:k Transiro Hydra Aeroweave shoes combine an ultra-ventilated upper, the Italian brand's stiffest carbon sole for efficient pedaling and a tightening with a unique Velcro stripThe objective: to enable the triathlete to optimize their performance, especially during crucial transition phases to lose as little time as possible. Is this the ideal shoe for triple effort? Verdict on the route.

By Pierre-Maxime BRANCHE – Photos: ©3bikes.fr

You have already been able to see them in particular on the feet of British triathletes, such as Georgia Taylor-Brown, Alex Yee, Jonathan Brownlee, Sophie Coldwell on the sleeves of World Triathlon Championship Series or with Alistair Brownlee, the double Olympic champion (2012, 2016), on the Long Distance. The fi'zi:k Transiro Hydra Aeroweave are designed to facilitate high performance and have already secured numerous podiums in the triple effort.

With this high-end model, the Italian brand offers a pure triathlon shoe. This one has the rod Aeroweave, very resistant, made of nylon fibers and thermoplastic polymer filaments, both enveloping and soft, but also airy and light. Under the upper, fi'zi:ka positioned its R2 sole in unidirectional carbon fibers. This displays a stiffness index of 10/10 (by its own standards) and remains very light. It has a large ventilation slot and deep internal channels to ensure air circulation. Also practical is the classic graduation to precisely position your cleats. This is the most performance-oriented sole in the range.

For triathlon and to allow quick transitions, fi'zi:ka opted for a tightening with a single wide velcro strap. This is positioned quite high on the instep and allows you to tighten far on the inside of the foot. The metatarsals are left free, no tightening for them. Also note, a large tab on the heel to easily grab it with one finger, hold the shoe and slide the foot in or out as desired at T1 and T2.

So what about this model dedicated to triple effort – displayed at €290 and weighed at 225 g for a size 42 – in terms of comfort, rigidity, tightness and, of course, optimized transition?

To the test of the route

What do you ask of triathlon shoes compared to running shoes? route classic? First of all, they should be easy to put on; then they should be breathable to dry quickly after swimming because of wet feet but also during exercise; they should be comfortable inside in case you pedal without socks; finally, they should be efficient in terms of power transmission. Basically, there are not that many differences because efficiency, comfort and ventilation are already qualities sought by road cyclists.

What is most required is practicality and speed of donning to best manage transitions, over long distances and even more so over short distances where every second counts.. Here, our Transiro Hydra Aeroweave has the "essential" rear buckle. This is far from being a detail because it has a double interest: on the one hand, it keeps your shoes straight when they are clipped to run next to your bike in the transition zone (and thus avoids you either running with your cleats or seeing your beautiful shoes scrape the asphalt and turn in all directions); on the other hand, it allows you to easily hold your shoe with one finger to slide your foot in a single movement. Due to its high positioning on the heel, its orientation to accommodate your finger, its size and its width, this tongue perfectly fulfills its role.. It is very easy to grip and proves to be very solid when you pull hard on it if your foot gets stuck a little.

Maximized opening

This situation seems unlikely so much the space to let the foot pass through is large when the velcro is opened to its maximum. Already, the design of the upper offers a shortened structure, quite low on the instep and equipped with an elastic textile that makes the junction between the two sides of the foot. Then, when you completely open the "scratch", the passage is immense! Once the tongue is caught to stabilize the shoe, sliding your foot inside becomes child's play. The space is wide and there are no annoying elements (such as a Boa tightening cable). The foot exit is also very simple. Once the tongue is caught and the Velcro opens in the blink of an eye. The foot comes out immediately. Finally, the width of the upper and the absence of Boa tightening make it easy to place the foot flat on the shoe and pedal while waiting for T2.

Tightening and loosening on demand

Once the foot is slipped in, the tightening, made up of a single, wide Velcro strip, is ultra-fast. Above all, it can be readjusted as desired and in a second depending on the terrain and the intensity of the race.. With this velcro positioned very high, the foot does not move when you put the watts on the flat and in the bumps. The same on the relaunches. The toes are, themselves, freer. This requires a slight time of adaptation compared to the double or even triple tightenings route, but the sensations are good and the loss of power transfer is – to the sensations – minimalThe Velcro strap is very enveloping, it goes really far on the inside of the foot which allows a strong hold.

On smooth efforts such as long distances, this deliberate choice of fi'zi:k is perfect. On short distances, the question could arise in races with drafting and on circuits. With the multiple restarts and accelerations, this tightening can require a slight expenditure of additional energy. But it must be immediately counterbalanced: this ease/speed of tightening can above all save you precious seconds and allow you to find yourself at the front, in a breakaway, therefore on a smooth effort, and not in a peloton. It should also be noted that this unique velcro strip is a request from the athletes (British, editor's note), well aware that a very small error and therefore a loss of time in transition can be paid for cash in the continuation of their race. That said, this band clamp is pleasant and efficient. In addition, it does not cause any pressure points or tension, which is again a very positive point..

A firm and comfortable fit

Inside the Transiro Hydra Aeroweave, the foot finds its place well and once tightened, the fit ensures firm support. On the rear area, the heel is well hugged and held without excess rigidity, helped by a nice padded thickness and by an area provided with small silicone dots.. The ankle is free and well cleared. The toes have plenty of room to move at the entrance of the foot, the tightening makes the back of the shoe very ergonomic and gives the front a little more freedom, all again without any pressure points and therefore irritation. When pedaling without socks, over long distances, and in the heat, it is still very appreciable.

Good power transfer thanks to the R2 carbon sole

At the intensities achieved, the R2 carbon sole shows no flex. Even during several sprints on hills with a standing start, it never failed. We necessarily lack power compared to the best triathletes and road racers but for ordinary mortals, this sole clearly does the job in terms of energy return. With the very good single-strip Velcro tightening, the sole and the upper are one, when pushing and when pulling when pedaling, without loss of power in the transmission of the effort.

Multiple vents

This is also one of the great strengths of the Transiro Hydra Aeroweave: ventilation of the foot and therefore ultra-fast drying after T1 or when watering to refresh the machine. fi'zi:k offers us here an ultra airy model, with ventilation present throughout the upper. This one is ultra worked. This is particularly the case on the entire front of the upper where you can see your sock and your toes depending on whether or not you ride barefoot.

This is where the Aeroweave technology comes in, which benefits from high-resistance but very airy, comfortable and strong mesh.. It is also visible on the side, on the outside of the fifth metatarsal, and on the inside under the big toe, above the arch of the foot. Only the outline of the heel retains a more traditional mesh. Similarly, several ventilation channels positioned on the R2 sole ventilate the arch of the foot and thus regulate the temperature. We deliberately poured half a can of water on each foot, one morning when the sun was not yet warm: drying proved to be rapid.

The ideal shoes?

Ergonomic, very airy, easy to put on/take off and with excellent energy return, the sensations of these Transiro Hydra Aeroweave seduced us, without even mentioning the effective tightening (more than you might think), homogeneous and (necessarily very) adjusted. This model is perfectly suited to the practice of triathlon thanks to its many tips to facilitate transitions and is suitable for all triple effort distances. Once put on, these shoes are very comfortable and offer good support. Their weight of 225 gr in size 42 (adjusted size with space on the front of the foot for the toes) is a definite asset and the color testand with its immaculate white, its flamboyant red Velcro and its royal blue grip strip has won us over. The price, €290, is starting to sting, but fi'zi:k delivers here a very good product which will provide the necessary performances to all triathletes, whatever their levels, practices and distances..

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