Fizik R3 ARIA Cycling Shoes - Lightweight Road Bike Shoes for Men & Women | Perfect for Indoor Training & Outdoor Road Biking

Okay, these shoes may not be quite “World Class”, but they are certainly a way better performing shoe than what most of us would ever need. My previous cycling shoe was a mid-range pair of Bontragers with a full carbon sole and combination ratcheting and Velcro straps. The Fizik R3 Aria shoes are true to size, with exceptionally stiff, full carbon soles. My feet and shins were a bit sore after my first few 30+ mile rides, but I quickly adapted to the added stiffness and find the shoes extremely comfortable even on longer rides. I am generating a bit more wattage with these shoes, which is well worth the $200 price of admission.The BOA closure system is excellent, with a full-range of incremental adjustment for both the bottom and top closures. It is very easy to find the perfect combination of top and bottom tightness to ensure the most comfortable, secure fit. The closures are easy to loosen or tighten even while in the saddle. This is an incredibly helpful feature when your feet swell during long summer rides and the shoes need a bit of loosening. The stiffness, build quality, ventilation, and styling are those of road shoes that easily cost $100 more than the current price of the R3s. I have pedaled around 600 miles since purchasing these shoes and would absolutely buy them again. The leather is of excellent quality. It is difficult to tell from the picture, but part of the closure and the inside of the shoe are patent leather. The patent leather is a bit softer than the rest of the shoe and might prove to have durability issues over the long term. The patient letter on the inner part of the shoe are already showing some signs of wear.