Facebook Twitter Instagram
    FeedTheHabit.com
    • Home
    • Gear Reviews
      • Mountain Biking
      • Road Biking
      • Bike Commuting
      • Trail Running
      • Skiing
      • Outdoors
      • Water Sports
      • Vehicles
    • News
    • Trip Reports
    • Videos
    FeedTheHabit.com
    Fizik Vento Overcurve X3 Review
    Gear Reviews

    Fizik Vento Overcurve X3 Review

    Jason MitchellBy Jason MitchellNovember 7, 2019No Comments5 Mins Read

    Believe it or not, that elusive Cinderella-like fit is possible with cycling shoes. But, finding the pair that fits your foot shape, riding needs and budget can be a tricky proposition. In that search, the Fizik Vento Overcurve X3 checks all the typical boxes I look for in a high-performance off-road shoe — Boa IP1 fit system, stiff outsole and walkable tread pattern. In the end, the X3’s deliver, but do have a narrow, race last, so keep that in mind.

    Fizik Vento Overcurve X3 Features:

    • Stiff carbon-injected nylon outsole
    • Durable TPU tread for walking/running
    • Optional toe cleats
    • Welded and laminated uppers
    • Boa IP1 fit system
    • MSRP: $250
    Fizik Vento Overcurve X3
    Brand new and clean as a whistle on their first gravel ride (but not for long).

    Vento Overcurve X3 is stiff and racy

    When selecting a good pair of mountain bike or gravel racing shoes, fit is always the top priority. A close second, in my book, is outsole stiffness. Many riders settle for a soft, mushy outsole because the shoe fits while others cram their feet into an uncomfortable shoe because of performance. The ideal scenario is something in the middle if you want a shoe that’s capable and comfortable.

    Fizik is no stranger to understanding bicycle touch points. Shoes, saddles, bars and bar tape are their specialties — with solutions for all rider sizes, shapes and performance goals. With that, the Fizik Vento Overcurve X3 is aimed at mountain bike, cyclocross and gravel racing and features a stiff outsole with narrow, racy fit.

    Close-up of the Boa IP1
    The Boa IP1 cinches the full-length of the shoe.

    There are subtle differences between a comparable shoe, like the Specialized Expert XC. Each manufacturer differs in their fit philosophy, but you can see that the Vento Overcurve X3’s are certainly more streamlined — with thinner materials and a more contoured fit. Both shoes are 44.5’s. I can wear thicker socks with the Specialized shoes, but have to stick with summer-weight socks when rocking the Fizik’s.

    Specialized Expert XC vs Fizik Vento Overcurve X3
    The uppers differ in material thickness and contours.

    With the racier fit, you can expect to have a decidedly more fine-tuned ride feel. The X3’s really do feel connected to your feet and translate into direct power to the pedals. However, my low-volume feet still had some pressure points until broken in — notably in the meaty area of the outside of my left foot. After a couple of rides and sticking with summer-weight socks, this pressure has disappeared. So, keep that in mind, you might need to adjust sock thickness accordingly.

    The uppers aren’t the most breathable I’ve tested, so wearing thinner socks is recommended anyway. On long rides, my feet had a tendency to get a little toasty. If you notice, there are no vents at all in the toebox, so keep that in mind if your feet get particularly warm.

    Assos XC Jersey and Bib Shorts Review
    The X3’s are at home on gravel, MTB or cyclocross.

    As with all shoes featuring Boa IP1 fit system, the X3’s nail the overall fit. With just a single dial and three lace sections, the X3’s don’t feature the common Velcro closure at the forefoot. Instead, the single, full-foot lace system can flex and stretch with each pedal stroke — pulling from one area to another. The dial has worked flawlessly. The only negative here is you can’t choose to leave the forefoot alone. It’s an full-foot cinch or nothing. If you need a wider toebox, you might want to look elsewhere.

    Fizik Vento Overcurve X3 Outsole
    The carbon-injected outsole delivers power and the treads don’t interfere with pedals.

    The carbon-injected nylon outsoles are plenty stiff and they deliver excellent power transfer in concert with the LOOK X-Track Race Carbon Ti pedals I tested them with. There was no tread interference and the SPD cleats have worked great. Cleat placement is as adjustable as other high-end shoes and I had no problems placing them in the proper location. Traction is solid and these are very walkable (or run-able if we’re talking cyclocross).

    While the X3’s do have a racy fit, I never experienced any toe numbness at all (something that I have experienced with other shoes). So, all that asymmetrical foot shaping must be working.

    The Good

    • Foot-hugging fit
    • Boa IP1 — the gold-standard
    • Stiff outsole for power transfer
    • Feels very “connected” to the bike
    • Good traction and very walkable

    The Bad

    • Narrow fit isn’t for everyone
    • Can’t pinpoint forefoot fit
    • Lack of vents in the toebox means these can get warm

    The Bottom Line: Fizik Vento Overcurve X3

    Shoes, in general, are a highly-personal affair. Fizik has gone to great lengths with the Vento Overcurve X3 to ensure a last that contours to your feet and puts you in a position for comfort and power transfer. That translates into a narrow last — particularly in the toebox. But, the trade-off is a connected feel that delivers every ounce of effort to forward momentum.

    Buy Now: Available at JensonUSA

    ShareTweet
    BOA Fi'zi:k
    Previous ArticleBontrager Aeolus PRO 3V Gravel Wheelset Review
    Next Article Diamondback Sync’r Carbon Review
    Jason Mitchell
    • Website
    • Twitter

    A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded this site in 1999 -- sharing his love of road biking, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. That passion is channeled into every article or gear review he writes. Utah's Wasatch Mountains are his playground.

    You Might Also Like

    Küat Grip 4 Ski Rack Review

    January 26, 2023

    Ibis Exie Goes Global

    January 24, 2023

    Trek Circuit Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey Review

    January 23, 2023

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Most Popular

    Montec Fawk Ski Jacket and Bib Review

    February 28, 2022
    8.9

    Zipp 303 S Carbon Wheelset Review

    November 4, 2021

    Patagonia Downdrift Parka Review

    February 2, 2022
    9.2

    SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS Groupset Review

    August 12, 2022
    8.5

    Canyon Lux Trail CF 7 Review

    November 28, 2022

    Ultimate All-rounder? Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket Review

    February 2, 2021

    SRAM Rival/GX AXS Mullet Gravel Kit Review

    September 17, 2021

    Patagonia Storm Shift Jacket and Pants Review, feat. Gore-Tex ePE membrane

    December 21, 2022
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 TLR Wheelset Review

    September 9, 2021
    9.4

    Roval CL 50 Disc Wheelset Review

    September 13, 2019
    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    Advertisement
    Our Latest Posts
    • Küat Grip 4 Ski Rack Review
    • Ibis Exie Goes Global
    • Trek Circuit Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey Review
    • Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Insulated Jacket Review
    • Pearl Izumi PRO NeoShell WxB Jacket Review
    • Montane Anti-Freeze Down Hooded Jacket Review
    • Fresh Wheels: Fezzari Veyo is an Aero All-rounder
    • Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid Hoody Review
    • Review: Patagonia Long-sleeve Capilene Cool Merino Shirt
    • 2022 Gear of the Year
    About Us
    About Us

    Since 1999, we have delivered in-depth gear reviews, articles and content. We feature a small staff of savvy, experienced writers who love to review outdoor gear.

    External links to Amazon, REI, Backcountry and other retailers include affiliate codes that give us a small commission on each sale.

    To contact us or learn more, go to our About Us page.

    © FeedTheHabit.com 1999 - 2023. All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.