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Fi'zi:k R3 Donna Shoe - Women's
While some shoe makers view comfort as an afterthought to rigidity, the Fi'zi:k R3 Donna Shoes strike the balance between them. This doesn't mean that the R3 forgoes a carbon fiber outsole or stiff upper, not even close. Instead, Fi'zi:k studied how to integrate each portion of the R3 in order for them to work cohesively. As a result, you get a shoe that operates as a dynamic system, not a long independent string of features.
The R3 Donna features two hook-and-loop straps along with an aluminum, ratcheting buckle. This system allows you to fully tune the fit and volume of the shoes both pre-ride and on-the-fly. The bottom two straps control the snugness of the fit at the metatarsal and instep areas. These straps are best adjusted before you hit the road and left alone thereafter.
The ratcheting strap is what dictates the entry and exit adjustments. The loading lever is made from aluminum that's been mated to a stainless steel base. It has a double-click adjustment capability with a full-release mechanism at the base of the lever. Together, the three strap system eliminates any internal foot slippage that depreciates your efficiency. To evenly distribute pressure across the top of the foot, Fi'zi:k made the strap dimensions wide. The strap design allows you to easily lengthen or shorten the strap in order to precisely dial-in the volume of the shoe. Also, each strap has been crafted from fully-adjustable length sail cloth in order to bolster durability while maintaining a low overall weight. For an extreme control over volume, or simply to efficiently clean the inside of the shoe, Fi'zi:k designed the tongue pad to be fully-removable.
To further control slippage, the R3 Donna has shaped the heel cup at the aft position of the shoe. This feature keeps the foot in the perfect position on hard up-strokes and while climbing out of the saddle. As a result, you're powering the pedals comfortably and efficiently. This has been further heightened by a variable stiffness sole construction. The base layer is an ultra-stiff carbon fiber plate. Second layer has been positioned closer to the heel. This layer is constructed from a material called Tepex that's a little more malleable than the carbon fiber in order to accommodate and support multiple heel and arch sizes. Encompassing both of these layers is a polyurethane Mobius rail that strikes the ideal balance between elasticity and rigidity. Together, the multiple layers work hand-in-hand with the insole and 3D upper to keep the heel in place and to maximize comfort.
And on the topic of comfort, Fi'zi:k went above and beyond to make the R3 extremely breathable. This might not be obvious, given the R3's lack of traditional mesh ventilation. However, the uppers of the shoe feature a mix of soft, yet durable kangaroo leather and Fi'zi:k's own Microtex microfiber -- yes, the same material used on Fi'zi:k saddles and bar tape. This material keeps your feet breathing and comfortable on long summer days in the saddle. And for the insole, Fi'zi:k included its own Cycling Insole. And while its not custom moldable like with the R1, it does incorporate a thoughtful design that assures comfort by absorbing road vibration and supporting your arch system.
The Fi'zi:k R3 Donna Shoes are available in odd and even sizes from 37.0 to 43.0 and in the colors Black/creme and Pure White.
Price: $109.99 (63% Off!)
Regularly: $299.95
Buy Now
While some shoe makers view comfort as an afterthought to rigidity, the Fi'zi:k R3 Donna Shoes strike the balance between them. This doesn't mean that the R3 forgoes a carbon fiber outsole or stiff upper, not even close. Instead, Fi'zi:k studied how to integrate each portion of the R3 in order for them to work cohesively. As a result, you get a shoe that operates as a dynamic system, not a long independent string of features.
The R3 Donna features two hook-and-loop straps along with an aluminum, ratcheting buckle. This system allows you to fully tune the fit and volume of the shoes both pre-ride and on-the-fly. The bottom two straps control the snugness of the fit at the metatarsal and instep areas. These straps are best adjusted before you hit the road and left alone thereafter.
The ratcheting strap is what dictates the entry and exit adjustments. The loading lever is made from aluminum that's been mated to a stainless steel base. It has a double-click adjustment capability with a full-release mechanism at the base of the lever. Together, the three strap system eliminates any internal foot slippage that depreciates your efficiency. To evenly distribute pressure across the top of the foot, Fi'zi:k made the strap dimensions wide. The strap design allows you to easily lengthen or shorten the strap in order to precisely dial-in the volume of the shoe. Also, each strap has been crafted from fully-adjustable length sail cloth in order to bolster durability while maintaining a low overall weight. For an extreme control over volume, or simply to efficiently clean the inside of the shoe, Fi'zi:k designed the tongue pad to be fully-removable.
To further control slippage, the R3 Donna has shaped the heel cup at the aft position of the shoe. This feature keeps the foot in the perfect position on hard up-strokes and while climbing out of the saddle. As a result, you're powering the pedals comfortably and efficiently. This has been further heightened by a variable stiffness sole construction. The base layer is an ultra-stiff carbon fiber plate. Second layer has been positioned closer to the heel. This layer is constructed from a material called Tepex that's a little more malleable than the carbon fiber in order to accommodate and support multiple heel and arch sizes. Encompassing both of these layers is a polyurethane Mobius rail that strikes the ideal balance between elasticity and rigidity. Together, the multiple layers work hand-in-hand with the insole and 3D upper to keep the heel in place and to maximize comfort.
And on the topic of comfort, Fi'zi:k went above and beyond to make the R3 extremely breathable. This might not be obvious, given the R3's lack of traditional mesh ventilation. However, the uppers of the shoe feature a mix of soft, yet durable kangaroo leather and Fi'zi:k's own Microtex microfiber -- yes, the same material used on Fi'zi:k saddles and bar tape. This material keeps your feet breathing and comfortable on long summer days in the saddle. And for the insole, Fi'zi:k included its own Cycling Insole. And while its not custom moldable like with the R1, it does incorporate a thoughtful design that assures comfort by absorbing road vibration and supporting your arch system.
The Fi'zi:k R3 Donna Shoes are available in odd and even sizes from 37.0 to 43.0 and in the colors Black/creme and Pure White.
Price: $109.99 (63% Off!)
Regularly: $299.95
Buy Now
