Now in its fourth year of production, the Vento Infinito Carbon 2 still represents Fizik’s top-of-the-line road shoe, extolling the Italian brand’s philosophy that “less is more” by removing all unnecessary features to create a shoe that delivers comfort and performance without complication.
Perhaps, the most obvious example of this is the Vento Infinito Carbon 2’s minimalist upper, comprising a thin, highly pliable-lightweight Microtex fabric that’s dominated by a broad 60mm-wide section of material that tapers and wraps over the forefoot, while retention is handled by a Li2 bi-directional BOA Fit System.
The system works with a separate “wrap” that’s designed to envelop the upper part of the forefoot using the top dial, while the lower dial further secures the forefoot via a zig-zag lacing pattern to create a sock-like feel. Elsewhere, ventilation comes courtesy of perforations galore throughout the upper, along with a wide vent inlet on the outsole and deep internal channels to further enhance airflow and temperature regulation.
Speaking of the outsole, the Vento Infinito Carbon 2 is treated to Fizik’s R2 carbon sole, resulting in a stiffness index of 10 out of 10. Moreover, there’s 12mm of fore-aft adjustment for the cleats, allowing for precise shoe/pedal positioning.
“The Vento Infinito Carbon 2 features an entirely new outsole with an engineered carbon fiber layup that saves weight and delivers increased stiffness. With a stiffness index rating of 10, this outsole is the stiffest in our range. A wide vent inlet and deep internal channeling provide a cooling airflow, aiding in temperature regulation. The cleat positioning is set slightly further back compared to traditional settings to optimize pedaling efficiency and reduce knee compression, especially well-suited to very aggressive, forward aero positions,” explains Fizik.
All in, Fizik says the Vento Infinito Carbon 2 tips the scales at 227 grams in a size 42.5, an impressive weight that will surely win plaudits from the weight weenies faction.
So, features aside, how does the Vento Infinito Carbon 2 perform?
Whether it was a short, challenging jaunt or a long day in the saddle – light, airy, supportive, comfortable and excellent power transfer, foremost describes the Vento Infinito Carbon 2. Throw in a retention system that’s simple and effective like BOA’s Bi-directional Li2, and you now have a shoe that sits at the very top of the leaderboard.
One caveat, however, whether it was just my imagination, the shoe felt a tad longer than others, adding a bit of caution during tight maneuvers in order to avoid toe clip overlap.
The Vento Infinito Carbon 2 is available in white, black and grey, which sells for a hefty $400, with sizes available in 36 to 48 (half sizes in 37 through 46).
Squisito!
Fizik
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