If you want to have access to the latest shoe technology from Fizik, but can’t quite see your way clear to shelling out top dollar for it, take heart in the fact that the Fizik R4B Shoes, which come in both the Uomo and Donna versions, have received many of the same techy advancements as the R1B, but on a friendlier budget.
The R4B feature Fizik’s Volume Control Technology, which comes courtesy of the way they use and lace the BOA IP1 closure system. This time, they use only one BOA closure nob, and add two narrow micro straps nearer the toes. The combination of the closure system and the laser perforated Microtex helps give the R4B uppers the sort of customizable fit that makes them as flexible and comfortable as the R1B, while ensuring the support you’ll need for those final sprint situations at your local crits. The cut of the material gives the shoe an extra aero touch since the tongue folds over the top towards the outside of the foot where the IP1-BOA closure system acts as the adjustable seam. The BOA IP1 closure system ensures that you can micro adjust the fit whether you are sitting in your hallway suiting up or in the middle of a race and need to let your feet breathe a touch more. And having the straps nearer your toes will make it easy to loosen or tighten the lower portion of your shoes without having to deal with the BOA, which you may not want to do once you have it perfectly dialed.
Where the Fizik R4B Shoes differ most from the top of the line R1B is the outsole, which here is an injected composite carbon that has the benefit of the vents to keep your feet well aired. Though a touch heavier than the uni-directional carbon fiber you’ll find with the R1B, these soles will feel responsive without being so unforgiving as to give you hot spots or fatigue the feet. To help keep things comfy, Fizik uses their insole with a special EVA pad for metatarsal support.
The Fizik R4B Shoes weigh 254 grams in a size 42.5, which is not even 30 grams heavier than the R1B. The R4B Shoes, both in Uomo and Donna sizes, will give your feet the comfort and support they need, whether you are just riding for pleasure or training for a big event.