Fizik Transiro Hydra triathlon bike shoe review: impressive entry-level performance

The Transiro Hydra is Fizik’s entry-level triathlon bike shoe, with a couple of trade-offs compared to the Transiro Hydra Aeroweave Carbon ($299.99/£289.99). 

It’s a classic triathlon bike shoe design, with a single large strap to provide tension and make it easier to get on and off, a big loop at the heel, and chunky mesh across the front of the upper to provide breathability and faster drying out the water. 

Fizik says the shoe is built to “facilitate easier transitions”, and I wouldn’t disagree looking at how it’s designed. I weighed my size 45s at 8.5oz/242g per shoe, impressively light considering they aren’t top-of-the-range. 

Construction and design

You’re not getting Fizik’s woven Aeroweave upper here, which is the brand’s premium fabric that provides optimal breathability and support. Instead, it’s a more basic ‘3D Air Mesh’ $179/99/£149.99 construction towards the front of your foot.

Behind the strap is a more solid synthetic material to provide structure and support. 

The mesh is a pretty thin layer, but nice and soft, and Fizik says this is ideal for those who wish to race sockless for speedy transitions. 

Fizik provides a handy scale on the sole to help with setting up the cleats, which makes life easier [these markings aren’t always accurate or symmetrical – consider using a cleat alignment tool instead]. The holes are set slightly further back than on most bike shoes to “optimise pedalling efficiency and reduce knee compression”, according to Fizik. 

Putting them on, I noticed there was plenty of width, so I think these shoes will be suitable for those with wider feet. The mesh upper doesn’t have a whole lot of structure, but it did allow my foot plenty of wriggle room, and is highly breathable.

The strap issue

The strap did a good enough job of providing tension across the foot, and the heel cup held my feet securely during sprints and efforts out of the saddle. A frustration for me was the straps being too long, which meant they caught on my cranks. 

Many brands have left this behind, using dial solutions or dial and strap combos, but Fizik has gone the other way, saying straps win to allow for “faster, worry-free transitions”. That’s all well and good, but I’m challenging Fizik to modify the straps so they don’t catch on my cranks and make a racket for the next generation of this shoe! 

The sole, rated 6/10 on Fizik’s stiffness scale, has been redesigned for the Transiro Hydra to offer moderate levels of stiffness. I certainly didn’t want them to be any stiffer, and the slightly easier ride underfoot compared to very stiff shoes will be more appreciated by beginner triathletes anyway.

If Fizik could solve the slapping strap issue – something other brands have managed to sort out even on their entry-level shoes – I would rate the Transiro Hydra even higher. As it stands, though, if you don’t mind cutting the straps down, or living with them catching these are solid tri bike shoes. 

Fizik Transiro Hydra specs

Price	$179.99/£149.99
Weight	8.5oz/242g
Features	Strap, nylon sole
Sizing	EU36-48 unisex
Colours	White/metallic aquamarine, white/black, white/metallic blue, white/red