Fizik Lyra Shoe Review
By Brandon Bilyeu
Hot!
- Stiff (8/10), nylon fiber composite sole
- Dual BOA Li2 dials
- Rearward biased cleat mounting holes
- New last provides a roomier forefoot than classic Fizik shoes
- Snug and secure fit
Not!
- Maybe not stiff enough for large riders with high power outputs
Price: $250
Colors: White/Cream, Black/Black, Lavender/Mint Green
Sizes: 36-48 (half sizes available 37.5-46.5)
How obtained: review sample
Available: retail, online
Website: Lyra
RBR Sponsor: no
Tested: 40+ hours
Sizing: With shoes it is always best to try on in-store, but Fizik has an online size guide to help you choose the right shoe size. I traced my foot outline and measured 267 mm heel to toe. From past experience with Fizik, I know that it’s best to size up as the listed foot length is basically the exact inside length of the shoe. I went with a size 42.5 (273.5 mm) and the fit was spot on.
Fizik Lyra — Built with Trickle Down Tech from the Vega
Last year I reviewed Fizik’s latest top-of-the-line racing shoe, the Vega (find that review here). In the Vega, Fizik left behind its narrow-last past and embraced modern ergonomics with a new last (wider, straighter, flatter), rearward cleat positioning, reduced stack, and a sock-like construction. The Vega remains the most comfortable cycling shoe I have ever worn, but also the most expensive at $470. Now Fizik has trickled down some of these features into the Lyra at a much more palatable price point.
The Lyra uses the new last for a fit that should make most riders’ feet happy. Fizik’s traditional, and non-foot-shaped, pointy toe last is replaced with a more anatomical blunt toe and wider toe box. While certainly not a wide fit, there is improved wiggle room for your toes, which my feet greatly appreciate. The sole is constructed with a nylon fiber composite, and Fizik rates the stiffness at 8/10. I can feel a small amount of flex under high power efforts, but it is not noticeable unless you are looking for it.
The sole is plenty stiff under the cleat position, and I had no problems with hot foot. The cleat mounting holes in the sole are a fixed position, so all cleat adjustment comes from the cleat itself. The holes are biased rearward compared to older Fizik models and allow the cleats on the Lyra to be positioned as far back as on the slotted holes of the Vega. I run my cleats as far back as allowed, and that bisects my first and fifth metatarsal heads, so a good position but not excessively rearward.
Overall, I found the Lyra sole to be very comfortable on long and hot summer rides. The step down in stiffness from a full carbon sole helps the Lyra absorb more road chatter which keeps foot numbness and fatigue at bay on longer rides. The insoles are a typical flat foam with a metatarsal bump. If you want real arch support, you will need to get aftermarket insoles. Small vents in the sole help with cooling but are less effective if your aftermarket insoles don’t have venting holes that line up with the sole vents.
The mesh and PU upper has decent breathability and compliance. Two BOA Li2 dials are superb at fine-tuning the perfect tightness with micro adjust both in and out. The mesh is stiffer than a knit shoe, so you don’t get a sock-like fit, but the Lyra is much easier to keep clean. The white/cream color I tested shows dirt quickly but also cleans up easily. A toe cap takes tire overlap hits instead of the uppers and is also easily cleaned of the tire rubber.
On the bike, the Lyra fit snugly with a gripper-less but deep heel cup. The tongue’s top edge is split to avoid ankle discomfort and the main body of the tongue is padded to disperse pressure from the BOA wires. Once rolling down the road, they disappear on your feet. And it’s nice that they look sharp too.
Bottom Line
It’s great to see progressive shoe design trickle down to lower price points. The new last used for the Lyra should improve comfort and performance for most foot shapes. The Lyra is a comfortable shoe that should work great for everyone except maybe the most die-hard racers who “need” that full carbon sole.
Brandon Bilyeu is an avid recreational roadie who lives in Regensburg, Germany. He’s a year-round bike commuter and is a mechanical design engineer by trade. Click to read Brandon’s full bio.