Ever since the Italian brand was created back in 1996, Fizik has never been a company that has done things in a traditional manner. So when news broke last year that they were planning to enter the shoe market, many people were imagining just what Fizik footwear would look like.

When the three-model lineup was finally unveiled at the Eurobike show last September, it was obvious that Fizik had no intention of following the traditional route of modern-day shoe design and manufacture. What was so different about the shoes? More than anything else, the shoe stood out for being pretty old-school traditional.

If there is one major element of the Fizik shoes that separates them from their contemporaries, it’s that they are made from leather. If you’re as loyal a follower of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) as you are a cyclist, you can stop reading this test now. In a throwback to days of old, Fizik went the decades-old route of making their cycling shoes using a combination of cow and kangaroo leather (the R3 uses both, while the R1 is all kangaroo).

Compared to many other high-end shoes on the market, the Fizik shoes are not what you would consider high tech. Sure they have a sultry carbon sole for stiffness and the sailcloth straps are exceedingly unique; but beyond those two features, you won’t find any wire-mesh vent ports or multidimensional synthetic materials being used.

As Fizik product manager Steve Delacruz said, “My idea was to capture the tradition of the fine Italian dress shoe. I wanted something that looked more elegant and refined than something gaudy, so visually it’s understated. Still, there are some modern elements to its construction. I borrowed Fizik saddle technology to design the 3-D flex system sole and outsole, and by using a Tepex heel band, the shoe can better accommodate different heel shapes.” Unlike the R1, the R3 only uses the tougher kangaroo hide on the toe and heel. Not just a subtle extravagance, the zinctabbed straps also help when pulling the straps tight. The aluminum buckle (the R1 uses carbon) is simple in design and easy to adjust while riding.

With its perforated upper, the R3 vented well. One of the standout features of the R3 is the arch support—very comfortable and very supportive. Our shoes were fitted with the luxurious and heavier (104-gram) Sidas insoles (standard for the R1, optional for the R3), which added about 60 grams over the stock insole. Since it’s been so long since we’ve worn a leather shoe, we were unsure about how much the shoe would stretch. But after two months of frequent use, they still fit well.

If you’re the sort of rider looking for as many bells and whistles in a shoe as possible, the Fizik is not for you. As you’d expect from Fizik, the styling is unique and is a refreshing option from current styles. It’s nice that they also offer women-specific shoes. We’re told to expect an optional heat-moldable insole in the future.

• Definitely unique

• Remember what real leather feels like?

• Men’s and women’s versions

Price: $300

Weight: 640 grams (size 42)

Sizes: 40-48

For more info: FIZIK