Mavic's Zxellium Ultimate Shoes build upon the foundation laid down by their former top-end Zxellium Shoes. Mavic's reasoning for the Ultimate was that many of their Pro riders asked for a more stable, stiffer upper than what they'd previously offered. This more substantial upper is the result of the addition of their Energy Frame +, an injection molded thermoplastic truss that wraps from the full carbon sole over the forefoot on the medial side. It complements the Energy Frame that does the same thing, but on the lateral side of the foot. This complete system holds your foot firmly and comfortably in place with the Ergo Lite Ratcheting buckle.

Mavic's Energy Full Carbon SL sole is the stiffest sole they offer. It resists flexing during even the most brutal efforts against the pedals. And since you'll lift each shoe 90 times a minute while you ride, you'll be glad to know that it's also Mavic's lightest sole. While it doesn't get discussed much, sole thickness, or rather thinness, is also important. The carbon sole of the Zxellium is merely 5.5mm thick. That puts your foot 7mm from the top of the cleat. The closer you are to the pedal, the less energy you lose to "rocking torque."

Mavic ensures that your heel is as secure as your forefoot with the Energy Lock carbon heel counter. It keeps your hindfoot in place by cradling the calcaneous bone. Up front the two Velcro Ergo SL Straps complete the job of securing the two sides of the seamless Ergo Lite upper. They use small Kevlar cords for a stretch-free system that allows a perfect adjustment every time you slide into the shoes. The middle strap also incorporates a toothed adjustment to allow you to customize the fit to accommodate the particular volume requirements of your forefoot.

The nicely appointed upper is complemented by the Ergo Fit 3D insole. It has three densities of padding, along with a nice heel cup and metatarsal pad. The insole is covered in an anti-bacterial material that resists stink. The tongue overlaps itself for protection and is lightly padded, with just enough material to spread out the pressure and still allow the foot to breathe. Actually, the padding in the heel, tongue, and insole are called Auto Fit because they'll mold to your foot without the need for heat.

The Mavic Zxellium Ultimate Shoes are available in Black and come in whole and half sizes from 5 - 12.5. Weight (for a size 8.5 shoe) is 270g per shoe.

• Ergo Fit 3D ergonomically contoured and vibration-absorbing footbed reduces fatigue so you can go longer, faster
  
• Injected TPU Energy frame eliminates stretch for more direct power transfer
  
• Mavic's lightest carbon fiber soleplate is ultra-stiff
  
• Carbon heel counter reduces heel slip and transfers energy better by eliminating heel flex
  
• Advanced, lightweight closure system for a custom fit and greater ventilation for any foot