Sidi Cycling Shoes

Sidi History

Europeans know their cycling shoes. Sidi shoes are the last completely European brand of cycling shoes in the United States these days. They're more expensive than other brands, but when it comes to cycling shoes, you'll get what you pay for.

The Sidi brand was born in Maser, Italy in 1960. The father? Dino Signori, and the brand took his initials, SIDI, as its name. When the company first started, Sidi produced shoes for mountain sports. However, Signori's passion was cycling (he'd been a cyclist since age 15), and the company eventually shifted to that direction.

Why You Need Sidi Cycling Shoes

What's the most valuable thing a company can have to offer, aside from a standout product? Excellent customer service. The Sidi website is prepared for all types of questions, and because of their forward-thinking design, you may never even have to pick up a phone to find the solution to your problem or the answer to your question.

With customer service under control, you can then pick apart Sidi's product and inspect their technology. See how it compares to the technology other cycling shoe companies use. Here are a few of the things they have to offer:

Heel Security System (HSS): This ensures a better fit around the heel and ankle. The heel cup is reinforced, giving you a snugger fit and fewer blisters. These are especially valuable when you're making it up a steep hill.

Carbon Soles: Carbon soles are tricky. Too much carbon will make a shoe too stiff, as explained on the Sidi website. Too little, and claiming a "carbon sole" just seems silly. Two of Sidi's shoes, the Ergo 2 and the Genius 6.6, have a new technology in place. Sidi created a sole that allows for that extra thickness and stiffness of carbon where it needs it, but not where it doesn't. It's a patented carbon/carbon grid design.

Dragon SRS Soles: Sidi claims these are really easy to replace, and that they'll get you through the most challenging terrain around. Wet, rocky, etc., these black rubber and red polyurethane soles are up for the task. Change the soles, not your shoes.

The Styles

Which kind of Sidi cycling shoes you should purchase boils down to the type of riding you'll be doing, and if you're male or female. Here are a few styles to consider:

Road Shoes

• Zeta: Available in black, this shoe stays on your foot thanks to three Velcro closures. The padded tongue won't make your feet uncomfortable as you pedal, and the sole has a replaceable heel pad. Get it in Standard or Mega widths.
• Raiden: This one's available in black only, as well. It has two Velcro straps, a padded tongue, and a replaceable heel pad.

Winter Training

• The Hydro GTX doesn't play around. It's built for warmth, comfort, and performance. The upper is made of insulated, waterproof Gore-Tex® so your feet stay warm and dry. There are four Velcro straps, a replaceable heel pad, and enough room for your coziest socks.

Triathalon

• T2: This one's available in one color scheme as well, pearl white/midnight blue. Utilizing new technology for the soles, these are stiffer and lighter than their earlier versions. You don't need socks with these.

Mountain Biking/Cross Country

• MTB--Bullet 2: This one's available in black only. You have the option for toe spikes if you'd like them, and the three Velcro straps keep the shoe on and the tongue in place for your comfort.

Women's Shoes

Under the Technology tab on the Sidi website, you'll see the differences between men's and women's shoes. They claim that all too frequently, shoe manufacturers change the color of the shoes and put a different size on it and—voila! Those men's shoes are now women's shoes, too.

Sidi acknowledges the fact that men and women have different shaped feet: rectangles and triangles, to be exact. Sidi's women's shoes use a woman's foot as a model, so women aren't cheated out of the great fit the men get. The site actually offers a brochure with more details about the differences in foot shape, and how you can get a great fitting shoe.

Here are a few styles available for women:

• Genius 6.6 Carbon: Women-specific fit, of course, with HSS, mesh inserts, a breathable upper, and High Security Velcro® for closure. This shoe is only available in white.
• MTB—Dominator 5: This one's available in silver/midnight blue or black. It has the same High Security Velcro® closure as the Genius, plus the option for toe spikes. It's breathable, comfortable, and durable.

What Else Does Sidi Do?

According to the Sidi website, Dino Signori doesn't just make cycling shoes. Always a fan of two-wheeled sports, he's branched out into the realm of motorcycle boots.

There are also extras that go along with traditional cycling, such as replacement pads, pedal adapters, caps, t-shirts, and more. Visit the Extras tab on the Sidi website to order accessories.