Sidi’s Ergo 3s are high-tech, feature-filled artificial leather shoes. All the parts – ratchet, heel adjuster, instep buckle and heel bumper – are replaceable, and the heel-cup has an adjustable retention device so that they stay put even without the closures. They’re light too, at 344g each (size 45).
There’s super-secure Velcro for the toe, a BOA-like Techno II ratchet for the upper and tongue, and a micro-adjust buckle for the instep strap – with a soft thermoformed pad that’s tuneable for an exact fit.
The padded heel cup is lined with a fine mesh that continues throughout the inner, but for such a high-tech shoe we were surprised to find such a simple, flat footbed – leading us to think that Sidi expect you to fit custom versions from the likes of Sole, Specialized or Fizik. That said, the close fit is superb, highly structured and arguably as good as some custom-fit options.
Sidi’s carbon sole creates a very solid connection to the pedals. There’s a mid-foot vent and one in the toe that can be opened or closed using a bolt – close it for the cold and wet, open it when it’s warm. A replaceable heel bumper protects the sole when walking too.
This article was originally published in Cycling Plus magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.