Sidi MTB Gravel Shoes review

Sidi’s original entrant into the gravel-shoe world, the Jarin, was an impressive stripped-down mountain bike race shoe.

However, the new Sidi MTB Gravel Shoe takes things a step further.

By removing the heavyweight protection and race stiffness and introducing a new 'MTB competition' sole, Sidi's clever tension system and a new synthetic suede material, Sidi has upped the comfort while reducing the price.

Sidi MTB Gravel Shoes spec details

Sidi's Tecno-3 tensioning system features a flip-up dial and spring-loaded release.

It may lack the simple two-way micro-adjust of the latest Boa dials, but it offers easy adjustment and holds firm.

The upper is what sets the Sidi MTB Gravel Shoe apart from other gravel bike shoes though.

The new Politex material has a supple, suede-like brushed outer, a stretchy mid layer and a light, knit-like liner.

It’s made from recycled materials and is fully recyclable. There’s a shock-absorbing rubber pad on the outside flank to protect your ankle, and rubber toe protection too.

The well-shaped shoe is generous in volume, but not overly wide. Supremely comfortable, it doesn’t skimp on performance, thanks to the stiffness of the footplate on the Sidi carbon sole.

Along with Sidi’s signature solid heel cup, this makes the Gravel a very stable shoe without resorting to overt stiffness in the upper.

At 400.7g each for a size 45, the Sidi MTB Gravel is not the lightest gravel shoe around, but the ride quality more than makes up for it.

Sidi MTB Gravel Shoes bottom line

Overall, the Sidi Gravel is a simply brilliant shoe.

Expanding on the success of the Sidi Jarin, the Gravel is stable, comfortable and has an excellent sole with great grip.

My only niggle is the rather flat standard footbed; I’d look to change this to my preferred shape with a slightly more pronounced arch.