This Italian brand’s reputation as a shoemaker is legendary as it was Sidi that revolutionised cycling footwear from its leather and metal-plate soles into the lightweight, tech-laden shoes that we wear today.
Sidi has also provided footwear to more cycling champions over the years than most of us can name. Its 60-year anniversary is being celebrated throughout 2020 with a series of limited-edition versions of its range-topping Sixty shoe.
These faux-snakeskin versions may be one of the more out-there designs from Sidi, but there is no hiding the wealth of tech within. The snakeskin-printed polyurethane leather (PU) upper is formed in one piece, with a toe overlay for extra protection and twin-mesh toe vents.
The traditional tongue design is tensioned on the forefoot by a single Velcro strap, which incorporates Sidi’s signature sawtooth insert. This means that the strap will not relax once tensioned up no matter how hard your efforts, or how adverse the conditions.
The tongue is thickly padded on the inside, and anchored centrally is Sidi’s Techno 4 tension adjuster. The Techno 4 predates Boa with its flip-up dial adjuster and spring-loaded release. It may lack the simple two-way micro-adjust of the latest Boa, but I think it works well and holds very firm in all conditions.
The basis of any good road shoe is the sole. Sidi hasn’t disappointed with the latest improved version of its Vent carbon design. It’s ridged, shaped and reinforced creating one of the stiffest soles around.
A neat touch on the toe is a closable vent. You can slide it closed and secure it for the winter, or add a little more air when the temperature rises. This toe vent and the deep toe bumper protect the carbon sole and both are replaceable.
Sidi’s wealth of spares for its shoes is impressive; its footwear is intended to be a purchase that will give you good value for money and they are built for the long haul.
The brand’s approach to shoe design in a market featuring woven uppers, radical light weight or the cook-to-fit approach could be seen as somewhat traditional, even a little dated.
But they do fit incredibly well. The foot-formed shape is superb, maybe a little generous compared to some lower volume rivals, but the interior finish and choice of lining materials is excellent, as is the generous use of padding at key points around the heel and on the inner tongue, and it’s all there for good reason.
The supportive fit, thanks to the solid, integrated heel cup all adds to the feel of luxury that this shoe provides.
You can certainly find significantly lighter shoes than these 617g a pair (size EU 45) but you’ll be hard pushed to discover a shoe that feels as good when worn day in, day out and on long arduous rides.
Sidi has certainly learned over its six decades of experience how to take care of your feet and it designs and builds shoes that are meant to last and last.
Product
| Brand | sidi |
| Price | 530.00 AUD,420.00 EUR,330.00 GBP |
| Weight | 617.0000, GRAM (EU45) - as tested |
Features
| Closure | dial |
| br_cleatFitting | 3_bolt_look_type |
| Sole | Carbon |
