Sidi Genius 7 vs 10
 

I know that shoes are HIGHLY personal, but worth poking the collective anyway.

I like Sidi shoes because they run narrow. I actually loved their "S" which are extra narrow but they don't make them anymore.

I have been using Genius 7 for the past few years, and they are starting to wear out. I am considering buying a new pair but also considering the Genius 10.

Anyone use both to comment on the differences in fit or quality?? I know the 10 uses a boa instead of velcro, which I am willing to consider, but I am wondering if any other obvious differences you noticed.

My experience with BOA fasteners is less than good, and is quite unsatisfactory. My son has had the same experience. Both of us have had to replace the fasteners on our shoes several times. My son finally gave up and scored some Sidi Genius with the buckle system. I am still using the shoes with BOA only because they sent me a few extras that will allow me to get a few more seasons out of them. Have to replace them every year, sometimes one of the fasteners will fail mid season.
If it makes any difference the BOA shoes are Specialized Sworks.
For comparison I have three pair of Sidi shoes with the buckle set up and they are all 15 years plus in age and work perfectly.

Narrow Sidis
 

You may want to try the Shot. I too loved the narrow Genius, but felt that the non-narrow version wasn't snug enough. I think that the Shot, with the Boas in the middle is easier to tighten down.

FWIW, the "boa" system Sidi uses is not actual Boa (tm). It is their own proprietary system. The wire laces concept is the same, but the tightening/loosening dial thingy operates significantly differently. I don't know is it's better or worse mechanically. But it's not same design at all. So the boa issue may or may not be a factor. I'm on my first "boa" shoe (I put "boa" in quotes because it's a Sidi shoe, not a true Boa(tm)) They work fine, but I'll have to say, I am still stuck on preferring my old velcro + buckle strap Sidi. We'll see how this old man adapts.

Huh. My Sidi “boa” system works flawlessly. They’ve been in the rain and even the washing machine and work great after 1000’s of miles and abuse.

Plus you can buy a whole new Boa if it breaks.

Id never get another shoe with Velcro.

I’ve had very good luck with the 10s and never had a problem with them.

One time I was doing some gravel riding and some spots were very sandy. I had a crash and the side of my shoe landed in some sand. After the ride, it was almost impossible to "unspool" my Sidi "boa" and my foot was basically stuck in my shoe. After prying my foot out of my shoe, it took a lot of effort to clean/lube the mechanism. My previous Sidis had all Velcro but i do prefer the "boas" for adjustment/fit.

Looks great, but nfw I can spend over $500 for a pair of shoes. Even the Genius is a stretch.

The genuine Boas are IMO more usable than the Sidi version. You release the Boas by pulling them out, after which they stay released and you can just pull off the shoe. The Sidis only release while you squeeze the tabs, and unless you're an octopus you're only going to squeeze one at a time. With the Boas unlocked you pull on the tongue a little open the shoe, step in, and tighten them. This ability to stay unlocked is a significant plus IMO. The other is when you're and reach down to tighten it a bit it's far easier with the Boa - all you have to do is turn it. With the Sidis you have to fiddle to locate the tab and fold it out; easy while sitting on a chair, not so easy while riding. The left Boa rotates the opposite direction as well, but that's neither here or there as far as I'm concerned and makes no difference.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...32a84c32e1.jpg
I have/had every Sidi Genius/Dragon since the series 2. I have never actually "worn out" a pair to the point of it no longer being serviceable. These are 2 pairs that I have under my work desk currently. I have around 1500 miles on the "Boa" shoes (work great, no issues), and 10,000+ on the velcro ones. Best shoe out there if they fit.

ETA- To better answer the OP- I actually didn't feel any real difference in the fit, and could not detect any feeling that the thin cables dug into my foot etc. They feel very similar.

Bump. It’s been a year.

I am still riding my Genius 7 shoes and they are ok but now have easily 40k miles on them. Last year one instep strap broke but I was able to get a spare part and the shoes are still ok but I do believe it’s getting close to relegating these to the trainer and buying a new pair.

I can still find NOS Genius 7’s for about $200 while the 10’s are more like $250-300.

I am inclined to simply get another pair of the 7’s but open to comments/suggestions.

Check bike closet... i got my Shot 2 shoes for under $300. (mine are the limited edition "rust" ones for even less.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7f7e2af703.png

Bump/update.

I was able to get a pair of new Genius 7 off ScamBay for $125 so should be in good shoes for another 5 years/40k miles.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4d4d322c1.jpeg

I'm still working thru my stash of Sidi 6.6 48 mega. Now that they don't offer Mega in the good shoes, I am forked. Guessing I have another year left on the current pair.

Yeah, that’s kind of a pain with the lower level Sidis. But, if you buy the more expensive Sidis, they have a little red button that makes the tab pop up.

Shop around online, if you know Sidi shoes fit you. For example, Sidi Genius 10 - regular and mega - for $324 at Western Bike Works. Others too.

Have you looked? I haven't looked sizes, but I've seen Mega for sale in more than one place. (see above). Also check Bike Tires Direct