Cypress

In the racing forum a thread was started asking about shoes. My humble opinion is that Sidi is the best. I have worn many types of shoes - Specialized, Cannondale, Adidas, and several pairs of Sidi.

In the shoe thread, the claim to fame of Adidas is that they are the worst shoes money can buy ($200+).

Here are some pictures to show what Botto and I meant.










Both look good, but the Sidi has curves with a muscular appearance. Also notice in the third picture the wrinkles on the side of the shoe... That is from flexing and stretching the material over and over.


Here is a good example of where the big differences are. My feet aren't egg shaped... Are your's?





Got heel cup? Adidas doesn't. The Sidis Have an adjustable heel cup that provides a full on vise for the back of your foot. As I said in the other thread, I can strap the Adidas shoes to the point of numbness and still pull my foot out.






Here's one of the big parts. The internals of the shoes are night and day. I had to get Superfeet insoles for the Adidas shoes because of how flat the insides are. The tongue of the shoes are so different it's hard to describe. The Adidas shoes are basically a one layer - whatever is one the outside is on the inside seams and all. The Sidis are like a fine automobile on the inside as seen in the pics.

Cypress

The soles are hugely different as well.

Crappy flat Adidas:



Curved, sexy, stout Sidi:



As you can see, the differences between the two shoes are huge. The Adidas shoes are top o' the line as well as the Sidis. There is a price difference, but paying a little over $200 for shoes is no different than paying $330 (what the Sidis cost me. They retail for $400). If you want the best for your feet, spend the $$$. If you want crap that doesn't fit well, flexes like a fratboy, buy the Adidas.

Blue Jays

Hi Cypress-

I've always had very positive views on Sidi cycling shoes...and while I haven't yet invested in a pair, I can say without reservation their motorcycle boots are outstanding. My next pair of cycling shoes will be a Sidi model for certain. Excellent review.

~ Blue Jays ~

Indolent58

Sidis are indeed very nice but only if they fit. The arch was too far forward for my feet. Specialized fit me better, independent of price range.

venturi95

It has been a couple of years or more since I tried on Sidis, are they still somewhat narrow? I had a pair of Sidi cross shoes just before the spd was invented, they were great. Carnac, until recently, my faves. Also honorable mention: Shimano and Northwave.

Quijibo187

<-- the one that asked why Adidas had a bad rap....

<---- now understands the statements made in the racing forum.

<------ isn't considering Adidas anymore.


I did try on some Carnacs that we got in at our shop recently, I didn't care much for them though. We don't cary Sidi or else I'd be trying some of them on too. I guess I'll have to repair my LOOK shoes for now.

Blue Jays

The shoes from Diadora that I'm currently using are also very good, although not as technically-advanced. My riding friends are pretty much split between Sidi, Carnac, and Diadora in pretty much that order.

inesshell

im a nike person since i work for that company in oregon it is right for me to support the brand i work for. i ride wiht a set of poggio 4 that run for bout 100 to employees and they are quite nice and are much better than addidas. i have not experience the higher end of sidi but what ive tried pleases me. your comparison with the sidi and addidas is a bit unfair considering the price difference. the golden rule here is you getwhat you pay for. my nike's do its justice at 100 imo. They sure are light at 460 grams


i would like to see reviews of the nike shoes in comparison with other brands just to see how they stand due to the fact that i am lacking in experiences with other road shoes

t4mv

Nice review, Cypress. I have a pair of the Genius 5 w/ the ratchet and dual micro-adjust (as opposed to velcro straps, or micro + velcro), and its ability to get dialed into exact comfort is what keeps me coming back. Plus I have the foot for the Sidi last.

MIN 

Cypress, what pedals are those cleats for? Are those cleats... looks funky.

HolyInstantRice

They're for SPD-SL pedals.

patentcad

I like Sidi shoes too CP, and I enjoyed your photos and comments but this post is over the top.

Do you have a job? Seriously.

If not I think we should all pay you. I would berate you about 'getting a life', but I'm typing this @ 4:50AM on a Saturday morning. I'll be on the bike before 6. I'm not as bad as you but I'm not much better either.

VeloDüd

Hey, c'mon. You can't completely rule out Adidas. Check these shoes out! The Australian National Track Team said that they're the stiffest shoe they've ever used. IMO they don't look that comfortable for long rides, but I'm a trackie, so what can ya do.

roadwarrior

Yeah, I have Diadora Pro Race Carbons and several pair of Sidi Genius. I like them both although the Diadora is cut a bit wider in the front than Sidi which I find a bit more comfortable. But I can go either way.

roadwarrior

Shimano road cleats...

cslone

One of the local shop owners was pushing the Adidas Tri shoes on me. I told him to try them for a few months and let me know how he liked them. He called me in a month and said that he had broken 3 pair and would not be carrying them. So evidently durability is not so good either.

But, Sidi nor Adidas fit me anyway. I just ordered the Shimano R300 Thermo molds.

scirocco

I don't know what model Adidas that shoe in your picture is, Cypress, but Cycling Plus magazine (Christmas edition) gave the Adidas Adistar Ultra their "Pick of the Year" in the shoe category.

I do like the look of the Sidis, though, and I can see what you're saying about the Adidas being egg-shaped. I'm about to get my first pair of road shoes and I think the Sidis will suit my narrow feet.

Thanks for the pictures.

operator

Well that was a completely scientific test.

blonduathlongrl

Nice thread and info cypress!
I just switched to sidis, what a fit!
I do think they are narrow shoes but I have narrow feet, I always run in Nike because it is a narrow shoe also.
I had Shimano for shoes and I like the sidis much better.

Ryleeryno

Good review Cypress. I just bought an entry-level pair of Shimano shoes and I'll definitely consider SIDI in my next purchase..

And.... Is that a wedding ring I see on the Cypress's hand?

El Diablo Rojo

Hey your Thighness you know what makes Sidi shoes even better? TechnoII baby!

Proximo

The Sidi Megas are for wider feet.

Ramjm_2000

I've cheated on my Sidis with Nikes, Addidas, Carnacs, and Diadoras. Lucky for me they took me back dispite my transgressions...it they fit you'll find none more comfy (at least for me :-)

PAdaytonaman

It always seems hard to justify the cost of SIDI shoes or boots. But having just bought a pair of their Crossfire MX boots I can say that they are the finest boots made. They seem to think of just about everything in their designs and they fit a narrow foot the best.

Imagine how much they would cost if they sponsored every high priced rider in all of their race categories. I know that they they don't get into much of that in MX and those things still cost $400-$450.

Its very curious though, that they can sell a MX boot for the same price as their cycling shoe???? Perhaps they know that the demographic can afford a higher price in cycling..

RonH

+1
My feet are 11 EEE so most cycling shoes don't fit comfortably. The Megas are awesome.