Sidi’s MTB offerings on display at Sea Otter 2014. © Cyclocross Magazine
At the 2014 Sea Otter Classic, a handful of companies were showing cyclocross-worthy shoes (see Lake Cycling’s latest offerings from Sea Otter. Sidi, the famous Italian shoe brand was one of those companies, and we stopped in for a look at the latest shoes. Although the Italian company has face increased competition in recent years, it was still voted by you as the most popular cyclocross shoe in our Readers’ Choice Awards in Issue 24, and it’s the brand frequently spotted on top pros like the Keough Cyclocross Team riders.
The company has gone through some distribution changes lately, but has recently added more affordable options to its mountain/cyclocross line, and also has been showing off its latest shoes, including the top-of-the-line Drako carbon-soled mtb shoe.
Sidi’s 2014 Spider comes in mesh and Lorica, and has the SRS lugs and a composite sole. © Cyclocross Magazine
Drako Carbon SRS MTB Shoe
Sidi’s carbon Drako MTB shoe at Sea Otter 2014. © Cyclocross Magazine
Designed with a lower profile and more of a roadie aesthetic, the Drako Carbon SRS MTB shoe from Sidi is the top-of-the-line model that was introduced a couple of years ago to replace the Dragon. With a shiny material versus a more matte finish, the shoe is better equipped to keep water out, and clean up nicer—key for any ’crosser in a muddy area. The sole is, of course, carbon fiber, and noteworthy features include the “Heel Security System”—an adjustable heel retention device and heel cup, which makes for less heel slip and more secure running.
Sidi’s Adjustable Heel Security System found on the Drako is a godsend for narrow and low volume heels, as seen on the discontinued Dragon. © Cyclocross Magazine
As with their road shoes, Sidi boasts its own Sidi Wire closure system on its mountain bike / cyclocross shoes. The Sidi Wire system is similar to the popular Boa closure system found on Scott and Specialized shoes, among others. On the Drako, uses two of these wire-based Tecno 3 precision ratchet closures, offering micro-adjustments across the forefoot and toe on the Drako.
Sidi’s 2014 Drako mountain bikes shoes, as worn by Absalon and Schurter. © Cyclocross Magazine
The SRS (Sole Replacement System) should extend the life of your shoes, and also allows Sidi to use a softer, more grippy rubber than found on its non-replaceable Dominator sole, which may keep you on your toes instead of your butt when conditions get slippery.
Built for the long haul. Softer, more grippy soles with replaceable lugs, and replaceable cleat plate. Sidi’s 2014 Drako mountain bikes shoes. © Cyclocross Magazine
The shoes will set you back a pricey $459.99, but if that’s out of your range, the company imports its Spider with the SRS sole, and has the Dominator and Duran models. The Dominator also comes in the popular Mega wider option.
One of the company’s best selling points is the ability to replace and service small parts like buckles, and on its SRS shoes, the actual sole lugs, extending the useful life of the high-end shoes.
How to look for the perfect cyclocross shoe? Sidi gives some advice in the video below the slideshow.
Sidi 2014 Cyclocross / Mountain Bike Shoe Photo Gallery:
Picking Your Shoe
Confused as to what to look for in a cyclocross shoe? Not sure how to shop for one? Back in 2012, Sarah Eckelson of Sidi North America spent some time at Winter Press Camp explaining the best ways to find a ’cross shoe, and while it’s been almost two years since this was filmed, many of her points are still valid.
She suggests things like going to shop for shoes towards the end of the day when your feet are at their most swollen, and reminds shoppers to bring cycling socks to test out the shoes. And make sure to talk to the people at the shop, ask them to measure your foot properly, and consider whether your foot is wide, narrow or normal.
She also describes some of the benefits of Sidi’s material choices and its SRS sole, in this an oldie-but-goodie video from 2012 worth watching again at while we’re talking shoes:
Sidi Talks Fitting and Shopping for Cyclocross Shoes (2012):
More info: sidisport.com and www.ciclista-america.com
Missed the past week of Sea Otter action? Check out all of our tech goodies from Sea Otter 2014.
