Sidi Genius 3 MEGA

Price Paid:  $109.00 at Nashbar

Favorite Ride:
The next one

Bike Setup:
DeRosa all Chorus with Record brakes.

Summary:
I've been adult riding & racing for over 40 years. I've never owned a pair of Sidi's before these. Due to a foot deformity, I must now wear wide shoes. My favorite shoes ever are Shimano's, especially the 151's. Shimano also makes a wide, but they're really not quite wide enough, therefore, I bought the Sidi's.

IMO, these are junky compared to the Shimano's. I know Sidi's have been extremely popular for many years, but I sure can't see why. The quality level isn't close to the Shimano's.

And who invented that^^$#!@ stupid rachet strap? They oughta be shot! I tried them on, when I got'em, then had to call the tech dept. at Nashbar, because I couldn't figure out how to get'em off. Talk about feeling foolish... Now that I know how, they're still a pain in the ***! What was wrong with velcro?

Unfortunately, aside from custom made shoes, ($450), these are my only choice for fit.

Strengths:
They fit OK. They look good.

Weaknesses:
Idiotic fastening system with buckle answers the question that nobody asked. Quality of construction and materials used not as good as Shimano's.

Similar Products Used:
Various Shimano's, (151's), Addidas, Diadora, (these were especially bad)Reynolds.

Price Paid:  $179.00 at Supergo, Santa Monic

Favorite Ride:
Casitas Pass to Santa Barbara

Bike Setup:
Specialized E5/Dura-Ace/Mavic/Fizik

Summary:
OK..These are decent shoes, but they are not -great- shoes. Shoes are also a personal thing - like saddles and pedals - but I can tell how they work for me.

First of all- good news first, I've ridden them for about 2500 miles over about 4 months on varied terain (flats to steep climbs) and they basically provide good power transmission from foot to pedal and I have not experienced any blistering on rides to 110 miles.

Here are some issues I have with these shoes: I don't consider myself to narrow feet, but the left ratchet closure is running out of lenght. One more click and I won't be able to make the strap any tighter. The right foot one is fine. (my right foot is a bit wider, but not by that much). Secondly, the toe box on these shoes are pretty narrow. Guys, we're not using toe clips anymore; why do the toes need to be so pointy ? I'd rather have a more boxy toe. In fact, Sidi thinks I have a narrow foot according to the length of their closure - so why is the toe box so cramped ? Secondly, (and I find this unacceptable), the Shimano dura-ace pedals come with hex head screws for the cleats and these are too short for these shoes. I can only get 3 threads in (these pedals are among the most popular - see the main page for this website). Fine, then we need longer screws. The Sidi's do not come with them, you have to purchase an optional hardware pack for 10.00. Guess what ? The screws that come with the Sidi hardware pack are (1) slot head and (2) too long, they will go right into the ball of the foot. What do I have to do, go to a machinist and have them made ?

Thirdly, - and this could be me. After about 70 miles, I do start to feel hotspots on the inside ball of my foot. I am experimenting with tightening the closures and different socks. I have yet to get a blister, so maybe my feet will adapt.

I basically think the shoes are OK, but due to the issues mentioned, I will be trying something new next time -or- maybe go back to the new specialized shoes.

Strengths:
Weight, pedal performance.

Weaknesses:
Left closure (read above); cleat mounting and cramped toe box.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Pro
Vitoria

Price Paid:  $150.00 at Supergo

Favorite Ride:
Tombstone-Bisbee

Summary:
Fought a long battle with hot foot. Got hot foot with Shimanos >60 miles. Sidi Mega's finally solved the problem, what a relief. Can now do century rides without hot foot.

Strengths:
Eliminates hot foot

Weaknesses:
Back heal scratches very easily. Very hard to keep them looking new.

Price Paid:  $180.00 at EXCEL SPORTS

Bike Setup:
GIOS A90 WITH CHORUS COMPONENTS

Summary:
I HAVE WIDE FEET AND A LOW INSTEP AND THE SIDIS GIVE YOU ALOT OF SPACE IN EVERY DIRECTION.I WISH THE INSTEP FLAP HAD A THICKER PAD AND SIDI WOULD IMPROVE ON THE WIMPY REPLACEABLE INSOLE.I REPLACED MINE WITH PETERSON INSOLES.

Strengths:
LIGHT,ROOMY

Weaknesses:
PIZZA BOX INSOLE,PRICE

Similar Products Used:
DIADORA,SHIMANO

Price Paid:  $35.00 at eBay

Bike Setup:
Jamis Ventura, Look pedals

Summary:
That's right, I paid $35 for a pair of size 48 on eBay. The seller said he rode in them for 1,000 miles, but when I got them I couldn't tell a differnce. I couldn't be happier with my purchase, considering I have wide feet and there was almost nothing else available.

Strengths:
Fit. look. buckle system.

Weaknesses:
Price, unless you get them used, but they last a LONG time.

Similar Products Used:
none