Weaknesses: After about 1.5 years of riding the sole has separated from the shoe, starting in the heel area. This happened on both shoes at the same time. I took them back to the store where I bought them and they sent photos to Sidi. Their response was that it was my fault for putting them in a dryer (which I have never done). I have ridden in the rain, but always just allow them to air dry. Very disappointed in the customer service and lack of warranty.
Bottom Line:
The shoes are very comfortable and look good, but are not as well made as they should be for the price. After about 1.5 years and 8,000 miles they're falling apart.
Strengths: Quality and fit are exceptional
Parts are replaceable
Fantastic styling
Weaknesses: Normal width fitting really is for narrow feet.
Bottom Line:
The SIDI Genius Road Shoe delivers everything I wanted in a road shoe. It is incredibly well made and incredibly comfortable for any Sportives. Size 42 in regular width is slim but fitted my narrow feet like a glove. Many years of riding in cheaper shoes was really a false economy - these are so well made that they'll last a lifetime.
The other half of the compression strap (the buckle) is excellent. Never any problems with that, although I wish they hadn't changed the buckle design.
Everything is easily replaceable, including the heel pad on the bottom and the straps. A nice touch.
They do come in the mega width, which is great for my wider foot. Unfortunately, no shops ever have the mega widths, so I had to special order them. Thank goodness the guys at Mad Cat Bikes in Sacramento CA were willing to work with me on it.
It may seem like a small thing, but the owners manual comes with a bunch of Sidi stickers. I love stickers.
Weaknesses: Compression strap slipping, as mentioned below. I would write that off as a problem with the specific shoe though.
The shoes do not vent very well. It gets pretty hot where I'm at, and my feet felt like they were in little saunas 5 miles into any ride.
Heel slippage. I really wish that Sidi would introduce the heel cup adjuster they have on the 6.6 in a shoe that allows mega widths (the Genius 6.6 is only available in standard widths.)
The manual is obviously translated from the Italian, and the translator needs a new job. While you don't really need to read the manual ("Put shoe on foot, dummy"), it would have been nice if the manual was readable.
Big bucks for these shoes. Two chilies on value because they aren't the most expensive thing out there (especially in a wide width), it's still a ding to the wallet and a long explanation to the wife about why my bike shoes cost just as much as half of her shoe collection!
Bottom Line:
I really wanted to love these shoes. I really did. So I looked past the fact that the compression strap didn't seem to hold right. I replaced the straps, and hoped everything would be all right. It wasn't. For some reason or another, the inside part of the compression strap would slip on both of my shoes under any kind of power (sprinting, climbing, etc). I'm no light guy (240 lbs), but expect a lot more from a shoe in this price range. Sadly, these shoes had to go back.
The other half of the compression strap (the buckle) is excellent. Never any problems with that, although I wish they hadn't changed the buckle design.
Everything is easily replaceable, including the heel pad on the bottom and the straps. A nice touch.
They do come in the mega width, which is great for my wider foot. Unfortunately, no shops ever have the mega widths, so I had to special order them. Thank goodness the guys at Mad Cat Bikes in Sacramento CA were willing to work with me on it.
It may seem like a small thing, but the owners manual comes with a bunch of Sidi stickers. I love stickers.
Weaknesses: Compression strap slipping, as mentioned below. I would write that off as a problem with the specific shoe though.
The shoes do not vent very well. It gets pretty hot where I'm at, and my feet felt like they were in little saunas 5 miles into any ride.
Heel slippage. I really wish that Sidi would introduce the heel cup adjuster they have on the 6.6 in a shoe that allows mega widths (the Genius 6.6 is only available in standard widths.)
The manual is obviously translated from the Italian, and the translator needs a new job. While you don't really need to read the manual ("Put shoe on foot, dummy"), it would have been nice if the manual was readable.
Big bucks for these shoes.
Bottom Line:
I really wanted to love these shoes. I really did. So I looked past the fact that the compression strap didn't seem to hold right. I replaced the straps, and hoped everything would be all right. It wasn't. For some reason or another, the inside part of the compression strap would slip on both of my shoes under any kind of power (sprinting, climbing, etc). I'm no light guy (240 lbs), but expect a lot more from a shoe in this price range. Sadly, these shoes had to go back.
Strengths: Comfort, light, excellent connection/feedback from the pedal. Stiff enough for excellent power transmission but never harsh.
Great adjustment options with velcro and rachet closures
Weaknesses: Cannot imagine any. Some might say dollars but what good is a cheap shoe if you cannot keep it on your foot or every pedal stroke hurts
Bottom Line:
The product I have is the CSC Team edition which is the 2006 5.5 HT Carbon which now is virtually the 2007 6.6 HT . Only diff appears to be an archilles support??
After having a pair of Shimanos 151's for approx 3 years I decided it was time to test the hype and water around the Sidis. I ride approx 4-5 times a week with a yearly tally of approx 8 - 10,000+ kms so comfort is a major concern. The Shimanos in comparision are heavy, now full of hot spots even after inserting foot beds and not a pleasure to pull on at 5.30 in the morning.
So now to the Sidis. First impression on the foot is lightness not that the Shimanos were very heavy.The next thing that hits you is shear comfort as this shoe is a well crafted delight rather than a mass produced item. It took me approx 2 rides to set these fellas up to maximum comfort. A slight length adjustment and a sideways adjustment ( both approx 1 - 2 mm ) and the cleat position is perfect ( no pressure points), which in turn makes transfer of pedal effort a max. The delight about the Sidis is that you can accurately feel the pedal centre whereas the Shimano it was completely lost in the sole of the shoe. Connection to the pedal is positive. Stand up and stomp and the stiffness of the shoe is apparent but never in a harsh way. Mooch and just roll and it is all comfort
Now the crunch. Some people will say a shoe will make you a better rider.I do not exactly belive this. However these shoes are so comfortable and technically sound that you will ride longer in the saddle.There is better feedback from the shoe/ pedal combination that then helps you make adjustments to your pedalling style. This will make you a better rider and definitely Sidi has had some involvement in this.
In summary I am certaily converted, both comfort and power transmission cannot be faulted. Bought them as a clearance item as a CSC Team edition is white. Some might balk at white but I for one do not care as I got a bargain and white is the new black
Does anyone out there own these new shoes by Sidi? How d'you like em?
I am looking at replacing my carbon-soled Specialized shoes and am looking for a suitable replacement. I' Read More »
