Sidi Dominator 5 Mesh MTB Cycling Shoe. The upper of the shoe is made with Lorica and nylon mesh. Lorica is a Hi-tech leather which is water-repellent, permeable to water vapor, and resistant to tearing, splitting, scratching and atmospheric agents. It a
Submitted by
High Desert Norwegian
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Junction, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2011
Strengths: Custom order for my size 14, narrow feet. They fit perfectly. These are my third pair of Sidi shoes. Fit and finish are splendid as usual.
Weaknesses: No mud "studs" or cleats were included in the box this time. Hmmm. The very front two treads are much thinner than in the past and after a few rides I was already wearing into the front of the shoe and the toe leather as well! I do not believe these will have the longevity of my past Sidi shoes due to this fact.
Bottom Line:
Absolutely the best shoes if you have narrow feet. Italian leather. Nice. You will need to use the toe studs or slather on a heavy coat of Shoe Goo if you do any walking at all in these. The thinner front tread design is my only gripe.
Weaknesses: This is my second pair. First pair was replaced under warrenty bc of the sole seperating. This pair made it about a season before the sole started coming apart. I used epoxy and bonded them back together which worked great. Side buckle also broke. Replaced them with the metal version used on the D6. Bottom also grips poorly
Bottom Line:
Great shoe that is very comfortable, just doesnt hold up.
Submitted by
Jsaxonh
a Weekend Warrior
from Ga Mountains
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2011
Strengths: Shoes feel great. Very stiff. Look good. Easy to actuate all of the bindings and straps.
Weaknesses: SOLES!!!
Bottom Line:
Do not buy these shoes if throughout your entire ride you ever get off of your bike. The soles are made of plastic. If the stiching gets wet it rots and the soles come apart. If you ever bike hike on aggressive sections beware. You will break your neck in these. Walking in these is very uncomfortable. On the other hand, if you are a cross country rider and all you do is clip in at the truck and burn up a XC trail that allows you to stay on, then go for it. These are a good shoes on the pedal. They breathe well and look good. For the money you think SIDI could come up with a better bottom. Oh well.
Submitted by
Andrew Baker
a Racer
from Santa Barbara, California
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2010
Strengths: Taking your hard earned dollars.
Weaknesses: Making you cry when they fall apart.
Bottom Line:
Sad but true what everyone here is saying, these shoes used to be the great. My previous pair has gone years and still strong. The new pair, used perhaps one 100 rides, just like everyone else, separated. Left shoe, upper and sole, no longer connected. Considering the huge dollars to purchase, seems pretty lame.
Submitted by
tsn73
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2010
Strengths: The fit and quality seemed amazing.
Weaknesses: The sole appears like it will have zero grip on hard surfaces like wet rock and wood. I returned mine before using after seeing and feeling the sole along with reading other reviews.
I just could not justify paying this much money when this is such an oversight. If you live in a wet climate and/or ride steep rocky rooty rides that you can't always clean 100% of the time, these shoes will hurt you eventually.
Bottom Line:
Awesome fit, good quality, stiff, and depending on how and where you ride they might be great for you.
I would highly advise against them for Coastal BC riders who ride more advanced trails 12 months/year. If SIDI ever puts a good grippy sole on the bottom of their shoes I'll buy a pair in a heartbeat, as apart from this issue these shoes were gorgeous and fit like a glove. Take note SIDI, Northwave, Diadora, Shimano, Lake, etc. they all seem to recognize the value of putting a mtn. bike sole on a mtn. bike shoe.
Submitted by
lono
a Weekend Warrior
from Chapel Hill
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2010
Strengths: The fit. The fact that Sidi sells them in wide (AKA Mega).
Weaknesses: Durability. Not sure this last pair lasted more than 2 years. For over $200 I expect more. This morning the sole on one shoe completely separated from the shoe. Also, the part of the shoe at your achilles tendon is torn & frayed on both shoes. Lame.
Bottom Line:
This is my 2nd pair of Dominator 5s. My first pair lasted much longer. Wish I hadn't given them away. The originals were 100% lorica whereas the newer ones mix in mesh for breathability I guess. Didn't have a problem with that, though. The only reason I may buy them again is I have a wide foot and I'm not sure I have any other options. Hate to do it, though. Beware.
Submitted by
dirtnsnow
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakton, VA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2010
Strengths: Great fit, lightweight, low profile, plenty of adjustability in the ratchet straps for my relatively narrow foot, easy on-the-bike adjustment (micro-adjusting), heel stability, gripping teeth on the velcro straps to prevent slipping or loosening, tongue stays centered
Weaknesses: they do stretch (and contract), but I feel like all my shoes have done that to some degree
Bottom Line:
I was actually pretty surprised to see these shoes ranked as low as they were because I find them to be very comfortable and fit my foot extremely well. But, then again, I could rank my Shimanos pretty low because they did not fit my feet as well as they probably should have and I always maxed out the ratchet strap tightness. But I do use these shoes for trail riding, 12-hour races, road training, and commuting year round, and I've never really had a complaint about them. In fact, I routinely think that they're one of the best purchases I've made. In looking back at the two 100-mile races I did, I realize that I did not use these shoes, but I wouldn't expect them to roll or be any more uncomfortable than the Shimanos that I did wear. The only issues I've run into were the ratchet strap end catching on my new cranks until I repositioned the cleats (probably just bad initial setup on my part) and the occasional stretch/contract phase. Other than that, I've had no separation, bad ankle rolls, or any other reason to rate this shoe with anything less than 5 chilis. For me, they fit and perform as advertised, and I love them for that.
Bike Setup: Intense 5.5 EVP, XT/XTR drivetrain, Juicy 7 brakes, Mavic Crossmax SX wheels, Kenda Nevegal 2.35/2.1 tires, Joplin post, Thomson stem, Easton bar
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
KevinK
a Cross Country Rider
from Sherman Oaks
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2010
Strengths: Still working fantastic, great fit, very comfortable, and extremely stiff.
Weaknesses: Cost, weight.
Bottom Line:
I had the Dominator 2 for over five years, until they fell apart on a ride, visiting Durango, purchased some Dom 5's, and they have been great. Highly recommended.
Bike Setup: 05 Titus Talas Switchblade, Shimano XT Cranks/cassette/chainrings/chain/front derailleur, Sram X.0 gripshifts/rear derailleur, Formula 2010 The One brakes 180mm f/r, Masterpiece seatpost, Elite stem, Manitou Absolute Elite 140mm MY08 forks, Fox Talas shock, Mavic 819disc rims, DT Swiss 240s hubs, continental Mt. King 2.4 ust front, WTB Weirwolves 2.1 ust rear.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Bikefag
a Racer
from Fort Collins, CO
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2010
Strengths: Great fit, at first; very stiff; you can look cool and tell people that you own Sidis
Weaknesses: My roommate warned me about these, but I was tantalized by the status symbol. Just as he said, these shoes:
-stretch out. If you get your feet wet, these shoes will stretch. Lorica sucks for that - also it's cold.
-The sole is terrible. This is a MOUNTAIN BIKE SHOE! Why would they put a rock-hard plastic sole on it? It's SO slippery. In wet conditions, these shoes will kill you.
-My ratchets both had problems. Then, finally, mercifully, my ratcheting strap broke the other day. For now, I'm on toeclips. New shoes are in the male.
Bottom Line:
I bought these shoes in a freak ebay accident for $42 (I won an auction for Dominator 1s, they sent me brand new Dom 5s and decided to just let em keep them). So for $42, they have been great. I ride road with old SPD road pedals, and these shoes make very good shoes.
But they're not cut out for the demands of mountain biking or cyclocross. If you're walking on a wet rock with a river below you, you're seriously in danger with these shoes.
Maybe in Italy, mountain bikers are so good that they no longer need to take their feet out of the pedals, but I ride a single-speed, AND I ride cyclocross, AND I ride a lot - I need a MTB shoes that is capable of walking and staying the same size and the Sidi Dominator 5 is not that shoe.
Good riddance.
Similar Products Used: Answer, Northwave (a feller can get used to rubber soles...)
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Submitted by
over and endo
a Cross Country Rider
from troy
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2009
Strengths: Lightweight, stiff
Weaknesses: ratchet system not sturdy,expensive and seems to catch on EVERYTHING. uncomfortable to walk or run (I dont have to do this as much --so back off :)
Submitted by
Charles CJ
a Cross Country Rider
from Ireland
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2009
Strengths: A real quality feel to these shoes although they are not cheap at €170. The closing staps are excellent and ensure a firm fit. Insole is arched nicly to make them really comfy
Weaknesses: None Yet although I have only had them a month!!
Bottom Line:
BE CAREFUL ON SIZING. I am a size 43 (or 9) usually and I initially bought the SIDI in size 44 as the 43 was way to samll. I was a bit rushed when buying them and when I tried the 44 on at home on tubo trainer I very quickly realised that the 44 was too small. Thankfully, the undestanding shop took them back and exchanged them for a 45 which fit perfectly.I tried on the 45 mega also but didnt need the extra width. Rule of thumb is go for 2 sizes bigger than your usual.
I use them for communting to the office and for weekend cross country - havent had them long but they feel really solid. Cant see why you would spend another €100 for the Dragons.
Similar Products Used: Shimano Shoes (not sure of model)- comfortable but not the same quality as the SIDI
Bike Setup: 2007 Stump Jumper Expert for Weekends and a Scott hard tail for commuting to work.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
surlychad
a Weekend Warrior
from Auburn, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2009
Strengths: Fit. Energy transfer
Weaknesses: None so far.
Bottom Line:
The best fitting shoes I've ever owned. Can't say much for longevity yet. Living in Washington things get wet so we'll have to see how the traction is in the winter but so far I've had no problems. I must say though that I'm not a cyclocross racer so I'm not trying to set any land speed records running off my bike. For 100 bucks though I couldn't ask for a better shoe.
Bike Setup: Surly Instigator, Marzocchi 55, Saint wheels, deraileur and brakes,
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Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Chandler, Az.
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2009
Strengths: Fairly easy to get on & off clip in easily.
Weaknesses: Unstable to walk on period. No power from pedals on steep climbs.
Bottom Line:
Would not buy again at any price. Broke derailer and had to walk out my ankle must have turned over 25 times in about a mile. Quality of this shoe is no where has good has previous Sidi. The box says made in Italy but there are no tags of origin on shoes. My other pair were made in Romania.
Submitted by
xmasterb
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2009
Strengths: They fit perfectly. The rachet strap is easy to tighten whilst on the bike. THEY ARE MADE IN ITALY. Who ever is slaming this product must have bought some knock offs. They have A little flex in the sole BECUASE they are MTB shoes and you just might have to hump your bike. Have you ever tried walking flat footed up a hill.
Weaknesses: Off the bike they are not as stabble as my old lakes but they are about have the wieght so its a trade off. The soles are nylon so traction is not great my Lakes had rubber soles much better but much heaver. Forget peddling while not clipped in maybe with time this will improve.
Weaknesses: Sole is not stable on hike/bike or any walking on uneven terrain
Bottom Line:
Pricey set of shoes, but made by a reliable company who's been in the business for years making high end road/mtb shoes from Italy.
I find Sidi's to be on the narrow side when it comes to fit. Overall, the shoe is well built with great features such as the mirco adjust buckle, velco security system. The Lorica (synthetic leather) feels and looks like leather, not sure if it last longer than leather.
I seem to have the same issues/complaints by others whom have used this product and that is the sole. I find it very slippery and unstable if you have to dismount and walk on these soles. If you're clipped in, they are nice and stiff and provide the energy transfer to propel you forward. Once dismounted, be cautious. They kinda suck on uneven terrain or rocks, roots and so on.
