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Submitted by
dave
a
from boise
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$220.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle world boise | | Strengths: | great fit,durable | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | shimano | | Bike Setup: | 2006 heckler, 2004 ibex trophy hardtail | | Bottom Line: | had these five years and the velcro does not hold very well anymore the rest of the shoe is in good shape I am hoping I can have the velcro replaced and I think they will last years more, the Italians are the best shoemakers and this shoe is well worth the price as other brands have fallen apart much quicker.the buckle is not a problem, one did wear out. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allen
a Racer
from Reno, NV
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycleblowout.com | | Strengths: | Great looking, durable, excellent fitting and adjustments, | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Gaerne,Carnac | | Bike Setup: | Ventana | | Bottom Line: | yes it`s expensive but the long wearing lorica feels like leather,looks like leather, but will not shrink like leather, the buckles are replaceable. The shoes are quick to get into.
I`ve had the Dom.2 for about 8 years now,I also had the original Dominator back around 1992 both of these shoes have been the best cycling shoes I`ve owned. When the velcro and soles finally wore out after thousands of offroad miles(literally), I took them to a shoe repair shop and had them put new velcro on and relaminated the soles and they lasted atleast another season.
When I try on a different brand of shoe my first thought is `how does it feel compared to my Dominators?`
I also have the Sidi superbike boot.
Sidi is the premier cycling/motorcycle footwear company that all others in my opinion try to follow. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
js
a Cross Country Rider
from mill valley, CA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | porcupine rim | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | These shoes fit my (very wide) feet like slipers. They've
worn really well. I've had them for several years the soles
have just cracked recently. Now I use them as my commuter shoes since they're comfy to walk in with the cracked soles. | | Weaknesses: | My dog ate one of the footbeds.
Buckles unscrew themselves so keep an eye on 'em.
Expensive but worth it.
Soles pretty hard for scrambling around on rock. | | Similar Products Used: | Nike Ngumba (sucked) | | Bike Setup: | 03 Yeti Kokopelli
Fox Talas Fork
SRAM XO Drivetrain w/ Gripshifts | | Bottom Line: | Comfortable Shoe. Durable. Well worth the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Burkhardt
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakland, CA
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | locally, oat hill mine, nationally, porcupine ridge in moab | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$198.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Shop | | Strengths: | Italian shoe magic. They've been making shoes for a long time over there and the fit is impeccable. Lorica material is bulletproof | | Weaknesses: | These shoes have seen a slide in quality since the Dominator 1 and Dominator 2 eras. The new $229 price is laughable... There is some fat guy from Sidi on a beach somewhere, smoking a cigar with his buddies and ridiculing our American consumer spending habits. Despite the strengths mentioned above, the buckle design sucks. It comes unscrewed, jams, and after a few technical rides between rocks, logs, and boulders, it breaks- rendering the shoe useless. To add insult to injury, they ding you $20-30 for replacements. Apparently, I wasn't the only one with the problem as I had to wait to get my replacement buckles for over a month because they were sold out. Rep was rude too. | | Similar Products Used: | Carnac (great), Nike Nguba (worst shoe made) | | Bike Setup: | Bianchi Grizzly steel xc hardtail.. | | Bottom Line: | I'm not buying another pair of these overpriced, over-hyped pieces of garbage. I'm looking to find a shoe that doesn't have all the buckle riff-raff, and has a simple, velcro three strap design. Carnac, perhaps. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris B
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | Pack n Pedal, Botany, Auckland | | Strengths: | Buckle is great, I see why all the other manufactures are changing to this design. The newer buckles are better though, I've had to replace one of my buckles. | | Weaknesses: | Had to replace one buckle. The buckles and straps are expensive too. I do believe that the new better buckles fit the shoes though. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | XC hard tail. | | Bottom Line: | Great shoes, still going pretty well after three years of mud. I will replace them when the finally die with the next model or two up, as they have stiffer soles and a better buckel.
The fact that so many other brands have copied them is testiment that they are a great shoe.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karl Marlowe
a Cross Country Rider
from Reno, NV, USA
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | I'm not saying, except it's in Idaho | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Paco's Truckee Bike & Ski | | Strengths: | Durability, fit, rigidity, power transfer | | Weaknesses: | Price - but what Italian shoes aren't overpriced. Ratcheting buckle can get clogged with shrubbery parts. | | Similar Products Used: | SIDI Dominator I | | Bike Setup: | 1) 2000 Specialized Stumpjumper Comp, Nearly stock XT/XTR, Avid 2.5, Ritchey comp pedals
2) 1988 Ritchey Ascent Comp, Phil Wood hubs, XT, Avid 7 brakes, Ritchey comp pedals | | Bottom Line: | I've used the SIDI Dominator since they were introduced in about 1992. First pair lasted through 9 years of abuse before I finally wore out the soles and a couple of seams started to rip. In fact the shoes outlasted 3 sets of pedals. Dominator 2's fit better and I expect at least another 8 years out of this pair. It's not immediately obvious how to undo the ratcheting buckle, and occaisonally I've clogged it with bits of trailside shrubbery, but it is much more durable than it looks. Price is steep at first, but considering the cost per use, it's trivial. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Denny "Sandal" (nikname)
a Racer
from Kiev, Ukraine
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Dubky!!! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | fits well
damn stiff
durable
looks cool
rather water resistent
after all, it's simply trouple - free. wear and wroget it
| | Weaknesses: | buckle mechanism is not flawless, but soon you learn to operate it.
bukles are directed into the inner side of the shoes, so if your feet is thin and you tight the buckle it tight, the buckles may rub the crank... | | Similar Products Used: | none yet (and it's not likely that i'm ever gonna try any other :-) ) | | Bike Setup: | light XC cannondale hartail. | | Bottom Line: | if you're a racer or a CX rider - this is the shoes for ya. they are solid and very STIFF, but still light and comfortabe enough.
don't buy them if you expect to use them in some long travels and you'll need to WALK long distances. it's hard to walk in 'em. your feel will get tired quickly! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don Nywening
a Cross Country Rider
from Wind Gap, PA USA
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | All of 'em | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Chili Pepper Bikes | | Strengths: | The fit of these shoes is second to none. They are exceptionally durable; I have had them for 5 years and, while they show signs of wear, they have yet to fail. | | Weaknesses: | None. Some may complain about the price, but I can't complain about a shoe that has lasted for 5 years and counting. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, Axo | | Bike Setup: | '99 Raven, '97 F700 | | Bottom Line: | These shoes are the epitome of comfort and quality. I don't forsee myself ever buying a shoe from any other manufacturer; Sidi has made a customer for life. As I said, I've had these shoes for 5 years and counting. I used to replace my shoes every year at a cost of $80 to $100. In the end, the Sidi shoes are the more economical choice. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George
a Weekend Warrior
from Lufkin, TX (US of A)
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The One I Am On! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$69.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay - yeah baby! | | Strengths: | Comfort; styling; fit and finish. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. If you buy these shoes new, you get totally raped - who in their right mind would pay more than $200 for bike shoes? | | Similar Products Used: | Other Sidi models - Rampa and Bullet; Answer Impact. | | Bike Setup: | '03 model Trek 8000 with a few tweaks. | | Bottom Line: | These are the best bike shoes I've ever owned. They are comfy, durable and good looking. As stated above I bought them used off eBay for a fraction of the MSRP for a new pair. Mine are all black, and in the "Lorica" synthetic leather, with bright orange soles. They are a couple of years old, but they arrived in completely new condition, with only one slight mark on the toe of one shoe. The soles looked like someone has walked in them in the parking lot for about 5 minutes - hardly noticeable wear. I am a hard rider and I go through lots of slop. I ride plenty of technical terrain with lots of steep hills so I wind up pushing up some of those, plus I have to hike-a-bike through lots of unridable swamp bottoms here in east Texas. Never buy a new pair of Sidi's cause the economic utility is definitely not there for the money. The MSRP for the '04 model of these shoes is $209! Screw that and the manufacturer! Buy a "gently worn" pair off eBay or a biking buddy and you won't regret it.
NOTES ON RATING: I am rating the value as one chili as if these were purchased for full-boat retail. Overall rating is 5 flaming chili's cause the shoes ROCK, and you can get them for a good price if you look around. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ward Tuttle
a Cross Country Rider
from SF, CA
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Corte Madera | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Can't remember | | Strengths: | They work great and last forever. | | Weaknesses: | Buckle can become loose. Just tighten it. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 2001 SC Superlight | | Bottom Line: | These are great shoes, I've been using them for about 6 years and they are starting to show their age and need to be replaced soon. But how many cycling products do you get six years of service life on? Not many. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
C. P.
a Cross Country Rider
from N Easton
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Thunder Mtn | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$160.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheelworks-Belmont MA | | Strengths: | Durable, comfortable, classic styling, velcro that still works after 4 seasons of hard mtn biking, did I mention durable! | | Weaknesses: | after 4 seasons-none | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized mtn shoe | | Bike Setup: | N/A | | Bottom Line: | SIDI makes a rock solid product. I am amazed at the number of seasons I have gotten out of these...I just got the SIDI road shoe that is this shoe's companion, I'll always buy SIDI shoes from now on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big Al
a Cross Country Rider
from Ogden, UT
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Shop buddy deal | | Strengths: | Fit, comfort, and function. | | Weaknesses: | Not enough toe protection. While non of my other shoes stank from sweat, these shoes smelled like hell for some reason. | | Similar Products Used: | Nike Yuha Plus, Shimano road shoes. | | Bike Setup: | GT Idrive, 1.0. Full XT, Zoke fork,. Set up for aggressive X-country and mild freeride (2.4 and 2.5 inch tires) | | Bottom Line: | I loved the shoes fit and comfort but did not like the toe protection. Clipped a large rock with my foot and broke my toe in four pieces; no riding for one month. After studying other shoes (Shimano, specialized, Pearl Izumi), I noticed that they had more toe protection at the tip. I'm convinced if the same accident happened with one of these other shoes, I wouldn't have broken my toe.
I do not want another pair of these SIDI's. I'm too scared to use them.
I'm gonna try the Shimano M-221 since I like their road shoes and see how that goes. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dirk Diggler
a Cross Country Rider
from Pornville
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere with dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$97.00 | | Purchased At: | speedgoat.com | | Strengths: | Durability, fit and comfort. Very comfortable out of the box and you get a free sticker. | | Weaknesses: | Not as stiff, but no hotspots on long rides and standing climbs. | | Similar Products Used: | Nike, Northwave, Specialized. | | Bike Setup: | Marin Dualie XT/LX | | Bottom Line: | Of all the shoes I owned, the Sidi has been the most durable. You do get the legendary fit and durability that Sidi's has been famous for. Most of the shoes I owned including the pricy Northwave Comp lasted only a few months. My rides are usually technical muddy trails where average shoes would lose their soles in short time due to the high humidity and wet conditions where I'm from. The buckle is kind of fragile but it survived after getting all banged up on rocks and boulders on the trail. It is light and airy (yellow Mesh/Lorica). Soles are showing wears on the front spikes but still intact with the uppers. The soles are not as stiff as other competition level shoes but adequate. This is the shoe to buy if you want durability like a good set of Chris King headset. Just the usual cleaning after your muddy rides and the shoe will serve you well for years. I will definitely get me another pair once these pairs are trashed, so far so good. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Sturgess
a Cross Country Rider
from Myersville, MD
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | red trail - Greenbriar State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Exceptional fit, great style, on the fly adjustability, great durability, exceptional customer support, first class workmanship, Italian quality | | Weaknesses: | Screw for buckle came out once. Hardly a weakness. I rode with them unbuckled. SIDI USA customer support at Veltec had me back in business with a replacement in no time. The buckle design actually tries to retain the screw. I didn't know it at the time and lost it. Tough to handle if you have to walk through a rock garden but I'd imagine most shoes are. | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Sugar 3, Hope Mini disc brakes, Mavic 317 wheels with XT hubs | | Bottom Line: | You get what you pay for. Pay a lot and get a lot. This shoe is worth it and I'd buy it again if I had to. The shoe fits like a slipper and I'd wear them to bed if I needed to. At the LBS, I couldn't figure the buckle out but one or two rides with it and you'll be in love. I love being able to reach down while riding and snug the buckle up. This shoe mush have been designed by a cyclist because the features are all there! The Lorica is very durable and the stitching has held up exceptionally well given several stream crossings on most every ride. Nice job SIDI & keep up the good work! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug Moles
a Racer
from Lawrence, KS
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Perry Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunflower Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Fits like a glove | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano | | Bike Setup: | Klein Mantra Comp Carbon Fiber | | Bottom Line: | Best shoes you can buy. They form-fit to your feet, kinda like my soccer shoes used to fit. The carbon sole really helps with maximum transfer of your force through the shoe. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fish
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$170.00 | | Purchased At: | Forgot | | Strengths: | COMFORT, reliability, workmanship!!! | | Weaknesses: | Buckle came unscrewed and I lost the screw, stuff happens. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano | | Bike Setup: | A nice XC full suspention job w/ all the cool trimings | | Bottom Line: | Been using these things for over 2 years and they still work great. The workmanship and comfort factor is unbeliveable. I am hard on gear and these things continue to hold up and impress. The buckle came off and I have not replaced the screw yet, so I have been using good ol reliable duct tape. Even with the buckle comming off and the high price, I give these suckers the highest rating. Buy a pair, you will not be dissapointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakland
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$149.00 | | Strengths: | Lightweight, easy to use, Quality materials and workmanship | | Weaknesses: | The little metal peices on the clamp will work their way out but it is easy to push back in (older version new ones have better clamp) | | Similar Products Used: | Diadora shimano custom | | Bike Setup: | Maverick XTR 959's | | Bottom Line: | I love these shoes! I forget I am wearing them until I am clacking (SPD) along my floor. I have really wide feet and these are the only shoe short of custom that even comes close. I still had to buy a little longer to get the width I need and it still works great. The new clamp is even better and is super simple once you figure out how it works. These are the only shoes that have lasted me over a year and several crashes. I rate it several heads o fire if I could | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christine
a Weekend Warrior
from Gurnee, IL
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$189.00 | | Purchased At: | Colorado Cyclies | | Strengths: | I have the Women's Dominator 4 - I love these shoes. They really do fit a woman's foot well. Design and fit is exceptional. Comfortable right from the start. Great instep adjustment. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found one yet. | | Similar Products Used: | These are my first paid of true biking shoes. | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Quest Road Bike / Giant Iguana MTB - Use them on both bikes. | | Bottom Line: | I have a very narrow, flat foot. Buying normal shoes that fit and are comfortable is a problem. These fit like a glove. Reminds of my favorite italian sandals.
Have put about 200 miles on them in the last 3 weeks and no problems what so ever. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtncranker
a Cross Country Rider
from La Mirada, CA
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Good fit. Stiff sole. | | Weaknesses: | Buckles. | | Bottom Line: | A very good shoe seriously compromised by breaking buckles.
I had the shoes for one week, pulled them out of my bag at the trailhead to find one of the buckles in shattered pieces. The LBS guy I bought them from was right there, and after a zip-tied ride, we went back to the shop. Six buckles later, I got them back and haven't had any problems since. BUT, I keep a couple of buckles (sent to me by Sidi - good customer service) in my Camelbak and an old pair of shoes in my bag, just in case.
Great shoes, but the buckle durability issue should have been addressed before they put those buckles on the market. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dr. Knobby
a Weekend Warrior
from Omaha,
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$160.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Rack | | Strengths: | No break in!! These shoes fit and feel like a fine pair of italian loafers. They should make shoes for walkers. Incredible shoes. First ride was 40 miles cross country and no discomfort. Be careful walking in them on slippery surface. They are like ice skates | | Weaknesses: | The screws for the shoes were lose and they pop off the shoes twice. Good things that the buckle protects the screw from flying off. Before I ride every two trips, I make sure the screw is tight. I am thinking about using lock nut or some similar product -- and seeing if that elimnates the problem. | | Bottom Line: | buy | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kiva
a
from Chico, CA
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Bottom Line: | this is an update to a previous review...shoes still are great, but i've had significant problem with breaking buckles. They break off at the screw point when adjusting them. I've broken probably 6 or 8 already. Sid customer service is wonderful and keeps sending me buckles, but this shouldn't happen with a $150 pair of shoes. I always keep an extra buckle in my bag... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Dump | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | MEC | | Strengths: | Italian shoes fit like NOTHING else
these take lots of abuse and haven't stretched | | Weaknesses: | pin in ratcheting can work its way loose
sole is very hard plastic that can be slippery when wet | | Similar Products Used: | Northwave Compact Stealth
Answer Accelerator
Shimano Vans type shoes | | Bottom Line: | These are the Eagles. Outstanding shoes! They fit so well. Your foot doesn't move around inside the shoe while pedalling but yet is not uncomfortable at all. The buckle can be tightened up while riding along by using one hand to click the buckle. No stops, very cool. Very durable construction. The sole can be slippery but the design works great with SPDs (858s) giving an easy connection. I run the toes studs but I put them on the bench grinder first otherwise they are too long and make it tough to clip in. Expensive yet Highly reccomended! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerome
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Montagne des roches, Charlesbourg | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$179.00 | | Purchased At: | ABC Cycles et Sports | | Strengths: | The Dominator 2 (dubbed " Eagle " in the Catalog but I think these are the same shoes) are undoubtedly the most comfortable and easiest to adjust cycling shoes I ever got. They fit like a glove (or gloves, for that matter), don't stretch or shrink, whatever the conditions (unlike my former Northwave CompAct) and have the perfect warmth/ventilation balance, thanks to the intelligent mix of Lorica and mesh. They look good (if you're into this and I am) the lugs are well designed for use with cleats. Plus, you can fit spikes on the front of the shoe. | | Weaknesses: | Lugs are a little too stiff ? beware on these wet slick rocks !
No spikes included.
Ratcheting system tends to unscrew itself and is sensible to dirt and sand (may jam sometimes). | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Team (1st edition back in 92')
Shimano M-150 (I think)
Northwave CompAct | | Bike Setup: | Customized FSR Elite 98' (6 inch rear/5 inch front)/Shimano disc-brakes/XTR/Thomson/Azonic, etc. | | Bottom Line: | I won't trade these shoes for all the world's gold. I've been very satisfied with them since the 1st day. When they're worn out, I'll buy ? guess what ? ? another pair of Sidi... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RLX88
a Cross Country Rider
from Suisun City, CA. USA
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Rockgarden Rockville, CA | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$139.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Very durable, long lasting, very stiff sole, no need to modify cleat or shoe to have proper engage and release.
Great fit and style. | | Weaknesses: | Buckle pin sometime slip out. Strap easly get stuck in buckle if not line up right. Bottom sole is Slippery on Rocks and Tree ruts | | Similar Products Used: | Sidi Dominator, Shimano M90 | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz superlite, Full XTR, Raceface spline cranks, Chris king hubs & Headset, XTR Ti cassette, 747 pedals, Thomson stem and seatpost, WTB 98 Ti saddle, IRC Mytho F & R. Mavic 517 rims. '00 Marzocchi Atom 80 shocks, Easton Monkeylite lo-riser bar, Oury grips, THE fender, Salsa Ti quick release, Cateye Enduro computer. | | Bottom Line: | Great Customer Service, stand by their product.
Long lasting shoe, very comfortable and great fit.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dino
a Weekend Warrior
from Burlington, NJ
Date Reviewed: December 31, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclecraft, | | Strengths: | Looks, comfort | | Weaknesses: | Plastic buckle, slippery sole. | | Similar Products Used: | Diadora Chilli | | Bike Setup: | Jekyll 3000 | | Bottom Line: | The plastic buckle keeps cracking where the screw holds it down to the shoe. If you don't tighten the screw it will come loose and drop out while riding. I have used locktight and have had two buckles break in less than 6 monthes riding. For the money these shoes cost this problem should not happen. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vincent Tan
a Weekend Warrior
from Brunei Darussalam, Borneo Island
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | TCT Enterprise- Sengkurong, Brunei | | Strengths: | + Light
+ Comfortable
+ Well ventilated
+ Dry off FAST even in wet weather
+ Walkable | | Weaknesses: | - Durability?
- Slippy on rocks | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn Moab 3, SPD Pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is my first clipless shoes. I bought it cos' recommendation from the reviews; I want durability! I have been using it since July 2001 (5 mth). I ride 2 or 3 times per week and most of time I do not come off the bike so I hardly walk on it. It's comfortable to wear and light to paddle. Excellent shoes!!!!
I do some rain forest trails (hiking) and bike has to be carried across rivers/log bridge and hills with many roots & obstacles! Sidi is VERy slippy on hard surface especially on rocks! I fell a few time while carrying the bike! 5'8" 170lbs, I'm fit! Mud is OK.
So far one toe spike screw was lost. The WORST is both soles where the Sidi logo is (between cleat mount & rear tread) are now not intact; can see across from sides! If I don't do anything, the whole sole which is in one piece may come off! I only used Sidi 5 times serious bike hiking in jungle. My Normal Adidas hiking shoes for hiking/HashRun is still OK after 3 YEARS. This is not the quality I expect from an expensive pair of shoes!
Anyone can recommend me a model whcih is good for hiking?
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Andres
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester Hills, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Highland | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$179.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Shop | | Strengths: | These shoes are very durable and after about 6 months of riding the shoe should fit you're foot like a glove. | | Weaknesses: | I purchased the new Metal buckles from Performance and a mile into the first ride the buckles broke off at the mounting screws. E-mailed Sidi and they sent me new ones since they had been beefed up. Both of them broke off at the mounting screw in the parking lot. I put the old ones back on and am still riding with them. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper. I haven't had to try any others, i've had these for over 6 years!!! | | Bike Setup: | Klien Attitude, Trek Y5O, Nishiki beater | | Bottom Line: | I've been riding with these shoes for over 6 years. Granted I only ride a couple of times in the winter with the snow and all that is a lot of value!!! I have the old garish blue D2s and the right instep has a chainring tattoo on it that has not gotten any worse and the outside of the balls of the foot has rubbed the lorica white. If you figure it out that's less than $30 a year. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kiva
a Cross Country Rider
from Chico, CA USA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | North Rim - Bidwell Park; Chico, CA | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | speedgoat | | Strengths: | Basic looks (i got the black ones); way stiff; i like the buckle/ratchet system; folks have said the cleats are slick, but it's a trade-off: soft bottoms are going to wear out quickly; besides, i haven't noticed any traction problems when doing the hike-a-bike and there are rocks *everywhere* here in Chico...Great customer service at SIDI | | Weaknesses: | I broke a buckle through normal use and called SIDI...they sent me one immediately; No functional weaknesses | | Similar Products Used: | Actually, these are my first pair of clipless shoes; i decided it was better to spend $150 now then spend 60-100 every couple of years | | Bike Setup: | Fischer Kai-Tai | | Bottom Line: | I researched and tried on a *lot* of shoes. These fit my narrow foot the best (they also have a wide size). Every person i've talked to who has used these shoes would never buy anything else. If you can afford it, buy these shoes. They will last longer (i've heard of folks racing with these things for 3-5 years). These were my best biking accessory purchase thusfar...I was going to give 4 chili's for value since they are kinda pricey...but i believe they'll last longer than any other shoe, so i went with the max chili's.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Racer
from Newark,DE
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Fair Hill, MD | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$160.00 | | Purchased At: | Nashbar.com | | Strengths: | Very Comfortable(I'd wear them to work if it was feasible). Light weight, Stiff as hell which is a big plus! | | Weaknesses: | The Sidi sticker that comes in the box is pretty small. LOL!! As for the shoes No weaknesses yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Diadora Chili, and back in the day my sneakers with those cruddy Clips oh and my Teva's too. | | Bike Setup: | Mongoose NX7.3: drivetrain & Brakes XT, Manitou SX-R fork, Selli-Italia Ti gel seat, Easton post, Rolf wheels, Hutchinsons Pythons, Attack shifters, Azonic DH ti bar All from the web!!! | | Bottom Line: | I got the Mega width and all I have to say is these shoes are SWEEEEEEEEET!!! You got a wide foot, then I wouldn't think twice I'd recommend to check these shoes out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Manny E.
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin,Tx.
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycles 360 | | Strengths: | This is a FOLLOW-UP:
Great styling;maybe SIDI could add alternate colour options?
Great shoe for hot & humid temps.
| | Weaknesses: | Aside from what I put in my April 16 remarks,I have to add one more item.
The shoes are very susceptable to fabric tears! Actually it's the right shoe: the 'Chainring' side .
If you ever have to bail-out,or if you have any wrecks(kinda like I did),then you may make contact with the large ring on the right shoe! The teeth will tear right through the silver mesh fabric of the Dominator 2. Hopefully,you won't cut open your ankle!!
Once this had happened,I was unable get on my bike and ride effectively,because the torn shoe mesh(Right shoe;instep) prohibits the shoe from having any tightening effect.
| | Bottom Line: | I still like these shoes. But I'm gonna have to get Sidi to send me advice as to 'How?' I'm gonna fix themproperly. I hope that they aren't totalled!
But I'm going to ask for them to send mesomeof their RED synthetic leather,and a large piece of Silver mesh,so I can have both shoes reinforced.
The right one is the damaged one,though. I just hope it will fit like it used too,once I sort out all this mess!
FOUR CHILI'S for Overll Rating,because I never expected this damage to happen.
FOUR CHILI'S for value,due in part because these shoes ain't cheap!( and I hope that I don't have to replace them) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Windsor, CT USA
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | West Hartford Reservoir | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Very comfortable, light, great ratchet system to adjust fit, unaffected by water, and really, really comfortable! | | Weaknesses: | Original ratchet buckles had some problems with metal hinge pins in plastic body. Manufacturer replaced them with much better buckle at no cost... I'm still using the originals, though! | | Similar Products Used: | None, but I tried on many brands and models in several stores-- none were as comfortable. | | Bike Setup: | Slightly tweaked '99 Gary Fisher Hoo~Koo~E~Koo (steel frame/RockShox Judy suspension) with Kooka "Crankcase" bash ring ('git over it!) | | Bottom Line: | I spent a lot of time looking for shoes that would get the job done and feel comfortable as well. I bought them for MTB'ing but now I am using them for road work as well. Would you believe that I am now wearing them at the office too? I can get in & out of them so quickly that I even slip 'em on to go out to mail box!
They are the most expense footwear I have ever owned (even more $ than my Gortex hiking boots); therefore, I was very careful in selecting them. After I had exhausted several salesman at the local bike shops, a salesman finally brought these shoes out. I couldn't believe how great they fit and how much more physically pleasurable they were than all other shoes that I tried. I don't like spending this amount of $ but my feet are done growing!
Get these if you prefer light weight shoes for mountain biking and if you occasionally take it to the road.
One thing that I did not consider was getting a higher shoe that would protect my ankles. If you are banging yours against the rocks, trees, & logs, you may want a high top shoe.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Deer Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | speedgoat | | Strengths: | Fit, Durability, Well ventilated. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Nike Yuha Plus | | Bike Setup: | 98 Yeti ARC, XTR, Race Face, Judy SL, Mavic Cross Rides
98 GT STS 1000 XT/XTR, Judy 100, Mavic 517 | | Bottom Line: | I rode with the Nikes for about 2 years, and they were a good shoe. Then I found the Sidis on sale and figured what the heck. My idea of a good shoe changed as soon as I put the Domnators on my feet. They fit better right out of the box than my well worn Nikes, and are much cooler in warm weather. As far as people complaining about the closure system, I have had no problems whatsoever. The buckles, mesh material and the leather have held up very well. They are as comfortable as Ralph Lauren bedroom slippers. Save up, find them on sale, beg you mom/wife/girlfriend/Santa for these shoes. They are worth every nickel. I give them five chilis in spite of the high cost because foot pain can make your ride totally suck. If you have as goofy shaped feet as I do, or if you have tender tootsies, these are the way to go. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ephrem
a Cross Country Rider
from Socal
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Speedgoat | | Strengths: | Light weight
High quality
Fit (Mega width)
Replaceable buckles and straps | | Weaknesses: | VERY slippery sole
No half sizes
| | Similar Products Used: | Shimano | | Bike Setup: | Bianchi BUSS | | Bottom Line: | Comments are for the MEGA model, i.e. extra wide fit. This is a great shoe, worth the money, and I'd get the road version too if I need it. The soles are very very slippery on any smooth surface and really bad on wet rocks, so watch your step until you get calibrated to them. I have a EEE foot, and the Mega feels wide even to me, I believe its 4mm wider than standard. But the standared width was just too narrow. I actually needed a size 44.5 but went with 45 since half sizes are not available. Be sure you really need the exta width before you mailorder these shoes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Racer
from Roanoke, Virginia
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | tight single track up the mt, down the mt | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | speedgoat.com | | Strengths: | These shoes are very high quality and fit great. They are very tough and stand up to extreme conditions. Light weight and do not absorb a lot of water to weigh them down after water crossings. Very comfortable. The ratchet closure is very trick and allows for minute adjustments. Ther clean up well after lots of mud for hours. Resist scuffing well. Reatin shape after drying out. Don't stretch out after being wet. Velcro holds well. Classy looking. These shoes I think are for the serious rider who bikes a lot and does'nt want to buy shoes every year. They are also for the person who just wants high quality gear and won't compromise. | | Weaknesses: | Little sketchy on wet rocks, but not as bad as some reviewers have said. Hey, they're not made to walk in, ok? These are extremely high quality great mountain bike shoes. If you don't jump the logs, if you walk across the water crossings or tend to walk around all the obstacles, probably get a shoe that has better hiking type of sole. I sometimes have some trouble getting clipped in to my Time ATAC peddles. | | Similar Products Used: | Diadora, Canondale. | | Bike Setup: | Trek Fuel 2001, Manitou SX-R, monkey lite bar (best upgrade I ever have done, absorbs a lot od high frequency front end shock), Fox rear shock, Bontrager Jones AC tires (exclnt), Thomson stem and seatpost, WTB speed V saddle (oh yeah!). | | Bottom Line: | Great shoes, buy em. Little pricey but you get what you pay for and these are worth it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred
a Racer
from NYC, USA
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Houston Street | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$170.00 | | Purchased At: | International Bicycles, MA | | Strengths: | Comfort Strength Durablity Beauty Weight | | Weaknesses: | Sole slippery on anything hard; rock, asphalt, metal, roots... | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, Specialized shoes... | | Bike Setup: | aluminum hardtail MTB // steel unsuspended touring | | Bottom Line: | I've used these shoes for a year and a half. I went cross country with them wearing 'em at least 8 hours a day for 2 months. They were AMAZINGLY comfortable and efficient riding shoes in this situation. Light and solid. I know they're off road shoes, but I figured I'd get one kick-ass pair of shoes for everything instead of one pair for a cross country trip and then another pair for the season afterwards. I WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THIS DECISION:
For XC racing and weekend thrashing, again, they're absolutely fantastic. They're light and I feel absolutely glued to the bike. Always confident, always comfortable.
The only trouble comes in when you need to get off the bike. Whatever compound they used for the soles of these shoes is ridiculous. If you're not running in dirt, you're screwed, because they don't grip on ANYTHING harder. On rocks they're slippery as hell; I've actually been nervous trying to walk around in these things. So if Sidi addresses this issue, they'll have another instant sale in me.
Other than the infrequent rock walk, I LOVE THESE SHOES TO DEATH. Worth the extra cash without a doubt. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scudman
a
from SoCal
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Widest Italian shoe on the market. | | Weaknesses: | The buckle release on the new D2's is the worst design on the market. Get any kind of grit in the buckle and you're shoe isn't coming off. | | Similar Products Used: | Nike Cairns | | Bottom Line: | This shoe gets a lot of love on the web but the buckle design alone makes it useless. The mensa that designed this (I'm talking about the release bars you have to push down on both sides on the buckle) should be forced to match Missy piercing for piercing! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Manny
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin,Tx
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$179.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycles 360 | | Strengths: | Good styling.
Great fit.
The buckle latch works well.
Excellent overall construction. (Hey- it's italian!) | | Weaknesses: | Not good on ROCKS,or ROCKY terrain ! (Dry? Wet? It don't matter.)
Buckles get battered easily,and the pivot pins slide out all of the time! It's a pain,sometimes.
Needs better toe box protection. | | Similar Products Used: | Answer | | Bike Setup: | '01 Tracer. Speedplay 'FROG' pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I dig the shoes!
Maybe SIDI needs to use a mixed rubber compound on the soles? Anything to give the cleats some better 'bite'! They're terrain specific. So -no rocky ledges,or slanted boulders! ...And watch out for rock gardens!!
All the rest can be redesigned easily. There's space for improvement.
Oh yeah...I've got narrow feet,and these shoes have the velcro straps that fasten To the INSTEP of the shoe!! The crankarm contacts with the strap,making it come undone. SIDI could maybe shorten the strap,and add a bit more velcro,for better fastening.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan
a Cross Country Rider
from maa,usa
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | international bike,massachusetts | | Strengths: | very light but durable
| | Weaknesses: | needs toe protection.oouch! | | Similar Products Used: | many different shoes. | | Bike Setup: |
c'dal
e 3000 | | Bottom Line: | ok,like all my reviews I've waited a year of usage.the other positive reviews state my opinion exactly!why reiterate? for the last 6 years I've had to buy new $100-130 shoes every late spring.every other past shoe only had velcro closures and these invariably would last about 1 1/4 season.so finally bought more expensive sidi buckle type and they've lasted.they're deceptively durable because they're light (1/2lb lighter than my lower priced shimanos).I ride hard and frequently and these shoes are really in good shape after a year.I did break a buckle this winter(30degf) when I went down and slid on snow/ice with my shoe trapped underneath me.but it's replaceable once velcro stops hooking that's it.NEXT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO.
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Colorado Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Excel Sports | | Strengths: | Stiffness, Good Looks | | Weaknesses: | Cheap strap and buckle system | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, Diadora | | Bike Setup: | Moots YBB, XTR, Marzocchi Atom 80, Shimano 747 pedals | | Bottom Line: | When my wife bought these shoes for me as a gift I was ecstatic. That was short lived. I have no problem with the fit or overall stiffness of the shoe. My beef is with the cheesy straps and buckles. I stripped out the replaceable straps in the first two weeks. Those things are $7 a pair. After that I had a problem with one of the buckles not closing properly. $20 more and I was all set. These are easily the most expensive shoes I own and probably the most shoddy. Save yourself some money and get some Diadora's . | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Joyce
a Cross Country Rider
from Mt. Carmel, PA
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$170.00 | | Strengths: | Everything about these shoes are virtually perfect for me (with one small exception - see below).
1. Comfort. These fit my low volume foot like my favorite running shoe. Snug, responsive, no 'hot spots.' The two velcro straps and wide top ratchet secured strap work perfectly. The ratchet can be replaced if needed...so I'm told. Also, no annoying laces. Lorica is soft and supple and hugs the foot and so far I've had no problem with durability.
2. Performance. Excellent. As above this shoe really hugs the foot which makes it very responsive. The wide top closure allows you to really clamp your foot into place which is especially nice on the 'upstroke.' The sole is stiff which makes 'hoofing' a bit rough but gives excellent power transfere on the pedal. Feels very light. Lorica doesn't stretch out like mesh, and keeps the cold out.
3. Durability. No problems yet. The sole is made of a very rigid, tough, almost plastic-like material. Straps are solid. The top ratchet strap works really well and appears durable and is replaceable.
4. Last and probably least...looks. Perfect...basic, standard black. No obnoxious, 'please look at me' florescent, multi-colored, pukey color schemes. | | Weaknesses: | Some type of toe protection/gaurd would be nice, but not totally necessary. | | Similar Products Used: | Axo...viper - nice but doesn't even come close.
Years back - Nike - junk. | | Bike Setup: | Klien Attitude Race | | Bottom Line: | Relatively expensive but worth twice their cost. Will buy these again. Best peice of gear I've got.
If they fit your foot and you demand a comfortable, high perforamnce shoe you must try these.
But...maybe I'm biased 'cause I'm part Italian. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don Nywening
a Weekend Warrior
from Wind Gap, PA USA
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | American Standard, Jim Thorpe | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Somewhere in Moab (can't remember) | | Strengths: | Very durable, have only had to replace the microlock straps once. Good traction in most cicumstances. Excellent ventilation. | | Weaknesses: | Sketchy traction on rocks. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, Axo. | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Raven 900 | | Bottom Line: | These are great shoes! I have pounded the crap out of them for the last two and a half years. The only damage is some scuffing on the front of the toes, but it has not worn through. These are the only shoes I've ever owned that have managed to last more than a single season with me, and so far I've been riding in them for more than 2000 miles. While these are no doubt intended as race shoes, I find them to be excellent all-around. Besides, it's cheaper to spend $180 every 3 years than $100 every year. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a Racer
from Birmingham
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Birmingham BUMP | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$179.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob's Bikes in Birmingham | | Strengths: | light weight, rigid sole, well ventelated, cool red leather, excellent customer service, very comfortable, offer different width and mesh versions. | | Weaknesses: | ventelation is cold for winter rides | | Similar Products Used: | Performance shoes, Carnac | | Bike Setup: | S-Works hardtail, MARS CL, SRAM 9.0, Truvativ cranks and rings, Spinergy Xyclones | | Bottom Line: | What can you say about a shoe? People have different shaped feet and you need to figure this one out on your own. What I can say is that I have been rediculously happy with these shoes. I had a pair of Carnacs that felt like my foot was in a wooden box compared to the glove-like fit of these. Try on a pair at you local bike shop and you will see what I mean.
If you ride in hot weather, then I would recommend the mesh version. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allan M
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX USA
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Sport in Houston | | Strengths: | Protection, Adjustability/fit, Durability | | Weaknesses: | The pins on the mechanical closers may work themselves loose.
price!
Might be too hot for some. | | Similar Products Used: | Bunch of different shimano and answer | | Bike Setup: | Time ATAC | | Bottom Line: | Buy them! I'm on my second pair --the first pair lasted 6 years before both soles crack across the point of cleat attachment. This did not render the shoe useless, just too flexy. The first pair did 6 racing seasons, Moab, Durango, Tsali, the Sawtooths and a bunch of stuff that required walking around on rocks without the lugs wearing down too much.
I bought the all black ones because I don't like a bunch of clown colors and they are a little warm in the summer, but the protection they provide more than make up for it.
I have really narrow feet, so I have to wear inserts with these shoes, but I wear insert with just about every pair of shoes I own.
The pins that the buckle rotates on will work themselves loose. I never has one cause a problem, because it's pretty obvious when one is coming loose when you put the shoe on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam Silver
a Racer
from Boston MA
Date Reviewed: December 31, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Chestnut Hill Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$135.00 | | Purchased At: | La Bicicletta | | Strengths: | Good Looks
Stiff enough (this is somewhat subjective)
Durable and well placed lugs | | Weaknesses: | Velcro stopped holding after a while.
Ratchet stripped the notches on one of the ratchet straps
Lorica uppers streched, and left me needing 2 insoles and 1 above the heel pad. | | Similar Products Used: | Nike Yuha Plus
Nike Cairns
Northwave Compact 3v
Diadora Chile
Sidi Energy | | Bike Setup: | Litespeed Owl Hollow w/ RF Cranks, XTR, 2001 Mars Super, and handbuilt Hugi 240 wheels (lighter than Propels). | | Bottom Line: | It's a bit unfair to be rating shoes, since they're such a subjective matter but I will anyway. These shes have definately not been ideal for me. My feet are EXCEPTIONALLY narrown AND low volume, so I'm used to haveing to use an additional insert to get the shoe snug over the top. But even w/ 2 inserts I still had to pull the straps over the top sooo far that they went past the velcro, and over time, the stress on the small mmetal loops that the straps are fed through, casued them to rip right out of the shoe! The velcro also wore out on the strap closest to the toe after a while and made things difficult getting the shoes tight. I also have to tighten the ratchets all the way down, and in doing so one of the ratchets stripped the plastic ratchet straps, they still worked though. Over a season of use the shoes started to give me incredible pain in my arch which I can only attribute to the fact that the uppers streched slightly over time. The pain grew so intense (I swear I didn't think feet could hurt that much) that I had to stop using them and ended up buying Cairns, which are great for all you people w/ really narrow feet.
Asside from all the problems I've had with this shoe, it did go problem free and fit me decently for 4-5 months. And I have to commend Sidi for selling spare parts like ratchets aftermarket. My Sidi Energy's (I got them 1/2 size smaller than the dominators and that has seemed to help) which I road bike with have been fantastic for the 2 1/2 months I've had them. If money's no big deal, I suggest going w/ the Sidi Actions, since instead of velcro straps they use these neat circular ratchets which I have on the energy's. They really crank down on your foot well! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Hunt
a Racer
from Austin
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Freewheelin' cycles | | Strengths: | Stiff, good looks | | Weaknesses: | Mechanical closure. Velcro straps that face the wierd direction. Lorica(fake leather). | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized comp | | Bike Setup: | '01 FSR Enduro Pro | | Bottom Line: | The mechanical closures tend to slip and sometimes pop open. The pins that hold the mechanical closures together have to be checked almost every ride to see if they are sliding out. The lorica uppers tend to stretch while in use so that I have to constantly tighten the shoes whill riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott bays
a Cross Country Rider
from bonneau, sc
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali, Thompson loop | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | price point | | Strengths: | Light, durable, very comfy | | Weaknesses: | cost | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, Nike, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Litespeed Toccoa | | Bottom Line: | As with most(but definitely not all) things in mountain biking, you get what you pay for. These shoes are the most comfortable that I have owned. They are also the most durable (so far) but they better be. They work wonderful with Time ATACs. The soles are very hard but living and riding in the Southeast primarily, makes this a very GOOD thing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
la tzeca
a
from Ticino
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Light | | Weaknesses: | The sole is too hard. | | Similar Products Used: | Time, scott, northwave supercompact | | Bike Setup: | C'dale Jekyll | | Bottom Line: | These shoes really suck. The sole is too hard. Just try to take a step on a stone to understand how dangerous they are.
I often ride very hard trails, and the swiss mountains often ask the rider to walk.
I left mine in the wardrobe. I do not throw them into the garbage simply because the SPD cleats...
If you plan to use these shoes on rocky trails, forget it ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Baron von Big Ring
a
from Wisconsn
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | The Lab | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$189.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Doctor- Oconomowoc | | Strengths: | Fit | | Weaknesses: | Velcro straps go the wrong way
Price--you get what you pay for | | Similar Products Used: | Two pair of Specialized shoes--don't waste your money.
Nike--even worse than the crappy specialized | | Bike Setup: | Fisher Paragon hardtail, Pro Flex 857 dually, Trek 2300 road bike | | Bottom Line: | Great shoe, great fit...has replaceable parts if you need them. My only grip are the velcro straps should go the other way. Its not really a problem for me, but my friend has really narrow feet. When he cinches the straps all the way, the part hanging off hits his cranks and causes the shoe to loosen. He has since resorted to cutting off the excess strap. A good solution...but you shouldn't have to do this with a $180 shoe.
The sole is also nice and stiff, just the way I like it. Now I'm able to use the same shoe on both my mountain & road bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Baker
a Cross Country Rider
from Apple Valley
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$154.00 | | Purchased At: | Now Bike | | Strengths: | Solid, comfortable, tough, stiff
| | Weaknesses: | buckle, perhaps | | Similar Products Used: | Northwave | | Bike Setup: | Old Bridgestone and new Sugar, Time ATAC pedals | | Bottom Line: | I don't even think about the shoes while biking. They do the job they're supposed to do, are comfortable, solid, and dependable. I didn't think they'd go on sale, but I got 15% off the typical 179.99 you see everywhere.
The price is high, but I went from a lot of reviews here and other opinions. Heck, if you want a comfortable shoe with a stiff sole, why screw around? Get what people think is the best, if you can afford it. If you can't, then compromise. If they last 5 years, as people have stated here, they'll be more than worth it in the long run.
Since this is my first shoe and clipless pedal combo, I've fallen over many times due mostly to brain farts and spinning out on hills, etc. So the shoes have had their share of gravel and rock wear. The buckle on the left shoe is a little chewed up, and one of the metal pins started to slide out last week. I pushed it back in with a pair of pliers. That's the only issue I've had with the shoes - not a big deal. They clean up well, and no other signs of wear. Still got the nubby bumps on the bottom of the tread - no noticeable wear down there, despite a fair amount of hiking. I've biked around 250 miles with 'em so far, in about 1.5 months.
The Northwave shoes I tried belonged to a friend. They had the full velcro, 2 or 3 straps. They seemed to hold the shoe tight as well as the buckle on the Sidis, with perhaps less complication. Over the long run, maybe the velcro will wear on the Northwaves, and maybe I'll end up replacing a buckle or 2. Time will tell.
I've got the full Lorica shoes in black. Decent looking. My feet are cold in colder weather, but that's prob due to cotton socks getting wet and cold. I don't think the shoes are too hot for summer wear. I chose the full Lorica for waterproof-ness and fewer seams to worry about, and I'm very happy with the shoes.
I feel I'm missing out on the whole biking experience by not buying a POS pair of shoes, complaining for months, then finally getting the best. Oh well, one experience I can live without. I've read enough of those stories here in reviews of Nikes and many other brands. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
johnny
a
from cambridge, ma USA
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Belmont Wheelworks, MA | | Strengths: | great fit, so comfy you can wear them all day, italian style, great customer service (i've heard) | | Weaknesses: | i get a little slop when i pull up hard ... but i'm not sure if that's expected. these are my first pair of bike shoes. also, price is crazy high ... | | Bike Setup: | fixed gear, bianchi road frame, 700x25C, basically a speedy urban bike | | Bottom Line: | after much searching, these were the only pair of good-looking shoes i could find ... i mean the others might look ok in a race situation or something, but i ride around the city and commute, and i don't look quite as odd in these :-) the fit is very comfy, and i really appreciate the design/workmanship/engineering that obviously went into these shoes. i have the black ones with red highlights, which don't have any mesh (it's all lorica) ... but i haven't had any problems with a lack of ventilation, even after wearing them all day on a hot day. i think the ventilation holes do their job, and a good pair of socks will do. the price is quite hefty though ... but i'd have to say, if you can afford them or scrape up the money for them, don't settle for anything else. i bought inexpensive performance topo mc-7 pedals from performance bike to go with them ... cheap but excellent pedals. also, i haven't had an experience with sidi, but i've only heard great things about their customer service and product backing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dale
a
from Bend OR
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Strengths: | light + fit(highly subjective) right | | Weaknesses: | no protection, from rocks or cold, plastic buckle | | Similar Products Used: | nike | | Bike Setup: | gt xcr1000, lemond zurich | | Bottom Line: | I was happy to find something that fit me in town--even though this is a big m-biking town the stores are nervous about stocking high end products and I'm not about to buy shoes online.
Most things in mountainbiking have tradoffs... these feel like a slipper and are nice and stiff, but slam against a rock and you'll yell in pain. My red lorica is getting scuffed too. Under 60 degrees and my feet are uncomfortably cold. When I switch to my road bike they certainly fit the bill. The plastic ratcheting buckle is a neat-o gizmo, but are getting banged up and starting not to work well-I predict I will need future replacement. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Minneapolis, MN
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Penn Cycle | | Strengths: | *micro buckle closure keeps heal down and in the shoe
*good soul for hike'n the bike if needed
*makes me feel like i'm part of the bike | | Weaknesses: | *I would say price but hey, you get what you pay for! | | Similar Products Used: | none-first clipless setup | | Bike Setup: | old scott, time atac, marz, panaracers | | Bottom Line: | I read the reviews here and of many other brands and then hit up the LBS. The shop said the same, based on what everyone said I made my purchase and could not be happier. If you're looking for a shoe don't pass these by. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything out of the city | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$179.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Sports Shop | | Strengths: | very lite; while highly considered for wide feet (especially the Mega) this shoes fit my narrow, B-width feet better than any other I've tried. They are breaking in very well. | | Weaknesses: | They sure are RED, aren't they? I feel a little like Bozo. Couldn't ever find them in the black I wanted. My wife says it will just be easier to find me when I'm lying "dead-bug" in a ditch someday. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, other SIDI | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Rockhopper Sport. All STX. | | Bottom Line: | A great fit for narrow (or apparantly wide) feet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PVB
a Cross Country Rider
from Tempe, Arizona
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Megas fit my portly feet. Finally a shoe that comes in a natural color. 5 years out of a pair shoes aint bad. Lorica material is tougher than it looks. Not too heavy. | | Weaknesses: | Lorica is tought, but it isn't that tough. You do have to keep an eye on the buckles. Heel slippage when walking. They are pricey. | | Bottom Line: | I'm on my 2nd pair of Dominators. The newest set are the Megas. They are replacing the first pair I bought in '95. If you have fat feet, the fit is very good.
I'm riding primarily in rocky desert terrain. Overall the shoe could be a bit more stout. I'm not always a dainty rider so my shoes do try to push rocks out of the way sometimes. That said, I got five years out of my first pair, and with all of the abrasion, the shoe never gave up on me.
Buy 'em if you don't take on the rocks too often and if the only walking you'll do is the occasional hike a bike.
I've added a couple of low profile soccer cleats to the toe to keep the sole from wearing out too quickly.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston,MA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Fit, Durability, Stiff sole, cool looks | | Weaknesses: | Toe protection | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano shoes | | Bike Setup: | SC Chameleon/Z2 Atom 80 | | Bottom Line: | These shoes are worth the dough. The strap design allows them to fit great and the soles take everything you can throw at them. The sole on my par began to delaminate after 11 months. Sent them into SIDI and had a new pair in a week.
Value rating gets all the chilis because of great customer service. Overall rating loses one because of premature dlamination of the sole and no toe box protection (broke a toe last year ) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Un-important un-important
a Cross Country Rider
from usa
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Cuyumaca State Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Everything | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | none (first pair | | Bike Setup: | 1999 GT Zaskar Full XT/XTR Marz. z2 atom bomb Azonic stem WTB Ti saddle, Michelin Kevlar tires. Time pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great shoes if you have $180.
Or if you get them for 75% off like I did
48 bucks | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gene
a Cross Country Rider
from New York, NY USA
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | jim thorpe, PA | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | extremely light, stiff, very comfortable. the combination straps and micro-lock buckle makes this shoe extremely adjustable for a perfect fit. also, the tread offered good traction during hike-a-bike sections. also, for an all-lorica shoe, my feet stayed cool. | | Weaknesses: | the lorica leather is pretty fragile and the material around the ankle started to tear after a few rides. also, i would recommend putting a toe bumper or kevlar around the toe. a little pricey. | | Similar Products Used: | nike cairn
shimano
gaerne | | Bottom Line: | these are really excellent, high-performance shoes. if you got the cash, get 'em. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Maine
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Stiff sole, rugged luggs, quality construction | | Weaknesses: | Sole cracked almost in half after less than a year | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, Carnac | | Bottom Line: | Before the sole cracked, I liked these shoes alot. Good stiff sole. My only complaint on the fit was that the heal was a little loose. But after less than a year the soles on these $175 shoes cracked. I expect more out of a shoe that costs that much. Same spot on both shoes, so it is obviously a design defect.
I brought them back to the shop where I bought them (National Ski and Bike in Freeport Maine) and got my money back hassle free. They said that Sidi backs thier product. Got to appriciate that.
2 chilis for the lack of durability on the sole. 4 overall for backing the product to the customer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark
a Racer
from boulder
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Bomber custruction, super stiff sole, solid upper, easy entry and adjustment on the fly, well ventilated, good water drainage and excellent wear | | Weaknesses: | They don't make them in Blue anymore. Optional steel cleats are lethal weapons. Get caught in pedal mechanism when trying to engage. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, Duegi | | Bike Setup: | Ti, Mach 5SxTi, XT, HUGI, Syncros, Raceface, Time | | Bottom Line: | I have put so many miles on these things its ridiculas, They are so solid and comfortable. I've got through like I dunno 4 sets of cleats on them and there is not a busted stitch on them. You can tell when I'm getting ready to kick some ass, click, click, click, tighten up the shoes and wham bam outta there. They are your link to your drivetrain and your bike. Even when I have them set really tight, they don't cut off my circulation to my feet. I broke the sole on a pair of Duegi's and crushed the heel cup on a pair of shimano's. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary "Parkmeister" Park
a Cross Country Rider
from Oak-town
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | too many to list | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Comfortable, durable, light, well designed and constructed. | | Weaknesses: | None that I have encountered. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized El Gato Sports | | Bike Setup: | Bontrager Race Lite / all XT | | Bottom Line: | These are the most comfortable things I have ever slapped on my dogs. An LBS guy recommended these as the shoes to have and he wasn't going for the hard sell becuz his shop didn't even carry Sidi's! Based on his advice, I picked up a pair for myself and popped in some Superfeet insoles.
I see a lot of Dominators on the trail for good reason, they are a great pair of shoes. My pair are two plus years old and still going strong. I have not had any problems with the rachet mechanism like some of the other reviewers. And I don't baby my equipment, these shoes get thrashed on a regular basis and they perform superbly. The soles work fairly well when hike-a-bikeing through mud, sand, dirt, or boulders. These shoes are the mack daddi. Word to ya mutha. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron
a Cross Country Rider
from Wenatchee, WA
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Stratosphere...cuz I built it! | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Fit, Comfort, Durability | | Weaknesses: | Could someone make a mtb. shoe with a stiff rubber toe cap for slamming into rocks? | | Similar Products Used: | specialized | | Bike Setup: | GT LTS set up for big hits. Heavy duty everything. | | Bottom Line: | This shoe kept on ticking for 4 years. I finally had a shoe shop sew a new patch of velcro on the straps after 3 years, but otherwise the shoe just wouldn't die. I love the micro-lock buckle and think that magazine editors are clueless for bashing them. Nothing can hold you in as well as a mechanical closure. After your feet heat up the shoes tend to stretch out a bit, and you simply reach down on the fly and give a little crank on the ratchet for a snuggly fit. I will never go back to another shoe. Probably go with a higher model next time with two ratchets. I have many friends who all agree, men and women, that this is the number one shoe in the universe. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bobby
a Weekend Warrior
from Delafield, WI
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Emma Carlin | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Really rigid and ultra comfy. Also, they are very compatible with all sorts of pedal systems. | | Weaknesses: | I bought the full Lorica (Black) ones, which are made for colder weather so my feet tended to sweat a bit.
Also, if you need a little wider shoe you might want to look past these and go for the Dominator 2 Mega. | | Similar Products Used: | Nike Inyo, Answer Acclerator(tested) | | Bike Setup: | 98 Schwinn S-30, Judy XT, all XT shimano, Cane Creek AD-5 | | Bottom Line: | These shoes are great. I can't think of any thing bad about them besides the fact that the Lorica version can get a little warm during the summer. They cost a little more than the others but they're well worth the dough. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KUHL
a Racer
from Mechanicsburg PA
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | lambsgap | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | i got the mesh version so there yellow which is real sweeeet
light and durable
velcrpo straps and ratchet system holds you down
ultra stiff | | Weaknesses: | none
but i hate when people complain about the grip on these shoes, if you bye these shoes you should be able to ride it out not walk on these there ment for biking not hiking | | Similar Products Used: | diadora kava, diadora chili | | Bike Setup: | trek 9.9 full xtr with superfly | | Bottom Line: | i use these with shimano 747's and they are built for each ohter. I love these shoes i will never switch again. When these wear out i think i will get the dominator 3's a try. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sho Igarashi
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Monca, CA US
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | hmmm... | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | longevity, durability, quality all around | | Weaknesses: | less sure footed than some wider shoes when scrambling off the bike | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, sidi | | Bike Setup: | This n'that | | Bottom Line: | Ditto. My previous Dominators lasted me somewhere around 4 years (heck, I didn't bother counting). My biggest complaint is that I never had an excuse to buy a new pair of shoes. When the tread wore out I had some Vibram soles fit to my shoes and they lasted years like that.
I expect the same from my newer D2's. I put the new microlock buckle on, though I find it more problematic than the older microlock buckles.
While scrambling off the bike in cruddy terrain I don't feel as sure footed - maybe that's something the mega does better... so just stay on the bike and ride through it. :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Olson
a Racer
from San Mateo, CA
Date Reviewed: November 9, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
quality
fit
comfort
light weight | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized
Answer Accelerators | | Bottom Line: | Don't waste your time and money on any other shoes. Just get these and you won't regret it. The quality and fit are unsurpassed. I love these shoes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Racer
from MI
Date Reviewed: October 13, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Fit, weight, comfort | | Weaknesses: |
None | | Similar Products Used: |
New Balance, other Sidi's | | Bottom Line: | Good shoe. Very light weight and durable. Has good soles. A little pricy but well worth the extra $$$$$ | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AB
a Racer
from Laguna Beach
Date Reviewed: September 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Anything steep | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Fit
Comfort
Durability
Stiffness
Looks | | Weaknesses: |
Pricy but worth it | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized, Shimano, Nike etc | | Bike Setup: |
Bontrager (Keith built) with XT/XTR | | Bottom Line: | These are THE shoes. I've been riding them for a couple years and they work great. Super comfy. Super stiff. Absolutely NO mechanical problems. And though they cost a couple extra $, you'll get it back in longevity. | | Overall Rating: |
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