Submitted by
SF
a Cross Country Rider
from Stockton,Calif Date Reviewed: July 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Hogan
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
If you have wide feet[EEE]. This is the shoe for you. Best fit,Very comfortable.
Weaknesses:
None, Beside $$$. Just keep a eye out on sales.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
2005 Specialized Epic,Fox Shox F100X,XTR,Syntace stem,Answer Taper Lite Carbon Bar,Selle Italia SLR, Chris King Headset& Hubs,Mavic XC717 ceramic,Salsa carbon brake booster,Avid Single Digit Ultimate Brake w/ceramic pads,Avid Speed Dial Ultimate Levers, Avid flak jacket&ceramic pads,Ti parts
Bottom Line:
I ride in dry weather only. The shoe is holding up very well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakland, CA Date Reviewed: February 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
locally- oat hill mine, nationally- porcupine ridge, 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 XC steel 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
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: December 3, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$170.00
Strengths:
Lovely soft feel.
Weaknesses:
Price. Velcro is crap! Parts are expensive!
Similar Products Used:
Diadora, Shimano, Time
Bike Setup:
HH 100x, Yeti, 100mm forks.
Bottom Line:
They're super comfy and soft - just like the Italian brand I expected.
The buckle is a buckle - I personally like them, though if you prefer a velcro closure get another shoe. But replacement parts are expensive.
The shoes are fine after 11/2 years of summer + winter riding, with the Lorica leather doing well over this time.
BUT, the Velcro has worn and doesn't work at all anynmore, which is enough to make me try another bran next.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
E
a
from bklyn Date Reviewed: June 14, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
direct
Strengths:
Theres no listing for Five Ten's new DH FR shoe!!! Ive used Vans and every other skate/bike shoe for flats and none are better than the FIVE TENS
Weaknesses:
NONE
Bike Setup:
TMX
Bottom Line:
get these kicks and stick to your bike no matter what the conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Skmeetz
a Racer
from Roanoke, VA Date Reviewed: January 9, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Never met a trail I didn't like
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Fit. Ratchet closure systems plus two velcro straps gets your feet feeling comfy with any type of socks.
Weaknesses:
Sometimes the ratchet closures are a bugger and don't want to release after a ride.
Similar Products Used:
Nike yuba (I think), Specialized comp.
Bike Setup:
Kona Explosif single speed,Reba team,King headset,
Bottom Line:
You get what you pay for. I've ridden and raced in these shoes in VA and WV (we have a little mud)for two years. Besides the stench, they're still mighty nice to have wrapped around your tooties for a day on the trail. You can get two good seasons out of them easily, even if you ask alot of them. They are the only MTB shoes I've worn for two years of winter training, racing and riding in all types of conditions, and they are still in one piece.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phillip
a
from North Carolina Date Reviewed: November 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
over in moses
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
looks, the ratchet
Weaknesses:
strectch wearout fast, crappy velcro, These shoes are intended to be riden everyday, I am worn mine out after about a year and a few months of riden
Similar Products Used:
nike specialised
Bike Setup:
Klein and an S works XC builds..
Bottom Line:
Look elsewhere if you intend on riden everyday or there abouts, I have spent alot of time in my SIDI's I wont hate too hard but I think they should have lasted longer than they did. I might get another pair for the bling factor..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Earth Date Reviewed: September 27, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$169.00
Strengths:
Doesn't look like clown shoes Ratchet mechanism ensures exact fit Wide fit for wide feet
Weaknesses:
Doesn't come in half sizes Over-extended tab on inside part of shoe
A bit pricey, but at least it comes in wide sizes (4mm wider than normal). I wish it came in a 41.5 because the 42's are just a tad too big while the 41's are a tad too snug. No need to break 'em in, no hotspots from initial ride. And no LOUD colors either. The inside tab of the ratchet mechansim that sticks out toward the cranks stick out too much - it can rub the crank if not properly set. I'm not sure how long the metal springs will last - surely not as long as velcro straps.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gautam Bose
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte, NC, USA Date Reviewed: August 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anne springs, Beatty
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Very Light, very soft -- feels like no shoes at all! seems solid, though too new to judge. My old Lake MX-80s (and admittedly, this is a totally unfair comparison, between $60 list and $206)feel heavy and clunky by comparison.
Weaknesses:
Price. I wouldn't pay full list price.
Similar Products Used:
Lake MX80, Nashbar Shadow (road) shoes
Bike Setup:
Trek 6500, standard, w/Specialized sport sapple.
Bottom Line:
Great value if you can get them (about $100) below list. I wouldn't pay list, though some very serious cyclists probably would.
V. nice if you can afford them (or get them cheap, as I did :-)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kerimo
a Cross Country Rider
from Oslo, Norway Date Reviewed: May 18, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Strengths:
Fits perfectly, doesn't widen when wet, great looks, you forget you have shoes on your feet - they're THAT comfortable!
Weaknesses:
Wear on carbon bottomplate when walkin long distances... Just avoid walkin too much. But not really a weakness. Expensive.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano M-221 (or whatever the name was...).
Bottom Line:
They are not THAT mega. Fits a large(wide) foot perfectly. Great shoes! Wouldn't use anything else! I give them 5 chilis. Even though they are expensive, they are IMO worth every penny.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from East Coast Date Reviewed: April 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anything with rocks
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$999999.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
They fit my wide feet. Buckle system works well to fine tune fit.
Weaknesses:
Outboard front side lorica is WAY too thin and soft. It tears very easily !
Bottom Line:
These are great fitting and well made shoes but the lorica uppers are very fragile and will easily tear if you happen to scuff your foot against a rock. Your results may vary but I don't see them lasting me very long. SIDI ought to beef up the front sides of these shoes to offer more protection against tears. A toe bumber might be nice feature to have as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chas
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, Ga Date Reviewed: March 14, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Shop in Stockbridge
Strengths:
fit ( made on a very wide last ) comfort ( very well made and therefore fit without any hot spots ) looks ( they are black; they don't look like a color blind clowns circus shoe....like some other brands out there )
Weaknesses:
cost, cost , cost
Similar Products Used:
shimano, diadora
Bike Setup:
sugar 2... time attack
Bottom Line:
Finally shoes for my 13ee feet. I have Sidi Storms (winter shoe/boots) made with the regular last. They are very uncomfortable; my feet start hurting 20 - 30 minutes into each ride. With the megas I can ride all day without any foot pain.
I understand that they last forever...we'll see. Only four chilis because they cost to much. But if ya have really wide flipper like feet pay the money and ride in comfort.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Cross Country Rider
from USA NC Date Reviewed: February 18, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
jensonusa
Strengths:
uh they look cool and are comfortable
Weaknesses:
velcro sucks, i bust the cleat thru the sole
Similar Products Used:
nike and specialized gonna get anouhter pair of specialize
Bike Setup:
XC, S-Works hardtail and Klein attitude race
Bottom Line:
garbage they (veltec sports the SIDI distributor) wanted to charge me 25$ an hour to replace the velcro that didnt last. I dont know why they wouldnt stand behind the shoes. I know a number of people with these shoes that have no problems. i will never buy another pair of Sidi's they are crap
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Warroad,MN Date Reviewed: November 23, 2003
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Performance(online)
Strengths:
Durability,Adjustability,comfort,fit
Weaknesses:
price,hard soles
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
2001 Cannomdale Jekyll 3000 stock
Bottom Line:
These shoes are great,I'd owned a pair of Sidi road shoes before and loved the fit,so I didn't hesitate to order these Sidis for off road.I wish other manufacturers would learn from Sidi and offer more sizing options for those of us with big feet.(mine are 14ee)I wear a size 50 mega and have worn them for three years now without a complaint.They've been through mud,snow,water and no problems.The soles don't grip hard surfaces is the only problem,but one I can live with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: November 13, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$180.00
Strengths:
The best shoe around if you have a wide fit. They fit like a glove.
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
S-works HT
Bottom Line:
I commute daily in these in Portland and I don't know why I waited so long to buy good shoes. They will fit wide feet and are worth the price. I anticipate they will last at least two years as a daily commuter...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Crystal Lake IL Date Reviewed: October 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Anything Dirt
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
Speed Goat
Strengths:
Great construction,great looks, and great Fit for anybody with wide feet.I have EEEE width feet
Weaknesses:
Takes some playing around to get the ratchet set, not really a weakness.
I did`nt have to use these long to know that these shoes are great.I could tell the moment I put them on. I actually just bought these last week and entered a 12 hour race in Wisconsin the next day.Riding most of the day, I gave these shoes a great test right out of the box. For the first time in my 10 years of riding Mountain Bikes, my feet felt comfortable.My only regret is that I did`nt buy these sooner. Don`t mess around you wide feet wonders, buy these shoes and you love them. Great fit, great construction.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Guelph Date Reviewed: July 16, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
MEC
Strengths:
Nice fit for wide feet Nice color, not too hot but not too many vents to make foot cold when winter comes, enough adjustability to fit thicker socks
Weaknesses:
Ratcheting buckle....see below
Similar Products Used:
lakes, specialized, nikes
Bike Setup:
technical cross country
Bottom Line:
I kile everything about the shoes except the ratcheting buckle...this is the first pair of shoes ive ever had that didnt have laces...i swear by laces. But, i am not inpressed with the ratcheting buckle. firstly the strap ont he inside sticks out anc can catch on your crankarm....not cool. Most importantly is the propensity for the outside ratcheting mechanism to catch on trailside shrubbery and weeds (especially grass seed heads) which get lodged in the buckles, making the release mechanism inneffective. This happens to me on EVERY ride and sometimes i have to pry my shoe off and then take a small piece of wire and try to dig the grass out fo the buckle mechanism.
besides that i love them, pricey but nice
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay Area, CA Date Reviewed: May 27, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Lots of adjustability.
Weaknesses:
Long term comfort and odd straps protruding from shoe.
Similar Products Used:
I've geen using SPDs for 8 years. I've owned a couple of pairs of Shimano shoes, one pair of Specialized shoes, and now the Sidis.
Bike Setup:
SPDs
Bottom Line:
I've always been relucant to try the Sidis due to their high retail price. When I had the opportunity to get a pair at cost, I decided to give them a try. I still have a pair of Shimano shoes (that look like 3/4 top hiking boots) that I wear on occassion too.
First, the Sidi sizing is a bit odd. My foot is not particularly wide, but the non-Mega Sidis were too tight. The Megas felt much more comfortable so I went with them.
When I first put them on, the shoes feel very comfortable. However after longer rides the balls of my feet (where the SPD attaches) gets very sore. In 8+ years of riding SPDs this has never been an issue. Maybe the minimal insole has something to do with this?
The strap that goes across the top of the shoe and into the buckle also causes pain on rides where there there is running/walking involved. The straps dig into the front of my ankles at the top of the shoe's tounge, making for a sore leg.
The shoe sole's stiffness is noticable. On the bike the addded stiffness is very appreciated. However, on rides that turn into a hike-a-bike, the added stiffness makes walking more difficult. For racing stiff soles is a good feature. For riding around and exploring, it's not so good - try carrrying your bike up a long steep rocky slope in Sidis and you'll wish you had on different shoe. I'll take my less rigid, but nice for walking Shimano SPDs over these any day if I think a trail might have long sections of carrying the bike.
Lastly, the adjuster on the inside of the shoes that conrols how tight the racheting adjuster is, often gets caught on the pedals in technical sections of trails. The end of the adjuster is a flap that sticks out a little beyond the shoe. When I kick my feet around to control the bike, the flap often catches on the cranks, and offers enough resistance to be bothersome. While having the adjustment is nice, having the adjuster catch on the bike in not. A pair of sissors will remove the flap, making future adjustments impossible.
After using cheap ($80) for years I thought that the Sidis would "wow" me. They've not done that. I've never had a complaint with any shoes I've ever used in the past. With the Sidis I have a lot of complaints. When I first put the Sidi on it feels great (compared to the Shimano). 20 miles later I'm cursing the Sidis, and the Shimanos feel exactly as they did when I put them on - comfortable enough to ride all day.
The value rating can't be high. Even at 1/2 the retail price, I'd still buy something else.
The overall rating is a bit higher because they do have their good points. They're very stiff - good for racing. If my feet didn't hurt by the end of hte race, I'd give it higher marks.
I have freinds that own the same shoes, and they think that they're the greatest think since sliced bread, so your comfort may vary.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Andover Date Reviewed: April 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
one im on
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Only used one month but these are very comfortable for the wide foot man. The upper strap can be tightened on the fly which is sweet. The shoes are as stiff as any I have tried. These feel like they can last, so I can justify the cost in that.
Weaknesses:
none noted
Similar Products Used:
Tried many
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Epic disk with time pedals and a tubeless setup.
Bottom Line:
When I went to the bike shop and mentioned I needed a shoe for my wide foot the dealer didn't hesitate at suggesting the shoe which is probably partly due to the cost but he was right on the money. No complaints and no regreats.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Brooklyn, NY Date Reviewed: April 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Just Lemme Ride!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
$189
Strengths:
I've got Fred Flintstone feet: WIDE (EEE) with high arches and insteps. I've had numerous pairs of Answer shoes, because they fit okay and weren't too expensive. When I tried the Megas, the poor dogs were happy! There's room for my feet without having to buy shoes that are too big or cutting off circulation.
The soles are very stiff and as others have said the traction could be better, like my Answer Accelerators. They seem to have improved my performance a bit, too. I'd guess there's less slop in the shoe, so pedalling is more efficient. The three straps seem to make for a more firm fit without cutting off the circulation.
Weaknesses:
Soles could have a better grip, but it's a minor quibble.
Similar Products Used:
Answer Accelerators. Northwave Freeride.
Bike Setup:
Rhygin Juke Stainless Steel frame, full XTR, Cane Creek WAMs...
Bottom Line:
A great shoe. If you have wide feet, these are a must. They're certainly worth the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fishman
a Cross Country Rider
from Champaign, IL Date Reviewed: April 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Anything in Sedona, AZ
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
The Yellow Jersey, Madison, WI
Strengths:
wide. arch compression strap.
Weaknesses:
very little toe protection, price.
Similar Products Used:
Carnac, Specialized, Shimano, Cannondale, Airwalk, Scott
Bike Setup:
Salsa, XTR, Chris King Hubs/Headset
Bottom Line:
I have wide feet and a high arch. I have been suffering in many different pairs of shoes. I got foot problems, resulting in pain in the ball of my foot when I walk great distances and often even after just a little bit of riding (since all that force is going right into the ball of my feet). Finally, I got the Dominator Megas. Nice stiff sole to spread the force out. Wide, not quite wide enough, so I got a half size too big (which I'm used to doing). The real key for me has been the arch compression strap. It allows me to crank down and take some of the force on my arch, instead of all of it on the ball of my foot. This has saved my feet, and instead of being in pain after every ride, my feet are just sometimes a little tender.
Only trouble with the shoes is that they offer no toe protection. In the past month I've smashed my toes really bad at least three times. My old Carnacs had a much more solid toe, even my Shimano sandals protect my feet better with a big lip that sticks out front. Plus, they are expensive, the most expensive shoes I own. I wish Carnac would make a Mega version of a cheeper shoe.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a
from Chunan, Korea Date Reviewed: March 8, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Fit my wide duck feet comfortably Stiff soles
Weaknesses:
Resin soles don't grip rock and slip over snow/ice
Bottom Line:
Honestly, these are great shoes. I've got thick, wide, squarish feet, and these shoes fit comfortably. The soles don't plug up with mud very badly and the lorica uppers are easy to maintain. I thought I'd have trouble with the ratcheting mechanism, but they've been trouble free thus far in muddy conditions and in snow. The only gripe is that the resin soles don't seem to grip well over rocks, mud, or snow - I think perhaps toe spikes may be in order.. My friend, who is currently using the Sidi Action 2 SRS's doesn't seem to slip as much over the same conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: February 11, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Very comfortable for my wide foot
Weaknesses:
Price
Bottom Line:
I have wide feet and my feet used to hurt wearing shimano MTB shoes. Finally I decided to drop the money and bought these Sidi. What a difference did it make!! My feet are never sore again!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew yates
a Cross Country Rider
from north carolina Date Reviewed: December 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
porcupine rim / moab
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
paceline bikes w/s nc
Strengths:
superb fit for the wider foot, wears like a glove!
Weaknesses:
none so far (after 2 years)
Similar Products Used:
canonndale clydes (as in clydsdales im sure)
Bottom Line:
take good care of these fine italian leather shoes and they should last the lifetime of your feet! combine these shoes with neoprene booties and you will have four seasons of comfort. i use this shoe for both road and mountain biking.
$ 189.99
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