For some time, within the States, Sidi felt like a model that had light into the archives—onerous to seek out, costly when potential, and seemingly out of step with the trendy biking shoe market. However now, the legendary Italian shoemaker is making a severe comeback in North America with a brand new retail presence, higher distribution, and three new fashions aimed toward regaining their place within the pack. This new multi-discipline Sidi Physis off-road footwear appeared like a great place to start out, whether or not you wish to trip gravel or XC. So we acquired in a pair to place them to the take a look at…
The Sidi Comeback Plan: Higher Availability & Pricing
Sidi has partnered with QBP, North America’s largest biking distributor, to return their footwear to native bike outlets. This implies simpler entry and extra aggressive pricing, though you shouldn’t anticipate bargain-bin offers. Though main on-line retailers like Backcountry, Velotech, Bicycle Habit, and Jenson, will even carry the brand new lineup.
Millennium vs. Basic: A New Method to Match
For years, Sidi’s commonplace ‘traditional’ match has been a love-it-or-leave-it expertise—slim, glove-like, and unforgiving for wider toes. However with fashionable high-performance footwear trending towards wider toe packing containers, Sidi is adapting.
Introducing the Millennium Match, a revised final that shortens and widens the toe field, making a roomier really feel with out sacrificing efficiency.
For die-hard Sidi loyalists, don’t fear—the traditional match isn’t going wherever. You’ll nonetheless have the ability to get that ultra-snug race match if that’s your jam.
The New Lineup
Sidi Physis – Off-Highway Efficiency
- Millennium Match for a roomier toe field
- TPU-welded material higher in Black or Sand (plus Violet & Myrtus within the EU)
- Single Tecno buckle + hook-and-loop strap for adjustability
- X2FC carbon outsole with a stiffness score of 11/12 on Sidi’s scale
- Replaceable toe spikes & full rubber tread for sturdiness
- Value: $399 / 299€
Sidi Genius Knit 10 – Scorching Climate Highway Shoe
- Basic Sidi match
- Hyper-vented nylon knit forefoot for breathability & versatile consolation
- Out there in Black or White (plus Violet in Europe)
- Twin Tecno buckle closure system
- Nylon & carbon composite sole with a stiffness score of simply 6/12
- Value: $399
Sidi Ergo 6 – The Fashionable Highway Flagship
- Millennium Match for a wider, extra up to date match
- Clear, minimalist perforated microfiber higher with a twin Tecno buckle closure
- Out there in White or Darkish grey with reflective heel particulars (plus Burgundy & Darkish Blu in Europe)
- Anchored Unum Ergo anatomical tongue design prevents shifting throughout rides
- New full-carbon R2FC outsole with lengthy 15mm of cleat adjustment vary, 11/12 stiffness
- 322g per shoe (dimension 44)—not the lightest, however aggressive
- Value: $399 / 299€
*Search for a evaluation on this mannequin shortly
Physis First Impressions
The Sidi Physis leads the cost, as a no-compromise MTB race shoe aimed squarely at XC and gravel riders who prioritize energy switch over walkability. So, is the Physis a worthy addition to Sidi’s legacy, or simply one other stiff shoe in an already crowded class?
On the Bike with Physis
Sidi footwear have all the time been recognized for impeccable craftsmanship, and the Physis isn’t any exception. Out of the field, you may inform these footwear imply enterprise. The seamless, dual-layer higher feels extremely refined. And the Millennium Match provides it a modern, performance-driven form, with out being too tight.
If you happen to’re anticipating an informal, walkable MTB shoe, this isn’t it. The understated Physis screams race day once you put them in your toes. It’s stiff, structured, and unapologetically designed for placing down watts.
Energy Switch & Efficiency
On the coronary heart of the Physis is the brand new X2FC full UD carbon sole, which is one step shy of Sidi’s stiffest score.
Each little bit of energy you set down goes straight to the pedals. On the bike, the Physis feels explosive.
Whether or not mashing a climb or sprinting for the city line, you may really feel the effectivity. The only has zero flex, which is strictly what you need in a race-focused shoe.
For traction off the bike, Sidi provides molded-on rubber tread and toe spikes, however let’s be actual—this isn’t a hike-friendly shoe. Strolling on pavement or onerous surfaces is nearly laughable. If you happen to anticipate to hoof it by way of lengthy hike-a-bike sections, look elsewhere. Although thick lugs on the heel present glorious grip for working down unrideable, cyclocross-style sections.
Additionally value noting is the prolonged rubber by way of the instep. That helps quite a bit should you unclip on some gnarly part, and it takes a second till you may get your foot again over the pedal, and correctly clipped-in once more.
Millennium Match & Consolation – Comfortable, however Exact
Sidi describes its footwear as “becoming like a glove,” and that’s exactly how I’d describe them. The Physis is constructed with their new Millennium Match, which provides a bit extra room in comparison with conventional Sidi sizing.
But it surely’s nonetheless a really cosy, race-inspired match.
The general match is wider, however not a lot that it looks like a large shoe, akin to a Bont. I’d simply describe the match as ‘extra foot-shaped’ and fewer pointed on the toe field. One thing that I’m certain all riders pushing onerous on the pedals will recognize.
I needed to meticulously measure my toes and examine them to Sidi’s chart earlier than ordering, and I nonetheless ended up in a dimension smaller than anticipated. After I first pulled them out of the field, they seemed small, however as soon as on, they match like a second pores and skin.
Sidi Strap & Dial Closure System – Strong & Safe
Sidi’s Strong-Strap closure system is a step up out of your commonplace Velcro. As a substitute of counting on friction alone, it additionally options opposing plastic tooth that lock in place, eliminating strap rigidity loss over time. It’s been a minute since I used a shoe with a velcro-style strap. And with BOA dials flying off footwear at practically each cyclocross race, I used to be .
The safe match is a pleasant contact, and the gentle material of the overlapping strap permits the shoe to flex simply when off the bike, even when working uphill.
Paired with the Dyneema dial system throughout the forefoot and grippy silicone dots within the heel, the Physis presents a fine-tuned, locked-in really feel. The strap retains the foot secure, whereas the dial permits for micro-adjustments over the arch—essential for stopping foot numbness.
The tongue and edges are stiff from the beginning and pressed barely in opposition to my ankle. Although over time, and a few wet coaching rides, they softened up properly.
Tecno Buckle: A Love-Hate Relationship
One factor that hasn’t modified?
Sidi’s proprietary Tecno buckle system. It’s been round longer than BOA, and whereas it nonetheless presents simple half replacements, it’s not as user-friendly or fast to regulate. You want two separate button presses to loosen or tighten, which can really feel a bit outdated in comparison with BOA’s single-turn simplicity.
That mentioned, Sidi followers will recognize the sturdiness and longevity that comes with the Tecno system—no threat of snapping a BOA wire mid-ride. Plus, alternative elements are very simple to seek out on-line, and a ready rider may need some of their equipment bag simply in case.
Verdict: Who’s the brand new Sidi Physis For?
The Sidi Physis is a purebred racing shoe designed for XC, cyclocross, and gravel riders in search of most effectivity, sturdiness, and a no-compromise match. It’s the shoe for you should you’re in search of a light-weight, highly effective shoe that may final for years. I’ve a pair of my first Sidi footwear nonetheless in a field, labored over from years of use, however I can’t appear to half with them.
I’m hoping this new chapter for Sidi will ship that very same expertise to new customers, with an up to date match.
Are they well worth the $400 asking value?
After many winter and spring rides in them, I lean towards sure. The footwear present minimal indicators of damage, although I washed them after virtually each trip due to mud. Nonetheless, for these in search of the highest tier within the model, this isn’t it for Sidi. They nonetheless have two fashions above this, topping out at $530 for the MTB Tiger.
What do you get with a $530 mountain bike shoe that isn’t on a $400 one?
With Sidi, you get an excellent stiff carbon sole (virtually too stiff), replaceable rubber tread blocks, and their tremendous cool heel retention assist system.
If you happen to’re a rider who loves the attract of a top-end Italian shoe (however it’s really made in Vietnam, not made in Italy), with a bombproof construct, and might deal with all off-road racing, the Physis delivers in spades. This is able to be the right shoe for a racer or rider who’s bored with breaking BOAs (even when they do include guarantee alternative) and doesn’t like laces. We’re excited to see what this new chapter for Sidi brings – up to now, it seems to be promising – and I’m right here for it!
