What's the best Sidi road shoe for you?
Sidi is renowned for being the innovator of the modern road shoe. Having made cycling shoes now for 66 years, it is an intricate part of the DNA and heritage of road cycling, with many of the most famous and legendary cyclists having ridden in Sidi.
So you’ve decided that you want a pair of Sidi shoes, but which is the best for you and your riding style? Below, we will explore the different models and their unique features which suit each rider.
Millenium Fit
In 2025, Sidi started releasing shoes with an updated last shape called ‘Millenium Fit’.
This new fit brought in a modern wider toe box to allow the feet to spread for more comfort, but also have enough space to fit custom insoles which tend to require more space. The Millenium Fit replaces the need to have both ‘normal’ and ‘mega’ fit models as seen in previous generation of Sidi shoes.
Shoe Stiffness
Cycling shoes come with varying levels of stiffness in the sole to match their application. For instance, a Gravel specific shoe is likely to have more flex in it to allow the wearer to walk in relative comfort, whilst a dedicated road race shoe will have minimum flex.
Sidi rates the stiffness of it’s shoes on a scale of 1-12. Within the road shoe collection, all shoes fall between 5 to 12 in stiffness which indicates a leaning towards efficiency over off bike compliance.
So what is best for you? In general, how stiff you like your sole comes down to personal preference. Historically, the message has been ‘the stiffer the better’, however the reality is that most recreational riders/non pro’s would actually benefit from some additional flex to increase comfort and reduce road buzz.
If you want a really direct feel with lots of feedback, then stiffer soles are better. It goes without saying that if you can also produce huge sprints, then it is also better. Pro riders like both of these characteristics, which is why Sidi’s top end shoes feature their stiffest soles.
| PRODUCT | XC | TRAIL | Enduro | Gravity | EMTB | Bikepacking | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peacekeeper | ✔ | ✔ | Hardpack • Dirt • Loose over Hardpack • Wet | ||||
| Macro | ✔ | ||||||
The Prima is the first step into the world of Sidi shoes. Hand made in Italy like all the other models, it is made to an exceptional level of artisan skill with performance and longevity at heart.
Featuring an Aerolite nylon and carbon sole, it offers the most flex and vibration dampening out of the range. Perfect for more casual cyclists who want a better balance between comfort and power transfer. To aid further comfort, the upper is made from a compliant Politex fabric enclosed with a single techno dial and Velcro.
Summary – You want Sidi craftmanship and luxury, but don’t require a wider fit and not after a race shoe.
With the same last shape and sole as the Prima, the Fast 2 doesn’t seem to offer much difference on paper.
However, with an upgraded Microfibre upper for better breathability and support plus a full length Techno 3 retention, the Fast 2 provides sturdier and more evenly distributed support.
Summary – You want Sidi craftmanship and luxury, but don’t require a wider fit and not after a race shoe but want more foot support for the odd effort + on the fly adjustment.
The Genius X is the most recent iteration of the stalwart Genius collection. Combining performance with all day comfort at a competitive price point as always been the sweetspot for the model. Arguably, the new model is the most radical evolution in it’s illustrious lifecycle with a complete ground up re-design.
In the Sidi 2026 collection, the Genius X is the first shoe to feature the new Millenium Fit, providing more room in the toe box whilst not sacrificing heel retention. A plush microfibre upper provides support without being restrictive, whilst a moulded external heel cup adds further security from lift.
The R3CC sole is also new for 2026, with an engineered blend of stiffness and compliance to best suit amateur racers and fast recreational cyclists. Unlike the previous 2 models, the new sole also has 6 mm of cleat for-aft to allow riders to best dial in their cleat position.
Lastly, the new NUUN retention system brings a more refined aesthetic and ergonomic to the shoe. Lower profile (more aero) and metal handles elevate the performance and look of the shoe.
Like all previous Genius models, the shoe features a large instep retention for a great blend of support and comfort.
So what is the difference between the Genius X, Genius Wyve and Genius Vapo?
Simply, the Wyve features a more technical upper material which has multi density properties across a single panel of fabric. The Vapo, offers all the comfort and performance of a Genius X but in
Summary – The shoe most people need. Comfortable, stiff and looks great with added modern updates to meet the demands of trending ergonomics.
In 2025, the Ergo 6 was the first shoe to feature new technologies which would be rolled out to the wider collection for 2026. With its high performance, but understanded looks, it’s a favourite amongst riders who like subtle, classy performance.
With the modern Millenium Fit and R2FC sole, it features improved ergonomics for the modern performance athlete.
The R2FC sole features a super stiff sole for high performance athletes, yes doesn’t leave hotspots or create uncomfortable vibrations on rough roads. Instead, it balances the performance needs of pro-athletes with tangible benefits everyday riders will notice. 6mm of for-aft increases cleat position options for improves bike fit.
Double techno 3 retention system and asymmetric closure creates a very secure, but comfortable fit over the top of the foot which dissipates any pressure.
Summary – A race shoe with more subtle, understated looks compared to our historical performance shoes.
Over the years, the Wire has been a favourite amongst pro athletes. Sprinters, in particular, have favoured it for its incredible retention and stiffness in the upper, offering a feeling of security and efficiency other shoes couldn’t. Historically, this has been provided via a stiff carbon sole, strong retention over the top of the instep and a heel retention system unique to Sidi.
For 2026, the Wire 3 retains all these features in a more modern, ergonomic shoe that is packed full of some of the latest material technologies.
The largest change visually, is the upper being made from Micro Matrix®, providing a huge amount of breathability and heat management for racing during the height of summer. To reinforce the upper and reduce ay fabric stretch, key parts are woven with Kevlar®. Within the shoe, a skeletal support called FIRMOR® wraps itself around the foot for incredible power transfer.
Continuing with updates to the upper, the new instep retention strap is attached to the FIRMOR® skeleton to better support the foot and dissipate pressure points. At the back, a new tool-less heel retention system allows riders to better adjust security of the heel whilst on the fly whilst silicon grippers also help reduce any risk of heel lift.
The sole features the same R2FC sole as on the Ergo 6, providing pro level stiffness and bike fitter friendly adjustment so you can dial your position in.
Summary – A pro race shoe overflowing with the latest technology. A shoe historically favoured by Sprinter, now with best in range ventilation for performance and comfort on the warmest days.
Launched 10 years ago, the Shot has become synonymous with GC victories having been worn by Chris Froome and Richard Carapaz during some of their biggest wins.
Renowned for its incredible comfort, whilst still providing stiffness and security needed to be at the top of the sport, the Shot’s have always featured cutting edge technology to provide that marginal gain.
The new Shot 3 has been developed in collaboration with the exciting talent Isaac Del Toro. Sidi asked Del Torro to create a signature shoe that could continue the Shot legacy, of which this is the result.
The Shot 3 stands alone in the collection in that it is the only shoe to feature the R1FC sole. Not only is it the stiffest sole in the collection, but it is also the lightest thanks to the NEXUS bridge which tapers the sole to reduce weight. The cleat holes are also 2mm further back compared to the R2FC sole, allowing a more extreme cleat position if required. Lastly, the sole also features a heel cup as part of the monocoque construction, providing more support.
On top, the upper retains the centralised dual dial synonymous with the Shot. Unlike previous models though, dials are now asymmetric to reduce pressure on the very top of the foot whilst still keeping out of harm’s way if in a crash. The tecno 3 dials have been replaced by the new NUUN 001C design, featuring a lower profile for better aerodynamics and metal handles for longevity and more premium feel.
Tool-less heel retention system and silicon grippers like on the Wire 3 complete what is arguably the most technical race shoe on the market.
Summary – The pinnacle of road racing shoe luxury and technology. An Isaac Del Torro signature shoe designed for winning the biggest races in the world.