For some time, within the States, Sidi felt like a model that had light into the archives—onerous to seek out, costly when doable, and seemingly out of step with the trendy biking shoe market. However now, the legendary Italian shoemaker is making a critical 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 an excellent place to begin, whether or not you wish to experience 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 Dependancy, and Jenson, will even carry the brand new lineup.
Millennium vs. Basic: A New Strategy to Match
For years, Sidi’s commonplace ‘basic’ match has been a love-it-or-leave-it expertise—slim, glove-like, and unforgiving for wider toes. However with trendy 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 basic match isn’t going anyplace. You’ll nonetheless be capable of get that ultra-snug race match if that’s your jam.
The New Lineup
Sidi Physis – Off-Street Efficiency
Millennium Match for a roomier toe field
TPU-welded cloth 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 Street Shoe
Basic Sidi match
Hyper-vented nylon knit forefoot for breathability & versatile consolation
Obtainable 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 Trendy Street Flagship
Millennium Match for a wider, extra up to date match
Clear, minimalist perforated microfiber higher with a twin Tecno buckle closure
Obtainable 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 (measurement 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 at all times been identified for impeccable craftsmanship, and the Physis isn’t any exception. Out of the field, you possibly can inform these footwear imply enterprise. The seamless, dual-layer higher feels extremely refined. And the Millennium Match offers it a glossy, performance-driven form, with out being too tight.
Should you’re anticipating an off-the-cuff, 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 possibly can 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. Should you anticipate to hoof it via lengthy hike-a-bike sections, look elsewhere. Although thick lugs on the heel present wonderful grip for operating down unrideable, cyclocross-style sections.
Additionally value noting is the prolonged rubber via the instep. That helps lots in the event you unclip on some gnarly part, and it takes a second till you will 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.
Nevertheless it’s nonetheless a really cosy, race-inspired match.
The general match is wider, however not a lot that it appears like a large shoe, similar 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 respect.
I needed to meticulously measure my toes and examine them to Sidi’s chart earlier than ordering, and I nonetheless ended up in a measurement smaller than anticipated. After I first pulled them out of the field, they appeared 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 an alternative of counting on friction alone, it additionally options opposing plastic tooth that lock in place, eliminating strap pressure 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 almost each cyclocross race, I used to be .
The safe match is a pleasant contact, and the gentle cloth of the overlapping strap permits the shoe to flex simply when off the bike, even when operating uphill.
Paired with the Dyneema dial system throughout the forefoot and grippy silicone dots within the heel, the Physis gives a fine-tuned, locked-in really feel. The strap retains the foot steady, 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 towards 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 gives straightforward 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 respect the sturdiness and longevity that comes with the Tecno system—no danger of snapping a BOA wire mid-ride. Plus, substitute components are very straightforward to seek out on-line, and a ready rider might 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 in the event you’re searching for 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, despite the fact that I washed them after nearly each experience due to mud. Nevertheless, 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 (nearly too stiff), replaceable rubber tread blocks, and their tremendous cool heel retention assist system.
Should you’re a rider who loves the attract of a top-end Italian shoe (nevertheless it’s truly 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 substitute) and doesn’t like laces. We’re excited to see what this new chapter for Sidi brings – thus far, it appears promising – and I’m right here for it!
Sidi.com
