By Bhawna
Sidi MTB Gravel Shoes are durable shoes with additional foot protection. These are cheaper alternatives. And if you are a fan of Sidi, you would like these shoes. These are more relaxed off-road shoes. The shape of the Sidi MTB Gravel Shoes is a little quirky. The sole is a little flexy. It is good for more relaxed and longer-distance gravel rides.
There are also cheaper options than these like brands of Fizik and Specialized. These have additional features like they have tackier and stiffer soles. They are easier to walk in. If you feel that the shape of the Sidi shoes is good and it works for you and the sole stiffness doesn’t matter to you, then these shoes are for you.
Features
Image source: performancegravel.com
The Sidi MTB Gravel Shoes are of the level of the Italian manufacturer’s range. But if you count the caliber and the pricing structure of Sidi shoes, these would come in the mid-range. Like many of the best gravel bike shoes, these shoes have comfort. There is an energetic and responsive feel. This model also has benefits like injury protection when you go out for trails. The upper part is made up of a robust material. There are perforations for ventilation. There are some mesh sections on the tongue and the inside of the ankle. This ensures extra breathability and comfort.
There are chunky-looking inserts on the outside of the ankles. These are ‘Shock Absorber Protection’ materials made up of polyurethane bumpers that will help you protect from any damage from a hit or blow from a tree or rock.
The retention system has Sidi’s own dial technology. Here, the process is first you have to release a lever that flips out to allow you to tighten the shoes. To loosen the tension, there are buttons inside the shoe that you need to squeeze together. It is not as quick as Boa dial off the blocks. But you would get used to it. The process speeds up. On these shoes, there is only one single dial.
The soles are Sidi’s carbon fiber MTB competition nylon soles. These soles have both stiffness and maximum power transfer. The lugs are tall. They are widely spaced. They are not very tacky and not replaceable too. This is unlike some of the other models of Sidi.
These shoes have Tecno-3 push system. It adapts the upper to the shape of the foot for a customized fit. There is a Sidi heel cup. The reinforced cup is there that stabilizes and supports the heel. There is an anatomically shaped plastic that reduces heel slip. It also provides increased power transfer. It provides additional foot protection in any crash or injury.
The rubber toe has abrasion-resistant material on the toe. There is an MTB competition sole. It has been fitted with two toe spikes on the front for traction in muddy land. The toe spikes are sold separately.
These are adequately equipped in terms of footwear. The Sidi Gravel is constructed with Politex. This material is known for its durability. The shoes have the shape and comfort of road bike shoes. There is the Tecno-3 system. It can be put on, removed, and readjusted.
The best feature is that the sole of the shoes has a mount for MTB-Cleats. There is a carbon-reinforced nylon sole. There are profiled plastic inserts. It is also good for walking and carrying passages in rougher terrain. It is a good all-rounder for all adventures.
The comfort fit insole is lightly padded and made of ergonomically shaped foam with a memory effect.
Sidi’s Tecno-3 system dials are along the length of the shoe. Politex obermaterial is constructed of several overlapping layers. These have different physical-mechanical properties. The compacted PVC is coupled to two fabrics that are knitted fabric and a belt. These are then film dyed for long-lasting color retention. Politex has strong resistance to breakage, laceration, stretching, and fading. Politex is made in strict adherence to European regulations. It is totally a green product.
They look good. The fit is good. They have a secure fit also. They are true to size. There is a single dial system that is adequate. You can adjust it on the move. They are good to walk in. they are not slippery.
Sidi has blended the comfort and support of a road shoe with the mud-shedding upper and also a mountain shoe and given a new gravel boot. These are made up of rugged material. They are durable. The Politex is the main material. Politex combines PVC to give a tough material. There are holes and mesh for air-flow. The feet remain dry and cool.
Advantages
Image source: bikecomponents.com
These have a robust upper. There is foot protection. There are widely spaced lugs. There is a dial retention system.
Disadvantages
Image source: sidi.com
The upper can cause hotspots. The sole is very flexy. The soles are stiff. The tongue is only fixed down by your toes. It is not on the sides. When you ride, the tongue slides off to the outside of each shoe. It does not stay centered under the laces. This may be annoying.
The insert foot beds are very thin. They do not offer cushions. The sole is very hard. The feet can hurt from the soles.
Conclusion
Image source: alltricks.com
The Sidi’s gravel shoes have a dialed fit and durable upper. The Tecno-3 dial has a secure fit. You can pedal uninterrupted. There are strengthened toe and heel fabrics that maintain good performance. Polyurethane shock absorbers are there that reduce impact off the bike. There are reinforced heel cups that stabilize and support the foot to promote grip. Nylon shoes paired with carbon fiber enhance durability. The biggest quality is that the shoes have the capability of reducing any damage that can occur because of any crash or injury. They can significantly reduce the damage. So, one should go for these shoes.
