Sidi’s Ergo 3s are some of the best cycling shoes we’ve ever had the pleasure of slipping our feet into. Their combination of luxurious comfort – thanks to masses of adjustability – and impeccable build quality sets them apart in the crowded shoe market.
But the current trend for ever-lighter designs has led Sidi to create a lighter variation – the Wire. Ours tip the scales at 640g compared with the Ergo’s 688g (size 45), which is a little less than the 60g claimed saving but still light for such a structured shoe.
The basis of any good road cycling shoe is the sole, and Sidi haven’t disappointed with the latest improved version of their Vent carbon design. It’s ridged, shaped and reinforced, creating one of the stiffest platforms we’ve tried.
The front boasts a very neat closable vent too – you can slide it closed and secure it for the winter, or open it up to let a cooling breeze in when the temperature rises. This toe vent and the deep toe bumper both help to protect the carbon sole and both are replaceable when they start to wear.
The uppers use Sidi’s unique adjustable heel retainer. This bar adjusts the tension in the heel cup, making what is already a secure fit even tighter. The material of the uppers is lighter than the supple leather of the Ergo 3 and a little bit stiffer, but the shape is one of the best we’ve tried. The generous width combines with a not-overly roomy toe box for a fit that’s as good as you can get without resorting to thermo-formed custom shoes.
Instead of the Ergo 3’s three different closures the Wire uses two separate Techno3 ratchets. The micro-adjustment of these is the best we’ve tried, the minimal tweaks allowing you to get the fit absolutely spot on.
And Sidi also have a new insole, which is the one area that left us unimpressed in the past. The shapely, vented insole uses dense memory foam, and once you’ve ridden in the Wires a couple of times the feel is perfect – comfortable and supportive.
Price-wise there’s no denying that the Wires are expensive – although you may well be able to find them much cheaper than the RRP. But rest assured that their quality is unmatched, and with spares readily available they should last well too. As for performance, well, these are at the top of that tree too.
This article was originally published in Cycling Plus magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.