For a while, in the States, Sidi felt like a brand that had faded into the archives—hard to find, expensive when possible, and seemingly out of step with the modern cycling shoe market. But now, the legendary Italian shoemaker is making a serious comeback in North America with a new retail presence, better distribution, and three new models aimed at regaining their place in the pack. This new multi-discipline Sidi Physis off-road shoes seemed like a good place to start, whether you are looking to ride gravel or XC. So we got in a pair to put them to the test…
The Sidi Comeback Plan: Better Availability & Pricing
Sidi has partnered with QBP, North America’s largest cycling distributor, to return their shoes to local bike shops. This means easier access and more competitive pricing, although you shouldn’t expect bargain-bin deals. Although major online retailers like Backcountry, Velotech, Bicycle Addiction, and Jenson, will also carry the new lineup.
Millennium vs. Classic: A New Approach to Fit
For years, Sidi’s standard ‘classic’ fit has been a love-it-or-leave-it experience—narrow, glove-like, and unforgiving for wider feet. But with modern high-performance shoes trending toward wider toe boxes, Sidi is adapting.
Introducing the Millennium Fit, a revised last that shortens and widens the toe box, creating a roomier feel without sacrificing performance.
For die-hard Sidi loyalists, don’t worry—the classic fit isn’t going anywhere. You’ll still be able to get that ultra-snug race fit if that’s your jam.
The New Lineup
Sidi Physis – Off-Road Performance
Millennium Fit for a roomier toe box
TPU-welded fabric upper in Black or Sand (plus Violet & Myrtus in the EU)
Single Tecno buckle + hook-and-loop strap for adjustability
X2FC carbon outsole with a stiffness rating of 11/12 on Sidi’s scale
Replaceable toe spikes & full rubber tread for durability
Price: $399 / 299€
Sidi Genius Knit 10 – Hot Weather Road Shoe
Classic Sidi fit
Hyper-vented nylon knit forefoot for breathability & flexible comfort
Available in Black or White (plus Violet in Europe)
Dual Tecno buckle closure system
Nylon & carbon composite sole with a stiffness rating of just 6/12
Price: $399
Sidi Ergo 6 – The Modern Road Flagship
Millennium Fit for a wider, more contemporary fit
Clean, minimalist perforated microfiber upper with a dual Tecno buckle closure
Available in White or Dark gray with reflective heel details (plus Burgundy & Dark Blu in Europe)
Anchored Unum Ergo anatomical tongue design prevents shifting during rides
New full-carbon R2FC outsole with long 15mm of cleat adjustment range, 11/12 stiffness
322g per shoe (size 44)—not the lightest, but competitive
Price: $399 / 299€*Look for a review on this model shortly
Physis First Impressions
The Sidi Physis leads the charge, as a no-compromise MTB race shoe aimed squarely at XC and gravel riders who prioritize power transfer over walkability. So, is the Physis a worthy addition to Sidi’s legacy, or just another stiff shoe in an already crowded category?
On the Bike with Physis
Sidi shoes have always been known for impeccable craftsmanship, and the Physis is no exception. Out of the box, you can tell these shoes mean business. The seamless, dual-layer upper feels incredibly refined. And the Millennium Fit gives it a sleek, performance-driven shape, without being too tight.
If you’re expecting a casual, walkable MTB shoe, this is not it. The understated Physis screams race day when you put them on your feet. It is stiff, structured, and unapologetically designed for putting down watts.
Power Transfer & Performance
At the heart of the Physis is the new X2FC full UD carbon sole, which is one step shy of Sidi’s stiffest rating.
Every bit of power you put down goes straight to the pedals. On the bike, the Physis feels explosive.
Whether mashing a climb or sprinting for the town line, you can feel the efficiency. The sole has zero flex, which is exactly what you want in a race-focused shoe.
For traction off the bike, Sidi adds molded-on rubber tread and toe spikes, but let’s be real—this is not a hike-friendly shoe. Walking on pavement or hard surfaces is almost laughable. If you expect to hoof it through long hike-a-bike sections, look elsewhere. Though thick lugs on the heel provide excellent grip for running down unrideable, cyclocross-style sections.
Also worth noting is the extended rubber through the instep. That helps a lot if you unclip on some gnarly section, and it takes a moment until you can get your foot back over the pedal, and properly clipped-in again.
Millennium Fit & Comfort – Snug, but Precise
Sidi describes its shoes as “fitting like a glove,” and that’s precisely how I’d describe them. The Physis is built with their new Millennium Fit, which adds a bit more room compared to traditional Sidi sizing.
But it’s still a very snug, race-inspired fit.
The overall fit is wider, but not so much that it feels like a wide shoe, such as a Bont. I would just describe the fit as ‘more foot-shaped’ and less pointed at the toe box. Something that I’m sure all riders pushing hard on the pedals will appreciate.
I had to meticulously measure my feet and compare them to Sidi’s chart before ordering, and I still ended up in a size smaller than expected. When I first pulled them out of the box, they looked small, but once on, they fit like a second skin.
Sidi Strap & Dial Closure System – Solid & Secure
Sidi’s Solid-Strap closure system is a step up from your standard Velcro. Instead of relying on friction alone, it also features opposing plastic teeth that lock in place, eliminating strap tension loss over time. It’s been a minute since I used a shoe with a velcro-style strap. And with BOA dials flying off shoes at nearly every cyclocross race, I was interested.
The secure fit is a nice touch, and the soft fabric of the overlapping strap allows the shoe to flex easily when off the bike, even when running uphill.
Paired with the Dyneema dial system across the forefoot and grippy silicone dots in the heel, the Physis offers a fine-tuned, locked-in feel. The strap keeps the foot stable, while the dial allows for micro-adjustments over the arch—crucial for preventing foot numbness.
The tongue and edges are stiff from the start and pressed slightly against my ankle. Though over time, and some rainy training rides, they softened up nicely.
Tecno Buckle: A Love-Hate Relationship
One thing that hasn’t changed?
Sidi’s proprietary Tecno buckle system. It’s been around longer than BOA, and while it still offers easy part replacements, it’s not as user-friendly or quick to adjust. You need two separate button presses to loosen or tighten, which may feel a bit outdated compared to BOA’s single-turn simplicity.
That said, Sidi fans will appreciate the durability and longevity that comes with the Tecno system—no risk of snapping a BOA wire mid-ride. Plus, replacement parts are very easy to find online, and a prepared rider might have some in their kit bag just in case.
Verdict: Who is the new Sidi Physis For?
The Sidi Physis is a purebred racing shoe designed for XC, cyclocross, and gravel riders seeking maximum efficiency, durability, and a no-compromise fit. It’s the shoe for you if you’re looking for a lightweight, powerful shoe that will last for years. I have a pair of my first Sidi shoes still in a box, worked over from years of use, but I can’t seem to part with them.
I’m hoping this new chapter for Sidi will deliver that same experience to new users, with an updated fit.
Are they worth the $400 asking price?
After many winter and spring rides in them, I lean toward yes. The shoes show minimal signs of wear, even though I washed them after almost every ride because of mud. However, for those seeking the top tier in the brand, this isn’t it for Sidi. They still have two models 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 a super stiff carbon sole (almost too stiff), replaceable rubber tread blocks, and their super cool heel retention support system.
If you’re a rider who loves the allure of a top-end Italian shoe (but it’s actually made in Vietnam, not made in Italy), with a bombproof build, and can handle all off-road racing, the Physis delivers in spades. This would be the perfect shoe for a racer or rider who’s tired of breaking BOAs (even if they do come with warranty replacement) and doesn’t like laces. We’re excited to see what this new chapter for Sidi brings – so far, it looks promising – and I’m here for it!
Sidi.com
