Review of Sidi Road Bike Shoes: Genius 5

The Sidi Genius 5 shoes are made in Maser, Italy. Sizes available: Standard 38-52, Mega and Narrow 40-52. Available in 3 widths: Standard, Mega and Narrow.

Sidi Genius 5: Comfort

These shoes feel hand-made, custom-made for my foot. There are no pinch points. They fit true to size. There are no loose areas. There are no tight or binding areas. The Ultra SL buckle pulls the shoe tight around instep and sucks heel into heel cup so there is no slipping during hard acceleration. There are infinite adjustments on the Ultra SL buckle so it can be adjusted as you are riding for riding conditions or foot swelling. The tongue is well-padded and great for sensitive insteps. It eliminated pressure-points on my instep. The Velcro closure has plastic ridges which interlock and prevent slippage. This feels like a very secure fit. There is a rubber heel tip which provides good grip for walking. Covers must be worn on the cleat to provide safer walking conditions.

Sidi Genius 5: Performance

They feel stiff and because of the superior fit with no hot spots, you get the feeling that there is a direct power transfer to the pedal. This shoe becomes part of your foot and you have little wasted energy.

Sidi Genius 5: Workmanship and Appearance

Think of a fine, handcrafted Italian shoe and you have a good idea of what you are getting with a Sidi. It gives me great pride to wear these well-made shoes. Colors available for the Sidi Genius 5 are black on black. They are made of synthetic leather with a stitched-on Sidi logo in white. The back heel wrap is plastic to protect from wear and help keep its shape. It comes with a removable insert and you can have custom inserts made, which I did not find necessary due to the comfort of the whole shoe.

Sidi Genius 5: Price and Value

These shoes were purchased mid-2007 on-sale for $179 at my LBS. The list price is $239.99. These are very pricy and you can find many choices in a lower price range, but they are worth the money because you will enjoy your bike rides more and stay on your bike longer due to the comfort and function. Your LBS can offer custom-made insoles which is an additional add-on feature if you need special fitting with any bike shoe.

Sidi Genius 5: Overall Opinion

As long as Sidi keeps making hand-made bike shoes in Italy, I will keep wearing them, even though they are on the expensive side. I expect these to wear like iron and last a long, long time.