Sidi

Sidi is a footwear manufacturer based in Maser, in the northeast of Italy. The company is one of the leading cycling shoe manufacturers in the industry and prides itself on its high quality shoes. Sidi boasts a broad range of products, with over 50 cycling shoes designed for use on and off-road, alongside a small clothing range.

History

Sidi was launched in 1960 by Dino Signori and initially focused on producing footwear for hiking, skiing and motorcycling. The company worked out of a converted barn in Maser.  By the early 1970s, Signori opted for a change in direction as Sidi began producing cycling shoes alongside its motorcycle footwear range.

In 1973, whilst reigniting his passion for bike riding, Signori became irritated by poorly fitting cycling shoes on offer at the time. He decided to do something about the problem and developed Sidi’s first cycling shoe, the Titanium, which featured an adjustable cleat that allowed all riders to find their optimum fit.

Sidi continued its groundbreaking streak for decades to come. In 1979, it launched the first shoe with a nylon sole that performed far more consistently during various weather conditions, and then unveiled the first Velcro-fastened shoes, the Revolution, in 1983.

The Italian shoemaker then expanded into off-road and Cyclocross shoes, producing a model fitted with a rubber sole and featuring Lorica material that is both water-repellent and breathable. In 1991, Sidi launched the Genius 2, one of the first cycling shoes to have an aerodynamically-designed sole.

Two years later and the Micro Lock System demonstrated the company’s forward-thinking approach. The multiple buckle system is still a staple feature on most cycling shoes today. In 1999, Sidi released a unique shoe that included both a buckle and wire retention fastening mechanism. The Action SRS shoe also included a Sole Replacement System, ensuring the shoes would stand the test of time.

In 2006, Sidi launched its first fully-carbon fibre sole shoe, adding the feature to its MTB range 12 months later. A carbon fibre sole with a built-in ventilation system then arrived in 2011.

Sidi continued to enhance its shoe range throughout the 2010s, adding wider-fitting ‘mega’ models to its typically narrow-fitting product inventory as well as shoes for other disciplines such as track, gravel and triathlon. In December 2022, the company was acquired by the Milanese investment holding company Italmobiliare.

Key Moments

1973 - Sidi stamps its authority on the cycling market

With its launch of the Sidi Titanium, the Italian company paved the way for the next 50 years of cycling shoe development. The adjustable screws that debuted in the Titanium allowed for easier adjustment and replacement of cleats - something that is now commonplace in the industry. 

2006 - A carbon future

The company had dabbled with composite carbon fibre soles in the early 2000s but it finally went all in with the Dragon 2 SRS model in 2006 - its first fully carbon fibre soled shoe. Designed to offer some flexibility and enhance bike handling and feel, the sole had different thicknesses at various points. This feature also enabled better blood circulation.

2022 - Sidi looks to strengthen its brand with buy-out

In December 2022, Sidi was acquired by Milan-based investment company Italmobiliare in a reported €66 million deal. Commenting on the deal, Signori said: “It will ensure that the company can grow even stronger and more competitive.”

Sidi's products

© Sidi

Road: Sidi has an expansive range of road shoes. From its flagship road racing Shot 2 DZero model to its all-rounder Sixty and Genius 10 shoes. The company’s Wire 2 shoe is ideal for hot climates thanks to its ventilated carbon fibre sole.

Triathlon: The Tri-Sixty and T-5 Air models make up Sidi’s triathlon offerings with both built to offer practicality and performance, ensuring quick transitions during events.

Mountain Biking: When it comes to off-road shoes, Sidi follows the same high-performance mindset. Its Tiger 2 DZero model leads the way, with its Drako 2 SRS and Dragon 5 SRS models also designed around performance and racing. Meanwhile, the Eagle 10 and Tace 2 models are suited for all terrains and off-road situations. Sidi also produce a Gravel shoe, filling the void between its MTB and on-road ranges.

Did you know?

Pro cycling

© Sprint Cycling Agency

Current sponsorships: EOLO-Kometa, Egan Bernal, Chris Froome, Tao Geoghegan Hart, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, Michał Kwiatkowski, Adam Yates, Arnaud Demare, Rigoberto Uràn, Alberto Bettiol, Mikel Landa, Davide Formolo, Gianni Moscon, Samuele Battistella, Richard Carapaz, Marc Soler, Jordan Sarrou.

Highlights

• Paolo Bettini sprinted to Milan-Sanremo victory in 2003 with Sidi shoes helping him to power towards the line after 300km in the saddle.
• Chris Froome is perhaps Sidi’s most successful professional client, winning seven Grand Tours, including four Tour de Frances, whilst wearing Sidi shoes. Froome’s preferred model is the Sidi Shot 2 road shoes.
• Egan Bernal wore Sidi Shot shoes on his way to a remarkable first Grand Tour victory in 2019 as he claimed the maillot jaune on just his second appearance at the race with Team Sky. The Colombian climber would go on to win the 104th Giro d’Italia in 2021 with the Ineos Grenadiers, this time opting for a pair of Sidi Sixty road shoes for his ride around Italy.
• Jordan Sarrou, wearing the Sidi Drako 2 shoes, claimed the Olympic Cross-Country World Championship in 2020 at Leogang. A dominant performance from start to finish handed the young Frenchman his first rainbow jersey.
• The 2020 European Track Championships saw Sidi athletes scoop up seven medals and two Italian records, including three gold medals. Elisa Balsamo delivered two of the golds, in the omnium and, alongside Vittoria Guazzini, in the madison.
• Sonny Colbrelli sprinted to European Championships road race victory on home roads in September 2021, edging out breakaway companion Remco Evenepoel in a two-up sprint.
• Less than a month later and Colbrelli achieved arguably the biggest result of his career, winning an historic edition of Paris-Roubaix that lived up to its status as the Hell of the North with biblical weather conditions. The Italian dropped to the ground in tears as he crossed the finish line in the velodrome, covered head to toe in mud. Colbrelli used the Wire 2 shoes on his first and only appearance at the cobbled Monument.