The final piece of the upper is the combination of the standout Sidi Heel Cup and the Adjustable Heel Retention Device. Many riders love the hold and support of the excellent heel cup, but for those with more specific fit and retention requirements at the upper back of the shoe along the Achilles tendon, a screw controls the adjustable two-piece retention device, either drawing it in for narrow shapes, or opening up for wider shapes. This is pure customization and and pure Sidi, who have built such long standing relationships within professional cycling that the most nit-picky needs of cyclists are not only identified. Even something as simple as accommodating a thicker sock on a cold March or April day in Northern Europe can highly impact performance and comfort. Sidi has added replaceable red reflectors in the AHRD, for 180 degree dynamic low-light visibility from reflectivity while pedaling.

Carbon soles must be stiff and shaped for power transfer, but so much more can be done with them. Sidi hand builds the C-BOOST SRS SOLE exclusively of carbon fiber in a weave pattern oriented at opposing angles to maximize stiffness while allowing for a small degree of controlled flex in the toe area. This is Sidi imperative, as allowing some natural flex of the foot is a long-held belief. Don't worry- the power transfer is not compromised- it is incredible, but allowing the foot some natural anatomic movement serves to keep the foot from cramping and can reduce hot spots under the metatarsals. A second technology in the sole is ventilation, also a driver of rider comfort. Sidi developed a front and rear e vent system in the sole to help keep the foot cool and dry with the intake zone located near the replaceable Toe-Tap. The trio of rear vents face forward to allow for more intake, which is different- as most shoes claim rear vents are exhaust ports. The vent structures, heel pad, and toe taps now sit in TPU plates that further protect the carbon fiber sole.

This Shot 2 Road Shoe was built for the Look Delta 3-bolt cleat mounting pattern, as are most other road shoes. The cleat zone offers excellent alignment marks for proper fit and location, and the carbon surface is textured to prevent cleat slippage and to help prevent over tightening of the cleat bolts. At the heel Sidi offers a replaceable non-slip pad, as usual. The sole-based wear items are replaceable. The upper resists wear, fights mold and fungus, repels water. The Double Tecno-3 Push System Flex is replaceable. Yes, these Italian-made shoes are pricey, but they offer so much technology and performance, with reliability and reassurance, that unlike many premium shoes that are seemingly intended to be disposable after a season or two, the Sidi's are actually worth the investment. The fit is regular Italian/Sidi with a slim shape and more pointed, somewhat narrow toe box. Overall the fit is more like an slightly narrow-toe American C than a D. If you have a wider forefoot it's tough to get the proper fit, but for those the Sidi fit aligns with, the support is impeccable. Excellent individualization and pro-level performance may mean the Sidi Shot 2 Road Shoe may actually have the most true long-term value of any road shoe we carry.