The Sidi Physis MTB shoe marks the brand’s return to the USA [Review]

Here’s a name you might not have heard in years: “Sidi.”

The iconic Italian cycling footwear brand is renowned for producing top-tier road cycling and cross-country MTB shoes with high-quality construction that lasts for years. However, in recent years, Sidi has not distributed much product in the USA, but that’s about to change.

In 2022, “Sidi’s founder and CEO, Dino Signori, sold his 62-year-old company to Italmobiliare, which has a history of successfully building brands like Tecnica group that encompasses the Nordica, Lowa, Blizzard, and Rollerblade brands, among others,” according to a statement from Sidi. In October 2023, the brand inked a partnership with QBP to begin distributing its shoes more widely in the USA.

QBP proceeded cautiously “to ensure brand, market, and retailer success.” At the same time, Sidi underwent a branding change, which eliminated the classic “Sidi fireball logo and SIDI text on almost every aspect of the shoe’s upper.”

After the initial testing phase, Sidi is going all-in on the US market. When asked about the potential they see in the USA, Sidi noted that the US market “is the biggest in the world.” Despite competition from US-based brands, Sidi believes they have a “significant opportunity” thanks to their “differentiated designs, brand legacy, and craftsmanship.”

Sidi declined to comment on whether or not potential tariffs will impact their strategy.

As they jump into the US market with both artfully-shod feet, Sidi is launching a new line of three shoes, including one mountain bike offering: the Physis.

---

Sidi Physis MTB shoe key specs

• Millenium Fit
• X2FC Full Carbon Sole with Ergo-feel
• Dyneema Dial System
• Premium welded TPU Fabric Construction
• Stiffness rating: 11 out of 12
• Weight: 320g per shoe (640g/pair) without cleats installed, US size 7.5
• MSRP: $399 USD
• Buy from Backcountry

---

The new Sidi Physis MTB shoes are unapologetically designed for go-fast cross-country racers and gravel riders. For maximum power transfer, the Physis features an extremely stiff, full carbon sole. Rubber tread and a pair of toe spikes attach to that sole to provide some traction when off the bike.

The upper features a “premium welded dual-layer construction” with Sidi’s renowned quality manufacturing. When holding the Physis, I get a sense of the entire shoe being one seamless product, with nary a stitch or weld out of place.

The closure consists of a strap on the upper and a dial for the lower foot. The strap isn’t a mere Velcro closure: it incorporates opposing plastic teeth to lock the strap in place. Called “Solid-Strap,” Sidi claims the technology “eliminates strap tension loss during performances.” The lower dial allows riders to carefully fine-tune the tension over the top of the foot — not too much, not too little, just right.

The heel cup features small rubber grippers to help keep the foot firmly in place.

Fit notes

Sidi says their shoes are designed to “fit like a glove,” but the Physis MTB shoe features their new “Millenium Fit,” which is supposed to offer a bit more room around the foot.

When ordering the Physis, I had to carefully measure my feet down to the millimeter and compare those measurements to their size chart. I ended up ordering a smaller size than I would have otherwise. Upon arrival, the shoes appeared shockingly tiny, yet my feet fit — just barely. “Fit like a glove” is not an exaggeration, and during my initial test rides, I found them to be quite snug.

Personally, my left foot is larger than my right and also tends to evert due to an old ankle injury, which puts pressure on the outside of my left foot. The Physis is no exception to this rule, but I run into this challenge with quite a few shoes. I’m hoping to take the Physis to a ski boot fitter and see if they can adjust the shell to accommodate my left foot — stay tuned. If you struggle with asymmetrical feet, proceed with caution.

Sidi Physis MTB shoe first impressions

It’s been years since I’ve ridden in an XC shoe as stiff as the Physis, and the power transfer to the pedals was immediately evident. While the carbon sole is critical for power transfer, the stiff, glove-like upper is mandatory to prevent the foot from washing around and wasting energy. During initial test rides on my gravel bike, I found the uppers to feel solid and confidence-inspiring. However, the tongue and front corners of the opening were quite stiff against the ankle. Hopefully, the uppers will gain a bit of flexibility as they break in.

I was thoroughly impressed with the Solid-Strap closure and the ratchet over the foot arch. This combination provides a solid, reliable closure at the top with the ability to carefully tune the tension over the arch of the foot. Too much tension over the arch can cause undue pain and foot numbness, but the dial allows the rider to achieve the perfect tension.

While the Physis isn’t a smooth-soled road cycling shoe, be warned: attempting to walk on the immovable carbon sole, especially on a hard surface, is next to impossible. This shoe is designed for riders who plan to stay on the bike and crank up the toughest climbs. If you do any walking whatsoever in your bike shoes, it’s best to look elsewhere.

Pros and cons of the Sidi Physis MTB shoe

Pros

• Maximum power transfer through the stiff carbon shank
• Secure closure that is also highly tunable
• Top-notch Italian construction

Cons

• Fit measurements must be perfect
• Impossible to walk in

Bottom line

If you’re an XC racer or gravel rider looking for a shoe that offers maximum power transfer, a confidence-inspiring closure that’s also highly tunable, and quality construction designed to last for years to come, look no further than Sidi’s new Physis.