SIDI Genius X Wyve Road Shoes Review
Hot
- Very comfortable with no pressure points and a wider toe box design
- Breathable
- Full range of sizes
- Stylish design
Not
- Premium price
- NUUN OO1C aluminum dials are a bit clunky to use, and no micro-adjustment to release laces
SIDI – men’s version; women’s version
Price: $317 (men’s); $318 (women’s)
Sizes: 36-48 (men’s); 36-43 (women’s)
Weight: 434g w/SPD cleat installed
Colors: White, Black, White Fluo, and Frost Grey-ice white (men’s); anthracite – grey with pink laces (women’s)
Stiffness Index: 6 (out of 12)
Outsole: R3CC carbon composite sole
Upper: Breathable mesh with TPU reinforcements
Sizing: Runs small
Fit: Millenium fit will feel shorter and wider with more room at the toe box
Availability: Online and Retail
How Obtained: Company sample
RBR Advertiser: No
Testing SIDI After Three Decades
When I started seriously cycling over 30 years ago, my first pair of clipless shoes was from SIDI. Remember SIDI’s signature ratchet upper strap and the Velcro lower straps? Learning to ride with clipless pedals and even falling while trying to clip out? We’ve all been there.
Fast forward to February 2025, when SIDI announced it was redesigning its cycling shoes, moving away from the snug design to what it calls its Millenium fit. The new fit feels shorter and wider with a larger toe box. Ever since the launch, I’ve been trying to score a pair of the newly redesigned shoes to test and review for RBR readers. Finally, the Italy-based company sent me a pair of their new Genius X Wyve road shoes.
Built on the proven Genius X platform, the Genius X Wyve features an all-new Wyve upper that blends technical mesh with targeted TPU reinforcements, delivering breathability, secure foot containment, and reduced weight.
For efficient power transfer, the shoe uses an R3CC carbon composite sole with a stiffness rating of 6 out of 12. Bottom line, SIDI removed unnecessary layers and structure to achieve a clean, comfortable fit for long rides.
Finding the Right Size
I typically wear a 45 EU cycling road shoe, with the exception when a brand tends to run small. Using the SIDI sizing chart and measuring my foot, I requested a size 45 EU. However, when it arrived, it was way too small. I double-checked the sizing chart, and given how tight the 45s were, I knew the 45.5 EU would be too tight as well. Jumping up to a 46 EU did the trick, and they fit perfectly.
As a woman with big feet, it has its drawbacks, one of which is having to buy men’s cycling shoes. I can never find a pair of shoes that are feminine. However, the Genius X Wyve comes in four colorways, including a white model with a pop of pink at the heel, SIDI blue on the upper strap, and neon yellow laces. They’re pretty sweet! Every time I’m out riding, I get compliments from men and women alike.
The women’s version of the Genius XWyve is available in sizes 36-43, only one color–anthracite–grey with pink laces- and retails for $1 more than the men’s.
Gone is the Ratchet Closure
The historic ratchet shoe closure is gone, and the new Genius X Wyve uses dual NUUN 001C aero aluminum dials. The retention system holds my foot securely without any pinching or hot spots. The perforated tongue enhances the comfort and doesn’t interfere with ankle mobility.
I’m not the biggest fan of the NUUN dial design. While it’s a nice feature that the aluminum dials are replaceable if they break, they seem heavier than other closures, such as BOA. To tighten the NUUN dials, you must first lift the metal handle, which was extremely stiff on my sample shoes. When tightening the laces, the dials allow for micro-adjustments. However, it isn’t intuitive which way to flip the metal handle after tightening.
To release the lace tension, push the small button on the side of the dial. Note that there are no micro-adjustments to loosen the laces; therefore, if you overtighten them, you must release the laces and tighten them again.
All Day Riding Comfort
I tested the Genius X Wyve road shoes on several rides ranging from 40 to 65 miles and in temperatures into the 90s. The breathable, mesh uppers and sole vents kept my feet comfortable.
The size 46 EU weighed in at 434 grams with SPD 3-bolt cleats installed. This is slightly heavier than the shoes I have typically worn. According to the company, the shoes’ integrated upper design delivers increased support and stability without added reinforcements, layers, or unnecessary bulk.
Bottom Line
SIDI’s new Genius X Wyve road shoe is available in men’s and women’s versions. There is one colorway for the women’s version and four for the men’s, including basic black or white, as well as fun colors like white fluo and forest grey – ice. These shoes are on the pricier side, over $300, but they deliver comfort, breathability, performance, and great looks.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
