Two years ago I came across a pair of pink and red Sidi mountain bike shoes. The price was too high so I purchased a pair of $90 Specialized shoes. The Specialized shoe didn’t last half a year. The molded sole came loose from the bottom of the shoe and creaked so badly while pedaling that they went in to the bin of rain clothes. Back to the drawing board. Everyone in the road market swore by their Sidi’s, everyone that owned Sidi’s in the mountain market had owned them for multiple years with no issues and again swore by them. I decided to cough up the $220 at the time and if I hated them they were selling used for $150 on eBay.

I didn’t hate them, I loved them. The shoe fits me, especially after the first rain ride when the Lorica material stretched around my foot like an old baseball glove. The thought out design has a velcro closure with reinforced plastic, and a replaceable top strap with buckle. I have swapped my road bike to mountain pedals just so I could wear my pink mountain bike shoes.

Pro’s :Fit - Wonderful arch support, the shoe comes in half sizes and different widths depending on the size.
Durability - These shoes have almost lasted two years. As my main pair of shoes for mountain and road that is serious miles for one pair of shoes. They don’t feel stretched out or loose anywhere.
Design - Strap system is durable, top strap and buckle are replaceable. Shoe breaths well and dries quickly when soaked.
Color - Not many companies are daring enough to make a pink and red shoe.
Repair ability - I have had my buckle completely tear off (including the threads) and been able to order a new buckle system from Sidi and have a shoe repair shop fix it back to new. Try doing that with your Shimano’s.

Con’s :

Price - The shoes now cost $240. That isn’t something to laugh at.
Parts - Some shoes have replaceable soles at this price range.