SIDI unveiled new shoes today at Eurobike 2012.
The Italian footwear company displayed its new flagship model, the Wire: a modification of the previous range-topper, the Ergo 3.
Sharp-eyed observers noted the Wire on the feet of Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Cannondale) during the Tour de France, but wrongly concluded he was wearing a modified Ergo 3, rather than a new model.
The principle difference between the two is the replacement of a Velcro strap at the lower end of the shoe with a Techno 3 adjuster – a second wire draw cord, with claims for more even displacement of pressure across the foot.
Three models have been released: a neon green (the colour du jour given the Nike Volt trainer worn by many athletes at the Olympics), a high-gloss black (‘vernice’ after varnish), and the Wire ‘Air’, which features a heavily perforated upper, which might make them a popular choice with triathletes riding with drying feet.
Airflow is maintained by a vent in the sole of the shoe (protected with gauze) allowing air to flow through the perforated insole and out through an ‘exhaust’ port on the upper.
SIDI pride themselves on the ability to maintain the shoe, and like others across their range, all the components on the Wire are replaceable, from the adjustable heel retention device (two ‘arms’, either side of the Achilles tendon, which can be tightened independently) to the heel pad.
The Wire will sell for £375 and be in the shops by early October.
The Genius 6.6 will now be available with the same sole as the Wire and the Ergo 3.3, but, unlike its slim-fit stable mates, will come in an optional ‘mega fit’ as well as standard (between 3mm and 5mm additional material across the ball to accommodate a wider or higher foot).
A black and white colour scheme is another new edition. They will sell for just under £300 and be available at the end of September.
Finally, SIDI is working on a training shoe. ‘It’s a trainer and it’s a prototype’ was the word from SIDI at Eurobike. Watch this space.
