Sidi didn't become one of the leading manufacturers of premium cycling shoes by chance, it earned its reputation by using top quality materials and building shoes with exceptional craftsmanship. In later years, we've been treated to carbon soles and dial closures, and other brands offer this too, so what makes Sidi shoes still so popular? Simple. It comes down to fit, and the Ergo 5 Cycling Shoe continues the tradition with signature tailoring that crafts a shoe that’s comfy on long rides and holds up season after season. Compared to the outgoing Ergo 4, the 5 receives an all-new upper constructed from Sidi's Techpro, an eco-friendly synthetic leather that's durable, lightweight, and water resistant. What we like most about it is how it's secure enough to wrap around your foot comfortably offering stable pedaling yet it's supremely supple so it doesn't cause hotspots if feet swell or dials are cranked down. The 5 does continue in the Sidi Ergo tradition of mixed-media closures and instead of two Techno3 Push dials like we find on the Shot and Wire 2, the Ergo 5 mounts one up top and on the side of the forefoot in a more traditional position, while utilizing a hook-and-loop closure strap for forefoot retention. It does enjoy the same Soft Instep 4 strap that the higher-end models receive helping to reduce weight while offering up luxurious padding for riding comfort and at the rear of the shoe, its redesigned heel cup stabilizes the foot for efficient pedaling. Sole duties are the same as the previous Ergo 4, using Sidi's Twelve Carbon composite sole which relies on a carbon reinforced nylon sole with a carbon weave plate stiffening it where needed. If you don't have your sights set on every sprint point, you likely won't notice the difference between it and the Vent Carbon on the Shot and Wire, however, the Ergo 5's composite sole goes a long way in providing better all-day comfort by taking the stiffness down a couple of rungs. Perhaps the most enduring features of the Ergo 5 and all Sidi shoes for that matter is its legendary last, honed over decades of working with some of the world's greatest cyclists and the ability to replace parts. Very few shoes are more universally praised for their comfort than Sidi and that all starts with the last. Small parts such as heel pads and dials are easily replaceable giving its owner superior value over those years of ownership. The Ergo 5 is available in whole and half sizes between 38 to 47 and in a size 48.