No shoe we've ever sold is as close to our hearts as the Sidi Ergo 1. The fact that seemingly every ProTour rider used them up through the 2006 season is a good first start. But our own experience with them was so overwhelmingly golden that it outshone even their awesome popularity in the pro peloton. In a world of indulgences where spending an extra 50% on a luxury product often only brings a 5% increase in performance, the Sidi Ergo 1 Carbon always seemed like a bargain to us. It was the most advanced cycling shoe of the era, and every extra cent it cost was directly proportional to the awesome level of comfort and performance it provided.

The Ergo 1 was current for 3 or 4 seasons, with only incremental refinements from year to year. With the introduction of the new Ergo 2 Carbon, Sidi makes its boldest leap forward in road shoes since their original introduction of the Ergo 1 mid-way through the Armstrong era. You can rest assured that the legendary details of the Ergo 1 carry on in the Ergo 2: It's the small things that matter, starting with a detail as humble as its ratcheting Ultra SL buckle. The Ultra SL allows you to micro-adjust strap pressure, so the fit of your upper won't be too loose or too tight. The Ultra SL is mated to a soft Arch Compression Strap that more evenly spreads the upward stroke pedaling forces across the top of your foot. The Ultra SL buckle provides 4 clicks per uptake along with half-click releases, meaning that you can precisely tension the pressure of the strap. No other system so precisely and so gently provides custom fit.

And, just like the Ergo 1, the Ergo 2 features a Techno II buckle across the middle of your foot. It's anchored by a monofilament line and dial that further allows you to control the pressure of the upper on your foot. The Velcro is reinforced with integrated locking teeth to absolutely, positively resist slippage.

The Ergo 2 breaks new ground in three ways: First, the molded plastic heel cup is now reinforced with a new Heel Security System (HSS) -- a rigid plastic band that closes the heel of the shoe more securely around the back of your ankle to anchor it in place around your Achilles no matter how much power you're pouring into the pedals. It's a detail that allows you to cinch down the straps of your shoes less tightly -- giving you more comfort, not just more security. Secondly is a revamped carbon fiber sole. The 2nd generation high modulus carbon fiber sole has a customized grid design to add thickness to sole where stiffness is needed, and thinner layers of carbon where some "give" is acceptable. A constant thickness of carbon would be punitively rigid. This 2nd generation sole permits some give (read: no hot spots) without allowing power-robbing flex. And the final innovation with the Ergo 2 is a new level of styling. Gone are the days of black-and-black-only. Sidi injects electricity into their Ergo 2's thanks to the white design with understated yellow highlights and red trim. It looks amazing, and it adds just a smidge of flash to your overall look without approaching garishness in the least. It also comes in a color called Steel Lux -- think of it as a shimmering Silver. We love it in all of its almighty Proness. And for those who prefer classic Sidi, it's still available in classic Black as well.

Under the insole of the Ergo 2 is a layer of cork to help absorb vibration and further help with eliminating the hot spots you might feel in other brands of carbon soled shoes. And you don't have to worry about heat in the rest of your feet, either, thanks to the Ergo 2's combination of Lorica microfiber and ballistic mesh -- giving you comfort, fit, ventilation and durability. Available in sizes between 39-48.

One final note on the Ergo 2, which holds meaning when considering any Sidi shoe. All Sidi shoes are fully repairable and all small parts on them are fully replaceable. Even if you tear the Lorica on your shoe, Sidi can repair it quickly and inexpensively. Once you find the right shoe and the right fit, it's not unheard of to keep a pair of Sidis for a decade's worth of riding. As wear and tear (and accidental damage) happen to your shoes, Sidi will be there to nurse your original shoes back to health.