Sidi

Dominator Fit Men's Shoes - 2014

In 2014, Sidi's redesigned Dominator Fit Shoes were received with such accolades that they remain largely unchanged for 2015. Given the continued relevancy of last year's model, we were happy to jump on these distinctive colorways from last season. They still provide all the same dirt, mud, grass, sand, and even road domination as the newest versions, but with a bit more aesthetic flair.

The uppers are the same Technomicro material used in the current model. It's a composite microfiber that's created from strands that are so fine that each one is less than one-thousandth the thickness of silk. These fibers act like a natural leather skin, only with the advantage of increased strength, soft texture, and light weight. Water-repellent, quick-drying, breathable, and permeable to water vapor, it's obviously ideal for shoe uppers. It's abrasion- and mildew-resistant, as well, making it far easier to clean than leather. Additionally, this material is resistant to stretching and deterioration from atmospheric agents. And to keep your feet from getting too warm, mesh inserts were added throughout the uppers.

The retention system is built around Sidi's hallmark Caliper Buckle, a two-way ratchet that lets you micro-adjust the strap pressure in order to ensure that the fit of your upper won't be too loose or too tight. It's mated to a Soft Arch Compression Strap that evenly spreads the upward stroke pedaling forces across the top of your foot. The buckle provides four-clicks per uptake along with half-click releases. Essentially, this means that you're able to precisely tension the pressure of the strap. No other system provides more of a gentle and precise customizable fit. You also get the precision of two High Security hook-and-loop straps for volume adjustability. Its padded tongue with fit "relievers" is one final small detail that helps deliver unparalleled comfort.

The outsole is the same nylon composite of Sidi's road-specific Genius Fit, which hits the sweet spot of stiffness, weight, price, and durability. Unlike the Genius, though, the Dominator features treads for debris clearance or scrambling up hills. The compound in the treads is also softer than a typical mountain shoe for the sands and slick surfaces of cyclocross. The sole includes the option of adding toe spikes, which are sold separately, for additional traction. Sidi includes a Reinforcement Plate at the cleat connection point in order to increase durability across the outsole and accommodate dual-retention bar-style cleats, but it's not necessary for Shimano-style cleats.