Sidi

Genius 5.5 Euro Edition Shoes - Women's

When it comes down to it, everyone just wants a pair of cycling shoes that fit well and do their job. Sidi has had the better part of the last century to work on perfecting shoes that fill those requirements, and its Genius 5.5 Euro Edition Women's Shoes show the attention to craftsmanship and detail the Italian brand is known for in a shoe that's truly made for women.

Sidi describes the Genius 5.5 as a pro-level shoe, and it borrows many features from the brand's top-end models. The upper is made with Sidi's Lorica microfiber, a synthetic leather. It repels water while remaining breathable and displaying the long lifespan Sidi shoes are known for by gradually stretching to fit your feet — but no more — and resisting wear over time. To further help with breathability, Sidi also added mesh paneling to the upper.

Addressing differences in men's and women's feet, the Genius 5.5's are built on a women-specific last, which is wider in the forefoot with a more pronounced taper towards the heel. The shoes also have lower volume overall compared to Sidi's men's shoes to accommodate women's thinner feet which, together with the Lorica upper, contributes to the Genius 5.5's secure, contoured fit.

As you get ready to clip-in and ride, making fit adjustments on the Genius 5.5 is quick and easy. Sidi includes a two-way ratcheting buckle at the top of the shoe, followed by two hook-and-loop straps for individual fit adjustments along the top of the foot and metatarsals. Even if you tighten the straps down all the way, the padded tongue and Sidi's Soft Instep Closure System help protect the top of your foot from painful pressure points and mid-ride numbness.

For efficient power transfer, the Genius 5.5's are constructed with Sidi's Millennium 3 carbon composite sole, which offers the right balance of stiffness and weight without a premium price hike. The carbon is blended with nylon to give the sole more longevity, and the polyurethane heel pad is replaceable in case you wear it out after too many post-ride coffee stops.