Ergo 4 Carbon Cycling Shoe

While the wire dial trend has really started to take off over the last few years, Sidi — ever the innovator — has had examples of what it calls the "mono-filament closure" dating back to its Micro Look System in 1993. The brand's latest wire dial is the Tecno 3 series, and it features on Sidi's newest road model, the men's Ergo 4 Carbon Shoes. Though the Ergo 4 is billed as an all-new release, the classic Sidi technology and features incorporated in its design make it feel more like an old friend.

The Ergo 4 features Sidi's Tecno 3 buckle system, which uses two different ratcheting dials for a customizable fit across the instep. The Tecno 3 system is low-profile and tidier than Sidi's signature ratcheting buckle, and it also allows for an even greater degree of micro adjustability and fit consistency across the entire shoe. As with all of Sidi's fastening hardware, you can fiddle with the Tecno 3 buckles in the saddle; however, the standard Tecno-3 lacks the Tecno-3 Push's little red release button.

The Twelve Carbon Composite Sole is built like the road racing version of a mountaineering boot, with a carbon fiber shank running down the center to keep the shoe's power-transferring heart stiff and responsive. This is encompassed by carbon-reinforced nylon, which provides a bit of engineered flex for comfort and reduces the price compared to Sidi's all-carbon soles.

The Ergo 4 also incorporates Sidi's Adjustable Heel Retention Device, which tightens the top of the heel cup to keep your foot positively planted in the shoe. The shoe's tongue and instep strap are both padded generously to allow for supreme comfort with tight buckles. Finally, all of the enclosure hardware and the heel pads are replaceable, so the shoes will outlive multiple seasons and even the occasional crash.

• Carbon-reinforced nylon sole
• Microfiber upper
• Tecno 3 buckle system
• Adjustable Heel Retention Device
• Soft Instep 3
• Replaceable heel pad