Verdict from 1 expert and 100+ user reviews
7 reasons to buy
- Majority of the Sidi Trace 2 owners affirm the pair's comfortable feel.
- Most testers laud this mountain bike shoe's excellent quality and durability.
- It provides great power transfer and walkability, according to several cyclists.
- The Trace 2 also works excellently as an indoor cycling shoe, say a number of reviewers.
- Some users appreciate this model's retention system for its precise and easy to use adjustments.
- It is lightweight, as observed by a couple of wearers.
- A few commenters love that it is sleek enough to be a road bike shoe.
2 reasons not to buy
- A couple of testers claim that this pair's uber stiff sole sometimes leads to fatigue during long, bumpy descending rides.
- A few consumers think it is quite pricey.
Bottom line
Despite its minor flaws, it is recommended for cyclists who value comfort and great performance.
Tip: see the best mountain cycling shoes.
Good to know
The Trace 2 by Sidi is a cross-country centered off-road shoe crafted from lightweight materials and designed for serious cyclists. The shoe employs the brand’s updated carbon sole for efficient pedaling strokes and provides support for a brisk pace. Aggressive tread design along with the option for toe lugs offer excellent traction.
A comfortable and supportive upper fit is governed by Sidi’s Politex material. Fit adjustment is provided by the Tecno 3 retention system along with 2 Velcro straps.
Combination of stiffness and flexibility. This shoe features Sidi’s new outsole material called the SR17. The brand says it is lighter than previous versions. It offers rigidity for power transfer and pliability for comfortable walks.
Traction. PU inserts grace the heel, medial, and toe areas of the sole for grip even in the most slippery surfaces. Moreover, the rider can opt to add toe studs for an even more enhanced grip. Note that these toe studs are sold separately.
Replaceable toe rubber insert. Sidi made the toe tread to be renewable as this is the area that usually gets worn out first. With the option of replacing it, the wearer is treated with efficient traction for a longer period.
The Sidi Trace 2 is an MTB shoe that employs the sports’ traditional two-hole cleat design. The following pedal models are suitable for this pair: Nukeproof Horizon CS CrMo Trail, Shimano M520 Clipless, and Crank Brothers Mallet E LS.
Markings are printed in the cleat area to serve as a guide in precise cleat positioning and adjustment.
Durable. Crafted from Politex, the Trace 2 is made of compacted PVC and a combination of knit and felt materials. The Politex is designed to withstand ripping, scuffs, and stretching. It is also marketed as an eco-friendly material.
Highly-adjustable lockdown fit. The foot stays in place through the combinational use of Sidi’s proprietary retention systems called the Soft Instep 3 and Tecno 3. The Soft Instep 3 is a wide, anatomically curved strap crafted with an EVA pad to distribute pressure evenly throughout the top of the foot. It is adjustable on both sides for the most precise fit no matter how high or low your instep is.
The Tecno 3 system is Sidi’s signature dial system. As you turn the dial, the fit along the entire length of the shoe is tightened. For instant release, push the buttons on the side.
Lastly, the heels are reinforced to keep the foot in an optimal position and helps avoid deformation due to extreme performance.
This Sidi shoe is also offered in the Mega version. It is an extra wide iteration of the Sidi Trace 2 designed for riders with wider feet.
The parts that are serviceable in this model are the Soft Instep 2 strap, Tecno 3 dial, and toe rubber sole insert.