Cold Weather Mountain Bike Shoes
Over the past two winters, I have been putting cold, snowy and muddy miles on the Sidi Nix mountain biking shoes. So after hundreds of miles and as many trips into snow and mud as I could find, how did the Sidi Nix shoes hold up?
Sidi Nix Overview
The Sidi Nix Cycling Boot is a winter-specific road cycling shoe designed to provide warmth, weather resistance, and performance during cold-weather rides. It features a high-tech upper construction that includes a GORE-TEX® EPE membrane and fleece lining, offering eco-friendly weather resistance and optimal thermal balance. Previously this shoe model was the Sidi Diablo. The Nix isn’t as stiff as the Diablo and provides a little more warmth.
- Sizes: from 39 to 50
- Gore-Tex EPE Membrane with anatomical heel construction
- Seemless Gore-Tex Technology w/ billowed tongue keeps feet dry
- A light insulated layer for warmth
- Durable exterior consisting of Lorica panels and breathable heavy-duty nylon inserts
- Four Velcro straps
- Millennium fit with wrapping strap and high-density dialing system
- R2CC sole with stiffness index and sole inserts engineered for durability
- Firmor lateral support technology with reinforcements on toes and heel
- Color: Black/Black
- MSRP: $329.99 – $349.99 US. Backcountry seems to be the cheapest lately. Check Prices.
Fit and Feel – Sidi Nix
The boot incorporates a wrapper closure system with a high-density dial, ensuring a secure fit that’s easy to adjust even with gloves on. The R2CC sole, made from a combination of nylon, glass fiber, and carbon, provides a stiffness index of 9, delivering efficient power transfer. Additional features include Firmor lateral support technology for ankle and foot stabilization, a reinforced toe box for protection against debris, and compatibility with 3-bolt cleats and pedals
These shoes are not as comfortable as Sidi’s other shoes. They are very stiff and do not give you a “cozy luxurious” winter boot fit you might expect. With the velcro strap and boa you can get them snug and adjustable. For more warmth, check out the Algor model.
On the Bike – Sidi Nix
I wear the Nix on my cyclocross bike for riding on country roads in the fall, winter and spring. I rarely clip in our out and I am not riding technical terrain. These shoes would be too stiff for me in technical mountain bike terrain. They also use the R2CC plastic sole (not the SRS) so they don’t grip as well on rocks or roots but are fine on snow, grass or mud.
The stiff sole does a good job of transferring power from your legs to the pedals. I notice very little flex with each pedal stroke. The overall stiffness of the Nix keeps your feet exactly where you want them.
The Sidi Nix is waterproof. I have ridden through snow storms, mud puddles and always had dry socks when I returned home. The top cuff isn’t that watertight so don’t intentionally wade through deep water.
Durability and Long Term – Sidi Nix
This is my third winter with the Nix and they have the same stiffness and still waterproof. I find that with all Sidi shoes, you are paying up front but they last for as long as you need them to.
Overall Thoughts – Sidi Nix
I’m glad to have these for the winter months. They provide extra protection on muddy, wet roads. With thick socks they will keep your feet warm until about 10 degrees. At 10 degrees and lower they do not offer the warmth you’d expect from a winter shoe. These shoes will work best for:
1. Winter commuters -They will keep your feet dry and will be warm enough for commuting to work or running errands.
2. Winter cyclocross riders – They will hold up to the wet and muddy conditions you’ll find on cyclocross rides.
Positives: Sidi Nix MTB Shoes
- Durable – Should last for years
- Extra Protection for cold and wet conditions
- Stiff
- Extra toe room for winter socks
Negatives: Sidi Nix MTB Shoes
- Pricey
- Not as warm as you would think.
- May be a little too stiff for technical riding
- Only available in men’s whole sizes so may be hard to find a good fit