Sidi’s Eagle 5 Pro Vernice women’s SPD shoes are ride-all-day comfortable, and superbly well-made. Pity the sole is a bit slippery on wet surfaces.

The footwear of choice for many bike messengers the world over, SIDI have built a solid reputation for comfort, durability and quality. If you can ride in the same pair of shoes, day in, day out for over eight hours, there must be something pretty special about them.

Coming in around the £170 mark, the Sidi women’s Eagle Pro Vernice mountain bike shoes are certainly not cheap. These beauties cost a pretty penny, significantly more than any other shoe I’ve ever purchased. However, I’ve tried and tested many other brands of SPD compatible bike shoes and have been disappointed with both comfort and looks, so when it came to spending my hard earned cash, it had to be this pair.

Specifically designed for women’s feet, rather than simply being a scaled down model of the men’s shoes, the Eagle Pro 5s secure your heel in comfort without you having to crank down on the straps. That’s a real bonus when you’re wearing the shoes for a long ride. The wide strap over the arch area features soft, thermo formed material to reduce any pressure on the top of the foot and is adjustable from both sides to ensure the strap is centred.

Unlike many SPD compatible shoes I’ve tested, with these shoes I don’t suffer from ‘hot spots’ or pressure points on the sole of my foot. I can quite happily pedal and trot about for hours in the Eagle Pro 5s without any discomfort whatsoever.

Having said that, it’s worth taking care walking and dismounting in wet conditions as the soles can be somewhat slippery. That’s the only serious downside, and it does rather limit their usefulness for UK mountain biking.

These shoes are far from waterproof too (although they don’t make any claim of being so) and the joy of breathable shoes in the summer can quickly give way to cold feet come winter.

They’re incredibly lightweight and proving incredibly durable. I’ve been putting my pair of Eagle Pro 5s through their paces for around eighteen months and they still appear as good as new. Which brings me neatly to looks. The Sidi Eagle Pro 5s are undeniably stylish and when you’re spending serious money that’s important.

A shiny patent upper, slick black and red colour scheme combo and a slimline shape make these shoes look expensive and deserving of your money, definitely a pair of shoes to be proud of. When you add in the length of time these will last you and the level of comfort they deliver, they’re certainly worth the money.

Verdict

Far from cheap, but extremely comfortable, great-looking and durable shoes. Take care in the wet though.

Pros

Superb construction
Great detailing
Comfortable
Supportive

Cons

Sole is slippery on wet surfaces

Price: £189.99
Sizes: 35, 36, 37-43 including half sizes
Colours: Black, red, and white combined
More information: Sidi Eagle 5 Woman Vernice
UK supplier: Sidi UK

What Sidi says about the Eagle 5 Woman Vernice shoes

MTB Competition Sole: Has been specifically studied for this specialty, may be fitted with two toe spikes on the front for traction in difficult and muddy conditions. The toe spikes are sold separately.

Soft Instep 2 Closure System: The wide, anatomical and padded strap has been reduced and coupled to soft, thermo-formed material increasing comfort and performance. It distributes pressure evenly over the arch area, adjustable from both sides for perfect centering. The system eliminates the need for the High Instep Extender. Used with SL and Caliper buckle straps. Serviceable and replaceable.

Caliper Buckle: The micrometric closure called Caliper buckle is regulated by lifting the central buckle. In order to completely open, lift together both side buckles, while to slightly loosen the closure during the race the central clip must be lifted.

Velcro Security System: High security Velcro with integrated locking polymer teeth that engage onto each other when the strap is closed. This feature makes the closure more secure and the Velcro becomes unmoveable.

Women’s Specific Last: It isn’t just smaller or narrower compared with the standard one, it’s shaped for a women’s foot and proportionately narrow heel. Studied and Designed to fit women’s feet.