The Shot Vent Carbon Road is Sidi's current top-end road shoe, and while the venerable Italian company chose to carry over some technology, the Shot represents a new way forward, with an incredible new Tecno buckle retention system and advanced upper that is not only comfortable and effective in all the ways that matter, but it is also made with an eco-friendly manufacturing process as well. The Shot was developed for the top riders in the world and to meet the daily requirements of pro cyclists all year long. It features all the typical durability and replaceable features you have come to expect from this premium cycling company, as well as technology that ensures and enhances top cycling performance. As an added enhancement for those who seek visibility or just love the color scheme, the yellow photo-luminescent material of the Gloss Yellow/Black color captures natural or artificial light to provide visibility when conditions darken.

The supple upper of the Shot Vent Carbon is a new TechPro Microfiber being used by Sidi. It is considered a highly technological and innovative, eco-friendly synthetic leather. Featuring very light stretch, water repellancy, and overall light weight characteristics, it is also resistant to tearing. Sidi has opted to cover the foot with much more of the new material, using only small mesh venting zones than we have seen in past shoes. Fit and performance are the keys here, as is the way in which the TechPro can be drawn in and fastened for superior foot retention without pressure points. Experienced Sidi wearers will surely know of the company's long use of dial and wire-type Tecno buckles, which predated the now common Boa designs on the market. But the Shot Vent's Double Tecno-3 Push System is a whole new monster.

This new retention system is now centered over the foot, and draws off anchor points on both sides, which draws the upper together with a perfect tension balance from each side. There are two Techno buckle dials, and they are mounted on a single centered plate. The lower Tecno controls the lower and mid foot tension via four anchor points, while the upper Tecno just controls the two opposing upper anchors, so you can isolate the two levels of retention. Sidi believes that this symmetrical combination, along, with the cut and shape of the upper, creates a perfect closure on the both the instep and outer portions of the shoe. The Tecno buckles themselves are easy to use, and employ monofilament wires that don't stretch or rust. Due to the integrated nature of the system, the whole assembly is considered one piece, but unlike with many other high-end shoes, the Double Tecno-3 Push System can be replaced if you have accident or damage part of the system. The Push feature allows for quick release of the adjustment lever, which them lock back down when done to maintain security. The system as a whole offers tremendous fit and comfort, as well as minute adjustability, ease of use, and long term viability.

The final piece of the upper is the combination of the standout Sidi Heel Cup and the Adjustable Heel Retention Device. Many riders love the hold and support of the excellent heel cup, but for those with more specific fit and retention requirements at the upper back of the shoe along the Achilles tendon, a screw controls the adjustable two-piece retention device, either drawing it in for narrow shapes, or opening up for wider shapes. This is pure customization and and pure Sidi, who have built such long standing relationships within professional cycling that the most nit-picky needs of cyclists are not only identified, but taken care of, and what the same differentials that pro's have on their feet and ankles are found in the general population as well. Even something as simple as accommodating a thicker sock on a cold March or April day in Northern Europe can highly impact performance and comfort.

Carbon soles must be stiff and shaped for power transfer, but so much more can be done with them. Sidi hand builds the Vent Carbon Sole exclusively of carbon fiber in a weave pattern oriented at opposing angles to maximize stiffness while allowing for a small degree of controlled flex in the toe area. This is not only a feature to Sidi, who has never been interested in the stiffest overall carbon soles, but an imperative, as allowing some natural flex of the foot is a long-held Sidi belief. Don't worry the power transfer is not compromised- it is incredible, but allowing the foot some natural anatomic movement serves to keep the foot from cramping and can reduce hot spots under the metatarsals. A second technology in the sole is found right in the name. Ventilation can again impact rider comfort. Sidi developed an intake/exhaust style vent system in the sole to help keep the foot cool and dry, but as with the adjustable heel retention, the designers integrated rider adjustability, with the intake zone located near the toe-tap. This replaceable tap is now a sliding two-piece system, with the rear half allowed to open or close the air intake. Smart, versatile, and dedicated to the individual rider experience- all year long.

This Shot Vent Carbon Road Shoe was built for the Look Delta 3-bolt cleat mounting pattern, as are most other road shoes. The cleat zone offers excellent alignment marks for proper fit and location, and the carbon surface is textured to prevent cleat slippage and to help prevent over tightening of the cleat bolts. At the heel Sidi offers a replaceable non-slip pad, as usual. It cannot be overemphasized that Sidi is concerned about and committed to long-term use and performance. The sole-based wear items are replaceable. The upper resists wear, fights mold and fungus, repels water. The Double Tecno-3 Push System is replaceable. Yes, these Italian-made shoes are pricey, but they offer so much technology and performance, with reliability and reassurance, that unlike many premium shoes that are seemingly intended to be disposable after a season or two, the Sidi's are actually worth the investment. The fit is regular, and more like an American C than a D if you have a wider forefoot, but with impeccable fit, incredibly useful individualization, and pro-level performance, the Sidi Shot Vent Carbon Road Shoe may actually have the most value of any road shoe we carry.