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SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING
LATEST UPDATE DECEMBER 25th 2025
HOW DO WE REACH THE OVERALL RATINGS FOR PRODUCTS WE REVIEW?
Sidi Algor MTB Shoes
1048g 44 (as tested) £225 3 Month Test
The Sidi Algor MTB Shoes are a winter trail bootie designed to lock the elements out and feet temperate. Generally speaking, they’ve proven equally suited to winter road duties and have done an excellent job of regulating temperature - even in wet, yet unexpectedly mild, conditions. Power transfer is better than the sole stiffness rating might suggest, without compromising comfort when running, or walking. However, for all their considerable charm, the closures don’t extend high enough, creating a funnel around the tops where wet stuff can sneak inside.
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Pros: Comfort, good balance of power transfer and walkability, highly waterproof materials, sturdy construction & toe box, easy to care for.
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Cons: Zipper closure less convenient than Boa types, quick lace system a little short, price.
Specification
Available in our tasteful “monochrome” or black, uppers are made from a durable “textile” cuff and TPU, which is rugged, waterproof and easy to keep clean.
It is likely to be a better fit for strict vegetarians into the bargain. Bold yellow tag loops at the tops make for easy, dignified donning. Retro-reflective piping along the sides give plenty of presence, without looking gaudy. Contrasting heel and toe bumpers promise to extend the fabric’s life and some protection from rocks, roots and similar hazards.
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Inside we have a relatively thin pile, breathable PrimaLoft insulating layer. Staying inside there’s a relatively shallow tongue and the “Quicklace” system, which as the name suggests makes for quick, effortless adjustments, say if you’ve gone from middleweight merino blend to calve-height waterproof socks.
Coming from Boa Type closures, the waterproof zipper might be a slight culture shock and can feel decidedly stiff until the TPU fabric has moulded to your foot’s shape. During our formative outings, I feared I might strain and moreover, break the zipper. No such crisis struck and things improved considerably, given the first 125miles, or so. That said,
I found adding a zip tie generally made them quicker and easier to whip on and off. The Velcro neoprene closure is simple and promises to lock in some warmth, even if you’ve immersed your foot in a very deep puddle, or snow. The sole is made from a nylon/carbon blend engineered for efficient power transfer yet walking friendly compliance. Stiffness ratings are to some extent a little academic, since they don’t allow accurate, some might say, meaningful comparisons between manufacturers.
That out of the way, anecdotally they’ve felt a little stiffer than Shimano’s 5 rating common to their MW501 and MT701 GTX . The toe section will accept studs for additional traction in the gloop, while the tread pattern follows the tried and tested 5 lug design -three at the heel, two along the ledge. The gap between them means they should be less prone to collecting stones- pea gravel inn particular. The smooth mid sole is similarly well designed, and the twin bolt cleat drillings will welcome SPD patterns, Time and Crank Brothers with ease-not forgetting a lick of grease on those fasteners.
Sizing/Fit 3.5/5
