New Sidi Dominator X: First Look at the Updated MTB Icon

The new Sidi Dominator X is a modern take on a shoe that has been in Sidi's lineup for decades, and I’ve been seeing what these new Dominators are all about for the last month. In this article, I will dive deep into what I like and dislike about the newest Dominator from Sidi. Keep in mind, what doesn't work for me might be perfect for you.

For context, my first pair of real performance cycling shoes were the Sidi Dominator 5, and I had them for quite a long time thanks to their replaceable soles, buckles, and overall construction before they eventually retired from service. That has always been what drew people to Sidi shoes - they last forever. But recently, Sidi has done away with the old ways of doing things and introduced a new fit and what seems to be a new identity.

While the Italian footwear brand has always been focused on performance, the newest offerings are more modern and less repairable, but they sure look good, and their function is right on par with the form.

I tested the Sidi Physis last year and got along well with the new Millennium Fit that Sidi has adopted, but while the Physis (and the Dominator X) aren’t specifically MTB shoes, they do fall into the category of a performance XC shoe or an excellent gravel option, seeing as the line between the two genres becomes foggier with each day. 

Sidi Dominator X Details

MSRP: $369.99

• Upper: WYVE engineered fabric with protective bumpers
• Closure: Dual NUUN 001C aluminium dials
• Instep: Adjustable anatomical instep
• FitSystem: Structured upper with internal reinforcement
• Outsole: X3CC carbon composite
• Cleat Setup: Independent cleat positioning for custom alignment
• Replaceable Parts: Heel pads and dials

Gravel, Cross-Country, or Whatever...

The new Sidi Dominator X draws design inspiration from the Physis, but whereas the Physis is a much more performance-focused shoe targeting aggressive XC and gravel disciplines, the Dominator X takes a softer approach and is much more in line with the MTB heritage of the Dominator.

The Dominator X uses an X3CC carbon-composite sole with much more aggressive lugs, which come in handy while hiking and walking off the bike. The more forgiving nature of the sole also lends to a more comfortable, flexible feel when walking, but it's not terribly noticeable when pedaling. With lower stiffness, you also get better heel retention, as the sole can flex more while walking or twisting.

Construction

The overall construction of the Dominator X is less premium-feeling than that of other Dominator shoes from the past, but it certainly doesn’t feel cheap. The uppers are breathable, and the mating between the sole and the last is without much reason for concern. The adjustable instep strap is easy to adjust, but the new NUUN 001C aluminium dials aren’t as easy to use as the BOA Fit System, nor as polished-looking. These new dials are alloy, with a fibrous cable that offers a wide range of adjustments, but the operation is a little clunky if you’re used to a BOA.

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The WYVE engineered fabric that makes up the upper of the shoe has overmolded bumpers, and the figure-8 lacing of the NUUN dial over the arch is pretty standard for a shoe in this category and is great for someone needing a bit more volume inside the shoe. This is both a positive and a negative. I have pretty lofty arches, and the footbeds in the Dominator X are far from premium, lacking adjustable arch support, which has led to some deformation in the upper.

The Fit

Historically, I have gotten along well with the fit of Sidi shoes, but both the Physis and Dominator X with the Millenuim Fit have had the same issue: almost too much volume in the toe box and midfoot area, requiring a different footbed. So if you like a roomier shoe that doesn’t feel quite as wide as a Lake or “Wide” shoe, these might be the perfect choice.

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There are toe lugs, and the soles' rubber is pretty stiff, which is great for longevity if you walk in them frequently, but it isn’t the grippiest out there, and when it does wear out, it isn't replaceable like we’ve seen with past Dominator shoes. Sidi does say the heel pad is replaceable, but upon inspection, I don't see how that is easily done. Just something to consider. The cleat placement is pretty standard as well, but it does let you get the cleat pretty far back for a more mid-foot cleat placement.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Dominator X is a solid XC or gravel shoe with a pretty unique fit that isn’t quite high-volume or low-volume - striking a nice middle ground without having an overly roomy toe-box. Is this a great MTB shoe? That all depends on what type of mountain biking you do. If you're an XC fan, these would be excellent, but I have been primarily stoked on them as a gravel cycling shoe or for XC-ish rides on the hardtail.

Sidi shoes aren't cheap, and these are on-trend, but the construction feels sturdy, and the fit feels accommodating for riders with not-average feet. I would have loved to see a nicer footbed and some variation in the rubber used on the sole, but not everything is perfect.