Review: Dragon 4

We Liked

We we talk about cyclocross there are really only a few areas that are really important and one of them are your shoes. If your feet are not happy then you are not happy. In addition if your shoes, can not transmit the power to your pedals that’s no good either.. Thirdly, if you can’t run with these shoes up the steep hill or over barriers that is also not good. Sidi has been making cycling shoes for a long time. Sidi has been in the sport shoe market since 1960 and during that time has clocked up not only some impressive wins but also some really cool innovations as well.

The Sidi Dragon 4 is 3ird from the top of Sidi’s MTB line. So why did we not go for the top shoe of the new Sidi Tiger? Well, it has to do with the features and what works best for cyclocross. The Dragon 4 sole is not quite as stiff as the Tiger and the bottom of the sole of the Tiger is really slick so that is not that desirable when you are getting on and off the bike is wet conditions.

The Dragon has a carbon sole but ist not so stiff that you can’t run in it. A;sp the bottom of the sole is not as slick as the Tiger so you are less likely to slip a pedal in a remount. The Dragon 4 is packed full of features.

Features

Microfibra Techpro :Is  a microfiber PU Made in Italy. It is considered a highly technological and innovative, eco-friendly leather suitable for technical and sports products which require high performance levels. TECHPRO MICROFIBER incorporates features of resistancy, stability, lightness, water-repellency and eco-friendliness.

TECHPRO MICROFIBER has a Hydro and anti-mold treatment, which eliminates the onset of molds and bacteria. TECHPRO MICROFIBER is Oeko-Tex certified, does not contain harmful substances and respects law restrictions.

Soft instep 3 system: The SOFT INSTEP CLOSURE SYSTEM is a wide, anatomically curved strap combined with a soft, thermo-formed EVA pad that distributes pressure evenly over the instep area. The SOFT INSTEP CLOSURE SYSTEM is adjustable from both sides, to perfectly center the EVA pad over a high or low instep. The system eliminates the need for the High Instep Extender. The SOFT INSTEP CLOSURE SYSTEM is replaceable.

Tecno 3 system : SIDI’s TECHNO-3 SYSTEM dials in fit along the entire length of the shoe, adapting the upper to the shape of the foot for a customized fit. SIDI’s famously reliable and replaceable closures are improved by an all new proprietary SIDI Wire material that is completely non-binding for intuitive and effortless on-the-fly adjustments. Like most SIDI small parts, the TECNO-3 BUCKLE is serviceable and replaceable.

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

Adjustable Heel Retention: The ADJUSTABLE HEEL RETENTION DEVICE reinforces the top of the heel cup and improves the fit by closing the back of the shoe securely around the rider’s heel. The heel retention device tightens the top of the heel cup so that the heel doesn’t slide out during steep climbs or sprints. Each side of the heel can be adjusted independently, for a perfect fit. For a custom adjustment turn the screw towards the + sign to tighten the heel retention device and towards the – sign to open it. Light weight, easy to use, and replaceable.

Reinforced Heel Cup: The reinforced heel keeps the foot in a optimal position and avoids the shoe being deformed by extreme performance or prolonged pressure.

Rubber Toe Guard:  Sidi understnads that there are things out on the trail that can urt your feet and that is why they put in some toe armor.  this could save your toe if you jsut happen to hit a barrier at speed.  Lets face it stubbing your toe let alone breaking it is no fun at all.

MTB SRS Carbon Composite Sole: In 1999, SIDI revolutionized mountain bike shoe design with the SOLE REPLACEMENT SYSTEM (SRS), owing mountain bikers to replace the most wear-heavy part of the shoe—the sole. The MTB SRS CARBON COMPOSITE Sole consists of four inserts screwed, easily removable and replaceable. In addition an optional toe guard can be installed using the same screws as the insert. The SRS tread panels and screws are available as spare parts. It is toe spike compatible 

We Didn't Like

Idealy for cyclocross we would like a shoe that does not have mesh in the toe or sides.  So If you guys could make this shoe with out the mesh that would be awesome!

The Final Say

So when it come down to it you get what you pay for. Now putting $400 down for a pair of shoes that you are going to put through some of the nastiest conditions you can think of is not what people would do. But, cyclocross racers are not most people or most cyclist for that matter. Its this reason that we need and require that the shoes hold up to this kind of abuse. the SIDI Dragon 4 is a system.  From the adjustable heel cup to the replaceable tread and closere systems its hard if not impossiable to find another shoe that offers this. Break a buckle, you just repalce it. Wear the tread out, just get new ones. I know from personal experience that SIDI makes an outstanding product and is the standard that all other shoes are measured against. There are lots of things to love about this shoe and it’s packed with features. With the advent of waterproof socks you can have mesh on the shoe for breathability. It’s hard to say great job because this is what SIDI does time and time again.  

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