We all know winters in Chicago are tough. However, a wet and cold winter doesn’t have to mean the end of outdoor riding until spring. Booties are a decent choice to keep feet warm and dry, but having a dedicated winter riding boot takes it to the next level. That’s why last year I decided to purchase a pair of Sidi Diablo GTX SPD winter riding boots.
The Sidi Diablo GTX and Hydro GTX are the same shoe; the Hydro is the road version. The outer shoe is a combination of Lorica and nylon for durability, making them recognizable as a not so distant cousin of the Dominator 5 or Genius 5. There are four Velcro straps with no buckles, which is easier to manage with additional layers of clothing and thicker gloves. The top Velcro strap is attached to a neoprene cuff, which forms a seal to keep water out.
Inside, the shoe is insulated and slightly thicker than a Dominator but not bulky or cumbersome. This feels like a cycling shoe, not a hiking boot. A Gore-Tex liner keeps your feet warm and dry, and there’s also additional volume for thicker socks. I found this somewhat ironic as the boots were so warm I never needed more than a medium weight wool sock down to about 25 degrees.
The Diablo lacks a deep heel cup, something I assume is necessary given the upper cuff. At first I found this somewhat disappointing as my heel would lift slightly, but over time this wasn’t quite so annoying.
If you’re looking to get some cold weather miles in, I strongly recommend the Sidi Diablo or Hydro. They’re warmer than they look, and much easier to deal with than a pair of booties which can shift around on your feet or tear. Your feet will thank you every time you put them on and hit the road or trail this winter.
Rick Danguilan
rick@getagripcycles.com
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