SIDI T5 AIR TRIATHLON SHOES REVIEW

Tested by
Veronika Bracke - Age Group Triathlete

QUICK SUMMARY:

The SIDI T5 Air is a triathlon cycling shoe made for racing and long training rides, especially in warm weather. I tested it during Ironman 70.3 training in Dubai, meaning long  outdoor rides in the heat. What I noticed most was the ventilation and the stable fit. It feels more comfortable than many super stiff race shoes, which for me is actually a good thing. However, they transfer the pressure on the pedals extremely well whether it’s on the flat desert course or in the hills.

WHAT WE LIKED:

* Really good airflow - my feet stayed much cooler than in my previous shoes

* Comfortable even on longer rides without getting sloppy

* Very easy to get into quickly during transition

WHAT TO CONSIDER:

* The front area is on the narrower side

* Sizing is not straightforward; I personally preferred going one size up

for toe space

WHO IT’S FOR:

* Triathletes doing middle or long distance races

* Athletes training in hot climates

* Age groupers looking for comfort without losing performance

WHEN TO USE IT:

* Long training rides

* Race-specific bike sessions

FINAL THOUGHTS:

I was honestly pleasantly surprised by the T5 Air. Sometimes triathlon shoes focus so much on stiffness and weight that they forget about comfort, especially for longer rides. This shoe feels fast enough, but still comfortable after several hours riding. The ventilation is excellent, which matters a lot here in Dubai, and the shoe feels secure without creating pressure points. I also liked that it feels stable when riding hard but not overly aggressive. I would definitely recommend trying the sizing carefully though. In my case, a size up worked much better because I prefer a little more room in the toe box during long rides. Overall, I think it’s a very solid triathlon shoe for serious age-group athletes who value comfort and practicality just as much as speed.

ATHLETE INSIGHT:

“After long rides in the heat, my feet still felt surprisingly fresh. That doesn’t happen often with triathlon shoes.”