The Lynx riding shoes from Sidi are new for 2025 and are a riding shoe that completely emulates a casual, off the bike style, and provides the look that most commuters and urban riders are looking for. Personally I think they look great, especially in the dark red colorway.
The Lynx are available in European sizing ranging from size 41 to size 50, that is going to be a rough US size conversion to a men's 8 to 15. Nice to see some larger sizes available. As far as accuracy is concerned I typically wear a US size 12, a 46 in most european brands and here in the Sidi Lynx I tried on a size 46, they say it translates to a 11.7, go ahead and round their conversion up, that makes it a 12 and yup these shoes fit me just like I would expect a size 12 shoe to fit. So sizing advice here is to get whatever size you normally get in europan boots or look at the conversion chart and round to the nearest number with the US conversion and you should find a good fit.
Taking a look at the details, primary construction is a combination of premium microfiber, a concreto compound sole that offers good peg grip and walking comfort as well as Fortex patented technology that provides discreet structural reinforcements that keep the shoe flexible while providing essential impact protection. Speaking of protection, there are CE certified protectors and reinforced impact zones in the ankle, toe and heel further elevating safety. Additionally the lace system or closure extends all the way to the top of the shoe allowing you to firmly tighten and secure the shoe, this will further enhance safety and ensure that your foot doesnt slip back and forth while riding and shifting. While on the subject of shifting I do want to point out that the color overlay will help a bit with shift wear and tear, but keep in mind that there isn't a shifter specific pad included in the design.
Now here is the thing, Sidi mentions many protection features but I do want to keep it realistic, yes, I can definitely feel a difference in the ankle, heel, and toe box in comparison to a regular shoe, and also the microfiber construction is tough and strong while still being flexible, also clearly though the sole is flexible it feels crush proof and strong, so again they are protective shoes, but do keep in mind that there is some compromise in safety when trying to maintain this level of comfort and flexibility. WIth that said I would recommend these shoes for commuting and urban riding, but I wouldn’t personally feel comfortable taking them out at highway speeds.
They do earn a CE 1 2 2 1 rating, if you are not familiar that means that they are ankle high, that is what the first number being a 1 means, but then they get a superior pass rating or a number 2 for abrasion resistance, the second number and impact cut, the third number and then a basic pass or a number 1 for the last category which is transverse rigidity, or more simply put the flexibility of the sole. So again though they are not as protective as say racing boots or some other more robust shoe options they are also no slouch with earning a superior pass in the middle two categories, especially for how comfortable and flexible they are.
A couple of more items to point out, I do like that they feature a pull tab, makes it much easier to put them on, also the reflective accents in the pull tab are a nice touch, speaking of nice touches, the subtle, almost hidden sidi logo around the heel is really nice, honestly as a whole these shoes just look really nice to me. Also I do like the soft, mesh padding on the inside, it is comfortable and it breathes well.
With that said I do have a few complaints, I wish there was a dedicated shifter pad, I do feel that that part of the shoe will wear quickly without the additional layer, yes i mean technically there is an additional layer, but depending on the size and shape of your shifter the overlay may not fully catch it like a dedicated shifter pad would, and I am not happy about the laces being exposed once tied. To me it’s a bit risky and could result in your laces, especially the loops getting caught on the bike. A nice strap/cover over the font would be nice, technically there is a spandex like piece that stretches and allows you to pin or tuck in a part of your laces underneath it, but I still think that a strap or cover would do a better job. Outside of those two items, no other major complaints considering the purpose of the shoe’s design.
Overall the Sidi Lynx riding shoes offer a solid amount of protection for commuting and urban riding all the while offering casual street style and excellent comfort and mobility. This is easily a shoe that you can ride in and then wear as a casual shoe at your destination. Also, it's pretty cool to see that they are actually made in Italy, which can be pretty rare these days. :: Damir 12/20/25
