SIDI Atomus GTX shoes on testSturdy footwear with Gore-Tex

Jan Timmermann

 · 23.04.2025

The Atomus GTX are SIDI's most robust click shoes. We tested the protection for your feet on enduro trails.
Photo: Jan Timmermann

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The SIDI Atomus GTX do not necessarily fit the cliché of Italian shoe fashion. With technologies from the motocross sector and a Gore-Tex membrane, they are the heavy-duty workhorses of the click shoe world. We have extensively tested how the SIDI MTB shoes perform on the trail.

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The appearance of the SIDI Atomus GTX MTB shoes breaks with the image of fine Italian stilettos. Massive reinforcements protect the toes and feet from the impact of forces. A profiled sole and "Gore-Tex" labelling make it clear: these MTB shoes are made for relentless off-road use. SIDI has 60 years of experience in the development of such high-performance shoes and has made a name for itself as a manufacturer of motocross boots, among other things. We were therefore very excited to see how the click shoes for enduro and trail use would perform.

The SIDI Atomus GTX features the Gore-Tex membrane that gives them their name. It is designed to prevent sweaty feet and be waterproof at the same time.Photo: Jan TimmermannThe SIDI Atomus GTX features the Gore-Tex membrane that gives them their name. It is designed to prevent sweaty feet and be waterproof at the same time.

SIDI Atomus GTX in detail

  • Application: Enduro / Trail
  • System: clipless pedal shoes
  • Weight: 1188 g (BIKE measurement, size EUR 48, incl. cleats)
  • Price: 179 Euro >> available here
  • Sizes: EUR 36 - EUR 50 (whole sizes)
  • Special features: Gore-Tex membrane, impact protection, lace fastening, side support
For being equipped with so many heavy-duty features, the SIDI Atomus GTX look amazingly sleek. I like the sneaker look and the classic lacing is wonderfully uncomplicated. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

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The sole profile of the SIDI Atomus GTX is designed to cushion and provide grip off-road.Photo: Jan TimmermannThe sole profile of the SIDI Atomus GTX is designed to cushion and provide grip off-road.

The armour among mountain bike shoes

SIDI describes the Atomus GTX as a shoe for particularly demanding trails. It should not only impress with generous protection and good cushioning, but also with a long service life. In the hand, the Italian shoe has an impeccable finish. The weight is noticeably high, but this is not surprising considering the intended area of use. Thick hard rubber inserts protect the toes and rearfoot. The protector is particularly thick in the toe joint area. An additional, flexible plastic plate is designed to protect the side of the foot from injury. The upper material is made of ripstop fabric and is not only waterproof but also particularly tear-resistant. The SIDIS Materis sole is rather thick and is designed to cushion the impact of hard landings.

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The SIDI GTX are heavily armoured. Thick rubber protects the forefoot and rearfoot.Photo: Jan TimmermannThe SIDI GTX are heavily armoured. Thick rubber protects the forefoot and rearfoot.

Fit and features

Every biker should find the right SIDI Atomus GTX among the 15 different sizes. The fit is average, only riders with a particularly wide forefoot may experience pressure problems at the toe joints on long rides. In any case, it's worth trying them on. The lace fastening allows the shoe to be comfortably fastened from rather loose to bombproof. The laces can be stowed on the shoe using an elasticated strap and never got in the way during the test. Discreet padding on the tongue and in the ankle area increases comfort. The rear strap helps when putting on and taking off the shoe. The SIDI Atomus GTX is compatible with a wide range of cleats thanks to the two-screw mounting point. Adjustment is familiar and straightforward.

Visually, the SIDI GTX is reminiscent of a mixture of trainers and work shoes with steel toecaps. A coherent design for tough enduro use.Photo: Jan TimmermannVisually, the SIDI GTX is reminiscent of a mixture of trainers and work shoes with steel toecaps. A coherent design for tough enduro use.

The SIDI Atomus GTX on the trail

In the test with pedals and cleats from Time, the SIDI Atomus GTX were easy to click in and out at any time. Although the sole is quite thick, there were no problems with catching on the pedal cage or axle. The sole offers a good compromise between stiffness and cushioning. The Atomus GTX thus ensure a secure stance on the bike and good power transmission. For racers, the high weight could be a point of criticism, but everyone else can forget about the number of grams and look forward to a high protection factor. The Atomus GTX also cut a fine figure off the bike. The transverse ribs of the sole provide good grip when pushing. This also applies to steep slopes and slippery ground. Our feet didn't get noticeably sweaty in the SIDIs. At the same time, the Gore-Tex technology provides moisture protection from the outside. However, if it gets really wet, water can run into the shoe from above. This is because the opening is cut rather low.

The SIDI Atomus GTX impress with first-class workmanship and brute protection. The Gore-Tex membrane, cushioning, grip and stiffness score highly in trail use. For even more protection against impacts and the elements, a higher shaft or even an ankle-high version would be logical. Heavy and expensive. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
BIKE editor Jan TimmermannPhoto: Georg GrieshaberBIKE editor Jan Timmermann

Jan Timmermann is a true mountain biker. His interests cover almost everything from marathon to trail bikes and from street to gravel. True to the motto "life is too short for boring bikes", the technical editor's heart lies above all in bikes with charisma. Jan also runs the fitness centre for our cycling brands.

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