sidi Boots Review

[TomMason1968]

GEAR 93
STYLE 19/20
COMFORT 10/10
FUNCTION 48/50
WASH/CARE 9/10
PRICE 7/10
WWW.MOTONATION.COM
877/789-494O


Sidi
Crossfire
I'm picky about boots. First, I love my feet and all of my nine toes, so much so that I'm hyper-concerned about protecting them. Second, as protective of my appendages as I may be, I still have a pretty stiff requirement for good feel and flexibility from a boot. A tall order for sure. It's safe to say these new Sidis deliver.

As the next evolutionary step of the Force boot, the $400 Crossfire upgraded the older boot in all the right places. As with all of Sidi's top-end boots, these are a bit cantankerous compared to other boots when you are putting them on. You essentially have to wrap the inner section and then buckle the outer plastic skirt. Initial setup for finding the right span of the buckles, especially the lower two, can take some time. But once you're happy with the fit, you'll likely never adjust them again. Then the procedure becomes simple, like second nature, with the improved buckles. The boot fits nice and snug along the ankle and calf but is just right and roomy in the toes. There is zero break-in required for the ankle pivot (now with dual pivots) and the sole takes only one ride. Even the SRS replaceable sole (very stiff) comes around in a few rides. As superb as the fit is, the best feature of this boot has been the protective qualities.

The boot flexes just about as far as your foot does, then becomes stiff and reluctant to move any further. That reluctance keeps your foot and lower leg from moving in ways it shouldn't since the boot is stiff as hell, just as it should be. And after approximately six months of abusing a couple of pairs (one SRS and one TA) I haven't had any bumps or bruises to report, though I'm sure there was opportunity.

The durability has been top shelf, with only one minor screw falling out. I used to have to actually "work on" my older Force boots, yet these haven't needed a screwdriver but once, and I was able to steal a less critical screw to get me through the day. The soles are some of the most durable without sacrificing grip, and even the clips in the pivots, which used to be a sore spot for me, haven't popped off-and I grip bikes with my ankles. Nothing inside has started to poke or rub and the best part is, since there is so much plastic, it pressure washes clean every time. For me, the only decision is which sole to buy, and it comes down to how much walking you plan on doing. The more you walk, the more you should go with the TA sole. These boots, available in sizes from 7.5 to 13, are my new favorite boots (and I'm not alone). -Jimmy Lewis

[PeteDizzle]

I picked up the sidi boots at Munroe motors and tryed them on and they were WAY comfortable, but then i took them off and was fooling with them a little bit. I was able to take the footbed of it and make it touch the shin piece. I think a little to much thought went into comfort and not quite enough into protection. Never owned a pair though so no firsthand experience with actual riding..

[Larry63r]

I have been riding with Sidi Flex Force SRS boots for four years now. My first pair I wore for three years and now they are my practice boots. My second pair I have been racing in for a year.
I love my boots. I will never go back to any other brand.
I got my foot stuck in the rear wheel of a CRF450 once. I stalled his bike with my foot as he was gassing it out of a corner. My foot was wedged between his spokes and his swingarm. I tapped him on the shoulder and asked him to back-up so I could get my foot out. I got back on my bike and finished the moto. It scuffed the boot up pretty bad but didn't hurt it or my foot. That is why I bought my second pair.
I wear sz. 8EE.
P.S. I put blue lock-tight on all the screws when the boots are new. Never had a screw come out on me yet.

[Matt Fisher]

Larry, does Sidi make their boots in different widths, or are they just a wide boot?

I've got the same size boot.

[5150.4mx]

I use this Sidi boot. It rocks! I can distincly remember two incidents where I should've broke my ankle, but didn't. Thank you Sidi!

One broken ankle costs more than any pair of boots in terms of health insurance deductable and lost time from work. I'd pay twice the price for Sidi's. A friend of mine who is sponsored by Gearne said I could get a new pair from him for very cheap. Although tempted (because I've heard good things about Gearne) Sidi has proven to protect my feet and ankles.

[Larry63r]

Originally Posted by Matt Fisher

Larry, does Sidi make their boots in different widths, or are they just a wide boot?

I've got the same size boot.

They seem to be wider than the alpinestars that I used to wear.
They have a insert in the bottom that you can remove to get more room. I leave them in in my boots.

[Matt Fisher]

In looking for knee braces to try on at the local dealerships (no luck), I was able to check out the Sidi Force TA and Crossfire TA boots today. Nice stuff, especially the Crossfire. The outer bracing plastic seems to be very similar to the Gaerne SG-10's.

I am surprised that stiffer plastic or carbon fiber isn't used to make the bracing really stiff in lateral movement. Put a bit of force on any of the boots from the side and the plastic just deforms, making me think that they don't protect as well as they could (?).