Sidi Boot Recs?

[Ari Rankum]

Subject says it all, folks. Think I want Sidi, but I'll hear you if you want to recommend something else.

Duty: 90%+ LD riding, perhaps few % track days, if I get around to getting a track rig this summer.

 

[FJRBluesman]

Hmmm. I just use standard engineer boots, or what some call "harness" boots, for every day commuting and short rides.

I have purchased some Alpinestars Supertechs for the track. I also used these on a long multi-day ride. They were plenty comfortable; however, walking in them was little awkward as they were like walking in ski boots, they want your leg to be bent like when you're riding.

Good luck.

 

[markjenn]

Assuming they fit, you can't go wrong with a Sidi boot. I've been using one of their gore-text-membrane waterproof models for the last five years or so and it is great.

- Mark

 

[Wolfhound]

I have the Alpinestar SMXR & Oxtar Matrix3 , I find the Oxtars much more comfortable + they are waterproof . . .

 

[squeezer]

Oxtar Matrix3 . . .

Oxtar has changed their name to TCX. The Matrix 2 (not 3) is a great boot. I wear the similar Alpinestars Effex GTX, also a great boot. In fact, they're so similar it wouldn't surprise me to find out they come from the same factory, but I don't really know. They both have real leather uppers and Gore-tex linings, great ankle, shin, and foot protection, good soles, comfy on and off the bike. Sidi makes a great boot, but I don't think you're losing anything by going with either of these for a lot less dough. Just IMHO.

 

[jcyuhn]

The Sidi Strada is a great all around boot for an FJR rider. They are very comfortable on and off the bike, armored, waterproof, and of course very well made. My 4 year old set doesn't show any wear. OK, I am admittedly low mileage compared to most around here...

The Strada comes in a couple of different models. I have the ones lined with something like gore-tex - I think it's called Tepor. They're a touch warm in high ambient temps - say over 90F. But the most waterproof, and warm down to about freezing. They also make an Strada boot without the lining but adding silly little air scoops. Can't recall the name.

Serious tourers seem to favor the On Road Sympatex boot. Not really sure how it differs from the Strada series.

- JimY

 

[ngarider]

I've got the Sidi On-Road boots

Best boot I've ever owned, period. It does everything I need. The only downside is in the sweltering heat, there's not much relief from a big boot like that. However, I found that I'm much more comfortable with that boot and the GenI heat than with a shorter boot and susceptible to the heat wash.

Never tried the vented boots, but they aren't water PROOF... just water resistant. My On Roads are water PROOF, unless you get in water that's higher than the boot.

 

[eg23232]

I have the Sidi Stradas for all-weather and I like them. Better armored than most touring boots. Water proof.

When not worrying about the rain or cold, I use the Vertigos.

 

[FJRocket]

You'd better have narrow feet!

I have a set of Sidi "air" boots. Wore them one season after stretching the crap out of them. Great boot, but too narrow for me.

I have two pair of Oxtars that are now my primary boots. I have a set of "airs" in the Oxtars, too. Probably not great for a track day, but a great 3 season boot.

 

[Stephen]

I have a pair of SIDI B-2 boots. They pinched my right foot, then I redid the toe screw (it was too tight) and now they're perfect. Easy into and out of. Great boots.

I also have a pair of weird Alpinestars SMX plus'. Very comfortable, however not real easy to get into or out of.

 

[airboss]

The Sidi Strada is a great all around boot for an FJR rider. They are very comfortable on and off the bike, armored, waterproof, and of course very well made. My 4 year old set doesn't show any wear. OK, I am admittedly low mileage compared to most around here...
The Strada comes in a couple of different models. I have the ones lined with something like gore-tex - I think it's called Tepor. They're a touch warm in high ambient temps - say over 90F. But the most waterproof, and warm down to about freezing. They also make an Strada boot without the lining but adding silly little air scoops. Can't recall the name.

Serious tourers seem to favor the On Road Sympatex boot. Not really sure how it differs from the Strada series.

- JimY

I've got the Sidi On-Road boots

Best boot I've ever owned, period. It does everything I need. The only downside is in the sweltering heat, there's not much relief from a big boot like that. However, I found that I'm much more comfortable with that boot and the GenI heat than with a shorter boot and susceptible to the heat wash.

Never tried the vented boots, but they aren't water PROOF... just water resistant. My On Roads are water PROOF, unless you get in water that's higher than the boot.

Got Both

Strada/w/ Tepor lining, and the On Road model. both are good for all day,=24 Hrs 1000 Miles, and both well keep your feet dry.

Strada, a little smaller and ligher, better for higher temps. slight forward lean, a little more comfy sitting on the bike. Easy on, Easy off.

On Road, heaver all around. Looks like it would take much more abuse(not tested). no lean, takes a little breaking in. better in cooler temps. Straps are not as easy to deal with as the zipper.

Sidi's do come small I ordered my exact size in the Strada, and had to walk them around the house for a couple of days to break them in. After that they fit like a glove(boot) very comfy.

On Road I went a size up, and they felt loose. I put in a pair of thicker insoles perfect.

 

[Wild72]

Still using a seven year old pair of Sidi Vertebra 2 boots, which should really be trashed, but they are so comfortable for me. Sizing does run small on them though. Mine are two sizes up from my normal footwear and suit me fine.

Only problem is the onboard mice that Sidi call the vertebra spine which squeaks until you spray in copious quantities of silicon spray lube, on a fairly regular basis.

 

[Wolfhound]

Oxtar Matrix3 . . .

Oxtar has changed their name to TCX. The Matrix 2 (not 3) is a great boot. I wear the similar Alpinestars Effex GTX, also a great boot. In fact, they're so similar it wouldn't surprise me to find out they come from the same factory, but I don't really know. They both have real leather uppers and Gore-tex linings, great ankle, shin, and foot protection, good soles, comfy on and off the bike. Sidi makes a great boot, but I don't think you're losing anything by going with either of these for a lot less dough. Just IMHO.

I have the newer TCX branded Matrix2 . . . .

 

[HYCLE]

I have fat feet so I bought the Sidi Way Tepor Mega. I started out wearing them to work then changing into my work boots. Got in a hurry one morning and frogot to change boots. Now I wear them all day long which is about 12 hours for me.

As the weather is warmer these days, they aregetting a little too hot in the afternoon. I have been looking at Oxtar Air Mesh boots for the summer.

 

[FredandJeannesRacer]

Just bought the Sidi Doha. They're built like a hiking boot, very light weight, and not hot. They don't look like motorcycle boots, but like casual wear.

There are toe and heel cups, and ankle protectors. Definitely not for track days! And the european sizing is hard to figure out. Yes they are a narrow boot,

but fit me fine.

 

[Fencer]

if you have a fat foot, the only thing I found to fit was Gearne. Crash tested and approved.

 

[Powerman]

Got the Sidi Way Tepor boot for Xmas. Got a wide that fits great.

Rode through monsoons on the way to Daytona, no leaks.

I think it hit 85 F one day and I was still comfortable.

 

[jgrover]

I have wide feet and found that the Sidi Canyon Gore-Tex fit well...

https://newenough.com/browse/view_product_images/950

https://newenough.com/boots/waterproof_spor...ycle_boots.html

They are water proof and super comfortable! They also have a sole that can be replaced if I wear em out...

Jason

 

[colin]

I had a pair of Sidi Strada's.... or at least something that looked just like it. wasn't gore-tex, but I remember it was supposed to be waterproof.

Comfy boot, I liked it.

But It seemed to be less waterproof later in life than I think it was supposed to.

What I did find as far as wear, is that the front of the boot got worn off between the toe and the sole. There isn't much of any overlap where you would roll from the ball of your foot to the toe. All my other boots have a bit more there. So that wore off quite a bit, wasn't too happy with that. So that is something I look for in boots these days....

(or maybe I should just pick my foot up faster?)