Posted on October 11, 2011 by John. There have been comments

I've been shopping around for a new pair of boots recently, and a friend told me he swears by his Sidi SRS boots. I've always been an AlpineStars guy myself, so I was a bit skeptical at first. He had a pair that were my size, and he let me try them on. About a week later I ordered my pair from Cycle Gear.

First Impressions

These boots are clean! I almost didn't want to ride in them because they were so crisp. The overall style of this boot is great. Sidi is an Italian company, and the subtle Italian green, white and red is a nice touch. One thing that jumps out are the different pieces of rubber strategically placed around the boot. You can tell these boots are meant for moto.

One other great thing I noticed about these is that you don't feel like you are walking around in a pair of moon boots. You can really feel the ground under your feet almost like a pair of regular shoes. This is a nice change coming from a different boot where it feels as if I have high heels on while walking around.

Pivot System

One of the first things I noticed about these boots is that there is an ankle pivot system. This gives the boots a very comfortable feel while riding or walking around, and it makes for a much more comfortable riding position. It allows the ankle to pivot forward and backward but not side to side. These boots need very little time to break in. Once the leather in the ankle softens up you are good to go.

Buckles

The biggest complaint about AlpineStars boots is that the buckles are so hard to operate and snap into place. These Sidi boots have the easiest buckles I have ever used. They snap down easily, and they stay down once they are snapped. The straps adjust with a little ratchet slider so you can tighten or loosen the boots for optimal fit. You'll also notice the two screws that hold them into place. This means that you can replace these buckles should they ever wear out or break in a crash.

Replaceable Sole

When looking at the bottom of this boot up close, you'll notice a bunch of fasteners. These are for removing the sole when it is worn out. Sidi sells replacement soles so riders are not forced to buy a new boot when they wear one out. If you ride like me, you might wear out your right soul first from using the rear brake a lot. It's nice to know I can order a new on before it develops into a hole in the bottom of the boot.

Rubber Grips

The inner part of these boots have been affixed with a large rubber sticky pad that protects from wear and tear, heat and helps the rider grip the bike. I was surprised to see how sticky and rubbery the pieces were. They are also held on with screws and are fully replaceable. On the inside of the foot you'll notice a grey piece of nylon. This is there to protect the foot in the event that it comes off of the footpeg or kickstarter.

The Toe

This is one of the most important parts of a motocross boot. The toe is always being used for shifting. A lot of cheaper boots wear out very fast under heavy use. Take one look at the toe of this boot and you will see that it can stand up to a lot of abuse. It is very hard to the touch and will provide a lot of protection from rocks, falls and whatever else you can throw at it.

The Inner Lining

Last but not least is the inner lining. These boots are lined with Cambrelle. Cambrelle is a synthetic fabric that is fast drying and won't hold a lot of moisture. Aside from this great material, there is a lot of padding and support around the ankle region. This makes for a nice snug fit around the ankle and prevents your foot from sliding around and getting blisters.

Another great thing about the lining is how it is independent from the buckle system. You decide how tight you want the lining and then you decide how tight you want the boot. This is great for legs of all shapes and sizes. It really helps the boot fit nicely on the leg and prevents it from fitting too tight.

Conclusion

Although the price of these boots is a bit high at $525.00, these boots are very solid. You could almost say that these will be the last pair of motocross boots you'll ever need to buy. The replaceable plastics and buckles as well as soles make this boot a smart choice for riders who put their boots through hell. Cough up the extra few hundred dollars and get a nice pair of boots. You won't regret it. You can buy these boots at Cycle Gear.

Disclaimer: By clicking the link to Cycle Gear and purchasing something, I am compensated. This is to help me run this site and provide detailed reviews like this.