If you've been living under a rock, or are completely new to motorcycles, you might not have heard of Sidi - the Italian boot maker founded in 1960. Well renowned in both cycling and motorcycling, they've stuck to boots as their forte and have become a stalwart of motorcycle footwear.
It's a new year and with the new riding season around the corner it's a good time to see what's out there in the boot world if your current pair are getting a bit long in the tooth. If you're commuting all-year-round then maybe your usual pair have seen better days and you need a high quality replacement - Sidi have got your back.
Sidi have a wide range of boots on offer, from short to high, and sporty to touring, so you're bound to find something that suits you.
One of their most popular models is the Vertigo, or rather the Vertigo 2 now that it's been updated. Available in a ladies' fit too, the Vertigo has been around for some time and for good reason. Sitting firmly in the mid-range of what you could expect to pay for a solid boot that's as at home on the track as it is on the road. Rigid armour covering the calf/shin, a massive heel shock absorber, closable side air-vent, replaceable toe sliders and a natty closure system make a boot that will keep your feet and ankles nice and safe. Its only drawback is its lack of proper waterproofing, but providing you close the air vents (it's possible to do this at a standstill without getting off the bike, do so while riding at your own risk!) then the boots will happily withstand a shower. Applying some waterproofing should help boost that capability if you're heart is set on this boot. Coming in at £224.99 these boots are well worth the cash and should last you many years.
Moving up the field and to the top of the range, the Sidi Rex looks the part with significant upgrades over the mid-range Vertigo 2. Obviously this translates into a higher price, but if you're after a seriously safe and adjustable boot this might just be the one you're after. At £319.99 you get all of the features in the Vertigo 2, but you get a far more adjustable closure system, with Sidi's natty ratchet system in 3 positions to adjustably close the boot in 3 places. Along with the side air vent, you also get one on the toes for increased air flow, and if that's not enough there's the perforated Rex Air (just kiss goodbye to any water resistance!). Like the Vertigo 2, the Rex doesn't include any proper waterproofing, but once again it should withstand a shower. Available in a range of colours, and with a fancy-pants replaceable metallic toe slider, the Rex really does look the part too.
If you're after a solid high ankle boot from Sidi, but want to save a little cash, then the Sidi Performer is your best bet. At £166.49 they're significantly less dear, although you do sacrifice some of the more fancy features you get on the previous two models. Retaining rigid shin armour and replaceable toe sliders, alongside conventional armour on the heel, this boot will still do a good job of keep your feet and ankles intact in the event of a spill. Making do with a standard zip and velcro closure system and no air vents it loses some flexibility and ease of use, but if you're planning to ride on cooler days without worrying about rushing out of the door then maybe these aren't issues for you at all. A solid boot for a solid price, it doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It is worth mentioning that a Goretex (£215.99) and Air version are available too, so if you're looking for a boot to work purely when it's warm, or at risk of getting wet then they could suit you too.
Rounding it all off with a more conventional, touring-biased boot, the Armada Goretex boot comes in at £255.59. As you can see it's altogether less 'fancy' looking than the sport-biased boots, but its aim is for sheer resilience for day-to-day use. Armour in all the key places, external and internal anti-twist tech and a hefty patch of velcro at the top of the zip will keep these boots on your feet, with your feet and ankles safe and secure. Thick soles will ensure a good lifespan over the more sporty variants, as well as better traction walking around with the deeper tread. Goretex waterproofing rounds off the package, keeping your feet nice and dry in a downpour. Aimed more at the commuter or tourer, these boots would make an excellent, long-lasting and bombproof addition to your daily gear.
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