Motorcycle Boots Review

Sidi’s new top of the range boot includes a number of improvements over their Vertigo Corsa model.
The latch adjustment system they use over the bridge of the foot is now included just above the ankle for an even better fit. New vent at the front of the toes provide even more airflow.  Vortice Air is their perforated leather version allowing insance amounts of air flow for summer and warmer climates.  The other differences between these and the Corsa’s are a replaceable sole, heel cup and better fitting system.

The replaceable sole is an excellent idea as race boot soles tend to wear out quickly, for me anyhow.  The heel cup now includes a crumple zone type system that will absorb the impact and is also replaceable.  The fitting system is a little different and will take getting used to.

Essentially the calf and shin is split open in two parts, allowing easier entry and particularly good for people with wide calves.  Sizing fits true to size, same as the Vertigo models.

If you don’t mind the extra time in putting these on along with the higher price tag, then these are the best race boots available in my opinion.  The amount of adjustments they offer make these an excellent fit.  Craftmanship is superb, Sidi never lets you down with their high end gear.  Protection and armor is innovative and the replacement parts make this a boot you can crash many times over without replacing entirely.

Colors available are two toned, Black/Black, Black/Blue, Black/Red and White/White.

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Sidi’s top of the range boot, now superceded by the Vortice range.  As you would expect from Sidi, the craftmanship is top notch along with all the safety features you expect in a high end race boot.  The Vertigo range has taken 2 years to design and includes a wide range of models.  We will go through the Sidi Vertigo and Sidi Vertigo Corsa models.

• Sidi Vertigo - Standard model with plastic/lorica armor.
• Sidi Vertigo Air - Perforated model for greater ventilation.
• Sidi Tepor (Vertigo Rain) - Waterproof model.
• Sidi Mega Gore Tex - Waterproof model for wider feet.
• Sidi Vertigo Corsa - Top end model with improved armor and features.
• Sidi Vertigo Corsa Air - Perforated model of the Corsa’s.

Starting with their replaceable component system.  The toe slider and shin plate can be replaced in case you taste asphalt and survive to ride again.  The shock absorbing heel cup appears to offer excellent protection, though I haven’t crashed with them yet.

Their unique calf tightening system is the best of all boots I’ve tried on.  You tighten a knob at the back to adjust and with a simple flick of the switch you release it for easy exit.  A standard zipper with velcro is used to hold your feet.  Side vents can be opened for additional air flow.  If you live in a warm climate, the Sidi Vertigo Air boots come perforated.
Sizing wise these fit true to size.  Only gripe is that these aren’t made for wide feet.  Sidi offer the Sidi Mega Gore Tex (waterproof), but ideally a mega version of their standard or vertigo air model would be better.

Sidi Vertigo Corsa review.

Sidi’s Vertigo Corsa includes the same excellent craftmanship and design as the regular Vertigo with additional features.  The removeable shin plate is in carbon fiber, toe sliders have ceramic inserts, stronger ankle protection and a tightening system over the bridge of your foot for better adjustment.  Sidi Vertigo Corsa Air is the perforated version.

Colors available are two toned, Black/Black, Black/Blue, Black/Red and Black/White.

If your feet are not overly wide, then the Vertigo Corsa’s come highly recommended.  I would spend the extra over the regular Vertigo’s.

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Alpinestars higher end racing boot, just under their Supertech R range.

Full protection racing boot with good quality construction. It includes an inner boot lacing system to allow for a more customizable fit. Fits true to size and can accommodate wider than normal feet, I wear a EE.
Comes in a perforated version for better ventilation during summer. Includes replaceable toe and heel sliders, toe sliders are plastic but can be replaced with magnesium sliders. It’s also available in a multitude of colors (Black, Blue, Red, White, White/Red)

I find these are quite squeaky when walking, caused by the plastic ankle cup rubbing with the plastic heel armor. If you wear a suit (you should), some shin armor may not fit if you have thick calves. Sole may wear out quickly but this applies to all race boots in general. Alpinestar boots use a curved zipper system that may take some getting used to and longer to put on. However, once on I feel these are one of the best boots in their price range $300-$350. I highly recommend these and wear them myself (the vented version).

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Alpinestars successor to their popular S-MX 4 boots. The main difference between the new S-MX 5 boots and the previous version S-MX 4 are greater comfort and improved ventilation throughout the boot. The quality construction and safety is as good as the previous version. These also come in a separate perforated version. Keeping in line with the goal of improved comfort, the sole is not as wide and bulky as your normal race boots. The compound of the sole is also designed to be suited for walking and won’t wear as quickly.

Very comfortable motorcycle boots to wear. Armor is not as thick compared to the SMX Plus model, particularly the heel and shin protectors but still sufficient for general riding. It uses a easy to use velcro adjustment system to tighten the fit with the same zipper system as the other S-MX boots to enclose your foot. The S-MX 5 boots are a well rounded full length boot with a good amount of protection and comfort. Price is around $200-$250.

-Ethan Carnegie

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Over 80% of motorcyclists who are injured in a crash have injuries to their legs, including 16% to feet and 23% to ankles (Otte, et al 1987).

Your feet are the part of your body that is most likely to make contact with the road, resulting in injuries even in a slow speed and minor crash. Injuries occur from direct impacts or being trapped between the motorcycle and other vehicles or objects as well as with the abrasive road surface.

Tests of 21 well known brands of motorcycle boot against the European Standard, found that none passed the impact resistance test and only half passed the crush resistance test (Motorcycle News, UK, MCN, May 21 & 28, 1997). However there is evidence to suggest that good boots can significantly reduce the risk of foot injuries (Otte et al, 2002).

How can you tell if they are “good” boots? What to look for.

Many riders and their pillions still wear street or sports shoes. Whether you are trying to decide the safest choice from your current shoe collection or buying some motorcycle boots, here are some design features to help guide you in your choice.

Fit
Boots must be comfortable. They should be neither too tight nor loose. If they are too tight, your feet may go numb particularly if you are also cold.

Check whether you can mount, ride and operate all the controls freely. Can you walk normally, climb stairs, bend over, crouch and pick up your keys from the floor?

Design
In order to provide protection, boots should be at least 160 mm high from the inner sole and provide impact protection for the shins, instep and ankles.

How are the soles attached? Sewn is stonger than bonded. Many sports boots have soles that are only glued on! They would be ripped off in seconds if your foot is dragging along a road.

How are they fastened? If you just have to pull them on, they can also be pulled off in a crash, just when you really need them.

They should have oil resistant soles and be sufficiently waterproof for you to walk 10 metres through a puddle.

Avoid boots that allow your foot to overhang the edge of the sole. Look for at least 10 mm clearance from the edge to the upper.

Look for thick abrasion resistant uppers. Leather should be at least 2.5 mm thick.

Look for thick soles – at least 4 mm not including cleats.