The Sidi Company has been making motorcycle boots since 1970, and has a men’s and women’s range covering everything from motocross to touring, even pit boots. Liking simplicity and ease of use, I ordered up a pair of Sidi Tour Rain boots in size 11.5. Putting them on the scale, the pair weighed three pounds, ten ounces—exactly what an old-fashioned pair of English boots I got 35 years ago weighs.
But 35 years has changed the motorcycle boot considerably. Most notable is the rubber outer sole, one long piece, no heel, with a pleasantly soft non-slip tread. Closure is another feature, as my old ones have a long zipper up the back. The Sidis have side closure, with a zipper running up the lower two-thirds, protected by flaps running all the way to the top.
The shaft of the Sidi is 11.5 inches high, with a padded shin plate giving good protection to my shins. There are also ankle pads and a reinforced toe box—as the front part of the boot is delicately called. All this is in place to protect you in the case of an accident.
The boots, which are double-stitched in all the places that would take the most abuse in case of a fall, look to me as though they would give very good protection. The body is made of a leather-like material called Technomicro, which is said to be stronger and lighter than a cow’s hide, as well as being water-repellant and breathable. I did ride in an hour’s light rain, and my feet stayed dry.
Beyond the rain factor is comfort, both on the motorcycle and walking around. Spread the top of the shaft and the boot opens up to be slipped into easily. The circumference of the shaft is large enough with the zipper and Velcro closures so even those with meaty calves will be accommodated. The boot liner is made of Trockenfuss—a German word that means dry foot—so that should you be out on a hot day, any perspiration will dry quickly.
Breaking in any boot takes a while, and a couple of hundred miles will probably pass by before the rider has good sensitivity for the subtleties of the gearshift. And one gets used to the absence of any real heel when strolling along. On the back and front of each boot are three little reflector dots, and on the outward-facing side are a dozen dots in a small triangle. These do show up when a car’s headlights reach them. As I have often said, the more conspicuity, the better.
I got this pair from Motonation, based in Santee, California, the Sidi importer. Lots of sizes for this Tour Rain model, from a small 7.5 all the way to 12. Price is $225.
For more information: See your dealer, call (877) 789-4940 or visit motonation.com.
(This Gearlab review was published in the June 2015 issue of Rider magazine.)
