Review by Jody Levitan
[This Sidi Way Rain Motorcycle Boots Review was originally published in the March 2010 issue of Rider magazine]
When I started riding a couple of years ago, the Sidi Way Rain boots were my first pair of riding boots. The boots are equipped with Sidi features and quality at an affordable price, so they seemed like a good choice. In addition, I thought they looked pretty nice for a non-leather boot (What can I say? I’m the art director for Rider, and these things are important to me). I decided to get a men’s size, since my feet are kind of wide for a woman, and I wanted to be as comfy as possible so I could focus on shifting and braking properly. The Way Rains are considered the men’s boot and the Jasmine is the women’s version.
Some of the key features that attracted me to this particular boot are a breathable, water-resistant membrane, removable arch support, zipper and hook-and-loop closures, reflective heel panels and full-length inner gaiters. The boots have a composite inner sole for protection and resistance to side-to-side compression. I also liked the idea of a taller boot for greater protection and stability. My feet felt well cushioned and quite comfortable.
On the other hand, I have slender calves, so while the hook-and-loop let me tighten the men’s boot to a degree, they still flopped around a bit when I wore them under my pant leg. This was mainly noticeable when I walked around, but not as much while I was riding.
In addition to the comfort features, the boots also have internal heel, ankle and toe protection, padded shin plates and a Lorica toe shift pad. I liked how the internal protection, especially the ankle protection, didn’t rub me the wrong way even when I was walking. The Lorica material is a composite microfiber that acts like natural leather skin, but with better strength, softer texture, lighter weight and better moisture protection. It’s also highly resistant to abrasion, yet is still breathable. Early on I must admit to dropping a test bike or two, and my feet and ankles were completely protected (the bike not so much). They do take a while to break in, and in fact mine are still a little stiff at the ankles, but not to an uncomfortable degree. Their resistance to scratches and abrasion have also kept them looking pretty new for some time now.
As I became more comfortable riding in different conditions, I finally got to test them in the rain and a few deep puddles. Even though they are considered water resistant, my feet stayed completely dry even when fully submerged in water. The only time my feet were ever damp was from walking around on very hot days. Even then, with the removable liner and breathable inner membrane, they dried quickly.
The Sidi Way Rains are priced at $200 and with the kind of protection, comfort and durability they offer, plus water-resistance and long-wear, they are worth the investment. For being my first pair of riding boots (I wonder if they bronze booties in larger sizes), I would say they lived up to my expectations and contributed to a much more enjoyable riding experience.
For more information: Motonation, 1100 N. Magnolia, Suite A, El Cajon, California 92020; (619) 401-4106; www.motonation.com
