Sidi Jasmine Rain Boots Review

To get my girlfriend Carrie outfitted for her first European motorcycle tour, in the fall of 2010, one of the most important items on her gear list was a pair of high-quality, waterproof touring boots. They needed to be comfortable to wear on and off the bike, and to have a slender, stylish design instead of the big, chunky boots many guys like to wear. No surprise, then, that we found exactly what we needed from Italian boot maker Sidi.

Sidi Jasmine Rain Boots have a Lorica (synthetic leather) and Cordura nylon outer, a waterproof, breathable membrane, a perforated Teflon treated nylon lining and a composite inner sole with removable arch support. Inside are protective barriers for the shins, heels, ankles and toes. Ingress and egress is made easy with a simple zipper closure covered by a small, Velcro-secured panel at the top, and there is a full-length inner gaiter to keep water from entering via the zipper. A small stretch panel opposite the closure allows the opening of the boots to expand as needed, while a flexible Cordura panel between the heel and ankle allows the foot to flex naturally. These very well-made boots are double stitched in all high stress areas, have a non-slip rubber sole and have 180-degree reflective piping around the back.

After 18 months of occasional day rides with periods of intense, everyday use—a two-week tour of Spain and Portugal, a one-week tour of Northern California, a two-week tour of the Balkans—Carrie has been extremely happy with her Sidi boots. They broke in easily, they breathe well on hot days, they keep out the rain and she can walk around on cobble-stoned streets for hours without complaint. She has had no issues with the zippers, stitching or anything else, and she expects to have several more years of good use out of them.

Sidi Jasmine Rain Boots (MSRP $200) were recently superseded by the Livia Rain Boots (MSRP $220), which have slightly different look, adds reflective panels on the side and front and adds internal toe shift pad with traction points. Since the Jasmine Rains have been discontinued, they can be purchased at a discount from several online retailers.

For more information, see your dealer or visit www.motonation.com

The zipper closure has a full-length gaiter to keep water out.
The zipper closure has a full-length gaiter to keep water out.
Sidi Jasmine Rain boots have a non-slip rubber sole.
Sidi Jasmine Rain boots have a non-slip rubber sole.

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