Sidi Motosport Boots
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People love their feet. It's okay. It's natural. It's even spiritual. Feet take you on your journey through life. They're there for you when you're young and fleet, when powerful quadriceps thrust them down with the force of thousands of pounds per square inch, which they happily endure because they know they're propelling you through a flowering field where another pair of feet -- her feet -- happily are driving her towards you. And while you kiss your love and set forth the chemical processes that will complete your biological mission on this planet, your toes curl with joy and so do hers and your love is their love. Who wouldn't get a little misty thinkin' 'bout it?
But for motorcyclists it's always been the ubiquitous boot. That is, until now. A few manufacturers have decided to branch out into the world of the shoe, previously verboten both for boy scout bikers due to concerns about sufficient protection and to stylin', high-milein' bikers because, well, boots are too cool for school and therefore the automatic preference.
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Or you're a sport-biker and all day long you're doing things to tight curves on your motorcycle that'd make your girlfriend (or boyfriend, as the case may be) leave in a righteous fury, but you're sporting a pair of those weird multi-color, plastic-coated boots that make your friends think that all sport bikers are merely a speedy species of dork. So whaddaya do?
The shoes lace up quickly for a tight fit, and a nice fit at that. They were comfortable from the get-go, which has been typical for Sidi's products, at least for this tester, who sports pretty average back paws for a 195-pound, six-foot dude. When you're cruising the Autobahn at a buck with change, it's important that your toes aren't squished up, that your arches aren't aching, and that you're hooves are as snug as bugs in rugs, with good feel for the controls. This primary objective is executed nicely. |
Primary Objective No. 2, though no less critical, is protection. The boots are constructed of split grain leather and Kevlar®, filling the "Cool Safety Materials" requirement nicely. They're double-stitched throughout as well, and after nine or so months of thrashing about town they look almost as good as day one, so they also earn the "Durable Construction" badge that all young boots covet. A steel inner shank provides sole support while you're on the pegs, and the toes and heel are stiffened and reinforced. The ankle area, all around, is fully padded. Reflective strips on the sides and back are also nice additions. In short, there's no reason to believe that these shoes wouldn't take a bullet for your feet.
 The laces are a little a-frayed from the Velcro®. |
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Styling-wise, reviews were mixed. The evaluator's girlfriend, a lovely Italian-American said, "Weird. What are they?" Another female friend, a lovely African-American said, "Cool. What are they?" In that they inspired two lovely women to comment may in itself be a feature of this footwear, but aside from that, all other opinions, in the office and out, were split, so you're spinning the wheel and taking your chances with these hush-pups. They're made in Italy, though, so that automatically earns 'em an honorary style nod.
In that these boots have worn very well and keep motorcyclists thoughtfully in mind with their design, they succeed with their mission. They do set you back $120 USD, however, which is serious clammage for some, so it's a judgment call. Tired of hard-to-don boots? Demand more protection than ordinary shoes or high tops? Do you belong to the 50% of humanity that thinks they look oh-so-fine? If you answered yes to these questions, then buy 'em because they will serve you long and well, no matter what your riding style. Maybe Sidi's on to something. Three-and-a-half stars.
| Motorcycle Online Rating: ***1/2
Sidi Motosports are available at http://www.motorcycle.com/cgi-bin/redirector?www.motonation.com. Related Reading:
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