SIDI Adventure Gore-Tex Boots
4.6
5
54
54
Expensive boot but worth it if you're riding off road. If you want it because it looks cool, well that's another story.
I bought this boot after a small tump over cracked my ankle. I was wearing good boots, Sidi in fact, but not suitable for off-road protection. I won't make that mistake again.
June 17, 2013
A fantastic boot, that offers great protection.
These are my first adventure style boots, as I have always worn a sport type of boot.
As they are an adventure boot, they do run a little warm, but the protection they offer is first class.
As other people have said, the SIDI squeak is there. This is easily fixed by using some mink oil or silicone spray.
I took my Triumph Explorer off road for the first time, and these boots were perfect. Great grip from the soles.
Highly recommended!!!!!
As always Revzilla gave a first class shopping experience. This is how all online retailers should be.
June 4, 2013
Too expensive for what you get
I purchased the Sidi Adventure Gore-Tex boots after trying and returning a pair of Sidi Crossfire 2s. I was looking for an all-day every-day boot I could wear under riding gear, first for a solo six-week trip up the Dempster, then for a longer solo trip into Mexico and Central America. I ride an 1150 GS Adventure and I was looking for maximum protection.
The Crossfire 2s felt like too much boot, but worse, they wouldn't fit under the pant legs of any of my riding gear which meant having to buy new riding pants in addition to boots. (Unfortunately, about two weeks after the arrival of my Sidi Adventure's, the regular Crossfires were back in stock, but by then it was too late. I'd already worn the Adventures. From what I've read, the Crossfire 2 is larger at the calf, whereas the regular Crossfire might have fit under the pants legs of my riding gear. If the Crossfires had fit under my riding gear, I would have kept them and gotten used to their bulk and stiffness.) Anyway, on to the review ...
Out of the box, my initial impression (after having handled the Crossfires) is the Adventure Gore Tex is too expensive for what you get. Yes, the full grain leather is nice and the style works, but the buckles and build feel plasticky and cheap, as though if the wind blows the wrong way (or if the buckle mechanism doesn't seat correctly when you go to buckle them, which mine tend to do) they'll break off. Good thing they can be replaced. In addition, the malleolus protectors appear to be riveted on, which means you either need some kind of special Sidi tool to take them off and replace them, or, they aren't replaceable at all. In either case, it's disappointing. The calf protector is a hard part that provides good protection, but it's stitched on, which could also make it difficult or a hassle to replace. The plastic heel cup, also as compared to the Crossfire, feels thin and flimsy and able to provide only marginal protection. But I guess, like the calf protector, both are better than just leather.
As for the sole, it's glued on, not stitched, which was a deal breaker until I called an outfit in California which does all of Sidi's warranty resoles and is an authorized Sidi resoler in the U.S. The man to whom I spoke said when he resoles the Adventure's, he replaces the stock sole with Sidi's no-tread motocross sole, like the basic sole on the Crossfire. And now, after 8 hours and 300 miles in the boots I understand why.
If you ride an adventure bike with spiky, aggressive foot pegs, the boot's gummy, hiking boot style lug sole will catch on the pegs. Not fun. The sole is also so soft and gummy that standing on the pegs for long periods can get tiring. But here's the kicker, combine the sticky sole catching on the pegs with the boot's tall toe box (think big and boxy like a pair of pull-on, steel toed Harley boots with the buckle on the side), and it can be hard to shift with out really getting set up for it. On the positive side, the boot's flex system makes it comfortable to set up the shift and to brake all day. The gummy sole seems well suited for comfortable, short walks off the bike.
The Sidi Adventure Gore-Tex boots fit nicely under Levi's 501s, Carhartt double-front dungarees, Transit leathers and textile dual-sport pants. There's not much room to tuck pants inside the boots, put pants with less material in the calves and ankles might work.
As far as fit, all my mountaineering and telemark boots are Italian and I have consistently worn a size 42 with thicker mountaineering or telemark socks. I have a very high arch and a slightly narrow foot and Sidi's size 42 was spot on. I may insert a Superfeet insole for additional arch support, but the boots fit well and are very comfortable with or without them.
I was looking for a boot that I could wear all day every day for the Dempster trip. I also wanted a boot that could be worn under jeans or riding gear so I be a little more discreet while off the bike and walking around towns in Mexico and Central America.
All in all, for an all day, everyday, or commuter boot, that is comfortable on and off the bike I compromised on the Sidi Adventure Gore Tex. The boot offers protection that is better than leather alone, but based on the build and the items mentioned above, I'm still not convinced that they are worth the price. Shipping the boots with a different sole would be a major improvement. Nevertheless, I'll try the boot for the northern leg of the trip, and will reassess. Maybe they'll prove themselves.
June 3, 2013
First Class Boot.
The Sidi Adventure GTX Boots were surprisingly comfortable from day one, solid construction and well thought out design, very easy on and off.
Its not a cold weather boot, on a 36 degree day they were a little on the cold side, heavy sock will take care of that.
Have not ridden with them in the rain yet but heck they are Gore-Tex should be no worries.
May 6, 2013
Excellent product
I have had two rides on these. I can confirm other reviews that these are very comfortable boots to walk in given the large amount of protection that they offer. I wore them for about 200 miles of offroad riding and they had great protection from rocks. It does seam like the sole shows some early signs of wear but I have not had enough miles in them to come to a firm conclusion regarding the durability. Finally they do sqweek when walking in them.
May 6, 2013
The Hummer of motorcycle boots
I find that these run true to size. My foot i almost exactly 10.5 and size 11 fit me pretty well. They are snug with a little room in the toe box and plenty of room for thicker socks. The outer dimensions are comparable to a construction boot, with a high toe that required me to adjust my shifter. The sole is very grippy on my rubber foot pegs, but also much softer than a standard boot sole. A couple of miles walking around the city left very noticeable wear on the heel. That being said, they are very comfortable, if a bit bulky to walk in, even for some distance. They break in quick. That big hinge provides a ton of support. I have a sprained ankle and can walk in these without any limp and much easier than in sneakers. They are comfortable 40°-60° weather, but I haven't tested them in other extremes . I've been wearing them around the office to break in and they do feel a little warm, but not as bad as my Timberland waterproof boots. The goretex does seem to do a good job of wicking sweat away and letting your foot breathe. When I first got these I second guessed where all the money went, but after wearing them for a while, it is really remarkable how comfortable they are for the protection they provide and it's money well spent. Oh, and they do squeak.
April 30, 2013
Most money I have ever spent for a pair of shoes.
Worth every penny, bought them for dual sport riding. Wore them 1 day around the house and shop to make sure my feet would not be too sore before I went out on the bike. No problems, the most comfortable boots I have ever owned. The only slight negative I will say, and I did read this when I researched them, is that they do squeak will walking in them.
April 29, 2013
Robust and sleek, but a few shortcomings appear when worn
I originally purchased these in a 46 (US 11-11.5) after reading that they size a bit large, but that was too tight for my (on average) size 12 feet. The size 47 fits decently well, though a hair roomier than I'd like--the recommendation Revzilla gave me was to try thicker socks or swapping the insoles for something more cushy, though I'm not too worried about that as they're sufficiently comfortable as is.
I was unable to find a more protective boot without going full-motocross, so five stars there. I looked at Sidi's other road/commuter boots online (On Road, Canyon, & Armada), but always found myself wanting more protection. Despite being gore-tex, I haven't found them to be uncomfortably warm and I'm sure they're as waterproof as advertised. They're a bit stiffer than I'd imagined them to be walking around but that's the tradeoff for the added peace of mind that comes with extra armor; plus it's only been a few weeks thus far.
They look good sitting on the floor, but I didn't realize how tapered the toes are until wearing them. I had hoped to wear these discretely under jeans when riding to social engagements, but the narrow toe really isn't my style and I'll plan on backpacking something more aligned with my tastes.
Also, the very tall toe box and thick sole make for somewhat awkward shifting until you get used to it. I've read where others have adjusted their shift lever to accommodate this, but I'm probably lazy enough to simply adjust the way that I engage the shifter.
Of course, all of the points here are minor nitpicking compared to my overall satisifaction with the product. Sure, they're a bit expensive, borderline clunky, have narrow toes, and even squeak for those who haven't yet applied a grease/oil fix (I haven't had to do so yet), but in the end, I couldn't find another boot that checked off more of my needs. 4.7/5.
April 23, 2013
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All
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