Here we go again with another edition of Dirt Reviews! I scrapped the Unpaid Testimonials name in exchange for Dirt Reviews… It sounds cooler.
One of the really cool things about my job working at the races it that I get a lot of folks asking me about different products, gear, riding areas, bikes, and more. I like to try out different products, and while I’ve got some great friends in the motorcycle industry that are willing to help me out, there are also brands and products I really like, even with no contact or support from these brands!
So, one of things I want to do on this site is offer some simple reviews on different products. There are a TON of video reviews out there for many, many different products but I still really like reading written reviews. I’m sure there’s others out there who share that same desire, so I figured I’d keep some written content out there. But, maybe I’ll make some videos down the road too! Anyway, let’s dive into this!
Introduction to Sidi Boots
If you’ve read the last couple of Dirt Reviews with the XCGear Mako 360 and the ProTech Guards Fork Guards, you’ll see I like to start these with how I found out about the product, and how I ended up with the product. Well, since Sidi is a huge brand in the motorcycle industry, that’s not exactly applicable here so I figured I’d change that format up and discuss the Sidi brand as a whole, and give a little on my personal experience with acquiring these boots.
If you’re not familiar with the background of Sidi, they are an Italian manufacturer who started very similar to other modern day motorcycle boot manufacturers. They began in the 1960s producing ski boots and similar products. Eventually, Sidi founder Dino Signori saw an opportunity in the market for motorcycle boots, both on and off-road, as well as cycling shoes. The rest, as they say, is history! Sidi has since established themselves as one of the premier boot brands in the motorcycle industry and has really become popular on the off-road side.
Sidi’s product line in the dirt world is primarily focused on higher end boots but they do have some budget models as well. Sidi is best known for their SRS (Sole Replacement System) models, which are replaceable and easy enough that you can do it at home. I’ve replaced two sets in the past, and once you figure it out it’s incredibly easy to do; just make sure you have enough screws! The TA models are a traditional sole that is not removable.
Sidi’s entry model is the Agueda, which comes in around $199.99 and is only available as a TA model. Above the Agueda is Sidi’s X-3 model which is available in both TA and an SRS and also features an Enduro version which is only available as a TA. The enduro version has an off-road specific sole, while the regular X-3 features a traditional sole. The X-3 models are priced at $349.99 for the TA and Enduro versions and $375.00 for the SRS.
The range then jumps up to the Crossfire 2, which is available in both TA and SRS and the Crossfire 2 SRS is what we’ll be focusing on in this article. The Crossfire 2 is priced at $449.99 for the TA and $499.99 for the SRS, which is a great price for a very high end boot! There’s also the slightly updated Crossfire 3, also available in both TA and SRS and priced at $524.99 for the TA and $574.99 for the SRS. Sidi also recently released their newest model, the Atojo SRS and is priced at $599.99.
I got my first pair of Sidi boots back around 2012. They were a 2011 model of the Crossfire (The previous model that is no longer in production) and I got them for a great price off someone who is much, much faster than me and competed at the top level of GNCC for several years. So, these were used and abused and I used them for several years myself. I later bought a pair of Crossfire 2 TA’s, then came across a gently used pair of Crossfire 2 SRS that I HAD to have. I wore those SRS quite a few times and replaced the soles on them in the winter of 2018. I started out the 2019 GNCC Racing season using them while riding sweep, and eventually switched over to the pair in the photos, which I actually won in a raffle. I never win anything, so I was pumped to get these!
What Makes The Crossfire 2 Different?
Much like anything else, the more expensive motorcycle boots are usually more expensive for a reason. Generally, they are made with better components and offer better protection than an entry-level boot. In the helmet world, they said “$100 helmet for a $100 head” and I believe the same can be said when it comes to boots. Yes, a cheaper entry level pair of boots will probably suit an casual rider just fine, but a more experience rider or someone taking racing serious should be strapping their feet into a pair of high end boots. Ya know, “$100 boots for $100 legs!”
Not only do the Sidi Crossfire 2 offer much higher levels of protection, the comfort is much, much higher than a cheap pair of boots as well. Additionally, the flex system offers a great amount of flexibility to the ankle area and nearly every part on these boots is replaceable. The shin guard, the buckles, straps and other parts are easily replaceable. Additionally, you can even create your own custom color schemes just by swapping these out. This is actually pretty cool and can give you your own unique set of boots.
The flexibility of the Crossfire 2 allows your ankles to move when needed, but also does so with good support and protection. This is also really nice for off-road riders as if you run into some issues on the trail and need to push, it’s much, much easier to move in these boots than others… Heck, this is even helpful when you’re just simply walking around the pits.
Difference Between TA and SRS
This is one of the big things I wanted to hit on and figured I would give this it’s own segment. If you’re shopping for Crossfire boots and aren’t sure of the real differences between the TA and the SRS, it might be a little hard to find info. Obviously, the biggest difference is the TA uses a traditional sole and the SRS sole is replaceable. I’ve been able to wear and ride with both versions and have noticed a few little differences.
I have a size 11.5 in both the TA and the SRS versions. The TA does seem to offer a little more room in my opinion. They almost fit a little more loose and require me to pull the straps tighter but that additional room inside them makes things even more comfortable. The SRS version, has a molded sole and does not have the metal tip on the toe or the stitching that the TA version has. This is kind of just a cosmetic thing, but I personally prefer the molded sole over the metal tipped sole.
Riding With The Sidi Crossfire 2
For me personally, I’ve grown to love the fit, style and comfort of the Sidi Crossfire so much that I can’t imagine wearing another boot. When you’re on the bike, the Sidi Crossfire offer so much comfort and fit really well on stock KTM footpegs. The SRS system can take a little getting used to and sometimes you have to learn how to remove your foot from the peg without getting the sole hung up on the peg.
It’s sort of an odd thing, but occasionally you’ll get one of the divots on the sole, where the screws are, stuck on the footpeg. It really only hangs your foot up for a split second, but when you can’t get your foot off fast enough it feels really awkward. This is kind of the only issue I’ve ever had with the boots but after a while you figure out how to lift your foot straight up before sliding it off the peg. This all happens in the blink of an eye and once you figure it out, it really doesn’t effect your riding.
I’ve found that the Crossfire also makes it easier to point your toes into the bike, like a rider is supposed to do. This is not really a lost art, but rather something that many riders don’t work on. In other lower-end boots, I felt as if it’s physically uncomfortable to point your toes in, but in these the flexibility and overall shape of the boots make this much easier.
I’ve already mentioned the ankle support and flexibility but we’ll expand a little further on that. For me, I do a ton of sweep riding and this means I’m in a pair of boots from about 7:30am until at least 5:30pm and sometimes later. I do a lot of walking in these boots, and also a lot of getting off the bike and pushing or pulling, helping other riders. The flexibility of the Crossfires make this so much easier and it does it with much more comfort.
When you’re riding, this flex makes it a bit easier when hitting the rear brake and shifting. This may not make a huge difference to the average rider but if you’re spending long days on the trail, then you’ll still really enjoy this flex and comfort. The toe of the Crossfire 2 is covered with an additional plastic while gives more protection and actually makes it easier to upshift.
Finally, The Summary
I have no clue how many hours I’ve put on my pairs of Sidi Crossfire 2’s but every one of those hours have been more comfortable than a budget-based pair of boots. Another great thing about Sidi is that they do offer half sizes. I have a pretty standard sized foot and I’m comfortable in both size 11 and 11.5 Crossfire 2. For someone with a wide foot, I would recommend getting a half size bigger than what you would normally buy just for the extra size accommodations.
I’ve found that I like the size 11.5 better as it gives me a little extra room inside the boot for a little more comfort. I don’t like a more constricted and tight feel to footwear, so having that little bit of wiggle room inside is nice. I also like to have a small amount of room at the end of the boot, just incase of a hard impact, it gives my toes that wiggle room as well instead of taking an impact full-force. Some people may struggle to ride with that feeling, but I’ve grown accustomed to it and prefer that feel.
Here in the USA, MotoNation handles all of the importing and distribution of Sidi. You can purchase them at many dealers across the USA, and all of the big online retailers as well. Additionally, you can purchase them directly from MotoNation. I’ve dealt with those folks a couple of times, including when I won the raffle of the pair I’m reviewing. They’re a good group and are willing to help you out!
In closing, the Sidi Crossfire 2’s are some of the best boots on the market in my opinion. You can’t go wrong with either the TA or the SRS version. The TA seems to fit a little wider and a smidge longer than the SRS, but in the long run you’ll be able to get more life out of the SRS by replacing the soles. This will eventually help you save money as a set of soles for around $30 is much cheaper than a whole new pair of boots!
Here’s The Star Thing
Durability: 5/5
Protection: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Comfort: 5/5
Price: 4.5/5
Overall: 5/5
Price: $449.99-$499.99
Where to Buy: MotoNation.com
Bolton Adventures 