Sidi Crossfire Boots - Dirt Bike Gear Review - Dirt Rider Magazine

Sidi Crossfire
I'm picky about boots. First, I love my feet and all of my nine toes, so much so that I'm hyper-concerned about protecting them. Second, as protective of my appendages as I may be, I still have a pretty stiff requirement for good feel and flexibility from a boot. A tall order for sure. It's safe to say these new Sidis deliver.As the next evolutionary step of the Force boot, the $400 Crossfire upgraded the older boot in all the right places. As with all of Sidi's top-end boots, these are a bit cantankerous compared to other boots when you are putting them on. You essentially have to wrap the inner section and then buckle the outer plastic skirt. Initial setup for finding the right span of the buckles, especially the lower two, can take some time. But once you're happy with the fit, you'll likely never adjust them again. Then the procedure becomes simple, like second nature, with the improved buckles. The boot fits nice and snug along the ankle and calf but is just right and roomy in the toes. There is zero break-in required for the ankle pivot (now with dual pivots) and the sole takes only one ride. Even the SRS replaceable sole (very stiff) comes around in a few rides. As superb as the fit is, the best feature of this boot has been the protective qualities.The boot flexes just about as far as your foot does, then becomes stiff and reluctant to move any further. That reluctance keeps your foot and lower leg from moving in ways it shouldn't since the boot is stiff as hell, just as it should be. And after approximately six months of abusing a couple of pairs (one SRS and one TA) I haven't had any bumps or bruises to report, though I'm sure there was opportunity.The durability has been top shelf, with only one minor screw falling out. I used to have to actually "work on" my older Force boots, yet these haven't needed a screwdriver but once, and I was able to steal a less critical screw to get me through the day. The soles are some of the most durable without sacrificing grip, and even the clips in the pivots, which used to be a sore spot for me, haven't popped off-and I grip bikes with my ankles. Nothing inside has started to poke or rub and the best part is, since there is so much plastic, it pressure washes clean every time. For me, the only decision is which sole to buy, and it comes down to how much walking you plan on doing. The more you walk, the more you should go with the TA sole. These boots, available in sizes from 7.5 to 13, are my new favorite boots (and I'm not alone). -Jimmy Lewis