For me, picking out a good set of boots is just as important as picking out a quality pair of shoes. Not only do you want your boots to be comfortable, easy to use and offer supreme protection from off-road mishaps, but you also want your investment to weather the test of time. Because of great past experiences with Sidi Crossfire boots, I decided to give the latest edition a revisit. In 2006, I became a proud owner of a brand-new pair of Crossfires, which are still intact and are very much a part of my current arsenal of foot protection. To me, that says a lot for good quality equipment.
Although the new Crossfire boot carries on many of its excellent past qualities and characteristics, the modern version has gained many new design enhancements. It would be impossible to list them all, so here are a few highlights. First off, every single part of this boot has been carefully crafted with fine detail, so much so that you can literally build your own Crossfire boot using the colors in which you choose for each piece of the boot. If any part ever suffers incident, that part is most likely replaceable through Sidi, and that includes the sole of the boot. Sidi uses a dual-flex system, which allows the proper movement of your foot going forward and backward. It also allows the rider to adjust the calf area of the boot to properly fit your leg. One of my favorite features on Sidi's boots has been the cam-lock buckle system. This is by far the easiest buckle to snap closed on any boot I've ever used.
I won't say that I've found my new favorite boot, but rather I will iterate that Sidi's Crossfire line of boots remains at the very tip top of my list. I've been religiously wearing my previous pair of Crossfires for the past three years and finally retired them for this brand-new set. I've now put in about eight rides on my new set and would like to convey that they were extremely comfortable, felt great and were even broken in after only one ride. As for ease of use, the cam-lock buckle remains in my opinion the best buckle system on the market. And after a recent unfortunate and unintentional get-off, my knee was injured but the foot that was pinned under the quad remained well protected. As for being a good long-term investment, they seem to be built as well as if not better than my previous set. I expect them to take me through another few good years of riding and racing, comfortably that is. At $450, the Sidi Crossfire off-road boots are worth every single penny. -Thad Josey
| GEAR | 94 |
| Style | 19/20 |
| Comfort | 48/50 |
| Function | 10/10 |
| Wash/care | 8/10 |
| Price | 9/10 |
Bottom Line: A solid long-term investment that is comfortable, protective and should easily last for many years to come.