9 Best Hard Enduro and Trail Riding Boots [Gold-Silver-Bronze]
With so many dirt bike boot options it’s not an easy decision making the right purchase. Especially considering the price tag of some of the best boots. In this guide we’ve found the best dirt bike boots for different riding levels.
If this is your first time here, welcome to First Checkpoint. My goal is to help you find the answers to all your motorcycle-related questions. So you’re an enduro rider. I love enduro riding. It’s my ultimate getaway, it quiets my mind and gives me a way to escape my thoughts while testing my ability and skill on a dirt bike. It’s also a great way to get away for a weekend with all your riding buddies and have some fun.
I’ve done a lot of riding out in the valleys, mountains, and rivers of South Africa. Home to some of the most beautiful enduro riding in the world, and some of the top hard enduro riders like Wade Young, Alfie Cox, Darryl Curtis, and Errol Dalton.
My favorite pair of Enduro boots I’ve ever rode with was when I was just getting into the sport 15 years ago. They were a pair of limited edition Forma’s which I can no longer find, anywhere. Believe me I’ve tried. They were the most comfortable boots I’ve ever ridden and It’s been a challenge to find a pair worthy of being called a close competitor.
Since then I’ve outgrown my old Forma’s. Not that growing has much to do with anything. I was and still am a rough rider with a rather brutal “technique”, probably more of a “hit it and hope” riding approach than being skillful and technical over the rocks. Needless to say, I go through a lot of gear for a weekend warrior so choosing the right boots is important.
I’ve found the top boots on the market for different riders from beginner, intermediate and pro. The best enduro boots to look at are:
Best hard enduro boots for gold class riders
- Alpinestars Tech 10 Boots
- SIDI Crossfire 3 TA – (My Choice)
- Gaerne SG 12
Best hard enduro boots for silver class riders
Best Enduro Boots for Beginners
The Best Cheap Enduro Boots For Your Budget
When it comes to buying enduro boots, these are probably going to be your most expensive purchase along with your helmet. The same can be said about the importance of this purchase. Keeping budget in mind, I’ll start off by looking at the best budget enduro boots for entry level bronze class riders, moving onto the best value for money enduro boots, and lastly to the best enduro riding boots on the market
Best Entry Rider Enduro Boots Reviewed
1. Alpinestars Tech 3 Enduro Boots
Overall Rating : 4.8
Value For Money : 4.8
Protection & Durability : 4.4
Features : 4.2
Comfort : 4.2
Style : 3.2
Foot Shape : Normal
Before we get into it – make a mental note that the Alpinestars Tech 3’s come in both a motocross and enduro variation. The only difference is the sole.
It simply would not be right to not include an Alpinestars boot in our list of the top budget enduro boots. Alpinestars was first started back in 1963 so it’s only natural that a boot manufacturer that’s been in the game for so long has managed to iron out all the kinks.
The Tech 3’s offer all the comfort and protection an entry level rider could ask for with a reasonable price tag. The upper outer layer is made from an abrasion resistant microfiber material that offers flexibility around the calf.
While the toe box is not metal, it is made from an high abrasion resistant material that should see you through many rocks. The upper medial protector was designed in a way to offer safety while still allowing for enough flex to grant the rider comfort and maneuverability.
The 3 buckle closure system includes a fast release mechanism which is awesome for quickly locking and unlocking the buckles in place, a lot of the simplicity here is due to the precision of the automatically self aligning buckles which are all replaceable.
Many of the parts are replaceable like the buckles, EVA footbed and the sole which is a huge bonus for long term durability.
- Replaceable footbed, sole and buckles
- All terrain designed sole with high grip rubber compounds
- CE certified
2. Fox Racing Comp X Boots
Overall Rating : 3.8
Value For Money : 5.0
Protection & Durability : 4.0
Features : 3.0
Comfort : 4.0
Style : 3.0
Foot Shape : Narrow
Fox released the Comp X boots as an upgrade and alternative to the original Fox comp boots. The main difference is the vast improvement in reliability and durability. These boots were designed with enduro riders in mind. They offer the same top end quality that Fox is well known for, with the added toughness, comfort and flexibility needed for harsh terrain.
The lugged outer sole is wider and tougher which provides more than enough grip when standing on the pegs or walking the bike over slippery rocks. The extra stability is definitely noticeable when you’re looking for that little bit of extra grip when things get a bit wet and wild.
The Fox Comp X boot was modelled after their own Instact boot which has been worn by many professional riders in the enduro and MX scenes.
Finding the perfect fit is made easier by an internal lace up system which offers the rider the ability to tighten or loosen the fit of the boot around the ankles.
Protection is standard with the TPU shin plate, rubberized toe cap and calf guard which provides all the necessary protection.
Of course there are many features missing from the Fox Comp X boots, but for an entry level boot, the Fox Comp X enduro boots are great value for money and would be the top pick for best enduro boots in this price range.
3. TCX X Blast Boots
Overall Rating : 4.0
Value For Money : 5.0
Protection & Durability : 4.0
Features : 3.0
Comfort : 4.0
Style : 3.5
Foot Shape : Narrow
TCX are the new kid on the block when it comes to dirt bike boots, although not that new. TCX started production in 1999 and has since grown to be on the forefront of innovation. It goes a long way to say that all the podium finishers of the Darkar Rally in 2011 were TCX boots. Although these riders were wearing the TCX Pro 2.1 MX Boots, it goes without saying that this is a remarkable feat for a relatively new brand.
Rest assured, the TCX X Blast enduro boots encompass many of the same features as the Pro version, but at a much more attractive price. Evidently seen in the fully adjustable cam lock buckle system, rugged sole stitching and metal toe cap, all three are important factors I mentioned to look out for.
The TCX X Blast Boots are a great pair of entry level enduro boots. They’re slightly stiffer and offer more rigidity than the competitors at this price point. They also feature the TCX Dual Torsion Control System which helps to displace any rotational forces should you catch your foot in an awkward position.
What’s great about the X Blast Boots is that they offer the rider the choice of two soles. One more tailored for a motocross rider and the other for enduro riding. The soles are held tightly in place with recessed stitching which adds to the durability of these enduro boots which make them great for the money as the soles are fully replaceable.
Tailored towards slightly narrower feet and riders with a preference for a ridgid boot, the TCX X Blast are a formidable competitor in the lineup for best cheap enduro boots.
Best Intermediate Enduro Boots Reviewed
With so many great options on the market, it’s often tough to make a decision on a piece of gear that is so important. Even if you are an entry level rider, I would suggest saving up for an extra month or two and pick up a set of boots in the silver class that are more tailored for intermediate to semi serious off road riders.
You don’t always need all the bells and whistles but there is a huge step up from the entry level boots to this group. The extra features are noticeable both from the outside and the inside. With so many options to choose from, I’ve narrowed them down to the pairs of enduro boots that I would consider for myself, based on features, protection, comfort and style.
4. Alpinestars Tech 7 Boots
Overall Rating : 4.6
Value For Money : 4.3
Protection & Durability : 4.6
Features : 4.5
Comfort : 4.7
Style : 4.7
Ventilation : 3.2
Foot Shape : Normal
Following on with the Alpinestars theme, the Tech 7’s are their best offering for intermediate riders. While the Tech 5’s are more affordable, they would fall somewhere in between beginner and intermediate while the Tech 7’s are definitely at the upper end of the intermediate enduro boots range.
The alpinestars Tech 7 enduro boots strike a perfect balance between protection and comfort. What sets them apart from the premium range is the fact that the Tech 7’s do not have an inner bootie.
The main difference between Alpinestars Tech 7 and Tech 5 Boots is that the shaft of the boot has the TPU protector built in where the Tech 5’s TPU protector is not sealed to the boot. This means that the level of protection offered will be the same, although the Tech 7’s will be more comfortable. The Tech 7’s also have a TPU protector included on the back of the boot.
The Tech 7’s were really designed for enduro riders looking for maximum comfort without the use of an inner bootie. The sole has been designed to offer riders as much grip as possible which makes them a perfect boots for enduro trail riding.
In addition to the enduro sole, this boot is fully CE tested and compliant. The outer design has been built in such a way to offer enhanced feeling of control over the gears and brakes which comes in handy when you find yourself desperately looking for the back brake.
The Tech 7’s really do put all the Tech needed into what I think could be the best enduro adventure boots for intermediate riders
- Replaceable sole and footpeg inserts
- Wide entry calf fit adjustment and support
- Replaceable buckle closure system.
- Quick release/locking buckles
- Ankle support system for relief of torsional forces
- Replaceable footbed
5. Sidi X3 Boots
Overall Rating : 3.8
Value For Money : 3.8
Protection & Durability : 3.9
Features : 3.9
Comfort : 3.6
Style : 4.1
Ventilation : 3.1
Foot Shape : Narrow
The Sidi X3 boots have been designed for the hard enduro rider. They’ve been tested under harsh conditions and are packed with features seen in many of the top premium enduro boots.
Previously known as the SIDI X-Treme Boots, they’ve undergone an extreme makeover without a ridiculous price tag. The new design incorporates an adjustable cam lock buckle system with a stitched TA sole which is built for anti skid in wet and slippery conditions.
Performance and protection are at the forefront of the design and there’s little to no compromise between the two. The SIDI X3 Boots are ideal for adventure trails as well as motocross.
Finding the rear brake is really easy in the X3’s. The TA sole offers an awesome level of rider feel and what’s best is that the sole is also replaceable improving the longevity of the X3’s.
For riders looking for a little extra arch support, these bad boys have a removable arch support pad which I really like. It definitely relieves some of the pressure from standing on the pegs. They come standard with an inner heat shield and plastic protective toe cover.
Rest assured the X3’s have many replaceable parts, from toe caps to closure buckles. In fact, just about any bolt on part is replaceable with the X3’s.
To top it all off, the SIDI X3’s have an extremely comfortable inner foot area which is cooling and sweat absorbant.
6. Gaerne SG 10 Boots
Overall Rating : 3.9
Value For Money : 4.0
Protection & Durability : 4.2
Features : 4.2
Comfort : 4.0
Style : 3.6
Ventilation : 3.4
Foot Shape : Wide
The Gaerne SG10’s are slightly different to the SG12’s. They all have the same “Made in Italy” outer sole which is stitched on and replaceable. The footpeg area of the sole is reinforced with a more durable material than other parts of the sole which adds a huge amount of durability.
What makes the SG 10’s & the Fastback boots really good for trail riding is the reinforced toe box area which is much harder than alot of other boots. Stubbing your toes on roots and rocks shouldn’t be a problem with this protective feature. In addition to the toe box, the ankle support and protection system is really designed with the hard enduro rider in mind. Ankle protection is a bit better than Alpinestars Tech 7’s although the sense of feel seems a bit more intricate in the Tech 7’s.
The calf area is also wider and offers more flex for getting your leg and knee guards into the boots. They expand to around 20” which may be a way to counter the added rigidity in the toe box and make life a bit easier. The ankle pivot system is a great feature and is something that many of the entry level boots do not have. This makes finding a comfortable position on the pegs way easier than a pivotless system. If you’re like me and do a fair bit of walking from time to time, the pivot system will be highly beneficial.
An anatomically designed footbed features flexible zones on the instep and heel which offers plenty rider comfort. Gaerne have been known to make a slightly wider boot which is perfect for people with wide feet and riders that want a little extra breathing rooming.
The SG 10 boots are also lighter than the SG12’s by about half a pound. That doesn’t sound like much but after hours and days in the saddle you’ll begin to feel the difference. At nearly half the price of the SG12 you’re getting a whole lot of Italian boot making this a great pair of enduro boots for the money.
Best Pro Enduro Boots Reviewed
With so many options to choose from, finding the best Enduro boot ever made is no easy task. What’s worse is that when you start looking at boots in the premium range things don’t get any easier. Premium Enduro boots are packed with incredible features and safety technology which is evident in the price tag. We’re going to narrow the search down and review the best enduro boot from each of the top manufacturers in the field.
7. Alpinestars Tech 10 Boots
Overall Rating : 4.9
Value For Money : 4.9
Protection & Durability : 5.0
Features : 4.9
Comfort : 4.8
Style : 4.9
Ventilation : 3.9
Foot Shape : Normal
With the introduction of the new Tech 10’s, Alpinestars has really gone for a transition to a less rigid feeling boot. They’ve done away with the extreme stiffness and aimed for a much more comfortable riding boot. The goal was to maximize improvements across functionality, performance, safety, weight and size.
The previous version of the Tech 10’s were already a fantastic boot but the revised version takes enduro and MX boots to a whole new level.The upgrades to the frontal flexion control frame, the dual pivot system, hell compression shock absorber all make for an extremely comfortable foot bed and less bulky outer shell and reduced weight of around 400 grams.
The new Tech 10’s have a built in co-injected foot chassis with a new patented compression feature which includes a collapsible heel area built from poly-foam for high impact absorption.
Ankle protection is outstanding with the directional impact protection system which serves to minimize unwanted rotational forces around the calf and ankle.
The break in time is slightly longer than the old Tech 10’s which is surprising considering their objective of creating a less rigid boot, although comfort is definitely top notch. Break in time won’t be more than one or two rides, so if you can push through that, you’re all set with what could be the best enduro boots on the market.
The new Tech 10’s also offer huge improvements in waterproofing. They’re able to keep dry for longer and also prevent water logging from happening so fast which saves a lot of weight. This is largely due to the new materials used in manufacturing which are less absorbent and also help to get rid of water much faster.
If you ride with the older Tech 10’s you’ll notice that the toe box area is slightly smaller in the revised version, this could take some getting used to but was no issue for me. It actually helped me to find the gears and brake with a bit more ease.
The aluminium buckle system works seamlessly even when wet or muddy.
Possibly the most impressive feature is the shock absorbing inner soles. With the Alpinestars technology, hard knocks and big landings feel much lighter on my joints, relieving the soles of my feet and my ankles from high pressure landings. The soles have also been designed in a way to correct your riding position on the pegs. It’s as if the sole raises the balls of your feet (where you’re meant to stand) which helps you get into the proper riding position. Whether this was intended by Alpinestars or not, I’m not sure, but it works.
The Tech 10’s weigh in at 8.8 pounds (not the lightest or the heaviest) but the protection and comfort packed into these boots make them perfect for hard enduro riding.
8. SIDI Crossfire 3 TA
Overall Rating : 4.0
Value For Money : 4.5
Protection & Durability : 4.5
Features : 4.3
Comfort : 3.5
Style : 4.0
Ventilation : 3.0
Foot Shape : Narrow
When it comes to Sidi boots, I might be a little bit biased but I’ll keep this review as objective as possible. I ride in an older pair of Sidi Crossfire 2 TA which are a fair amount cheaper but still offer everything I could want in a pair of Enduro boots. The Sidi Crossfire 3’s take enduro boots to a whole new level.
A common question asked is what is the difference between the SRS and TA models? The TA’s are tailored for offroad riding in more technical terrain. With the Sidi Crossfire TA, The outer sole is stitched and not glued. In addition the front toe cap is metal, not rubber. This gives the sole more texture for enhanced grip. Other than that, the TA and SRS models are identical, although the sole of the TA does feel slightly wider than the SRS. The TA is slightly cheaper as well.
The Sidi buckle system takes a little bit of getting used to, but once the buckles are closed, they’ll stay closed. The Crossfire 3 TA’s also have a slight stiffness about them which I actually like. It offers an added sense of protection which then translates to improved comfort as your ride progresses. The buckles actually adapt to your riding position in the way in which they pivot around the mounting screw as your position changes. The buckles move independently of one another which allows for a more natural flex of the boot.
Improvements to the Crossfire 3’s have come in the form of a redesigned dual flex ankle hinge which has a maximum flex ratio to prevent hyperextension and hyperflexion. The heel has been reshaped to incorporate shock absorbing properties similar to what we see the Alpinestars Tech 10’s. The calf opening is also wider than previous models to allow enough room for your knee guards, while still being able to close firmly around your leg.
With all the new features, SIDI has not overlooked the older features which I like most. The quick adjusting buckles, bootie-less design, and of course the replaceable nature of SIDI boots. Just about every part on the SIDI’s is replaceable.
9. Gaerne SG 12
Overall Rating : 5.0
Value For Money : 4.5
Protection & Durability : 5.0
Features : 5.0
Comfort : 4.8
Style : 4.8
Ventilation : 4.0
Foot Shape : Wide
Gaerne has been at the front lines of revolutionising the motorcycle gear industry for a long time already. The SG 12’s are the latest and greatest innovation from Gaerne which are an incredibly popular boot among enduro and motocross riders alike. It’s almost a guarantee that you’ll find some riding in a pair of SG12’s wherever you go and it’s easy to see why.
Like the other premium boots in the lineup, the SG12’s incorporate a hinged ankle system and sport a large durable grip pad on the inner side of the boot. The SG 12’s weigh in at around 9 pounds, slightly lighter than the Alpinestars Tech 10’s, although the design has a more narrow or compact feeling which somehow makes them feel much lighter than they actually are.
The toe box of the SG-12’s are wider than that of the SIDI but not as wide as the TECH 10’s which put’s the SG-12’s right in the middle, accommodating for riders with both narrow and wide feet.
The buckle system on the SG-12’s is nice and simple with four replaceable clasps that latch over the shin plate which has 3 settings to choose from. Gaerne and SIDI have a better buckle system than the Alpinestars, although this is my preference.
The anti shock sole gives a solid feeling on the pegs and works well to absorb big knocks without the need for an inner bootie, the outer sole holds up well against sharp footpegs.
It should be no surprise that Gaerne has come up with yet another amazon enduro boot with the SG-12’s. What I like most about these is the flat inner side of the boot. The SIDI’s have an abrasion resistant padding which I find often gets caught on my bike when I’m trying to get my foot to the ground. The SG-12’s solve this probably with an incredibly grippy flat rubber guard.
Being a premium boot, you can expect to pay a fair amount for a set of SG12-s but with all the features, comfort and protection, it would be money well spent on what could be the best boots for enduro racing. I’ve actually given the SG-12’s the esteemed title of top MX boot contender in my review of the best supermoto boots.
What To Look For In Enduro Boots
We all know the common ATGATT – “All The Gear, All The Time” saying and when it comes to Enduro riding, boots are hands down, (or foot down) an absolute must! I’d even go as far to say that if you’re riding without boots, you’re not actually riding.
Finding the best Enduro boots is no easy task with so many factors to consider. Looking at the range of boots offered by the top manufactures like Sidi, Gaerne, Alpinestars, etc. you’ll find a huge disparity across features and prices of entry level to professional enduro riding boots. In this guide I’ll try to break down the purpose of the boots for riders of different skill levels and the features you might be interested in
Protection.
First things first. Protection is always the main priority in dirt bike riding. Ensuring your safety while enjoying a hobby/sport that’s already encumbered with risk is essential. The good news is that any of the boots offered on the market will provide more protection than any pair of shoes in your cupboard so picking up the cheapest enduro boots is already a good step – see what I did there?
While I say protection is essential – it’s not my top priority when it comes to finding the best enduro riding boots. The reason is quite simple and I’ve mentioned this earlier. For any weekend warrior or avid enduro rider like myself, I’m willing to pay a bit extra for the middle to top of the range boots. Each of which will most likely pass all safety rating requirements and offer you all the protection you really need (more on safety ratings later).
For entry level riders just getting started in enduro and trail riding, WELCOME! You may not want to empty your pockets on a pair of top quality Sidi Crossfire’s or the new Alpinestars Tech 10’s. You’ll more likely be looking at a pair of entry level enduro boots where it’s a lot more important to check for all the necessary safety features. Don’t worry about it though, I’ve done all the research for you and come up with some options for the best budget enduro boots at a cheap price as well as the best value enduro boots for your money.
The Key safety features I generally look for:
● Toe Caps
The part of my boots I most frequently replace. Maybe I shouldn’t drag my feet on the ground so much. Kind of tough when your bike is trying to run away from you. Maybe I should avoid the big rocks, but where’s the fun in that. Nonetheless, Get a pair of boots with replaceable steel toe caps. Without these your boots won’t last many rides and neither will your feet.
● Shin Guards
As the name implies, shin guards will keep your shins and calves protected from rocks, roots, trees and the occasional dog nipping at your heels. Most shin guards are constructed from a thick high impact plastic called thermoplastic polyurethane. This often sets dirt bike boots apart from other riding styles which often incorporate a lot more leather for comfort and an abrasion resistant material which offers the protection needed if you end sliding down the road or adventure trail.
● Ankle Support
My first few pairs of boots didn’t have any ankle support. I never thought this was a big deal until I got a pair of Sidi Crossfire 2’s which have a built in ankle support and pivot mechanism. Not only does this help to deal with rotational forces, but it also allows for a much more comfortable riding by allowing your ankle to pivot in a more natural way when standing on the pegs and walking over extreme terrain. You’ll notice the difference as soon as you try your boots on for the first time. Walking on a flat surface no longer feels like ice skating.
● Buckle System
The buckle system is important to keep your boots on your feet. Few things irritate me more than a boot buckle that keeps popping open mid ride, not to mention this being a safety hazard. Buckle systems have improved hugely over the years and most boots now use replaceable cam lock buckle systems which operate independently of one another so you can find the perfect fit and not worry about your boots unclipping while you’re busy trying to push your bike up a mountain.
There are of course many safety features to consider but these are the most obvious ones to look out for without getting stuck into the nitty gritty’s about safest plastics and materials which you really don’t need to worry about if you’re considering any of the boots on this list.
Comfort.
For me, comfort is my main priority in a set of enduro boots since I know the boots I’m looking at are all safety approved. That’s probably why my favorite boots I’ve ridden in were the limited edition Forma’s with super soft inner bootie. My first pair of boots is longer available but they were something like these Alpinestars which are perfect for riders starting out in Enduro. There are a few problems with riding with inner booties that are worth mentioning. Since they add size to your foot, enduro boots with inner booties tend to be bulkier and heavier which is not ideal. In addition, inner booties trap the heat and moisture around your feet, preventing proper ventilation. So while they may add comfort, this does come at a cost.
When you start doing longer rides and training for events like The Roof Of Africa like I was, comfort becomes a lot more important. You’ll be doing 100’s of kilometers for multiple days on end. Believe me when I say it, once you get off the bike after day 1 or day 2 and you still have a few 100 kilometers to go, your body will be in pain and having something a little more comfortable to ride in will be a big mental and physical boost.
So what makes an enduro boot comfortable?
● Inner Liner / Padding
Have you ever tried slipping into your boots after a few weeks or months away from the trails and found it nearly impossible? Firstly, this is a sign you’re not riding enough, but secondly it also indicates that the inner lining has become hard and lost it’s flexibility. The inner of your boots should be soft enough for comfortable entry but solid enough to maintain the firm integrity and protection it was designed for.
● Replaceable Soles
When it comes to the soles of your boots you get the inner sole and the outer sole. The inner soles often become compressed and extremely hard over time and use. Luckily, most manufacturers have picked up on this issue and offer replaceable inner soles that’ll get your boots feeling as good as new without having to actually buy a new pair
Most boots also have replaceable outsoles which are worn down by the sharp ridges of your footpegs. Depending on the boot and the quality of the materials used, your outer soles should get a solid number of rides in before they ever need replacing. My Sidi Crossfires have gone 2 years and they’re still good for a couple more rides. Perhaps I haven’t used them enough?
● Footbed Design and Size
The size of the shell allocated to your feet is often overlooked. You want a pair loose enough to slide into with ease, but firm enough that your foot can’t move around easily. Some boots are designed with particular markets and demographics in mind. Feet also come in all different shapes and sizes. Some of us have wide feet, a flat footbed or a high instep. All these factors play a role in finding the most comfortable enduro boot. When it comes to finding a pair of enduro boots that match your foot shape, Sidi tends to bring out boots which are slightly narrower where Gaerne are more accommodating dirt bike boots for wide feet.
Durability
Enduro boots really do take a beating – especially if you ride like I do. I don’t want to replace my boots every year so finding a pair of durable boots that will last a while is important. Of course this might be a bit more expensive upfront but you will definitely save some cash in the long run by picking up a set of enduro boots that were built to last.
The quickest way to check durability of the list is to make sure that the boots you buy offer replaceable parts like the inner sole, outer sole, clips and toe caps. These are the parts that will take the brunt of the wear and tear.
You also want a set of boots where the stitching of the sole to the boot will hold strong. It used to be a common problem where the entire sole of your boot would come loose, leaving you with a knee high slipper. Over time this has changed and many manufacturers have moved away from stitching to a rubber sole which is replaceable using a few hand tools.
Waterproofing
As an enduro rider, river crossings are common obstacles. Nothing sucks more than getting stuck knee deep in a river – unless your bike is lying sideways – then that really sucks. Either way, your boots are most likely going to fill up with water as you try to maneuver your way out of the wet in which case waterproofing is useless.
Should you have the skill to make it through while keeping your feet glued to the pegs, you’re still going to be susceptible to water as you aquaplane across the stream. Having a tight buckle up system with waterproof liner you should be clear to ride on with dry feet.
Keeping your boots waterproof comes down to two factors. The waterproof inner lining and the material used in the foot area. The linings are often made from a stretchable fabric gaiter which acts a seal against outside water while still allowing for breathability.
Riders often overlook the fact that moisture doesn’t only creep in from the outside. Sweat collects very quickly on tough rides or hot days. You want to make sure that the material used in the area is constructed from something like a teflon mesh which prevents absorption of water and sweat.
I’ve been riding with a pair of Sidi Chargers for the past 7 or so years. I’ve had issues with them that I can’t bear anymore and I am in the market for another pair of enduro boots. My problems are that because of my skinny calves, they are loose at the top even though I wear Leatt knee braces and even sinched closed as much as possible. Also, the inside of the Sidi boots catch on the plastic edge of my KTM 350 side cover when I grip the bike and stand up to the point where the plastic broke. Any recommendations?
Hey Rob, Firstly, thanks for dropping by! I Completely understand the frustration of the boot catching the side cover. Couldn’t think of a worse feeling when you can’t get your foot to the ground. Happens to me quite often with my Sidi Crossfire boots. Most of the guys I ride with have switched to the Gaerne SG12 which I’ll probably end up doing as well. Those, or the Leatt Moto 5.5 FlexLock Enduro Boots which look awesome. If that price point is too high, I’d consider the SG10’s or the Alpinestars Tech 7’s. All the boots mentioned have a really flat inner calf section whereas the Sidi is more clunky. Best thing you could do is take your riding socks and knee braces to your nearest dealer and try them on with the boots to find which option fits you best. Alternatively, you could buy through one of the links in my guide as most of the partner sites I have listed have a free/reasonable return policy. Try a couple on and go with what feels best.
i bought a pair of tech 7s and they have no flexibility so im not able to shift gears while riding nor use my back brake what is are some tips to fix the problem?
Hey Linkin,
it’s not uncommon for them to feel stiff when you first start using them. You might want to try speeding up the break in process. Try wearing them while walking around the house. This will help the boots conform to the shape of your feet and loosen up the materials.
-Adjust your gear shifter and brake pedal. Different boots are different sizes and shapes. Spend a bit of time playing with your setup until you find a feeling you’re happy with.
-Make sure you’re not overtightening the straps on your boots, this can restrict their flexibility. Loosen the straps slightly to give your feet more room to move.
-Ride more