Sidi Boots?

SnowPatrol09 · 05-16-2008, 01:14 AM

How are Sidi Boots compared to A*? I hear that the sole wears down pretty quickly on Sidi boots, is this the same for A*'s? Also which Sidi boot is the most comfortable for street riding?

SD40T-2 · 05-16-2008, 02:27 AM

I've had both. My first pair were the SIDI Vertigo's. Really liked them and they were my road boot.

When I started getting into riding the track, I found a pair of A*'s SMX- Plus. While both are very comparable, I found the SMX-Plus to be a little more comfortable. The inner lacing system on the SMX-Plus is the key to the whole equation in my opinion. Bar none, I could wear my SMX-Plus all day and never have a problem.

As far as sole's wearing out...

Racers tend to wear soles the most in the area just behind the toes (the "front ball"). If you are just casually riding (not in a hard-core racing stance) with your foot square on the peg, I would guess that wear would be the same. If you do a lot of walking, that could contribute as well but I'm not sure on wear amounts from manufacture to manufacture or model to model.

In short you absolutley won't go wrong with a Sidi or A*s boot. It's ultimately going to come down to fit, features and price. I had my Sidi's and they were wonderful. I also love my A*s and can't imagine doing track riding that I do in any other boot.

Just my $0.13 (adjusted for inflation)

'Dee'

21 natas · 05-16-2008, 03:30 AM

I prefer Sidi's over Astars just because I've had the sole come off of 2 pairs of Astar boots. They are both good boots, but I think the Astars are alittle more comfortable but it's just the issues I've had w/the two pairs in the past that makes me choose Sidi over the Astars.

coolatula · 05-16-2008, 08:47 AM

I'm looking at vented Sidi and A* as well,Vertigo Air and SMX vented/perforated.
Those two brands always seem to come up to the top when people talk about riding boots.

What I've gathered is the A* are generally more comfortable,a little wider(good for me)& less expensive. I was told by a dealer that also does track days and has used both that the A* provide better ankle protection as well.

I am wanting the best protection AND the best ventilation I can get for under $300.00.

I can get the Sidis for around $255.00 + tax or the A* for around $235.00 + tax. $20.00 is NOT enough of a difference to chose one over the other in my case.

aaron6301 · 05-16-2008, 10:43 AM

Have you thought about some TCX's? I heard they were some pretty good boots and I believe they should fit into your price range.

RayOSV · 05-16-2008, 12:59 PM

+1 for A* SMX-plus boots. I've had a pair for about 3 years and the soles still look great. The lace-up inner boot adds both support and comfort. They do squeak when you walk however and I wouldn't want to walk around in them all day.

kevin_stevens · 05-16-2008, 01:29 PM

I've heard rumors and had problems with the A* sole separation, but I don't know if it is confined to specific models. I had kind of an intermediate touring/sport boot.

KeS

SD40T-2 · 05-17-2008, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RayOSV

+1 for A* SMX-plus boots. I've had a pair for about 3 years and the soles still look great. The lace-up inner boot adds both support and comfort. They do squeak when you walk however and I wouldn't want to walk around in them all day.

A little silicone lubricant will fix the squeak on the SMX-Plus.

You could also take a look at the A*s Supertech but they cost a bit more.

Just FYI, I was at a small club sponsered drag-race night last night and was in my A*s SMX-Plus for 8+ hours with no problems. They are as comfortable as street shoes in my opinion.

RayOSV · 05-17-2008, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SD40T-2

A little silicone lubricant will fix the squeak on the SMX-Plus.

I've tried several times. Did you use a spray and apply liberally or have you found the one spot that squeaks?

Tripped1 · 05-17-2008, 10:27 AM

I have a pair of SMX4 for track boots and a SetUp(entry level Sidis) for street. Both are comfortable enough to wear around for hours. I never had an issue with the sole separation and I had a set of A* SMXs that I ground the armor off the side. Still, I have read about the issue.

My SetUps aren't really a track boot though they are a little light in the ankle protection for my taste, but they are more then enough for day to day street use. I got them for a song of closeout on new enough.

SD40T-2 · 05-17-2008, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RayOSV

I've tried several times. Did you use a spray and apply liberally or have you found the one spot that squeaks?

When I purchased my first set of gear, the Arai Helmet that came with it had some Silicone lubricant in small bottle. I just ran some on the inside of the ankle sliders (on the side) with my finger. You have to isolate exactly what part is squeaking and it took me a few minutes before I finally had it pinpointed.

Let me know if this helps,

'Dee'