I have been wearing Sidi Crossfire TA's for many years. I was considering changing to one of Sidi's new models, but after a very helpful talk with Brian, I settled back on the Crossfire 3 TA. It has a few updates from my previous version--the toe box is roomier and the ankle fit is different, but they promise to be the perfect boot for the kind of riding I do.
Brian at Atomic is the best in the biz. He knows his stuff. Amazing customer service over the last 10 years!
I've been wearing Forma Adventure highs for a couple of years, but after a broken collarbone. took a serious look at my gear from a protection point of view, and it was time for a change.
Having watched many videos and reviews on Youtube, I decided on either Gaerne Fast Backs, or the Forma ADV PRO. Based on many comments I'd read, I decided to call Brian before buying anything. I'm glad I did. After a short discussion of my needs and riding style, he recommended the Crossfire as the best protection around. I drove to a local shop who had them to try them on, and....absolutely HATED THEM. I have wide feet, so I'm used to pain in the width , but this was in the ankle. The padding felt like my ankles were clamped in a vice. I then did a lot of reading online, where I found similar complaints, then called Brian again. He sent me a pair to wear around the house to see if the fit improved, and it DID. It takes about 20 minutes of mild discomfort for the padding to literally mold to my ankle. It still feels somewhat like a vice, but a padded vice, if that makes any sense. It feels SAFE. I can wear them for hours and not feel any pain or discomfort, which I find amazing. Walking is not an issue, either. Comfortable is not a word I would use to describe them, but they aren't meant to be. I feel absolutely safe, protected and confident when I wear them. I'll keep my Forma for street riding, but when conditions are sketchy, I'm going with confidence that I have the best protection.
Brian really helped me out with boot selection. Unfortunately the boots didn’t fit and I had to return them. Only downside is return shipping isn’t covered… overall great customer service!
I bought the Crossfire 3 TA on Brian’s recommendation when I was looking for boots with more protection than the Toucan’s I was wearing. During the Rawhyde Offroad training I dropped my 1250GSA and the engine guard mashed my toe wearing the Toucan’s. I called Brian and recommended the Crossfires for something with more protection. I sold the Toucan’s on eBay as they turned out a little small for me. I used seam sealer on the Crossfires to give them a little more water resistance before heading to Alaska and up the Dalton Hwy to Prudhoe Bay. They were perfect for that trip. It rained nearly every day and my feet were never wet. I had to raise the shifter but after the first day I never thought about shifting or braking. These big stout boots really helped increased my confidence on that trip. I also used them in Death Valley and was able to go places I would not have attempted in my touring boots. They are comfortable, as long as you don’t mind walking like Frankenstein.
I normally wear a US11 D width or EU45. I tried 45 and 46. I could wear the 45 but the 46 was more comfortable for me.
I highly recommend these for Offroad, especially on a big heavy bike. I’m now looking into something with more protection than my touring boots but more comfortable than the crossfires for long on road trips.
Thanks to Brian for his video reviews, knowledgeable recommendations, great selection of high quality boots and easy return policies that helped me get the boots that I needed.
Great light feeling boot, have worn around the house for break in haven't rode in them yet but suspect they will be a good choice, Will submit after break in and ride.
So far so good! I've ridden with them in the dry and in the wet. Gortex seems to be doing its job. the boots are quite comfortable right out of the box. Seems like they might run a bit big, my size 13 are a full inch longer than my size 13 Alpinstars. I thought about replacing with size 12 but I like the way they feel on my feet so much I didn't do it. The wider boot combined with the stitching around the sole took a bit to get used to compared to the slim Alpinstars. had to adjust my shifter, which helped.
For the harder stuff I wear Forma's Predator MX boots, but they're (understandably) too stiff when you know you'll be in lighter conditions and may need to help pick up bikes throughout the day. I had been downshifting to Sidi Adventure and Gaerne trials boots, but those aren't protective enough for unpredictable twin track. Enter the Sidi X-Power SC. 4-buckle security, plenty wide toe box (I can't handle Crossfires), and a good balance of TPU and fabric to offer moderate protection while retaining trail maneuverability and comfort. They even do a great job keeping 6-ish inches of muddy water out - I can personally attest to it. No, they're not GoreTex waterproof for adventure rides, and no they're not going to save your feet from a nasty rock strike, but they're similar to a Tech 7 and will readily handle sticks and mild falls while not wearing you down all day like a "ski boot" can. I'd call them a fantastic value when on sale. Tip: consider orthotics or a D3O sole for extra comfort!
Coming out of Gaerne Fastback Endurance boots which, even after extensive break in, never fit my feet comfortably. The SIDI's fit me really well and stay comfortable even after hours on the pegs (My longest ride was about 3 hours but most of it standing). The narrower heel holds my ankle and foot snugly but comfortably. The roomier toe accommodates my wider forefeet and also allows some foot expansion during a long ride. Design is just right, lots of protection but incorporated without making the boots big, heavy and clunky. That makes these really confidence inspiring on the bike as you get good feel for the controls, without sacrificing the protection that you're wearing these for. I don't walk much in my riding boots but did go a short distance on a trail wearing the SIDI's. They aren't uncomfortable but if you plan on doing any more than minimal walking around, bring a pair of walking shoes with you. The materials seem excellent and look like they will last. Personally, I don't see much downside to the glued soles (vs. a stitched on sole) as by the time they wear out, I'll likely be ready for new boots anyway. While everything about these boots seems pretty first class, only time will tell if they will provide longevity. Out of the box, my left boot had a sharp staple protruding enough to go all the way through the insole and poke my heel. An easy fix but something to watch out for. Overall, after a week of riding in these, I am very happy. The X Power SC's provide great protection while not being ungainly to wear. They fit super comfortably and have (other than the staple) since they came out of the box. At $100 off, these seem like an honest bargain.
I gave Atomic Moto a call to get their feedback on potential boot options. After a long chat with Brian, I settled on the Gaerne and couldn’t be happier. It’s a big step up from my A-stars adventure boot. Took a couple rides to get used to the boot but it feels great now!