Sidi Joel Roberts Replica Boots - Review

I just found a pair of these boots online and they look awesome. Its definitely got that classic look I'm interested in, but they are supposedly motocross boots (are they built to not take abuse from the road?).

What classifies a motocross boot? They look like they are built well enough for the road too, but what do I know.

Have any of you heard anything about these boots?

I've always worn Sidi road cycling shoes, so I want to stick with their company and either way probably won't be let down if I get them or not. I was just curious what you guys think cause I can't find any info on them anywhere.

Here's a pic:

 

Re: Can you use motocross boots for street use?

If u can were sandles not that I ever would thats asking 4 trouble why not dirt bike boots thay would jive better protection that sneekers or a set of Lug boots as 4 the diferance you got me

 

Re: Can you use motocross boots for street use?

Motocross boots, in general would probably be able to withstand more shock abuse over extended periods of time, but street boots might be better at withstanding slides at higher speeds...

If the seller is mentioning that they are only suitable for motocross application then it may be because they aren't approved for street use by some standard... But if you like em I can guarantee they're better protection than the Adio's I wear when I take my bike to class!!

 

Re: Can you use motocross boots for street use?

The only thing that the auction said was the following, but they came from an actual motorcycle shop that happens to sell on ebay as well, not some random and private seller.

Sidi Boots - Joel Robert Replica
* Utilizes the same basic design and look of the original for pure-vintage Sidi.
* Enhanced with technology from the last 35+ years of off road boot development.
* Constructed from the highest possible quality of top grain leather.
* Exact same buckles as the original.
* Modern production methods, quality control and a twentieth century sole for extra support with less flex.

I just searched around for them elsewhere (to compare prices) and found that they are a motocross boot, a replica to the style of the first motocross-specific boot in the 70's.

I went ahead and got them just because I need a pair of nice boots, and doubt I'll have any problems since they are Sidi's. The boots I'm using now are thick leather Sketchers (probably not high quality leather, but they cover my ankle quite a lot).

I'll post up a review of them once I get them and have had them for a couple of days.

 

Re: Can you use motocross boots for street use?

Seems to me that a MotoCross boot might be designed to take the abuse of having the foot on the ground in turns. That sole might be slicker than you would like for street riding or walking.

 

Re: Can you use motocross boots for street use?

They should be good.

Like you were saying, lots more protection than 90% of us are probably wearing.

 

Re: Can you use motocross boots for street use?

thats a hardcore looking piece of footwear youve got there. a few too many snaps for my patience level. but hey, I ride in a pair of Sauconys so what do I know.

 

Re: Can you use motocross boots for street use?

moto x boots are notorious for being very hard to walk in,,,,,I have a pair I wear on the atv,,,,, 500 2stroke kick start,,,,shifting is affected also,,,I would not wear them unless I needed the protection ,,,,I call them my bionic leg,,,

 

Re: Can you use motocross boots for street use?

From my very limited experince MX boots are very stiff, almost rigid. I kinda had the idea that it might be cool to have a pair for street-riding. I tried some on in a bike shop and just walking around the sales floor felt like I was wearing skiboots.

If you hadn't bought them already I would've suggested you do the same and try some on before buying. I hope they work for you.

 

Re: Can you use motocross boots for street use?

Well I did already buy them, but it just so happens, I LOVE walking in my ski boots!!!

Who knows, I may like the stiffer boot than the current ones I have (which are a little too big on me).

 

Re: Can you use motocross boots for street use?

Hey! A coloradoan! I've raced motocross for many years all around colorado, and have put many boots through a lot of abuse. Moto boots are designed to be stiff in the ankles to prevent your foot from being torn off backwards by a rut, rock or large piece of dirt while it's hanging off a peg shifting, braking, or sticking out turning. A little wierd feeling at first, but nothing you won't get the feel for within a few shifts. Road boots have more side impact resistance, with a harder shell, for sliding or draging a corner at 100+mph. So unless your pushing your bike to the limits on our lovely roads here, Sidi makes an awesome boot, enjoy them!

 

Well I just got the boots in the mail this afternoon. And here's my initial impression:

The leather is really stiff, and at first they did feel like ski boots. However, after wearing them for a few minutes (and got the leather to room temperature rather than the 30* it is outside), they loosened up a bit.

The quality and workmanship on them is just like any other Sidi product I've ever had: phenomenal.

They definitely scream and make it known that they are motorcycle boots, just with all the side buckles, the dark black leather, and the chrome accents/protective toe cover.

And I do think that if I crash with them, they will provide tons of sliding protection, mainly because of the 6 metal buckles on the outsides of the boots. On top of that, the leather is extremely thick and high quality.
Right now, I'm just wearing them around the house to break them in, but I'll post pictures up later tonight. If anyone is interested in them and wants more specific pictures, let me know.

 

You sound happy with them, Garrett. Glad to hear it!

As one who formerly had some interest in trying out some MX boots on the road, I'd be curious about how you do with shifting, braking and any other ankle-flexing activities. Make sure you post-up again when you get them broken in and ride in them a bit! J