Got some boots

Picked up a pair of Sidi Race Vertebra boots about a month or so ago. Figured to wear 'em awhile before giving an opinion. I actually wasn't planning on buying these but my local dealership happened to have them in stock in my size. They gave me a killer deal on them and they fit perfectly. I've never had a pair of street boots before so I can't compare them to anything but all I know is these boots are great! Seemed like there was no break-in required. Waalking in them isn't clunky and on the bike they seem to be flexible enough where shifting and braking are no problem. I was prepared to move the shift lever up but the boot is slim enough and just slides in like my sneakers. There is a little loss of shifting feel at first until you get used to things but I'd gladly trade that off for the protection. These are the boots with the external brace on the outside thats supposed to keep your foot from torquing around and they also have a plastic piece that interlocks between the toe-slider and the brace to keep your toes from bending to far back. Hope to never find out if they work as advertised but its nice insurance in case Armeggedon ever does come. Anyone else considering getting these drop a half size from your normal shoe size and they oughta fit perfect. Next up, time to look for a full set of leathers.  

Thanks for the review!

I've had my eye on the Sidi Vertebra Air set for awhile now. I have a pair of Teknic boots now that I like a lot, but once I need new ones, Sidi will probably get my money.  

CW, another thing I really like is if they get banged up all the pieces are replaceable. The brace, toe-sliders and shin protection all are bolted in place with small allen head screws. The only thing I'd do differently is buy the air version you're thinking of getting. Not that I'm complaining mind you just that having a little airflow is a good thing.  

I own a pair of the Sidi Verbeta II's for two years now.  They have held up quite nicely w/o any signs of excessive wear.  I bought my boots online because where I live, the local dealerships don't stock high dollar items such as boots.  I did not have the luxury of trying them on before I purchased them.  The only thing I can find fault with the boots is that there is only a limited amount of adjustability around the calf (I have sticks for legs).  But since I wear leather pants and the boot goes over the pants, it is not really an issue.  

I would definately buy another pair when I'm in the market.  Does anyone here have any input on the Alpinestar line of boots?  Just curious as to how they compare to the Sidi.  

I can't give you a direct comparison between the Sidi's and the Alpinestars, but I can tell you that my girl recently picked up a pair of the SMX series boot and totally loves them.

Sidi is the brand I see most prevalently, but that's not to say they're the best.  

The Gaerne GR-S boots are also very nice. Unfortunately I have had two crashes in the GR-S lately but the boot has held up very well. Gaerne-USA has also been very helpful and responsive with replacement parts. The best feature is the rear entry configuration. It seems to allow for a more form fitting boot compared to others I have used.

Some of you guys may think an armored race boot is overkill for the street but it's not. My second crash would have definitely resulted in a broken foot had I been wearing a lesser boot. The Sidi is also a very good boot. That is what I had prior to the Gaerne. The Gaerne seems to fit my foot a little better though. Big feet, size 12.  

I agree that race-spec boots are not "Overkill" for the street.  I know I get funny looks from people when I'm all geared up but I know I am as safe as I can make myself when riding.  

When I purchased my boots (Sidi) it came down to to choices really, the Sidi-Verbeta II or the Alpinestar SMX plus.  Why did I choose the Sidi's?  Well...it was the Italian leather that did it for me.  Seriously though, I'm sure either boot would have been a good choice.  Maybe next time, I'll try the A-stars.