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The first thing I noticed when slipping into/riding with the Crossair is the hinge is located beneath the ankle, reducing bulk and creating a smoother, more aerodynamic interior for the boot compared to other Sidi boots I have worn. The second joint, positioned above the ankle and working in conjunction with the lower hinge, gives me more flex, allowing me to bend easier on the bike. The boot incorporates three removable anti-hyperextension systems for the foot. The first is situated at the initial hinge, the second is positioned at the back of the boot (preventing excessive backward bending by supporting the ankle), and the third is located at the front. The third system utilizes an innovative mechanism with a replaceable insert, enabling a tailored range of tibia flexion and locking in place to prevent overextension.
The Crossair features redesigned plastic around the boot.The boot’s toe is entirely encased in protective plastic with a pattern that gave me ample grip. To enhance the lower buckle, a spoiler has been added to deflect debris away from the buckle in case I smash a tree or bush out in the desert. The ankle panel, along with the central strap, can be easily replaced with four screws connecting it to the boot. This panel comes in two sizes, catering to both 40-45 and 46-47 ranges. The Sidi Crossair Boot sole is the one thing that has most been improved for me. Their MATERIIS exclusive compound on this model allows me to feel my way around the footpeg, which is very important for me. The sole delivered exceptional traction and long-lasting performance so far as I have a ton of hours in the desert with the Crossair. The Crossair boot has impressed me and is my favorite offering from Sidi.
When it comes to motocross boots, few brands have the reputation and expertise that Sidi has built over decades. Known for crafting durable, high-performance footwear for motocross, trail, and off-road riders, Sidi’s offerings are often the go-to choice for some professional two wheeled athletes. One of their standout models is the Sidi Crossair boot, designed to provide a blend of comfort, protection, and performance on the track. But does it live up to the hype? After spending some time testing them out, here’s a comprehensive review of the Sidi Crossair Boots.
Comfort and Fit:
The first thing I noticed when riding with the Crossair is the hinge is located beneath the ankle, reducing bulk and creating a smoother, more aerodynamic interior for the boot compared to other Sidi boots I have worn. The second joint, positioned above the ankle and working in conjunction with the lower hinge, gives me more flex, allowing me to bend easier on the bike.
From the moment you slide your feet into the Sidi Crossair boots, the first thing you’ll notice is their exceptional comfort. The boots feature a soft, padded interior that provides a snug, almost custom fit without feeling too tight. This is particularly noticeable in the ankle and heel areas, which are reinforced for both protection and comfort. Unlike other Sidi models that I have tried the Crossair isn’t too narrow for my average width feet.
The Crossair boots come equipped with a high-tech inner lining that helps wick moisture away, keeping your feet dry even during long, hot rides. This is a game-changer for riders who spend hours on the track or trail. The adjustable strap system—featuring the iconic Sidi Tecno-3 closure system—ensures a secure fit without being too constricting. The straps also make it easy to fine-tune the fit around the calf, foot, and ankle, ensuring that riders of all shapes and sizes can find the ideal feel.
While the boots are on the stiffer side initially (as with most motocross boots), they break in fairly quickly and become much more flexible and comfortable after a few rides. The overall boot design offers a good balance of stiffness for protection without sacrificing too much flexibility for mobility and comfort.
Protection and Durability:
Protection is where the Sidi Crossair boots truly shine. Sidi is known for its attention to safety, and the Crossair boots are no exception. These boots feature full-grain leather combined with durable synthetic materials in high-wear areas. The result is a lightweight yet incredibly robust boot that offers exceptional protection against impacts and abrasions.
The reinforced toe box, heel cup, and shin guards provide excellent protection for your feet, ankles, and shins. Sidi’s use of a carbon-fiber ankle brace system is a standout feature, offering solid lateral support while still allowing enough mobility for technical riding. In the event of a crash, the boot’s rigid structure helps prevent hyperextension of the ankle and foot, possibly reducing the risk of injury.
For riders who spend time riding in muddy or wet conditions, the boots’ water-resistant properties add an extra layer of security. Although not fully waterproof, the boots hold up well in damp conditions, and the high cuffs help prevent debris from entering. We actually had some moisture recently in Southern California and these boots provided ample water resistance during a wet trail ride. Sidi has a long history of making boots that can withstand heavy abuse, and the Crossair model is no different. Even after several intense riding sessions, these boots still look and perform like new, with no significant signs of wear on the buckles, stitching, or sole.
Traction and Performance:
The sole of the Sidi Crossair boots is designed for ultimate grip and traction, which is crucial for motocross riders navigating rough, slippery terrain. The rubber sole has a deep lug pattern that provides excellent grip on the pegs (unlike older Sidi models I have tried), as well as on muddy or rocky surfaces. Whether you’re coming out of a turn, hitting a jump, or planting your feet to brace for a sharp corner, the Crossair boots provide the traction needed to feel secure and in control.
Other standout features are the flexibility in the sole. While motocross boots need to be stiff for protection, a too-rigid sole can interfere with comfort, feel and performance, especially when shifting or braking. The Sidi Crossair boots strike a nice balance, offering enough stiffness to protect without compromising the rider’s ability to shift and brake smoothly. The Crossair sole has much better feel than the Crossfire’s and. that gives me more confidence when trying to find the balls of my feet.
Weight:
In terms of weight, the Sidi Crossair boots are impressively light for a boot of their caliber. At just over 6 pounds for the pair, they are noticeably lighter than some of their competitors, which is important for riders who spend long hours on the track or trail. The lightness doesn’t come at the expense of protection or durability, which is a significant win in the world of motocross boots. However, they do feel slightly heavir on the track compared to a FOX Instinct.
Style and Design:
As with most Sidi products, the Crossair boots have a sleek, professional look. Available in a range of colors, including black, white, and red, they maintain a sharp, minimalistic design that will appeal to riders who prefer a classic motocross aesthetic. The design is functional, focusing on performance, but it also doesn’t compromise on looks. The boots have a clean, modern profile, and the contrasting materials and branding give them a stylish appearance. That said, the design may feel a little basic to some riders, especially those who prefer a more “flashy” appearance with bold graphics. However, for those who prioritize performance over style, the minimalist look is likely to appeal.
Overall Opinion:
The Sidi Crossair Boots are a fantastic choice for motocross riders looking for a combination of comfort, protection, and performance. They offer good protection for the feet and ankles, boast excellent traction and feel on the track, and provide comfort for longer rides. The $499.99 price tag isn’ t that expensive for a well made boot with this type of protection so if you’re looking for a mid level price point with a top tier feel, I am into these boots and would recommend them!
