I got a surprise in the mail yesterday, my Sidi boots finally arrived from being on backorder since June. It took so darn long I thought the order was cancelled!
Well, first impressions, the boots fit. I wear a ladie's size 7 most often (when sizing is correct and styles and whatnot). These are a 39 euro-size. The boots feel snug around the ankle bone area, but it feels a little roomy around midfoot. Then the area around the toes, while strangely feeling 'too big', the toes are actually snug in there. There is not a lot of height in the toe area. This particular fit will take a little getting use to, but they are comfy and my foot didn't slide around.
The zipper area was a little stiff, but a little wear will smooth it out. Zipper boots are a plus, especially for me and one hand, and being in JPN where you often must remove shoes. There is a minimal heel, so you feel flat-footed compared to wearing a regular boot. The upper part of the boot is roomy and soft, so it does not hurt the shins or calves. My ankles feel very stable in this boot. My toes are protected, as the front of the boots are reinforced.
I went out and sat on the bike with the boots on to get a feel. The soles feel very rigid and flat. I don't know if that will be a + or -, only riding will tell. I found it a little different to feel for the gear shift, but again, a new boot and I won't know until riding.
I did notice as I stood the bike up and flatfooted, the boots kept my foot in a neutral flexion position and I wasn't able to point my toes or stand on my tiptoes as in my regular boots. That will just be something to adjust to so I don't put a foot down and end up slipping as my toes aren't further down where they would normally touch the ground.
Please forgive the self-inflicted camera shots
I'll update further when I get some ride time on these. I should add, my foot build is narrow with normal-high arch. My toes are snug, both laterally and vertically. The heel has enough room to be comfrtable but not loose. I probably will try thicker socks for cooler weather riding, but I have a feeling my toes will be squinched.
Edit: Forgot to mention, the insoles are suppose to be removeable. So, depending on comfort, I may leave them or switch them out with another type of insole.
Update - first outing: The boots were pretty comfortable on the bike (I was riding pillion). I just about forgot they were new boots as I got use to them quickly. The boots kept my feet at a fairly constant-to-warm temperature, the wind/temp couldn't be felt from the inside. Though they come up high on the shins, I had no fitment/chaffing/pressure issues with them. The first thing I noticed was due to a very minimal heel, I could place my feet on the pegs that was most comfortable rather than only where the heel edge was. So, that made my knees a little happier.
Thanks
