When talking about the best boots for motocross, 3 brand names always seem to be mentioned. SIDI, ALPINESTAR, and FOX are some of the highest-quality boots you can find on the market. They are always improving their tech and design creating the best product for the consumer’s safety.
SIDI – Crossfire 3 SRS
The Italian brand, SIDI, has been creating some of the finest motocross boots including the highest quality materials and state-of-the-art safety features. SIDI Crossfire 3 SRS costs approximately $579.00 USD, but it comes with many features that make that price sound worth it.
Safety
SIDI has created one of the safest and most durable bike boots for all skill levels of riding. They have a major focus on the safety of their customers by creating:
- Hyper Extension Block incorporates two articulated joints, the initial one situated at the ankle. This innovative component effectively prevents hyperextension of the ankle
- The heel, made from anatomically shaped PU, is designed to enhance foot safety in the event of twisting
- The boot features a metatarsus protection panel, complemented by a sturdy, replaceable nylon insert that safeguards the boot’s interior if the rider’s foot accidentally slips off the foot peg or kick-starter
- The toe area is comprehensively shielded by plastic protection panels sporting an embossed geometric pattern for improved grip
- spoiler has been incorporated to shield against and deflect stones and other debris from reaching the first buckle
Design & Customisation
SIDI has had a unique approach to the construction of its motocross boots. The feature that stands out the most to me is the replaceable parts (Screw 6mm, CF3 Upper Leg, CF3 Shin Plate, Sole, Inner Sole, Pivot Pins, Metatarsus Inserts, Strap Holder, Buckle, Hyper Extensions Block System, Strap, Calf Section). This feature allows parts to be replaced from wear and tear at a lower cost than having to buy a brand-new set of boots.
They also offer 7 standard color choices all with Italian leather to match. If you are keen to cough up some extra money some of the replaceable parts can come in different colours allowing you to create a very colorful boot. This will make sure you stand out on the track.
Comfort
The Crossfire 3 SRS are as comfortable and secure as they look. With their nice foam sole insert the endless adjustability options, you won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable. Two major adjustable features are:
- Flex System – The upper pivot, located on the bootleg, enhances the boot’s flexibility and allows for personalized adjustment of the bootleg. This empowers the rider to fine-tune the calf strap according to their preferences, resulting in a better, customized fit
- Adjustable Calf System – The boot leg includes a replaceable inner calf plate crafted from PU, along with a printed rubber insert, offering protection against exhaust heat and wear. The calf plate incorporates a dual inner adjustment mechanism, allowing for the expansion of the boot’s circumference to accommodate wider calves and shin guards
Alpinestars – Tech 10s
Alpinestars has had a massive impact on the safety of our sport. As one of the most well-known brands across all motorsport, they have fine-tuned their design on their Tech 10s. The Tech 10s are the most expensive boots with a price tag of $679.95 USD.
Safety
Alpinestars has based its brand around safety across all of its products. The Tech 10s are remarkable when comes to safety with features such as:
- Unparalleled flex control
- DCHP – unique heel protection innovation
- New inner ankle brace
- Anatomical shin and calf-plates
- Unique sole integration
- Buckle closure system
- lightweight upper construction
These features allow the racers to be safe while wearing the Tech 10s
Design and Customisation
The Unique lightweight design of the Tech 10s has an inner boot, This inner boot is built for extra protection for the heel while it absorbs more of the impact that the outer boot doesn’t. A lot of people have become fans of this saying it brings a more secure and comfortable fit to motocross boots.
In addition to this, the Tech 10s have multiple color choices with the standard 9 color choice, while they’re always releasing limited edition colorways. These may cost more money though.
Comfort
The Alpinestars Tech 10s are the perfect balance between safety and comfort. With there:
- Lightweight design
- Built-in support
- A significant range of motion
- Double pivot system
- Dual compound removable anatomic footbed
FOX Instincts
Fox Racing is a world-known brand with multiple different products. However, the Fox Instinct motocross boot is one of their most well-designed products. Being the cheapest boot out of the 3 at $559.95 USD. Even though they are the cheapest they still don’t lack in safety or comfort.
Safety
The Fox Instincts motocross boots supply the racer with reassurance that they won’t have any injuries knowing they are protected by several features such as:
- ULTRATAC enhances the grip of the rider
- The hinge lockout feature prevents hyperextension, supports forward and back movement, and gives lateral support around the ankle
- Anti-shock midsole and heel pad providing impact resistance, stability, and support
Design & Customisation
The design of the Fox Instinct boot is its major selling point, this boot will leave everyone at the track in ore of your boots. Their key features are:
- Their slick fashionable design
- Resoleable Outsole
- Air mesh-treated microban liner allowing for antimicrobial and odor control
- 8 color choices
Comfort
From the experience of the Fox athletes, they have been able to create a comfortable boot. Some of the features are there:
- Lightweight allowing for more mobility
- The 4-buckle system allows for a secure and personalized fit
So What Boot Is Better?
The obvious answer would be the Alpinestars Tech 10s, but that comes with a very hefty price tag. If you are willing to pay the price, I’d highly recommend it to anyone. All of the tech that is involved in crafting that boot will make sure you are safe while riding.
If you aren’t ready to pay $680 USD I would recommend the SIDI Crossfire 3 SRS. It has many financial benefits with the replaceable making it the cheapest high-quality boot long term. They did this while still creating one of the safest boots.
The personal choice comes into it as well. These two boots may not meet your needs, if that is the case I would recommend giving the Fox Instinct boots a chance. They are a very stylish boot that still contains a lot of safety feature.
