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Now, having the ultimate offroad jacket, my next quest was for some quality footwear. Having had several brands that were on the market, I was very disappointed in the products that were available for the utility rider and the performance of the current equipment I had already tried.
We utility riders are often forging streams and rivers as well as tromping though mud holes putting our footwear to the ultimate test. And often we are getting off our quads to give one of our riding partners an extra hand while being stuck rack deep in the mud hole you just warned him about. This eventually takes a toll on your riding gear, especially your footwear. I usually used hunting boots, but these never fared to well after a riding season. Simply, it was time for some better footwear.
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My standards were pretty clear; I wanted a boot that was:
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Had to offer the standard ankle and shin protection
- Off road style lugged sole
- Waterproof / Water resistant
While the first four were a necessary function when I began searching, the last criterion was the ability to keep my feet dry. This was a bigger issue that I had thought, since I could not find anything currently available. Finally I had stumbled across a boot manufacturer who made a great looking boot. The boot met all of my specifications and best of all the boots had a water resistant membrane to prevent my feet from getting wet. Finally I thought; the SIDI Discovery Rain boot.
I knew the moment I saw the picture of the Sidi Discovery boot that it was going to be a perfect boot for my style of ATV riding.
Specifications
- Soft lugged sole for maximum grip.
- Composite inner sole.
- Rigid, shock resistant, anatomically shaped heel for maximum protection.
- Split grain leather inner anti-wear/heat panel.
- Membrane equipped to add a water resistant yet breathable barrier between the elements and the riders’ feet.
- Exclusive cam-lock buckle system.
- Replaceable strap system.
- Removable arch support.
- Top grain leather and Lorica construction.
- Slim, cool non-bootie design.
- Cambrelle lining
The Lorica material is a a composite micro fiber material created from strands that are so fine, each one is less than one thousandth the thickness of silk. We inject it with special resins, so these fibers act like natural leather skin, but with the advantage of better strength, softer texture, lighter weight and better moisture protection. Lorica is also highly resistant to abrasion – yet it still breathes – with more than three million pores per square centimeter. Easy to maintain, Lorica doesn’t stain, can’t be scratched and offers reduced weight, more flexibility and a better feel than leather racing boots.
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Sidi marketed the first boot to offer inner ankle protection, the replacement system, cam-lock off road boot buckle systems.
</td> </tr> </tbody></table> First Impression
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Motonation offers a quick and easy way to determine you proper boot size. Click HERE
</td> <td width="77%"> While I was excited for the arrival of the Sidi Discover boot, I had to contain myself. I had read all the specifications of this boot and immediately knew it was going to be an awesome riding boot even before taking it out of the box. I also needed to make sure I was able to be completely un-biased for the sake of this review.The boots were as nice as described by the customer service representative at Motonation. Quality packaging ensured that nothing could be damaged during shipment.
When I first tried the Sidi Discovery Boots on, I felt my stomach sink. My feet wiggled around in the boots way too much; they were too big. While I normally wear a size nine shoe / boot. Sidi only manufactures half sizes up to size 10. I chose a 9.5, which was a little too big. I contemplated shipping them back for a size 8.5, but was afraid that size would be too small. I then thought, why not add another insole? I quickly jammed another insole from another pair of shoes, tried the Sidi Discovery boot on and…tada! These boots now fit like a glove. In fact they fit perfect! Not only did the insole allow the Sidi Discovery to fit my foot perfectly, the additional padding was like walking on air. I do need to mentions that Motonation was eager to help me in any way necessary to ensure that I was completely satisfied with the fit of these boots.
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<table style="border-collapse: collapse;" id="AutoNumber4" width="100%" border="0" bordercolor="#111111" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td width="74%"> With both additional insoles in each boot, I began adjusting the buckles to a precise fit. Sidi uses an exclusive cam-lock buckle system which has been acknowledged as the finest system on the planet. This system also includes a strap memory retention system; this means no more readjusting your boot straps and buckles before every ride. The straps and buckles can also be replaced in case one does happen to fail.
Since the Sidi Discovery Boots only come up to about mid height of the shin, I found this was extremely comfortable and better suited for ATV riders. Along with the shin protection Sidi incorporates leather heat protected panel to protect the inside of your leg against exhaust temperatures
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The Sidi Discover Rain Offers a soft lugged sole for maximum grip and a composite inner sole for durability and support.
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Every bolt on component of each Sidi off road boot is available separately. Riders can change the various components to replace items that have worn or have been damaged in a crash or to make a custom colored boot to match his/her personal taste.
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<table style="border-collapse: collapse;" id="AutoNumber8" width="100%" border="0" bordercolor="#111111" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" height="235"> <tbody><tr> <td width="74%" height="215"> Every Discovery Rain boots outer is fully constructed with Lorica. Lorica is a composite micro fiber material created from strands that are so fine, each one is less than one thousandth the thickness of silk. We inject it with special resins, so these fibers act like natural leather skin, but with the advantage of better strength, softer texture, lighter weight and better moisture protection. Lorica is also highly resistant to abrasion yet it still breathes with more than three million pores per square centimeter. Easy to maintain, Lorica doesn't stain, can't be scratched and offers reduced weight, more flexibility and a better feel than leather racing boots.
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Trail Report
<table style="border-collapse: collapse;" id="AutoNumber7" width="100%" border="0" bordercolor="#111111" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td width="100%"> As I expected, my feet stayed comfortable all day long. Riding through several creek crossings which totally submerged the foot section of the boot reminded me that it was nice to be wearing boots that were water resistant. The Tepor water resistant membrane definitely does it’s job in keeping the water out and still allowing the boot to naturally breath. I really felt that I could go on a hike with the Sidi Dicovery boots and would never notice the difference between those and a pair of top quality hiking boots. These are as comfortable if not more comfortable than my hunting boots.
The Top Grain leather will take some breaking in, but after a few rides it is broken in very nicely and really conforms well to your foot offering some toe flexibility.
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Conclusion
While many utility riders will ask “what do I need with a boot like that? I am not racing.” I fall back on these ideas:
- Ankle protection
- Heel protection
- Shin protection
Like any of this style boot, they get warm when the temperatures begin to rise. This can be solved somewhat by wearing some sort of moisture wicking socks like CoolMax socks.
The Sidi Discovery Rain boots have made their home in my gear bag. After thoroughly testing these boots for 6 months I never give anything other than products made by Sidi a second glance.
The Sidi Discovery Rain boot is a top quality product and I would highly recommend taking a look at them if you are looking for a dedicated riding boot that will take the abuse and remain comfortable all day long.
Pros:
- Water resistant breathable membrane
- Comfortable
- Excellent protection
- Replaceable parts
Cons:
- Metallic toe guard screw loosened and fell out
- Sizes may not accommodate all and are hard to choose by without trying on.
For more information on Sidi products visit their website at: SIDI
You may purchase the Sidi Discovery Rain Boot at:
Motonation
www.motonation.com
1100 N. Magnolia Suite A
El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: 619-401-4106
Fax: 619-401-4108
Email: [email protected]
