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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

I Did It......

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Well after months of humming and hawing and Troubadour's urging, I finally pulled the trigger and ordered some new riding boots.




I had been drooling over the Sidi Jasmine Rain Boots for a multitude of reasons. One being they have excellent reviews for a seemingly excellent product. Another reason would be that they are vegan and made of Lorica instead of leather.


In searching for them a month or so ago I noticed that they were being discontinued but of course were out of my size. I was a disappointed sad panda. That is until Troubadour noticed that Sidi was coming out with an updated version called the Sidi Livia Rain Boot. <---{click link for details & video}



Still vegan but now with "internal shifting pad with traction points." The main difference for me between the Livia and Jasmine is that shifting pad. I think this will help with the longevity of the boot and worth it for the extra $20.

On closer comparison of the pics another big difference that you can see is the "multi panel Achilles area for maximum comfort." This looks as though it will help them break in and for flexing when new, as not to look like I am wearing ski boots and stomping about. They also have more reflective piping and larger velcro areas over the zippers. So far, I am happy I stalled so long, I mean waited so patiently.

I ordered tonight from Revzilla. I find them to be quite reputable and that is where I also ordered my Rev'it Siren Jacket. They are shipping via UPS standard ground and should ship within 1-2 business days.

I am hoping to see them before month end, but we'll see.

Stay tuned for an update on fit, finish and first impressions.

- Au Revoir

"You may delay, but time will not." - Benjamin Franklin

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27 comments:

  1. Excellent choice....I love my Sidi's!

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  2. +1 on Sidi's (although I'm now wearing Alpinestars). My last pair is about 10 years old and the soles are crumbling but I still wear them when adventure riding. Until the other day (atrocious conditions) they had never let any water in either.

    I figure 10 years is a pretty good run...

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    1. I am pretty easy on gear so I am hoping they will last many years.

      The boots I have now do not have a shifter pad on them so they are a little rough on the left one, if they were warmer and waterproof I'd still wear them.

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  3. +2 on the Sidi's. Seems the month for gear reports and purchases.

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    1. It is good to hear that so many people like Sidi. I don't think I've ever heard anything bad about them.

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  4. Sidi makes great stuff. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts after riding some miles in them.

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    1. I am looking forward to breaking them in.

      I'll have to remember to check the shift lever before heading out. Different boots seem to require different shifter placement because of the thickness

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  5. yay happy panda! :D hmmm, im not perfectly happy with my 2010 weatherproof gortex redwings (i loved my previous 20 yr old boots but their newest models seem just too big, heavy, and clunky for me). i am anxiously awaiting your review!

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    1. Yes, very happy panda so far. I am hoping these are comfortable. I tried on a pair of off road Sidi's at Cycle Gear one day. Someone special ordered them and they didn't fit her. They felt more comfy than any of the other street boots I'd tried on.

      Fingers are crossed the size 8 I ordered aren't too big. I usually wear a 7.5, but seem to have to go up for room for thick socks when riding. Luckily Rev'it does a free exchange if you get the wrong size.

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  6. Hope they fit like a glove. My Tour Masters have proven themselves to be quite water-tight but are really less than great for walking any distance.

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    1. i too hope they fit. I've tried on Tour Masters as they can be found fairly local but the ankle protection hits the inside of my left ankle in the wrong way. I've had 3 ankle surgeries on that one for osteochondritis and it is touchy.

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  7. Grat's on the purchase! I've been drooling over the "On Road" boots, but am nervous over spending so much money on boots I haven't even tried on once.

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    1. The boots I currently have (Harley Melia) were purchased online from Altrec.com. They fit pretty good but were a smidge big, thick socks helped. The main thing is to buy from an online company that has free returns and exchanges.

      Only one or two places carry ladies riding boots and then selection is limited. My only option is online ordering. Local stores just tell you it is a special order and they'll charge you a restocking fee, whereas online won't charge the restocking fee. And NO ONE carries ladies Sidi boots in stock in this whole state that I have found.

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  8. Looking good. Hope they are what you were looking for.

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  9. I have been Looking at some new boots for some time now (my dainese are 7 years old). But I will need to wait 2013...2012 is not going to be a good year for "leisure" purchases....

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    1. But 2012 is just beginning.

      One of our main benefits from choosing to be childfree is more money for toys. ;-)

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  10. Every year I keep thinking about getting purpose built boots. When I took the BRC, I picked up a pair of leather work boots. They are still holding up fine and with treatment, still keep out the water. I've heard a lot of good comments about Sidi boots. One of these days when the old ones wear out...

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    1. I've thought about men's boots, but I have to go down to a size 5.5 or 6 and they don't make them that small and it is hard to find boys street riding boots. They have off road ones though.

      I've heard good things about work boots and combat boots for riding. Good to know yours have hasted so long.

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  11. Word is that the boots have shipped via UPS and will be delivered on Monday.

    Lucky me, I get new boots for Troubadour's birthday.

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  12. Did you get your boots yet? I finally took my new ones from Christmas out of the box and wore them today. They were toasty warm and dry. When I was at the motorcycle show I stopped by Viberg Boots and WOW did they have some funky beautiful boots. They start around $500 but OMG my alter personality Shoe Diva was coming out in me. I saw some plum coloured ones with black straps - Oh! Okay now I am obsessing over these, need to get back on track. Let me know how your boots are working for you.

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    1. Got the boots on Monday as scheduled. Wore them around the house for about 4 hours that evening.

      So far they are great. They hit in a few spots but will just take getting used to. Overall I think I even picked the right size. Weather has been too crappy to ride. Maybe Saturday I can go out and then do a first impressions post with pics.

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    2. I think I am going to have to look up Viberg boots online, just to do a little drooling myself.

      I am not a shoe diva by any means but I like to look at cool shoes and boots, just too cheap to buy them..... and I stick to comfy shoes, hence my collection of Keens.

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    3. It's interesting that you bring up Keens. My dad loves them and wears a pair on his bike. He even bought me a pair this Christmas to replace my old boots. I haven't worn them on the bike yet as I don't want to ugly them up with the shifter lever. Do you ever wear your Keen's riding or would you suggest official riding boots?

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    4. I know a few people who wear Keens while riding. They are the most comfortable shoe/boot I've ever owned. Troubadour talked me into my first pair a few years ago and I was hooked from then on. It is pretty much all I wear when not riding. I used to use a hiking pair when on my old Honda 250 when I first started riding because they had a nice flat sole and not a heel like my old riding boots. Some Keens are thicker than others so you may have to adjust your shifter lever. If you are worried about scuffing your boot you can get a rubber shifter lever cover.

      Keens will give you some protection, but I don't think they necessarily have the impact protection a designed riding boot would have in case of an accident. My hiking Keens are not waterproof and that is a big factor for me in Oregon so riding specific boots were a good choice.

      As long as your Keens offer ankle protection and are comfy I don't see why not to use them. If they suit your needs go for it, it is better than wearing running shoes or flip flops.

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