need help choosing low cut racing boots

[jvax]

I'm in the market for low cut racing boots.  Plan to wear them for commute / city riding and on the occasional long distance too.

Would you suggest A* S-MX 2 Waterproof or Sidi Blade?  Any alternative is welcome too.  Thanks.

[Slide Panda]

Well, these are just riding shoes/ low boots - not race boots.

Both products you've listed are similar in construction, but have a couple key differences. The A* stuff will be warm and dry, vs the Sidi which will flow more air, but that air flow will let in water.

So, it probably comes down to what sort of weather are you expecting to deal with most?

[duccarlos]

I personally like the Sidi's. It's Africa hot down here right now and every bit of airflow helps.

[jvax]

Thanks for the correction.  I only called them 'racing' boots cuz I found them under the racing category on their respective website. But you're right, I don't think they're for racing.

I am in Japan, and the weather started to cool down these days, so for the next six months or so I don't think I will need that much air flow.  I do plan on taking them boots off once I arrive at work in the morning.

Do you guys recommend high boots vs these low boots?  I mean they both provide good protection up to the ankle, I'm guessing the high boots also protect the lower half of the calf/tibia.  Any other notable difference I'm missing?

[duccarlos]

In street riding, the most important part is that the ankle is protected. Both of these cover that area, so I would definitely recommend these if you're looking for something more subtle.

[Slide Panda]

Generally, high boots will provide more protection. It depends a good bit on the boot of course, but (waves hands about) high boots will protect more against hyper extension/flexion, torsion etc of the ankle if the shit goes down.

Boots will also provide more protection for your shin. Might not thing about it, but a piece of kicked up gravel hurts like hell when it hits an unprotected area. Most sporty boots will have some hard armor to protect your shins.

[jvax]

OK now I'm seriously starting to consider high boots.  Can high boots easily fit under the pants (in terms of thickness)?  I'm not too keen on tucking my pants in the boots...

[El Matador]

Most people I know wear Sidi vertigos. They all put their pants over the boots and it just looks like they're wearing Pumas

[duccarlos]

Yep, both my Sidis go under jeans and kakis for work. No problems there.

[muffinman]

I'm actually in the market for something similar... for my short work commutes, where I barley hit speeds of 35 mph, my SIDI Vertigo's seem overkill at times. 

I like the SIDI's you posted up there but feel like the Puma Flat v2's offer a bit more in protection and style; you pay a price premium for both but you should consider the Puma's as well.

The Shift Kicker is an interesting option, too.. probably not as protective as the Puma/SIDI

[jvax]

Great!  I'm almost (I say "almost" because I was just about to post this reply right before muffinman suggested the Puma Flat v2's) officially sold on high Sidis 

muffinman, the Flat v2's do look sweet, although I'm not so sure they offer better protection than the Sidi Blade...  Plus, I'm kinda thinking more and more about high boots...

Now, B-2s or Vertigos???  To my noobie eye, the most noticeable different is the transparent heel cups on the vertigos, which, although I'm guessing offer more heel protection than the B-2, I am not a big fan of.  I kinda prefer the more discrete look of the B-2, with its encapsulated heel cup.

duccarlos, what Sidis do you have?  Appreciate if you can share your experience/opinion on comfort, fittingness, waterproofness etc...

[muffinman]

The Vertigo's are a definite step-up protection wise from the B-2's.. I liked the B-2's discreet looks more but wanted the increased ankle protection (not as much ankle-torsion prevention as the Vortice's, but more substantial than the B-2) and the adjustable dial calf fitment.

There's comparisons between the two on NewEnough (if you can still find the Vertigo page) and on sportbiketrackgear.com that may be helpful

The Puma Flat v2's have the new 360 degree ankle cockpit.. it's hardened completely around the ankle area to give you impact/crush protection regardless of where the ankle gets hit, vs the one little plastic cup the Sidi provides. 

[duccarlos]

I have the B2's, because I didn't want to spend too much. I also wanted something that I could use on a day to day basis and also on the track for my few trackdays a year. If it was in the budget, I would go with the Vertigos, but they are a bit brash for using to work.

[Triple J]

For street riding I think the B2's are good boots with good protection.

For track riding I'd get something a little better. I have B2's and broke my ankle (bottom of fibula actually) a couple weeks ago at a trackday. Might have happened with a more race oriented boot, as it was due to impact not twisting, but I'm still getting better boots for track riding.

I'll still use the B2s on the street though.

[Spidey]

I'm still getting better boots for track riding.

Daytona Evo Sports.  Yes, they're expensive as fack.  But I've seen all sorts of folks walk away from crashes wearing Evo Sports that shoulda destroyed their feet/ankles.  And I bet you woulda paid $300 more rather than break your ankle (sorry about that BTW.  That blows, mang.)  Bonus:  they are SOOOO comfortable.

There was someone who posted up a link on the DMF re getting them straight from Europe.  With the exchange rate at the time, they were something like $350 shipped to your door rather than $550 or $600.  (edit:  Holy crap.  I just checked the price and they're up to $650 from Helimot.  Jebus).

Here's the link:  http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=24188.msg443464#msg443464