Sidi ST or Vortice boots - Any FHE

[Slide Panda]

So my old B2s are headed to the end of their life. So I'm looking at something new.

New for this year Sidi added the ST, which does look pretty nice. I've read reviews and watched videos - but getting some FHE and thoughts are always nice.

Also pondering the Vortice. One feature it's got is that replicable section of the sole - which is where my B2s are giving up. One thing that NewEnoughs review mentions is that as good a boot as it is, it's a bit of a hassle to get in/out of due to the techno-tensioner system being fussy by comparison to a single zip boot.

So if you've got either of those boots, please share your thoughts.

[thought]

not sure about the st, but the vertigo has replacement soles:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/421/19646/ITEM/Sidi-Replacement-Sole-for-Vertigo-and-Blade-Boots.aspx

those arent the bolt on ones like the vortice, you'll need to take them to a shoe repair shop to have them replaced, but i figure if the lower end vertigo has that option, then the higher end st should have it to?

also, make sure you try on the sidi's before you get them... they run a bit narrow.  i'm facing that issue right now, they are perfect with thin socks and on the bike, but can get a bit too tight when walking, and one size up just feels too loose for me.  trying to decide to sell them for a loss and get another brand.

[Artful]

To make sure I completely don't answer your question at all - where exactly are your B2s wearing? Mine have given up the ghost after three years of heavy use (they don't owe me a thing) and the front of the sole is now flapping. I would just shoe glue it, but the sole itself is pretty worn through (not much of the Sidi logo left) and I don't know of a place to buy just Sidi soles.

[Slide Panda]

Smack in the mid-foot to the ball has worn smooth - there's almost nothing left that resembles treads. It's getting a bit slippy on the pegs.

Good to know about the replacement soles. At $20 + the cost to get reshod that's a lot of replacements in cost difference to get the vortice.

The ST is new and I believe it falls into the line where the Vertigo was - so I'd expect that replacement soles would appear at some point.

Oh and I've got a couple pair of Sidi - i've got narrow feet so they fit me quite well.

[stopintime]

To use the MotorCycleSuperStore replacement sole, make sure that the worn out sole is removed carefully.
It's easy to rip off some of the Lorica which is glued between the sole and the composite inner sole/fot bed.
If the method of grinding is used, not too much, or the composite sole will be compromised.

The sole of the Vertigo and Blade is identical to the ST sole.

Recently got my second pair of Vertigo Rain (discontinued) and my first pair of ST.
Sizing is the same - normal length, but as mentioned quite narrow.

SIDI has proven to be perfect for me, love the quality, fit and features.

I wanted the Vortice, but dropped them because of all the buckles - not an every day boot IMO.

[Artful]

If you're looking to get new boots to scratch the new boot itch, go for it, but the soles on the B2 can apparently be replaced by a shoe repair place. You can buy them here - also $20

http://www.motonation.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=69&idproduct=5211

[thought]

If you're looking to get new boots to scratch the new boot itch, go for it, but the soles on the B2 can apparently be replaced by a shoe repair place. You can buy them here - also $20

http://www.motonation.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=69&idproduct=5211

those look to be the same as the vertigo soles.  i guess it's standardized across the range which is pretty nice.

[Slide Panda]

Yeah, looks like the sport road boots save for the Vortice share a sole. I'd have thought/hoped that was the case.

If you're looking to get new boots to scratch the new boot itch, go for it,

I am a bit itchy... 

[atomic410]

I have both vortice's and vertigo corsa's the vortice is a pita to get on but once its on its on, I rarely take my boots off at the track so its not that big of a deal for me.  also those top calf tensioners are subject to melting with some pipe set ups.  both are great boots, and my sidis probally saved me  a foot last year so you are golden with either imho.  I would guess that you can find vortices on the cheep and there are places that specalize in replacing raceboot soles.

[Slide Panda]

So far no luck finding Vortices for anything special pricewise.

I'm leaning towards the ST at this point. One of the big sells there was the replaceable section. Knowing that I can have the other boots reshod deflates that point.

Though yeah I'm not really in a out of my boots but once a day

[atomic410]

buy them from motonation great customer service and quick shipping and great prices.

[thought]

Wow review of the st, they like it... But say that it is def more of a track level boot

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-boots/sidi-st-boots/

[Slide Panda]

Well I bit the bullet and picked up some STs. So far, so good. Per my norm I added insoles. Even as slim as Sidi are, my 'low volume' feet still float around in their boots w/o some sort of add in insole.

I took them for a couple hundred miles over the weekend, and I'm liking them so far. They are a bit beefier in parts than the B2s or Air Strada I have which will require a bit of adjustment. The heel is a bit chunkier so foot position is effected a bit, but what got me was shifting. The height at the toe seems a bit more, and I had minor trouble getting under my shifter as it's currently set. I think it's a matter of a mm or two of adjustment - nothing dramatic at all, but I did notice it.

Beyond those issues that can be overcome I'm digging them. The venting on the sides is a welcome addition as well as the greater flexibility for the calf closure. My B2s didn't like closing over my leathers due to the shin armour in them, but the STs have not problem thanks to the stretch section in the back and the adjustment capacity of the buckles. With the heat in the mid Atlantic area, I wish I had the toe vent farkles seen on the Vortice - but $100 more is pretty dear.

So if you're looking for high-ish end sport boots give a solid look at the ST.

[thought]

any squeaking?  that's the only thing that i'm wondering about on the st's... i just put in a order for a pair, the vertigos i have are just too small... thought they would loosen up a bit more after a while, but it's just not happening.

[Slide Panda]

Not a bit. My B2s had the squeak bit the STs dont. They have a different ankle protection set up than the B2s or other squeakers - it shares it's brace hinge with the Vortices and not the overlapping bits seen on the B2