When I took the Trans-Labrador Highway in 2019, I took the advice of the surprisingly high number of people I know who had taken it and crashed. I prepared quite carefully, without taking any risks (except for a 3/4 style helmet, but that's a story for another day). I rode in full pants/jacket/gloves, and I rode in a set of standard ADV boots that came almost to my knees.
Now, looking back, I don't think that was a wise option. The sensible option would have been something like these Sidi Mid Adventure 2 boots that I'm wearing this season. I wouldn't have been in any more danger and I would have been much more comfortable.
Mids don't offer the rugged construction of more off-road-oriented boots, but they're still more protective than a pair of street riding boots. Photo: Zac Kurylyk
The details
In case you have just arrived here, you should know that Sidi is a well-known name in the world of ADV. This Italian manufacturer has been making motorcycle boots for decades (they made the Combat range for Aerostich). They know how to make products that incorporate old-fashioned quality.
The Sidi Mid Adventure 2 boots also appear to be made from old-fashioned materials, but this is not the case. Although the upper appears to be leather, it is actually made of a synthetic material called “full grain microfiber.” Sidi says it makes the boots lighter, and I guess we'll have to take their word for it. I suspect this also reduces production costs, but I'm fine with that. Regardless, so far the hardware has held up well. I've seen reports here on the ADVrider forum that the synthetic material wears out if subjected to repeated wear, such as under the shifter. But since these boots have extra protection where they touch the shifter, I don't worry about them wearing out there.
Some riders also like to wear non-leather clothing due to moral sensitivities. This isn't a problem for me, but if it bothers you, you may want to consider these boots.
The Sidi Mid Adventure 2 boots are tall enough to keep your feet dry in the water, although they won't ford streams as deep as a set of full-height boots. Photo: Sean Doucet
In addition to the synthetic upper, you also get what Sidi calls a “touring sole.” I think they mean the sole is suitable for walking, without the mud-catching lugs you see on some boots. With Goodyear welted construction, you can put any other sole on these boots, or ask a shoemaker to replace them when they wear out. This is a very useful feature if you want to keep the boots for the long term.
The boots close with a pair of buckles at the ankle, with a Velcro strap that helps keep the gaiter closed at the top. There is a bit of padding in the front of the boots to keep your lower leg from getting horribly banged up, but coverage is limited. A heel protects the back of your foot. A Gore-Tex lining keeps water away while still providing some breathability.
The Mids also come in black, although I opted for the brown version. Photo: Sidi
How do they train?
So far, so good. No leaks in the rain. Nothing comes undone. The Sidis are very comfortable for all-day hikes, are sure-footed when I take them on easy off-pavement trails, and are perfect for walking around without a bike. I forget that I even wear motorcycle boots when I go shopping. Early in the season my toes were a little cold, but most runners don't go out when the temperature hits freezing, and I also could have worn better socks to compensate.
Another nice touch: if you're wearing jeans, the Sidis will tuck nicely inside. No more walking around looking like a fugitive from Blade Runner, with your pant legs tucked into a tall pair of boots. These boots would be perfect for a flight and a commute because you can comfortably walk around the airport without cooking to death or being afraid of the people Rick Deckard is about to shoot up the place.
On tour on Grand Manan Island. This type of trip, with easy off-roading and lots of city driving, not to mention a few hours on a ferry, is the perfect use for these boots. Photo: Sean Doucet
My only complaint is that the Velcro closure tab on the gaiter should be longer and sturdier. Sidi's setup works, but I find my legs are big enough that the opening of the boots barely closes around my calves. I might have figured this out when I was running long distances regularly, but that was years ago and my leg muscles have shrunk since then. This part of the boot could be redesigned. However, they were still perfectly secure and comfortable in this configuration, and the two-buckle closure certainly wasn't too tight.
In conclusion…
I really like these boots and while I don't plan on wearing them for serious off-road driving, I think they are perfect for hiking or even riding lightly on gravel roads around the House.
Are they for you? The Sidi Mid Adventure 2 boots offer a compromise between increased protection over standard touring boots, but also increased comfort over standard adventure boots, and I think for most adventure riders these- These are sufficient for daily driving.
Sidi has reinforced the toes to prevent wear of the synthetic material. Photo: Zac Kurylyk
Let's be honest. From its practical origins, the ADV gear scene has descended into Meme World territory. Check Instagram posts from previous owners (a bit like The Onion or The Babylon Bee or The Hard Times, but about motorcycles). Their page is filled with photos of adventure bike owners, and many of these jokes are 100% accurate. Some motorcyclists throw their credit card on gear designed to protect them from scenarios they'll never encounter (this certainly isn't limited to the world of ADV!). If you feel like you need protection on your shins for the cruise to Starbucks or the commute to work, wear full-length boots. But in decades of riding all kinds of motorcycles on all kinds of terrain and crashing a few, the only time I've barked my shins was when I knocked them off my footpegs. There's also the valid question of whether adding extra protection to your feet simply results in more damage being transferred to your knees. Some runners certainly believe so.
If I was regularly tearing up a single track or doing two tracks at high speed, that would be a different story and I would be wearing the appropriate boots. But as much as we all want to be like Ricky Brabec, most of us don't ride terrain ten times more difficult than Brabec. I'm happy to sweat in the chunky off-road boots when appropriate; I'm leaving for the KTM Adventure Rally Canada in two weeks and I'll be ready for that. But for rides like my run on the Trans Labrador Highway five years ago? I didn't need the chunky boots I was wearing, and a set of these mid-length ADVs would have been much more comfortable walking around the campsite or on the ferry decks.
The soles and buckles are easily replaced (you will need to find a shoemaker to make the soles for you). This repairability is a very valuable feature if you are purchasing equipment for the long term. Photo: Sidi
If you want more coverage, equip yourself appropriately. But for me, if the ride is easy, I intend to protect myself, but without turning myself into a newsworthy character sitting at Starbucks, admiring my Super Tenere while sipping a London Fog, adorned with a set of impeccable knee-length gloves. adventure boots.
See the boots on the Helmet House websitewith an MSRP of $349.99 in the United States.
