Gear Scout: Sidi Adventure Rain

Over the span of the last decade, I have tested more boots than I could possibly remember. Few have been so thoroughly tested, and in such a short time span, as the Sidi Adventure Rain boots pictured above. I don’t know if I was testing the boots, or the boot test was testing me, but I’ll get to that later.

Inspired by the ever growing adventure touring segment, Sidi’s Adventure Rain boots are designed to afford riders the perfect blend of offroad and touring attributes. The lugged sole has just enough tread to make it sure-footed when the going gets dirty. The dual buckles wrap the boot firmly around the lower leg and instep and ample armor throughout ensures the rider is afforded maximum protection when needed. The entire boot is lined with a waterproof/breathable membrane, thus the “Rain” designator, and the exterior is made of top-grain leather befitting a proper motorcycle boot. There are other important features you can’t see. The crush-resistant midsole adds a layer of protection few other manufacturers offer, and the fit is pure Sidi, which is to say––awesome. For the long-range touring rider, comfort is a critical consideration and the Adventure Rain boots are, if anything, surprisingly comfortable.

So, back to my intensive test. I received these test boots on September 10th, and just in the nick of time, too. Within twelve hours I was on a plane headed to Denver to pick up a new motorcycle. To save space in my limited luggage, I wore the Sidi Adventure Rains on the flight. Aside from some awkward moments at the TSA check point, they were remarkably comfortable, and far cooler on my feet than I had expected. Comfort confirmed, it was time to test the waterproof claims. To achieve that end, and by way of a great deal of bum luck, I ended up spending my first day riding through the biggest rain event in Colorado’s last century. I estimate I rode through more than 4 inches of falling rain during my first day in these boots. I even crossed several flooded intersections with water up to my shins. To my complete relief and amazement, my feet stayed perfectly dry.

It might have been a bad idea to pull a pair of brand new boots from a box and wear them every day for a week covering 1,000 miles, but I had every confidence the Sidi legacy would serve me well. I was right. The fit, features, and quality made them perfect, right out of the box.

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Christophe Noel is a journalist from Prescott, Arizona. Born into a family of backcountry enthusiasts, Christophe grew up backpacking the mountains and deserts of the American West. An avid cyclist and bikepacker, he also has a passion for motorcycles, travel, food and overlanding.