Sidi Crossfire 3 SRS Boots

As much as I ride, boots are one of the key components to being comfortable over a long test day. Having a comfortable and protective pair of boots is just as important (to me) as a quality helmet on my head. Sidi released the Crossfire 3 SRS Boots almost a year ago, but more recently I was finally able to get enough time put on a pair that I can actually get you guys a solid review about them. Being completely honest (as we are here at Keefer Inc.) I wasn’t a huge fan of the Crossfire 2 SRS boots as my ankles seemed to get very sore after a hard day of riding than other boots I have worn. So when Sidi came out with the Crossfire 3 SRS’ I was anxious to give them another go around to see if they remedied some of these issues.

The Sidi Crossfire 3 SRS boots come with an all new ankle pivot system that is designed to have a “hard” limit of foot/ankle hyperextension (good news for me). Sidi has also upgraded the entire SRS sole on the Crossfire 3 SRS boot as well (also good news). The new sole features a more cupped and thicker design so the rider’s foot rests deeper into the sole system (great news). This change is claimed to give more engagement between the boots upper and sole in the manufacturing process. Sidi claims that this change creates a firmer sole than any other Crossfire boot currently available. Replaceable by hand tools the new Dovetail SRS anti-skid rubber sole covers the arch area of the sole. Toe and heel areas on the new Dovetail SRS sole are now a permanent part of the Crossfire 3 SRS. A laminated Technomicro is used as the base material in all areas along with a slim, non-bootie design. The calf plate system features an inner double adjustment that expands to fit larger size calves or bigger sized knee brace systems. An inner heat shield made up of high grip material and a new inner boot gaiter has a larger circumference than the Crossfire 2 making for a tight seal around the rider’s lower leg.

The upper inside of the gaiter features an anti-heat suede protection-grip panel and a removable arch support. An all new rigid, shock resistant, anatomically shaped heel hold the riders foot firm and thus resists twisting while offering added protection. Replaceable, sleek, micro adjustable cam lock buckle system with memory retention nylon straps and all buckles move independently of each other along with having just one fixed point (by a screw). This allows an easy closure and the buckles can adapt to the rider’s position as they pivot on the mounting screw, as the rider changes position on the bike. The lower buckle guards help protect against an opening due to an impact and the complete central strap system can be easily replaced and is available in two sizes. Lined with anti-abrasion Cambrelle® in the foot area for comfort, the upper is lined with Teflon mesh which can prevent complete absorption of water and sweat. All bolt-on parts are replaceable as well as the shin plate. Assembled and replaceable boot leg is stitch free and is 1cm taller than the Crossfire-2. The boot leg is fully assembled with screws, is stitch-free and entirely replaceable. Lastly, a replaceable inner kick starter/foot peg nylon guard on the inside area of both boots grace the Sidi Crossfire 3 SRS.

Initially when I put the Sidi Corssfire 3 SRS boots on it felt much like the Crossfire 2’s to me, which feel a little snug, but loosen up with just a couple of rides. The Crossfire 3 SRS still has a narrow ankle feel (compared to an Alpinestars Tech 10), but weren’t too narrow where I felt I needed to go with a Crossfire 2 TA (which have a slightly wider ankle area). I will say that the colorway’s that Sidi has are beautiful and you will be able to match any color gear set you haveto win “Best Dressed” at your local track on any given day. Another very cool aspect of the boot is that you can get creative and mix match colors/parts on your Crossfire 3 SRS boots. You are able to do so with all of the replaceable parts on the boot that Sidi offers, which besides buckles you can’t do with any other boot.

The buckle system on the Crossfire 3 boot has to be the easiest, most pleasant buckle system to work with. I can adjust the strap to my desired fit and lock down the buckle with ease and even when the buckles are caked with dirt, they easily come undone. Not to mention that they don’t come undone while I am riding and stay snug throughout the day. The only thing that I didn’t like about the Crossfire 2 was the ankle and sole, which left me with sore ankles on a long day of riding. I am very happy to say that the new ankle system/sole of the Crossfire 3 SRS boots gave me a better feel on the pegs and also left me with zero soreness when I arrived home from a long day at the track. With the older style Crossfire 2 SRS boots I could feel more vibration through the pegs, but with the new sole on the Crossfire 3’s I could feel less vibration from the harmonics of the engine on the bottom’s of my feet. The sole has a grippy feel on the pegs and I like that it is fully replaceable and that you can do it with a simple flat blade screwdriver. The overall feel of the boot is light and very thin in the ankle area. Compared to a pair of Alpinestars Tech 10 boots, the Sidi Crossfire 3 boot is much easier to get your leg up high when the ruts get deep (similar to a Fox Instinct). The thin feel of the boot doesn’t have the chance to get caught up on a shroud (as much) when you have long legs like me. A pair of size 11 Crossfire 3 boots weigh in at 9.1 pounds and although that is not extremely lightweight for a pair of motocross boots they do feel light when I am maneuvering around on the track. The replaceable sole on the Crossfire 3 is durable and have already lasted longer than my pair of Fox Instinct soles. The gaitor of the boot didn’t allow dirt to get inside through the top and the Velcro is very adhesive. Although I have smaller calves (for a strapping male motocross rider) other riders that I let ride with the boot had very large calves and the Crossfire 3 boots still sealed enough for them. I am going to continue to put hours on the Sidi Crossfire 3 SRS’ and get back to you all in a future “Keefer Tested” podcast on the lifespan of these boots. I will also dive into a boot shootout soon right here on keeferinctesting.com so stay tuned! If you want to see the complete line of Sidi boots you can visit motonation.com.

If you have any questions about this test please feel free to email me at kris@keeferinctesting.com