What makes a great set of riding boots? They have to be comfortable, easy to slide on and off, and offer a high level of impact resistance and protection. The style and look are also a consideration when we’re choosing where to spend our hard-earned money.

Sidi’s CrossFire2 MX boots have gained legendary status over the years, with amateur and pro riders singing their praises. They’re full spec, high-end, technical, enduro-style riding boots with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from the brand’s flagship offering. Now, the CrossFire 3s offer some additional features, which make them a stand-out product.

One feature is the Hyper Extension Block System (HEBS). As the name implies, the design stops the rider's ankle from hyper extending. With more and more adventure riders using hard panniers, the number of reported injuries caused by feet being trapped under them has increased. HEBS could well be the long-term answer.

On the outer front, inside, and rear of the boot is a muffler guard plate, aimed at further increasing rider protection from impact, while also protecting from the extreme heat of the engine and the exhaust system. The inside and rear of this guard are made of high-density rubber, which I’ve found provides plenty of extra grip when I need to clasp my bike’s chassis. What’s clever is that the Adjustable Calf System (ACS) allows for a substantial amount of personalization. With just a few tweaks, the CrossFire 3’s openings can be enlarged or reduced to accommodate differing calf sizes or extra space for knee braces, which often fall below the point where MX boots extend up the shin. This is smart design.

This boot seems designed to fit normal to narrower feet, which also means that the toe box is thinner than some other designs. One huge benefit is that I can now reach under the gear shifter with my foot for accurate controlled gear changes, instead of having to simply “snag” the gear lever with the outside of my boot—a very welcome change to my riding style.

My boots take a daily beating and having to replace an entire boot because one or two elements have worn out was always frustrating. Sidi has addressed this issue with the entire boot leg being assembled with screws, not stitches, meaning any component can be easily replaced, as can the sole, along with an array of other boot elements, from the buckles to the footpeg guards.

Of all the new CrossFire 3’s features, the articulated ankle is at the top of my list. As a rider, being able to comfortably walk around and explore is crucial. The articulated ankle makes walking a breeze and negates that uncomfortable breaking-in period associated with MX boots. The CrossFire 3s fit well, too, from the moment I slipped them on, allowing me to move with a full range of motion and never impeding my mobility like my old leather MX boots.

After just months in my Sidi CrossFire 3s I can see what all the fuss has been about, and at last understand why the CrossFire series has gained such loyal and enthusiastic fans. Well thought-out, well designed and perfectly constructed, the CrossFire 3 is the real deal, and easily the best fitting boot I’ve worn in the last 15 years. Highly recommended! MSRP: $599 Motonation.com

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