My ongoing quest for the ideal footwear for the racetrack recently included a test of the Sidi Vertigo 2 boots.
The collection of track-dedicated boots in my closet currently includes a pair of Sidi’s flagship Rex Air boots and while they are an excellent product offering industry-leading protection and technology, the reality is that top-shelf products are accompanied by top-shelf prices. The company’s Vertigo 2, on the other hand, offers alternative to experience a boot designed to meet the needs of sport bike and track day riders at a price point that won’t break the bank.
While the Vertigo 2’s $529.99 sticker price is a full $230 less than the Rex Air boots, don’t be fooled, these boots deliver all the quality and style that consumers have come to expect from Sidi.
The company’s Italian lineage is evident the moment the Vertigo 2 boots emerge from the box. Available in full black or white with the sole, heel cup and ankle support system providing black accents, these boots are truly eye catching.
Constructed with Sidi’s Technomicro microfibre material, the outside of the Vertigo 2 boots is built to be tear and abrasion resistant. As a bonus, benefits listed on the Sidi website include ease of maintenance and cleaning. A Teflon and Cambrelle mesh liner is included to keep feet dry and cool.
Like so many things, when it comes to placement of zippers, it seems that everyone has strong opinions. With the Vertigo 2, the zipper runs along the inside of the boot, and while others may have strong objections to this position, I did not find it to be an issue. Thanks to the inclusion of elastic panels, closing the zipper on a variety of calf sizes should be a breeze and the inclusion of a Velcro panel at the top makes it easy to secure the boot while the Tecno 3 rachet cable system allows for further refinement of the fit.
On the subject of fit, when walking the size 42 (Euro) that I usually wear felt slightly large in these boots but not loose enough to suggest that consumers should consider adjusting their regular sizing. Out on the track the boots felt well fit, providing the excellent sense of feel and position that is critical in motorcycle footwear.
Riding on racetracks in Canada – or anywhere else for that matter – requires the ability to deal with fluctuations in temperature from cool mornings to potentially scorching heat in the afternoon. With my iPhone reporting a temperature of just north of 10 degrees Celsius at the start of the day I was happy to find that the Vertigo 2 boots kept my feet warm. While the side vents on the Vertigo don’t look massive, as afternoon temperatures moved towards 30, they provided a surprising amount of airflow when opened and my feet remained comfortable and happy.
On the protection side of the equation, the Vertigo 2 boots are certified CE Level 2 thanks to the inclusion of impact-absorbing heel cups, shine plates and an external ankle support brace, all constructed of nylon with fibreglass reinforcement. The boots also include replaceable toe sliders.
All factors considered, with the Vertigo 2 Sidi has built a solid boot that should be on the list of possibilities for anyone looking to acquire a new pair for track days or sport bike riding on the street. Having found a permanent location in my gear bag, I would definitely recommend the Sidi Vertigo 2 boots.
For more information on the Vertigo 2 boots as well as the complete lineup of Sidi products visit www.kimpex.com.
Sidi Vertigo 2 Boots
MSRP: $529.99
Colours: Black, White
Sizes: 39 to 50 (Euro)
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