Sidi "Aria" Gore Tex Boots - Initial Review

[Grumpy Goat]

A quick unboxing, and try-on video, followed by some thoughts during a test ride.

[Grumpy Goat]

[Olgry1]

Nice review.

[Grumpy Goat]

Nice review.

Thanks John. One of my most satisfying purchases when it comes to gear ...

[ESquared]

Your word's good enough for me! Hope you still like them and that they broke in okay for you! I remember when I got my first "ADV" boots and took my Scrambler 1200 out with them on for the first time. Had to chuckle at the memory of my own missed shifts!

Anyway, scoured the Web and found a pair in my enormous size 14 at a shop in Italy and, all in, right about the same $250 you paid two years ago!

They look great, thanks for the review!

[Grumpy Goat]

Your word's good enough for me! Hope you still like them and that they broke in okay for you! I remember when I got my first "ADV" boots and took my Scrambler 1200 out with them on for the first time. Had to chuckle at the memory of my own missed shifts!

Anyway, scoured the Web and found a pair in my enormous size 14 at a shop in Italy and, all in, right about the same $250 you paid two years ago!

They look great, thanks for the review!

These are still the best boots that I have ever bought (not that I buy boots very often) and I still love them. I have yet to come across a down-side to these boots.

I wear them in all weathers and in all conditions and they just plain work, and keep my feet dry too. Not hot in summer and not cold in the Houston winters (with the help of engine heat). Also, they are wearing quite nicely, i.e. they still look to be in excellent shape and I ride somewhere almost every day as my bikes are essentially my transportation, and are not my toys.

[ESquared]

Your word's good enough for me! Hope you still like them and that they broke in okay for you! I remember when I got my first "ADV" boots and took my Scrambler 1200 out with them on for the first time. Had to chuckle at the memory of my own missed shifts!

Anyway, scoured the Web and found a pair in my enormous size 14 at a shop in Italy and, all in, right about the same $250 you paid two years ago!

They look great, thanks for the review!

These are still the best boots that I have ever bought (not that I buy boots very often) and I still love them. I have yet to come across a down-side to these boots.

I wear them in all weathers and in all conditions and they just plain work, and keep my feet dry too. Not hot in summer and not cold in the Houston winters (with the help of engine heat). Also, they are wearing quite nicely, i.e. they still look to be in excellent shape and I ride somewhere almost every day as my bikes are essentially my transportation, and are not my toys.

That's all great to hear and makes me feel even better about the purchase. Even better, I got an email from the vendor confirming sizing, and I ended up going up a European size (48 to 49), as she explained how the end up "rounding" to US sizing. Turns out 49 is closer to US14 than 48. Good catch on their part!
Here's hoping I like mine as much as you have yours!

[ESquared]

The Sidi Arias arrived today and they look fantastic!

I had rotator cuff surgery on Tuesday, and my ankles are still swollen from that, so it'll be a couple of days before I'll want to try them on, but they're a true Size "14.1" (US), so I'm not worried.

Great tip, thanks again!

[Grumpy Goat]

Great to hear that there have arrived. Let us know how they feel when you get them on.

[ESquared]

Managed to get a sock on (not that easy to do one-handed), and a boot. The construction and layering inside and out is just so nicely done. Glove-like fit literally out of the box, so look forward to breaking them in over the winter. Exceeded my expectations!

[Grumpy Goat]

Managed to get a sock on (not that easy to do one-handed), and a boot. The construction and layering inside and out is just so nicely done. Glove-like fit literally out of the box, so look forward to breaking them in over the winter. Exceeded my expectations!

Because of that comfort, I find that it is pretty good walking about in at the destination as well, although the soles are not really made for walking and are not that thick. So in an effort to save the soles I bring sneakers if I know I would want to walk about.

[ESquared]

Over the past couple of weeks, I've put about 20 hours of "around the house" time, including one 8-hour span; also used a variety of socks of different thicknesses, with an emphasis on thicker, with the idea that breaking in the boots on the "large" side would be wise, as they are, by design, a snug fit.

Then, today, got them out for a 90-minute tour on the Vespa, so they've been officially christened!

As before, couldn't be happier. They're feeling broken in enough, with adequate toe-box flex and plenty of walk-around comfort.

Just FWIW, for those who may be looking...

[Grumpy Goat]

Mine are still going strong and looking good too.

[maxredline]

Boots look awesome. They are not a cheap boot but you get what you pay for most of the time.
Probably not for those who need a wide fit like myself.

Always appreciate your videos!

[Grumpy Goat]

Boots look awesome. They are not a cheap boot but you get what you pay for most of the time.
Probably not for those who need a wide fit like myself.

Always appreciate your videos!

Thanks.

I too need a wider fit and these fit perfectly. They have a slim look but there was never any issue with fitment including girth at the front. And because they are this sort of synthetic type material, they hold up very well over time. These are my only boots and considering that I am a commuter (as opposed to only a weekend casual / leisure rider) they are still in great condition. I would not hesitate to buy these again.

[ESquared]

Boots look awesome. They are not a cheap boot but you get what you pay for most of the time.
Probably not for those who need a wide fit like myself.

Always appreciate your videos!

FWIW, the Italian shop I purchased my Arias from were great to work with, very communicative and prompt. Not to mention very competitive. Here's a recap if I were to re-order today:

Sidi Aria Gore-Tex Boots
Price:$205.12

Color: Black

Size: EU49/UK14/US15

Quantity: 1

There is 1 item in your cart.

Total products: $205.12

Total shipping: $33.31

Included taxes $0.00

Total: $238.43 (tax incl.)

About $310, shipped, via Revzilla. I figured they've churned through enough of my money that they wouldn't miss this sale.