WHAT IS IT? The Crossair X is Sidi’s newest top-end competition boot built to withstand the rigors of motocross. Sidi now has four different high-end boot options and 31 different color/design options between the four styles—Crossair X, Crossfire 3 SRS, Crossair and X Power SC.The four different styles range in price from $400 to $600, with the brand-new Crossair X being at the top of the totem pole.

WHAT’S IT COST? $599.99.

CONTACT? (818) 880-0000 or helmethouse.com/sidi.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with Sidi’s new Crossair X boots.

(1) Design. This boot looks fast and sleek. The Crossair X has a comfortable inner that wraps snugly around your shank with Velcro holding it tightly. The boot’s outer protection layer is made primarily of vented plastic pieces (some replaceable), which have proven to offer great protection and durability. The outer is fastened using four buckles with adjustable-length straps. These buckles are anchored with Phillips-head screws, allowing for replacement if needed. The buckles are open at their ends, allowing for flex, but this feature digs uncomfortably into your hand while clasping the buckles tightly. The boot’s ankle has a hinge with a physical limiting stop in both flexion and extension.

The Crossair X has a new sole that Sidi is calling “Materiis-designed” for improved grip. Sidi is known historically for its excellent, long-lasting soles, and the new design works just fine with normal grip.

(2) Fitment. In a single word—great! Foot ingress and egress are easy and non-eventful. The inner material does a decent job of keeping out dirt and preloads the fitment for a comfortable and protective ride. Our test riders wore these boots all day during long test sessions without discomfort when walking, kneeling, crouching or hiking around the track and trail chasing kids on mini-bikes. Some test riders have years of collected hardware in their ankles, and the Crossair X had zero pressure points or hot spots. The footbed is roomy and tall, offering room for wide feet. You can wiggle your toes in these boots. Our testers run the same size in Sidi as they do in Alpinestars boots.

(3) Pros and cons. In keeping with the Sidi legacy, this boot has many replaceable bits and pieces, making it convenient to repair and extends its useful life. You can replace the upper rear section, the shin plate, the hyper-extension limiter, the buckles, and the metatarsus-wear puck in the comfort of your home with just a screwdriver. The new sole is molded on and is missing the classic metal toe cap. Your local cobbler might struggle to re-sole these boots, but there are shops you can ship your boots to for repair. Sidi offers four different colors, and the copious amount of plastic cleans up nicely, keeping the boots looking new.

When gearing up, the boots almost prefer their own specific latching sequence. It will take some experimenting to decode which buckles like to latch first, where this certain tab nestles in, how much strap tension before the buckle disfigures your palm, and what specific ankle angle is required to align the straps.

(4) Performance. The Sidi Crossair X break-in time was quick. Most testers felt comfortable enough to race in the new boots on the first day. They are softer and more flexible than Alpinestars Tech 10s, Gaerne SG12s, and Gaerne SG22s. The upper inner area seems to have excellent heat-resistance against burning. We rode both four-strokes and two-strokes with differently shaped exhausts and have yet to melt a spot on the boots. The Crossair X ventilation is very nice. On hot days, you can feel the difference compared back to back with other brands. On cold days, you can feel chilled air coming through the uppers. But, when it’s wet out, your feet will also be wet. The Crossair X weighs in at 4 pounds, 5 ounces per boot, and feels great gripping the motorcycle.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? The buckles. We would prefer buckles with a closed, longer clasp to ease latching.

MXA RATING: The Sidi Crossair X boots are excellent top-shelf boots for the rider who prefers boots without the inner bootie, likes high-performing Italian footwear, and demands good-looking equipment.