Summer heat can be tough on your feet and Sidi Traffic Air USA boots are successful at offering relief. A mid-height boot with minimal armor, this is footwear about airflow.
The Lorica outer is perforated, as is the Teflon-treated nylon lining, so plenty of air flows through these boots, even at low speeds in urban traffic. However, to get the most out of the Sidi Traffic Air boots, it is necessary to also wear summer socks, such as Coolmax Traction Grip socks from Moto-D. With that combination, the airflow is more like that of tennis shoes than boots.
While the protection on the Traffic Air boots is minimal, it is certainly adequate in the critical areas. There’s internal hard plastic in the toe and heel areas, though the arch support and ankle protection is less robust. Shift pads on both toes (handy for vintage bike riders) keep your toes from picking up red spots from the gear changer.
The Sidi Traffic Air boots’ interior isn’t plush — it can’t be if it’s going to flow a lot of air. However, the fit is a bit adjustable, thanks to a removable foot bed pad. Closure comes from a zipper and a Velcro tab, and it will adapt to a variety of pants.
A thick gaiter will help keep water from draining into the pants, should you be caught in a summer shower. A very sticky cleated sole, like something you’d see in a hiking boot, gives you a firm grasp of the roadway, even at oily stops.
Ideal for the summer, and usable for urban, touring, and light sport riding, the Sidi Traffic Air USA boots are an excellent choice for hot weather footwear.
Sidi Traffic Air USA boots action photography by Kevin Wing (Honda) and Kelly Callan (BMW).
