I've been wearing Forma Adventure highs for a couple of years, but after a broken collarbone. took a serious look at my gear from a protection point of view, and it was time for a change.
Having watched many videos and reviews on Youtube, I decided on either Gaerne Fast Backs, or the Forma ADV PRO. Based on many comments I'd read, I decided to call Brian before buying anything. I'm glad I did. After a short discussion of my needs and riding style, he recommended the Crossfire as the best protection around. I drove to a local shop who had them to try them on, and....absolutely HATED THEM. I have wide feet, so I'm used to pain in the width , but this was in the ankle. The padding felt like my ankles were clamped in a vice. I then did a lot of reading online, where I found similar complaints, then called Brian again. He sent me a pair to wear around the house to see if the fit improved, and it DID. It takes about 20 minutes of mild discomfort for the padding to literally mold to my ankle. It still feels somewhat like a vice, but a padded vice, if that makes any sense. It feels SAFE. I can wear them for hours and not feel any pain or discomfort, which I find amazing. Walking is not an issue, either. Comfortable is not a word I would use to describe them, but they aren't meant to be. I feel absolutely safe, protected and confident when I wear them. I'll keep my Forma for street riding, but when conditions are sketchy, I'm going with confidence that I have the best protection.
Brian really helped me out with boot selection. Unfortunately the boots didn’t fit and I had to return them. Only downside is return shipping isn’t covered… overall great customer service!
I bought the Crossfire 3 TA on Brian’s recommendation when I was looking for boots with more protection than the Toucan’s I was wearing. During the Rawhyde Offroad training I dropped my 1250GSA and the engine guard mashed my toe wearing the Toucan’s. I called Brian and recommended the Crossfires for something with more protection. I sold the Toucan’s on eBay as they turned out a little small for me. I used seam sealer on the Crossfires to give them a little more water resistance before heading to Alaska and up the Dalton Hwy to Prudhoe Bay. They were perfect for that trip. It rained nearly every day and my feet were never wet. I had to raise the shifter but after the first day I never thought about shifting or braking. These big stout boots really helped increased my confidence on that trip. I also used them in Death Valley and was able to go places I would not have attempted in my touring boots. They are comfortable, as long as you don’t mind walking like Frankenstein.
I normally wear a US11 D width or EU45. I tried 45 and 46. I could wear the 45 but the 46 was more comfortable for me.
I highly recommend these for Offroad, especially on a big heavy bike. I’m now looking into something with more protection than my touring boots but more comfortable than the crossfires for long on road trips.
Thanks to Brian for his video reviews, knowledgeable recommendations, great selection of high quality boots and easy return policies that helped me get the boots that I needed.
Brian knows his boots! I've owned plenty of street and ADV boots but, was interested in purchasing my first pair of offroad/motocross boots. I've been doing a lot more aggressive offroad and trail riding on both my BMWR1250GS and Honda CRF450L and was looking for more protection. After taking the time to speak with me and get to know me a bit, Brian recommended the Sidi Crossfire 3 TA boots. I was originally considering a different pair of Sidis and even a pair of Gaernes. Brian convinced me that the Crossfires were the way to go for me...and also made me an offer I couldn't refuse. I'm glad he did. I couldn't be happier with these boots. I spent about 4-5 hours breaking them in on some local trails before before heading out to the Touratech Rally this past week where I spent at least 8 hours a day, over the course of four days, riding and walking around in these boots. Super comfortable. Zero issues. For size reference, I purchased the 8.5/42. I usually wear a size 9 shoe across the board but, depending on brand, can sometimes go .5 up or down. Foot is average width with a mid to high arch. My calf size is 14.5"
Thanks again Brian!!
If you watch the video review on these boots, you'll note that the TA model is intended to be a wide fit. As someone who normally has to order at least a half size (sometimes a full size) up from my regular shoe size due to my wide feet, this is definitely the case. I'm a US 9.5 and the 43 fits perfectly, per Brian's suggestion. I got the black/ash model and the pictures do not do the color combo justice. They are SHARP.
As performance goes, they offer top-of-the-line support, comfort, and adjustment out of the box (as a top-of-the-line model should). They are a huge step up if you are used to low-mid tier offroad boots. I bought these with the intended use of Enduro/MX duty on my dirt bike (lots of jumping and catching your foot in ruts/rocks), and wanted to invest in lots of protection for my lower legs. You can adjust as slim or wide as you need to accommodate for pants and knee guards/braces, and they grip my bike frame (YZ125) nicely with the rubber grip panels on the inside. They also have a low-profile toebox for easy shifting.
Atomic Moto was fantastic to work with, they really take the time to ask the right questions and make sure that you get the size and model that works best for you, and they sell this particular model for about $30 less than other US retailers at the time of this writing. Don't hesitate to call, they work with you upfront and update you on the status of your order (backorder in my case). Buy from them with confidence.
Brian was super, super knowledgeable on these boots and had answers to all of my sizing and fit questions- really helped me to believe buying these boots what the right choice for my style of riding. And they are. Great support, perfect fit, great quality- I have no doubt these will last me years to come. Definitely much, much better for my needs than the ADV style boots I had before. So far they've been perfect for enduro and trail riding on my Beta 300, but the hinge still means they're comfortable enough to wear on long distance ADV rides on my T7.
The boots aren't yet broken in as I'm getting some rubbing above the right ankle. I'm guessing with time and wear, this will resolve itself. Otherwise, a well constructed boot. Sizing per staff recommendation was spot on.
I have had an opportunity to ride over 300 miles in these boots. They are breaking in nicely. One of these rides was 200 miles and involved some off pavement riding. These boots are comfortable for all day use. The soles give really great grip on all surfaces and they inspire confidence. It takes a little time to adjust to shifting with them, but that is to be expected. I had to do some walking and they are fine as long as it isn't a multi-mile hike. The only issue I had was the top buckle unbuckled on the top right boot when I mounted the bike twice. That was probably my fault. They are not optimal for running around the city, but that is not what they are designed for. I will be looking for another boot for casual riding. Overall they are a great touring boot that can be worn for hours and offer really good protection. I expect they will get even better with more use. I would recommend them and buy them again. High quality at a fair price. Thanks Brian for the advice!
Brian at Atomic Moto is simply the best in the business - took the time to advise me on the boots for my type of riding and spent almost an hour on the phone. His customer service is legendary and the reason why I’m a repeat customer of his for moto boots
Super comfortable right out of the box. I wear a 2XL and I have issues finding a good fitting helmet. Fit and finish is tops in the helmet business. Highly recommended!