Brian at Atomic is the best in the biz. He knows his stuff. Amazing customer service over the last 10 years!
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!!
Finally purchased a pair of the Gaerne SG-22 Enduro Gore Tex Boots.
I was concerned about sizing but Brian assured me that once I received the boots to try them on and walk around the house a bit to make sure they were the correct size. If they didn't feel right I could exchange them for a different size. Turns out the fit was just right. My feet measure 11" long, I usually wear a 10 or 10-1/2 (mens) but some shoes I take an 11. Well the SG-22 10-1/2 was just right in length and I am very please with the boots so far. I have only two rides to date but here is my impression thus far.
They are STIFF!!! Which is the exact reason I was looking at these boots, I'm 72 and my old bones don't heal the way they use to so I wanted all the protection I could get but still be able to walk around a bit. These boots thus far are just right. I certainly wouldn't go for any kind of hike but walking around is not a problem, sort of like ski boots but with a fare amount more flexibility.
Comfort wise they are good, I have narrow feet so I have taken up the space with a thicker sock but I have also worn them with "regular" thickness socks and they would be fine that way as well.
So far I am very please with my purchase and thankful to Brian for taking the time to email AND call me to discuss sizing, ultimately what he recommended was spot on.
One note though, these are BIG BOOTS and I had to adjust my shift and rear brake lever to accommodate them but easily done and I think that this is not uncommon when using "Off Road" style boots.
Thanks Brian! Thanks Atomic Moto!!
al
Awesome product- so much help returning the gift that he didn’t like, and ordering the one her wanted!
Fantastic, comfortable boots, and even better customer service!
Brian offers unparalleled customer service and I could not be more pleased with my purchase. Will be returning for all future moto needs.