So earlier this year I purchased some Dainese boots, besides taking a couple of months to get to me, I loved them.
Unfortunately, they had a small flaw, so I returned them and replace them with some Sidi's instead.

So I thought I would compare the differences between the two, perhaps someone will find it useful.

Dainese Axial Regular



The good:

So freaking cool! Seriously, they were bad-ass. How can you not love something with titanium toe sliders, and ankle protectors?
No other boot compares with the wow factor of these in person (unless they are the Axial Race, another $100+).

I loved them not only because they were easy to put on (never tried on a boot that went on so easy), but because they were comfy. Put these boots on and they felt like armoured slippers, none of that ski boot sensation.
But because these are the same boots used by Rossi and Biaggi a couple of years ago, the tech, and protection is first rate.

Outside they look sleek, definitely cleaner than most other boots. The zipper is on the back, nothing on the side to mess up the look.

A really great boot!

The bad:

Unfortunately . . . mine developed a small tear on next to the zipper. Not a common issue, according to the manager at Cycle Gear in Tacoma, he has never seen this specific material tear Dainese calls it D-Stone.

So if they were so great, why did I exchange them for a pair of Sidi's? Because you can't get them in any color other than black anymore here in the states

I didn't want plain black, so I brand hopped, to another Italian.


Sidi Vertigo



First off, the bad:

Not so clean looking. Honestly, unless you want to look techy, these are slightly cluttered looking boots. Not bad, just cluttered.


The good:

These are MUCH easier to get ahold of! I told Cycle gear to order these for me, and I had them within 5 days! Including the weekend!

They cost less! Okay, the difference wasn't huge (at least once you are planing on spending this much cash o a pair of boots!), the Dainese's were $335.00 online. The Sidi's were $275.00 also online.
In my case I get special deals sometimes, so the difference was only $25.

I like these boots, they are also extremely comfortable, not in the same slipper like fashion as the Axials, but nothing that will make you complain, no matter how far the ride.

You can get them in colors!







They are also pretty safe as well, certainly on par with the Axials, wearing either boot, you will never have to worry about your feet, no matter how much of a maniac you are.

Riding impressions:

Shifting with the Dainese's, I would sometimes miss shifts. I think this was because the shift pad is softer than on the Vertigo's. Sometimes my toes are tender on top, and I could feel the shifter more. Not necessarily bad if your toes aren't tender, but mine are. so I shifted softer than i should have.

On the Sidi's the shifter pad is much firmer, I think it will work beter for me, but I know I am giving up a certain amount of feel. I think that getting the color I wanted, and not having a sore toe is going to work better for me.

But if you want sleek boots (in black!) that have top flight protection, then I would reccomend the Dainese's.

Color and looking like Spaceman Spiff, get the Sidi's!