Boasting a boatload of upgrades over the old Vertigo model, Sidi's new Vortice boot has significantly advanced the state of rider foot protection. So when we told Motonation's Bill Berroth (Sidi's exclusive North American importer) that our old Vertigo Air vented boots were getting worn out (after two straight years of almost daily wear) and that we needed a replacement pair, he told us that model had been replaced by the new Vortice Air and promptly sent us a pair to try.
The Vortice Air uses the same basic construction as the standard Vortice, so Lorica (a type of synthetic leather) is used for its main construction. The usual formidable array of protection is included with the Vortice Air, such as the interlocking plastic upper protective section that completely encases the rider's calf/shin area. The same "Tecno Tensioner" system is used to tighten both sides of the top portion, with another tensioner adjusting the lower shin area. Because of its tighter tailoring, the side-entry zipper utilizes an expansion joint that helps get over the ball of the ankle. The external lateral and lower braces on each side of the ankle/foot (redesigned with a slimmer and tighter profile and reinforced with fiberglass) work with the upper protection to provide improved support to the ankle joint. The same instep Tecno Tensioner secures the rider's foot from forward movement that could cause toe injuries.
The revamped heel cup protector using a shock-absorbing insert and the Racing SRS two-compound sole with replaceable insert are also included, along with the redesigned fiberglass-reinforced nylon plastic toe sliders with replaceable alloy insert for no sparks and less noise/vibration, plus an adjustable vent in front. The lower adjustable side vents on the side of the boot return, as does the Teflon vented mesh upper liner of the boot and Cambrelle-lined toe area. The main outer portion of the Lorica is also perforated for ventilation.
As with the Vortice boot, though, donning the Vortice Air takes more time and work than the average boot. After slipping your foot into the snug-fitting footbed, you need to pull up the entry zipper and fasten the cover flap. Then, after clipping in and tightening the Tecno Tensioner over the instep, the interlocking upper portion must be aligned (on both sides, the top portion fits over the outside, while the lower portion slips underneath) before clipping in and tightening the tensioner on each side of the calf and the tensioner on the front of the shin. The result is an extremely supportive and snug-fitting boot overall, but again, we'd recommend setting aside more time than usual to put on your boots; don't wait until you hear the first call for your trackday group or race before beginning to put on your riding gear.
We were skeptical that the Vortice Air could match the venting properties of its Vertigo Air predecessor, based simply on the fact that there is much less perforated Lorica surface area on the Vortice due to the additional plastic protection pieces of its extensive Tecno Tensioner system that now cover the majority of the boot. But interestingly, while the Vortice Air's venting does fall short, it's not by much; the two small vents in the front of the toe slider actually let in a bit of air flow, as do the side vents (although these vents are also on the standard Vortices as well) and the small exposed areas of perforated Lorica. While not exactly making your feet feel like you're wearing sandals (which you wouldn't want anyway, would you?), considering the amount of protection provided, the ventilation could easily be considered adequate.
The rest of the Vortice Air's overall fit and finish are Sidi's usual top-notch quality, with excellent ankle support and protective feel. The tighter-fitting external ankle braces don't get fouled on bikes' footpeg brackets, and peg feel is excellent. The toe sliders work well, and the stout shifter pad prevents "shifter toe" from developing.
The new CE-certified Vortice Air boot retails for $475. Metric sizes 40-48 (American sizes 7-13) are available in all black or white only.