Held Sirmione Air Boots In Brown

The Sirmione Air is based on Held’s Sirmione GTX. The difference, as the name might suggest, is that the Sirmione Air is perforated and doesn’t come with a membrane. Now it has to be acknowledged that the Sirmione GTX isn’t the most popular short motorcycle boot on the market but, all things considered, it may well be one of the best. In truth, its near £250 price point is probably enough to put many people off. And that’s a shame.

Like its fully-waterproofed cousin, the Sirmione Air is robust. It just feels stronger and more protective than most short boots. The outer shell is all cowhide. Because this is a boot designed for wearing in warmer weather, every single panel is perforated. 

Now here in the UK we do obsess a little about the weather. And it’s why most people think they need a waterproof boot when they ride the bike. But a short boot will never be the most waterproof, and what has to be understood is that it simply doesn’t rain all the time. Indeed, a lot of bikers will do everything they can to avoid the rain. But the real benefit of the Sirmione Air over something like the Sirmione GTX is that it is going to be so much nicer to wear in warm weather. When we get hot, we sweat to cool down. But sweating is much more difficult if you’re wearing a boot with a membrane. The Sirmione Air will make it easier.

The boot is heavily padded in the shaft. On the toe you get a gearchange pad. And underneath you get an anti-slip Vibram sole. There are toughened counters in the toe and the heel. Both ankles are protected with pucks that are padded on the inside for comfort.

The Sirmione Air is a heck of a boot. It is not the lightest, but it is nonetheless a very comfortable boot. A lot of summer-oriented boots without a membrane are a bit flimsy. Motorcycle apparel designers sometimes take the view that, in warmer conditions, everybody prefers flip-flops; and so they produce boots as light and supple as they can. Well for some that may work, but if you want to wear a short, summer boot that gives nothing away when it comes to protection, then the Sirmione Air may be worth a look.

Cowhide chassis

All panels perforated

Soft Polyester lining

Toughened counters in toe and heel

Pucks in ankles

Gearshift pad on toe

Anti-slip Vibram sole