The Sidi Taurus Gore-Tex boots are tall touring and adventure boots that sit high on the calf, finishing just below the knee. With a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane and a microfibre upper backed by TPU coverage in key impact areas, they are clearly aimed at riders who want one pair of boots to cover road and light off-road use in mixed weather.
After covering 1200 miles on a Yamaha FJR1300 and BMW R1300GS through spring and summer, the Taurus boots delivered a well-judged blend of comfort, adjustability and protection.
They also invite inevitable comparison with the very popular Sidi Adventure 2 GTX, and while the Taurus boots take a slightly different approach, they are a serious premium option.
Fit & comfort
The fit is very good, helped by the amount of adjustment on offer. The Velcro fastening at the top and NUUN dials that fasten around the forefoot allow a very precise fit around the leg, ankle and foot. Once set up the boots feel secure without ever becoming awkward.
Sizing is more forgiving than many Italian-made boots. Although I still chose a size 8 rather than my usual size 7, these feel closer to a true size than previous Italian boots I have worn. In my case, going up a size left room for thicker socks in colder weather.
On the bike, the Taurus boots are very comfortable. The forward and backward flexibility makes it easy to use the controls, and they never feel stiff or awkward.
Off the bike they are also impressive, and more comfortable to walk in than many other adventure boots I have worn. There was a slight irritation around my left ankle at first, but this disappeared after around 200 miles as the boots bedded in.
Photography: Jose Mas
Getting them on is easy once the straps are undone. Taking them off requires a little more effort, but it is still straightforward once you understand how best to release the tension on the NUUN dials. Overall, they are tall boots that are surprisingly easy to live with.
Cold & wet weather performance
The Taurus boots use a Gore-Tex waterproof liner, which I always find reassuring. Most of my time with them came during the record-breaking heatwave of May 2026, however one trip saw some very heavy rain for a short period on the A1. The road was flooded and for a few miles the boots were under a deluge of water - a severe test, though not for a long period of time.
My feet remained completely dry, which went a long way to confirm my confidence in Sidi’s waterproofing. Previous experience with their Adventure 2 GTX boots, which remain fully waterproof after more than 50,000 miles, gives me faith in both Sidi’s construction and Gore-Tex’s reliability.
The high front gusset and tongue also suggest the Taurus boots should cope well with deep spray or even some shallow water crossings before water starts to get in.
Cold-weather performance is also unproven in direct use, but the boots appear likely to offer about as much insulation as most other adventure boots. Choosing a size with room for thicker socks should make them easier to adapt for winter riding.
Hot weather performance
Despite their adventure-boot appearance and Gore-Tex lining, the Taurus boots handled hot weather well. Some long journeys during the May 2026 heatwave, including a 250-mile ride with motorway sections in temperatures above 30°C, gave them a stern test. My feet never felt overheated, even if the rest of me was struggling.
That suggests the Taurus boots are usable across a broad spread of temperatures rather than feeling like a boot you only tolerate in colder weather.
Grip & sole performance
The Taurus boots performed well both on and off the bike. On the bike, I used them on one bike with rubber footpegs and another with more aggressive metal adventure pegs. Grip was excellent on both, however the more telling test was on the rubber pegs, where some soles can feel vague. Here, my feet stayed planted and secure over long distances whether seated or standing.
Off the bike, the soles also impressed. They felt secure on hard indoor and outdoor surfaces, and there were no problems on gravel tracks or grass during a camping trip. That off-bike confidence is an important part of what makes these boots feel so easy to live with.
Protection
On paper, the Taurus boots offer an excellent level of protection. Their CE rating is 2-2-2-2, with additional IPS (impact protection for the shin) and WR (water-repellent) markings, which immediately puts them in strong company.
In use, the slightly greater flexibility and lower weight compared with the Adventure 2 GTX boots initially made me wonder whether they were giving away some protection, particularly around the ankle.
After wearing the two side by side, though, I am satisfied the lateral ankle protection is comparable. That gives me confidence to use the Taurus boots not just for road touring, but also for unpaved roads.
They also manage to stay relatively slim despite the protective armour, which helps fit under trousers.
Durability
There is very little to criticise here. After 1200 miles on different bikes and across different riding conditions, the Taurus boots show no signs of wear and nothing has broken or needed adjustment or replacement. A quick wipe with a damp cloth brought them back to looking almost box-fresh.
That matches the quality I have come to expect from Sidi. The screwed-on components are a reassuring detail, and the fact that replacements are available adds to the sense that these boots are built for the long haul. If they prove anything like as durable as my Adventure 2 boots, they should offer many years of service.
Final thoughts
The Sidi Taurus Gore-Tex boots are a very accomplished pair of touring and adventure boots. They are comfortable, highly adjustable and easy to wear both on and off the bike, while still offering the kind of protection and build quality you would expect from a premium Sidi product.
They are not cheap, and they do have to compete with the excellent reputation of Sidi’s Adventure 2 GTX boots. The Taurus boots feel lighter, more modern and a little easier to live with off the bike, while the Adventure 2 boots perhaps still give a slightly more solid, old-school feeling of security.
On paper, though, both offer the same level of protection, and the Taurus boots make a persuasive case with their comfort, adjustability and hot-weather performance.
For riders looking for premium touring or adventure boots, these deserve to be on the shortlist. The price needs a moment’s thought, but the quality, comfort and likely long-term durability make them look like a sound investment.
