The Firstgear Kili Lo WP boots are for those who like comfort and waterproof protection in a low boot. This is a solid boot with leather and composite upper, hard ankle and toe box protection, with removable arch and heel pad. It is a lace-up style with hook-and-loop ankle strap.
The Firstgear Kili Hi WP boots are all leather upper and fully waterproof with hard ankle and shin protection. This is a durable four season touring boot designed to keep your feet comfortable and dry. A nice complement to the "Lo."
The Firstgear Kathmandu Waterproof boots have full leather uppers and a waterproof, breathable Hipora lining. Protection exemplified with an accordian leather fore-arch, Achilles heel panel, hard toe box and shin protection. Dual cam-buckle closures are a functional and stylish finish.
The Firstgear Mesh Lo boots are comfortable enough to wear all day. With a mesh upper and lace-up fit, they will keep your feet cool. These boots will be good for three seasons but aren't waterproof. A hard ankle and toe box protection assure you are not compromising protection for light weight wear-ability. This lineup of Firstgear boots are available in D and E widths, an advantage for those folks with wider feet.
The high version of the mesh lo boots, the Firstgear Mesh Hi boots have a perforated leather toe box with a mesh shaft. Other features include the hard ankle and shin protection. For hot weather and better as a three season boot, it will keep your feet cool. Gator on the side with a velcro opening and zipper.
Sidi is known in the industry for producing durable and technical boots for a multitude of riding scenarios, from street to track to dualsport. Thanks to the overwhelming success of the Sidi Adventure Rain Boots, Sidi's extremely popular ADV option, they've decided to finally bring the Sidi Adventure Gore-Tex Boots stateside. Originally only available in Europe, the Adventure Gore-Tex Boots replace the Sidi proprietary Rain liner with the industry-leading Gore-Tex membrane for the highest degree of waterproof breathability. This boot is mainly meant for dualsport and touring adventures on your bike.
As I mentioned before, these boots are meant for offroad and touring adventures, therefore they are very rugged and durable. However with Sidi being the boot gurus they are, they have also built this boot to be extremely protective and comfortable also. Protection and durability-wise, these boots have come with a full grain leather construction to give you that tough rugged exterior as well as a rigid, shock resistant, anatomically shaped heel cup for maximum protection. Hard part protectors are found at the shin and medial and lateral ankle to protect from impact. The reinforced toe box is topped with a high-grip shifter panel as well. These boots are also equipped with a fully waterproof Gore-Tex membrane which is also very breathable to keep the inside of the boots dry and comfortable in the most active scenarios.
The sole on this boot is composed of a soft rubber compound for maximum grip while the patented cam lock buckle system provides an easy, secure and adjustable fit and adds another degree of impact protection. The split grain leather panel at the inner side of the boot provides anti-wear and anti-heat protection. Internally, the Cambrelle lining provides antibacterial protection in addition to excellent moisture-wicking. These are the beasts within the ADV and dualsport boot market. By taking a bestselling boot and equipping it with the industry-leading waterproof membrane, Sidi has changed the game again.
-Ka$hZilla
To view similar products, please visit our ADV Motorcycle Boots page at RevZilla.com
The X-Square Lady Boots are the sole women's boots in the lineup. Constructed of a suede upper with patent leather inserts, these boots feature hard part malleolous protection at each side of the ankle. To further add to your protection, they include a back counter reinforcement, toe reinforcement, and a removable shift pad. The closure system is flat laces with a velcro top so that you can adjust the boots to fit comfortably. While these boots are protective and rugged, they are also quite stylish giving you a hybrid product that looks good and protects you well.
The X-Street WP Shoes are chameleon-like in a way since they look like Converse sneakers. However don't let that fool you as they are made from full grain leather with a waterproof lining and have protective features such as malleolus protection and heel and toe reinforcements. Additional features include an anatomic and replaceable foot bed and a vintage-styled rubber sole to give it that sneaker look and feel. Overall, although these boots are disguised as sneakers, they do provide ample protection and give you that good old classic motorcycle rider look at the same time.
The S-Sportour is a part of TCX's sport and sport touring line of boots as it replaces the the SS Sport Boots. The S-Sportour features a microfiber synthetic leather upper with front and rear padded flex zones, and a comfortable air tech moisture-wicking and breathable mesh liner. To further protect you, There is a molded PU heel counter, ankle guards, and shin guard along with a fully replaceable PU toe slider.
The S-Sportour WP Boots are virtually the exact same boot as the S-Sportour. It includes all the features of the S-Sportour with the only difference being that it has a fully waterproof breathable membrane with a moisture-wicking comfort interior rather than the air tech liner.
Now we can check out the rough riders in the lineup starting with the TCX Pro 1.1 Boots Review:
The Pro 1.1 comes in underneath the 2.1, but in reality you're only sacrificing a few things, and for the price of the 1.1, you're still getting excellent bang for the buck with this extensive feature set. The Pro 1.1 boots are off road boots, equipped with an abrasion-resistant microfiber synthetic leather upper and a moisture-wicking and breathable interior. The dual joint system in full PU provides solid protection against ankle torsion while the grip and anti-heat patch acts as advertised. There is a fully replaceable dual compound rubber sole and you'll see that this boot is loaded with hard part protectors and an aluminum cam lock styled buckle system. For the price you're paying, these boots will provide you with everything you need and more for off road riding as they are amongst the top of the line in TCX's MX boot lineup.
Last but not least, we'll check out the home run hitter of the bunch with the TCX R-S2 Boots Review:
The R-S2 is a completely new boot that TCX has come out with. It is actually the first boot that will feature TCX's Precise Air-Fit System (P.A.F.S) which offers a brand new technology in shoe fit placement for motorcycle boots. To sum it up, there is basically a pump in the front of the shoe which you can use to inflate the boot and adjust around your foot to give you the perfect feel and fit, and then to remove the air you can simply activate the release system which deflates the air out of the boot. The Torsion Control System in the shoe now comes with carbon fiber which is just as strong as the previous material used, except it is even lighter allowing better on-bike performance. Further included in the boot is a metatarsal control system which reduces pressure on your joints when you are moving your metatarsal up and down, a race performance footbed, intelligent interior padding, a rear slider and ankle impact slider. In the end, it is easy to see why this boot is the star of this group, and will soon enough become a fan favorite.
To see similar boots, visit our Motorcycle Boots page at RevZilla.com.
For late 2011 and early 2012, Sidi is releasing a handful of new boots across a range of applications. In total, there are eight new models coming out and we're excited to see Sidi continuing to innovate and iterate on technologies that have worked in the past.
Essentially a short version of the Sidi Vertigo Boots, the brand new Sidi Apex Boots provide solid protection and performance for a low-cut riding boot.
Also available as the Sidi Tour Rain Boots (using a proprietary waterproof breathable membrane), the Sidi Tour Gore-Tex Boots are another waterproof sport touring boot option in the Sidi lineup. Offering excellent bang for the buck and solid functionality, the Tours will be another favorite in this realm of boots.
An all new waterproof breathable sport touring and touring option from Sidi, the Sidi Livia Rain Boots are designed specifically for the ladies and packed with features and functionality.
ICON has gone to all lengths to offer a full line of motorcycle gear to fit almost every rider out there. Very few manufacturers offer the amount of gear ICON does. Anything from helmets to boots and everything in between, ICON has you covered.
The ICON Tarmac Ventilated Boots and the Icon Accelerant Waterproof Boots are two of the many great choices ICON offers in terms of motorcycle boots. The ICON Tarmac Ventilated boots are great for the summer rider looking to rock something that won't cook their feet when the temperatures rise to the triple digits. The Accelerant Waterproof boots are something that the everyday street rider can wear everyday, rain or shine.
The Accelerant Waterproof boot is a great choice for the rider looking for a boot that can go through almost any weather condition from Spring through Fall. The Accelerant boot is a mixture of leather and nylon to provide the optimum amount of protection, durability, and comfort. There's a steel shank in the sole to provide an extra amount of protection and to give the boot a little bit of extra stiffness and support. The buckle on the top of the boot offers more ankle support and protection while a hard ankle protector is sewn in to the inside of the boots. The laces are tucked into the boot to keep them from snagging or catching any parts of the bike either during a wreck or just in normal operation.
One of my favorite things about the ICON's Accelerant is that they don't just look like a pair of GI jack boots or like something you can pull out of a Storm Troopers closet. The Accelerant is a motorcycle boot styled like a standard work shoe. You can walk into the mall or grocery store while being comfortable and blending in. If you'er the rider looking for a boot that isn't styled from "Return of the Jedi" and need a boot for riding in everyday of the season then the Accelerant is a solid choice.
Basically the Tarmac is the ventilated version of the Accelerant boot. The Tarmac has ventilated panels going up both sides of the boot where the Accelerant has waterproof nylon panels. The Tarmac also loses the laces and instead has a set of Velcro enclosures and loses the buckle on the top of the boot. There's a little bit of a stiffer sole in the boot which adds protection in exchange for the all-day comfort of the Accelerant as they're not quite as easy to walk in.
It's actually really simple. If you're doing a lot of riding in the 90 degree heat then the Tarmac will probably be the best choice of boot. If you need more of an all-weather boot that can handle a wider range of temperatures, the Accelerant may be the better choice. No matter what you pick you're getting a good boot especially at the price of $125. Sizes go from 6 to 14 in both boots with black color schemes in both and a white color scheme available in the Tarmac.
Brand new to the Sidi boot lineup for 2011 and occupying what was previously a huge hole, the Sidi Street Boots provide a casual-looking yet protective boot choice that truly has crossover appeal within the motorcycling community. Under a pair of jeans, passersby would have a hard time having any idea that you're wearing a motorcycle boot, but you'll be confident that the protective elements in the Sidi Streets will far exceed that of any basic work boot. Combine the protection with the Italian style native to any Sidi boot, and you've got a home run across the board.
The upper of the Sidi Street Boots are a full Lorica synthetic leather, a material entirely free of imperfections and generally stronger and more resilient than cowhide. There are also textile panels near the entryway to the boot for added flex and comfort. Protection exists in the form of internal ankle ball pads at both the medial and lateral malleolus areas, a reinforced toe box and heel cup. The lug sole is extremely durable, providing high levels of both traction and stability. As with almost all Sidi boots, the Street is double stitched in all high wear areas to ensure that this boot will never burst at the seams. The closure here is a zipper and velcro system.
Since you will be wearing this on a motorcycle, possibly over the course of long distance rides, comfort is a key element. Internally, you'll find a Teflon-treated perforated nylon lining which is essentially a bubble liner for airflow and comfort. The Teflon treatment also helps ensure that the Streets won't get funky, as its non-stick nature keeps soiling at bay. Lastly, a heavy duty pull tab found at the upper rear of the boot is a big help in ease of entry into these boots. There aren't many boots we see that feature such a minimalist and non-motorcycle look to them. For this reason, we can see how this boots will become very popular.
Don't miss other choices by visiting our Motorcycle Boots page at RevZilla.com.
What happens when REV'IT! decides they want to make a ventilated boot with a lot of the features found on their waterproof line-up and sell it for a mid-range price point? In steps the REV'IT! Air Blend Boot. The REV'IT! Air Blend Boot is a riding boot designed for the rider looking for a solid three-season riding shoe and for the daily commuter. For a boot priced under two-hundred dollars, the Air Blend is an extremely good value. Unfortunately the lack of waterproofing does hold it back, but this boot is a great buy for dryer climates and the Spring-Summer-Fall seasons in the northeast.
The Air Blend offers a great combination of ventilation and comfort. This is thanks to a mostly Cordura and suede outer construction. The Cordura mesh is very abrasion resistant and offers some of the best air flow possible. The Air Blend Boot also does come up higher than your typical motorcycle riding boot. This is to give you better protection and support further up on the ankle bone and up to the lower calf. The design of the boot does make it possible for some walking but this is not the most comfortable boot on the market for long periods of walking.
The Air Blend boot also comes with a very strong reinforced toe box with a shifting panel on the top front portion of the shoe. There's an enclosed lace system to help cover the normally exposed laces on the front of the boot. The laces tend to be a point where the shoe can get hooked and tangled on the shifter or break pedal which can be very frustrating for most riders. The lace enclosure is designed to keep the laces neatly tucked out of the way. The inside of the boot is a moisture-wicking liner to help aid in keeping the boot nice and dry when going through tough riding conditions.
The one color scheme the boot is offered in is a mostly grey and black color scheme. Sizing goes from 36-47Euro which translates to 4.5-13US.
As part of our 2011 Motorcycle Gear Guide series, the first round of guides is our Motorcycle Boot series. There are four guides in total that focus exclusively on boots, ranging from sport and short street boots through touring and commuting waterproof choices, and touching on top ADV dualsport and racing boots. We tried to be as comprehensive as possible in these guides, paring down the hundreds of boot choices to a select set of our top picks. We had different criteria in each guide for what qualified as top picks of ours, and you'll see the break down of why we chose the boots we did for each category within each specific video. Key in on what you're looking for, and let us take you through our top selections for each realm of motorcycling.
Waterproof, breathable, stylish, and offering great value were at the top of our criteria list for the touring and commuting segment of waterproof boots. Riders that are looking for a long-distance touring boot or something to protect on a ride to work are generally seeking a stylish boot that can be worn under a pair of jeans when the destination is reached or when the work day begins. To that end, each of these boots has a waterproof breathable membrane that is either Gore-Tex or a proprietary technology and every single one of these looks excellent when walking around town or the office. Visit our Waterproof Motorcycle Boots page to see all the choices in this range.
Starting off our Motorcycle Race Boot Guide is a group of boots that we consider to be mid-range racing boots. Entry-level race boots were left out of the mix for this guide because we simply don't think they offer enough protection or performance when riding at speeds that exceed triple digits. Moving up from there, you get into the range that we consider "hardcore" boots that will be a solid match for the track day enthusiast. The upper echelon of this category is pro-level boots, which offer the highest levels of technicality, protection and performance and are boots worn by pro racers. Visit our Motorcycle Race Boots page to see all selections.
These are the most rugged of all the hardcore Adventure and Dualsport boots on the market, designed to get you through all seasons, in every possible weather condition, in both on-road riding and off-road. These are for the GS guy, the KTM Adventure rider, the KLR650 that yearns to be ripping down the highway and cutting through gnarly single track off-road paths. The boots for this rider have to hold up through all of this, so protection is of the utmost importance. Here you'll see advanced entry systems (such as cam-locks), rugged hard part protection, and stiff soles that will interface with the footpegs standing or sitting. Visit our Adventure Motorcycle Boots page to see all the choices in this range.
The last category of motorcycle boots includes riding shoes and short sport boots. This selection is really for the city rider and the light motorcyclist. Style and protective elements both played a factor in this range, as these will generally be worn under a pair of jeans. All of these boots fits its own niche within the category, ranging from a short waterproof option to a high-top sneaker inspired choice to a super protective chopped-down-in-height version of a race boot. This rounds out our fourth guide and makes a complete series of motorcycle boot guides for 2011. To see all choices in this range, visit our Motorcycle Riding Shoes page.
Making their triumphant return back to the United States after a brief hiatus, TCX Boots are a brand that we're extremely excited to have back in stock at RevZilla. We had the opportunity last week to take a look at the entire lineup of basic commuting, sport and ADV touring, and mid to pro level race boots last week and we're extremely impressed with what we're seeing from TCX. From the basic functionality of the TCX X-Square Boots all the way through the pro-level racing application of the TCX S-Race Boots, their lineup has something for every rider out there.
Starting at the most basic boots in the lineup, you've got the TCX X-Square Boots, designed for basic commuting and light motorcycling. Moving up the food chain, the TCX X-Cube Boots beef up the protective elements and feature a waterproof breathable membrane for more versatility in varied riding scenarios. The last boot in sport riding lineup before you get into Gore-Tex boots are the TCX X-Action Waterproof Boots, fully waterproof and breathable with a higher cut and more of a sport touring functionality than the previous two. Also fitting into this group are the TCX Jupiter 2 XCR Boots, a new version of an extremely popular TCX boot that features the highly breathable Gore XCR membrane which is completely waterproof. These are a great commuting and light riding boot.
The TCX Ladies Aura Boots are a womens specific sport touring boot, with a narrower toebox and heel in addition to a higher arch that feature a waterproof breathable membrane. Gore-Tex functionality sets apart the TCX X-Five Plus Gore-Tex Boots, by far the bestselling TCX boot worldwide, if only based on their extraordinary style, slick design, and all-season all-weather protective performance. If mild to hot weather riding is more your style, the TCX Air Tech XCR Boots will breathe extremely well with the combination of the breathable XCR membrane and ventilated AirTech material. However, all precipitation will be blocked before it enters the boot. For the ADV touring market, the TCX Infinity GTX Boots are an extremely rugged dualsport boot with a Gore-Tex membrane, a highly
technical sole, and a cam lock buckle closure system.
If you're a racer, there is a TCX boot for you too. At the entry level, it's going to be hard to find a boot on the market that can come anywhere close to the TCX S-Zero Boots and their level of functionality. Also available as the TCX S-Zero Waterproof Boots, these boots are loaded with hard part protection that will keep you safe on the track, but also are comfortable enough for serious sport touring. Stepping into the pro-level, the TCX S-Race Boots have extremely levels of protection, using the Torsion Control System at the ankle, Metatarsal Control System to protect the toes, and PU hard parts throughout, including an alloy toe slider mounted on a hard PU backing. These boots are the choice for the serious trackday rider or racer out there.
As you can see, there really is a TCX Boot for every application. Stay tuned for our detailed blog breakdown of every one of these boots. Also, be sure not to miss the in-depth video review for each of these boots on their individual product pages over at RevZilla.com!
A brand new redesign for the Teknic 2011 Collection, the Teknic Chicane Race Boots are another example of a Teknic product whose value greatly exceeds its price point. The Chicanes are loaded with track-level protection and provide a great value to the casual trackday rider who doesn't need all of the futuristic technological elements found in a pro-level boot.
Starting out, the Chicanes are a full synthetic leather and microfiber upper construction. Due to the fact that synthetic leather can be manufactured without any flaws, it is actually a more expensive material than cowhide. At the instep of each boot is a suede grip panel to interface and grip the bike without damaging or scratching the metal. There is a stretch microfiber at the entry of the boot to allow for a broad range of fit and overall comfort. Inside, a breathable and moisture-wicking bubble mesh liner is used to ensure maximum comfort in active track riding conditions. The boots also feature a 15º forward slant, ergonomically designed for comfort in the riding position. There is also strategic perforation in the Chicanes to flow air into the boots.
Moving in to the protective elements of the Chicanes, the first you'll notice is the replaceable aluminum/nylon toe slider. At this price point, it is extremely rare to see anything but a basic PU slider and you especially don't see replaceable aluminum parts. The ankle is protected medially and laterally by an injected PU ankle brace system, which wraps around and also provides achilles protection. This brace system limits side to side movement within the boot to prevent some of the more common racing injuries to the ankle. An anti-crush injected PU cup protects at the heel while a double injected rubber sole has an anti-crush shank to keep the bottom of the foot safe. The shins are kept safe by a double injected PU shin protector: an extremely common injury in motorcycling is the foot peg striking and breaking the tibia and this PU protector helps to stop that.
Within the Chicanes, you'll find double stitching in all high-use and high-wear areas for the highest level of resistance to tearing. A PU injected shifter panel at the top of the toe interfaces with the shifter. The anatomic foot-bed in the Chicanes can be removed if you so choose and the zipper-and-velcro closure provides another level of flexibility in fit and comfort. Again, for the price, you won't find many other boots that are ready to hit the tarmac and provide this high of a degree of features and functionality. They are a great match for the Teknic Xcelerator Race Suit or the Teknic Violator Race Suit.
One of the top-selling motorcycle riding shoes at RevZilla, the Dainese Quito Leather Shoes give you the necessary on-bike protection but don't scream MotoGP when you're not on the bike. Constructed with all the components that distinguish Dainese gear from the competition, the Quitos give you the confidence to ride in style without sacrificing safety.
Constructed with premium cowhide and top grain leather, the Dainese Quitos are designed with city touring and commuting in mind, and it is in these applications that they shine. On the lateral region of the ankle, there is a hard part composite insert for protection and the sole features reinforcement for protection but is flexible enough to allow you to walk around all day and be comfortable. The speed lacing system is protected by a velcro closing leather panel that protects the laces from getting caught on the bike at all. Atop the toe box of the Quito shoes is a reinforced rubberized shifter guard for grip which can be found on both boots. Finally, the insides of these riding boots are made from a Honeycomb fabric, which is very similar to Dainese's
3D bubble liner, creating a microclimate within the boot and
providing maximum comfort.
As I said before, these are by far one of our bestselling riding shoes at RevZilla, as Dainese consistently offers some of the best protective and style elements available in the industry. To see more options, visit our Dainese Boots page, and if you want to see our full range, check out our Motorcycle Boots section.
Constantly innovating, improving, and bringing new technologies to the Motorcycle Boots market, Sidi Boots remains a leader in the industry. For early 2011, Sidi is bringing two new boots into their racing lineup: the Sidi Cobra Boots, which we have previously reviewed, and the subject of today's write-up, the Sidi ST Boots and Sidi ST Air Boots. Landing between the Sidi Vertigo Boots and Sidi Vortice Boots in the Sidi food chain of race functionality, the STs are a great choice for the serious trackday enthusiast and racer who doesn't need the crazy pro-level feature set of the Vortice Boots.
To start, let me differentiate between the ST Boots and the ST Air Boots. Each of these styles has a three-position closable vent at the outer foot level. However, while the Sidi ST Boots are a fully non-perforated Lorica synthetic leather construction, the ST Air Boots take that construction and load it with perforation, designed with serious airflow in mind. Other than that difference, the ST and ST Air Boots are the exact same construction. The big innovation with these boots is the Cam-lock buckle system, a feature frequently seen in the off-road and dirt world thanks to the durability of the system that is gradually making its way into adventure and race motorcycle boots. The ST is the first race boot that we've seen with this feature, and with its double cam-lock setup,
Sidi ST Boots
it makes getting in and out of the boots extremely easy as demonstrated in the video above. The system is rounded out with a velcro-and-zip closure for a super simplified on/off process.
These are race boots, so of course they'll have to feature a high degree of protective elements, which the ST Boots deliver in spades. Sidi's patented Vertebra system provides complete protection around the Achilles tendon and back of calf, with further support added by a shock absorbing heel cup. This heel cup is a shock absorbing insert encased within a polyurethane shell for maximum protection from impact. Along the medial and lateral ankle through leg is the Sidi Ankle Support brace system.
Sidi ST Air Boots
Two fiberglass-reinforced nylon braces run down each side of the leg and tie into the ankle joint system, providing protection, allowing flexibility from front to back, but restricting side to side movement to prevent injury. The toe slider is aerodynamic and nylon in construction, but also swappable to one with either ceramic or aluminum inserts. Sitting atop the toe box is a DuPont polymer toe shift pad for grip and durability. There is a nylon shin plate inserted into a PU support base to fully protect the front of the leg. Lastly, the sole of the boot is a high-grip non-slip rubber outsole with a nylon inner sole and removable arch support.
ST Boots Fully Open
The best thing about all the external protective elements? All of them can be replaced, which is a huge deal for the racer / trackday rider who is going to put serious wear on these boots but wants them to last. Moving inside the boots, the liner is Air Teflon Mesh, which is treated with Teflon Fabric Protector, to guard from water, staining, and microbes/bacteria. The teflon surrounds every fiber of the mesh, keeping the boots highly breathable, and ultimately keeping the rider's foot more comfortable, cool and dry in all weather conditions. Lastly, elasticated material around the entrance/calf of the boot provides for a better fitment across a larger range of calf sizes.
DuPont Polymer Shift Pad on ST Air
Add all of these pieces together and you've got a serious race-level boot from Sidi, another one in a string of excellent products. It fits neatly between the Vortice and Vertigo in features and functionality, and should appeal to many a trackday rider.
Check out more choices by visiting our Motorcycle Race Boots section at RevZilla.com.
For the Fall of 2010, Alpinestars has released several new boot options for the ADV & Sport Touring rider. Building on the strong foundation that they have developed over years and years of boot manufacturing, AStars has upgraded the features and functionality of existing boots and also constructed two pairs of completely new models.
The Hydro Sport & ST Vented Boots share similar features. Both boots are built based on the Alpinestars S-MX 5 boots; at the clamoring of touring riders, Alpinestars streamlined the old design and removed the external hard parts that were bulking them up. Both boots are an external leather construction with PU impact reinforcements: a PU shin plate, an internal toe counter and shift pad, and an external PU heel counter. They have dual density ankle cups, a PU ankle slider and a shank in the sole for added protection. The difference? The Hydro Sport boots are completely waterproof breathable via the Drystar membrane while the ST Vented boots are perforated for warm weather riding. These are both very versatile touring boots.
Both the Ridge and the Roam boots are designed for all-season all-weather sport touring, constructed with a synthetic leather upper and lightweight textile panels for airflow. Both boots are fully waterproof breathable utilizing the Drystar membrane proprietary to AStars. The structured shank built into the vulcanized rubber sole is extremely rigid in the the rear of the foot for support but flexible in the front of the foot for comfort. The footbed used is anatomic and removable with multiple densities of EVA padding throughout for unbridled comfort. Essentially the same boot construction for both, the Ridge boots are 3/4 cut while the Roam boots come slightly higher up the shin. These boots are both all-around great everyday all-weather riding boots.
Currently in their fourth iteration, the Icon Super Duty 4 Boots set the bar high for sportbike motorcycle footwear. Available in three color variations, there is a Super Duty 4 Boot for everyone's style. The upper construction is built with durable leather with an aluminum positive-lock ratcheting buckle. There is a low profile lacing system that lives beneath the buckle system designed in a way to steer clear of any snags.
Icon Boots now have soles with an axialmetric steel shank which provides the foot with greater support, grip and durability. There is layered foam within the boot that increases comfort and a reduced toebox height that vastly improves fitment over previous versions. Icon continues to look at the Super Duty, see what works, see what needs improvement and take it from there. The R&D that goes into every product that Icon releases is second to none.
The rubber sole is slip-resistant to improve grip; there is internal ankle protection in the boots for protection and shifter interface nubs for reinforcement while shifting gears. The Icon Super Duty 4 Boot is another impressive standout in the Fall 2010 Icon Gear lineup, and at the $90 price point is going to compete head-to-head with any other motorcycle boots that fall into this price range.
In their current third iteration, the Puma 1000 v3 Motorcycle Boots continues to improve with every update. The main upgrades in the current model, the v3, are improved safety, protection, cushioning and overall comfort. Drawing inspiration and assistance from MotoGP riders, the developers at Puma have created a pro-level boot primed for the trackday rider or the serious racer.
Puma has always been known for their high-quality and extremely stylish footwear. In recent years they've forayed into the motorcycle boot world, creating stylish boots and riding shoes. With the Puma 1000v3 boot, they've cemented themselves as a serious player in the race boot market.
The most impressive feature of this boot is the Ghost Doctor ankle protection system. There are medically defined angles that the ankle can bend to before suffering serious injury. The Ghost Doctor is an intelligent protection system that utilizes those "angles of no return" to limit the range of motion in all four directions. When the ankle reaches a potentially threatening angle, the Ghost Doctor goes to work preventing serious injury.
You've also got the Exo Low 360º cockpit that wraps around and under the heel, shoring up stability and adding lateral impact protection. A Bifit footbed is constructed to increase flexibility in the foot while the liner is upgraded in flexibility making it easier to step in and out. Those are just some of the upgrades over the previous model of the Puma 1000 v3 boot. It's clear just by looking at a photo that the styling is there with the smartly placed logos and the full leather construction with elasticated paneling. This boot is very impressive for the trackday rider. Also available in a vented version as the Puma 1000 v3 Vented Boots.
You can see the rest of our selection in the motorcycle race boots section of RevZilla.com.
When you think Puma, the first thought that comes to mind is style. For years Puma has cemented their name in the world of athletic footwear as a high-performance and stylish manufacturer. Their recent dabbling into the world of motorcycle boots is no different. The Puma Desmo boots, available in a brand new color scheme, remain true to Puma's trend of creating standout products. 100% developed in-house at Puma, the same R&D went into these boots as all of their other standout products.
The Puma Desmo is a performance boot constructed to be versatile, durable, and stylish for the motorcycle rider who keeps it sport and street. The Desmo has impact protection features that compete with all high-end sport touring boots: internal nylon ankle cockpit; TPU shin, heel, forefoot, calf & toe protection; Zinc sliders on the toe and back of ankle; Flex inserts in the heel & forefoot; a rubber gear shifter; a comfort sock liner that is pre-molded and offers excellent vibration absorption; and finally, that superior Puma sole: high density and built for stability, grip and oil/abrasion resistance. Whew. That was a lot on the feature set. But these boots are really impressing us.
If you're a rider who focuses mostly on the sport road riding aspect of the motorcycle world, these boots are worth a good hard look. They go head-to-head with any of the high end road riding boots we carry at RevZilla.
And they surely aren't going to stay on the shelves for long, so take a look before they're all gone!
Brand new for 2010, the Puma Testastretta II Boots are impressive MotoGP-inspired riding boots that are functional on the bike and and look great off it. Puma spared absolutely no expense with these boots in terms of style, putting in detailed accents throughout. We've been waiting on the 2010 Puma Boots line since the beginning of the year. From what we see so far, it was well worth the wait.
The Testastretta II has a synthetic leather upper construction, a separated MotoGP-esque aluminum heel, an injected EVA comfort midsole, and an oil-resistant non-slip rubber sole. These boots are gonna give you a moderate level of protection on the bike, but they also look pretty badass under a pair of jeans.
If you don't believe me, watch the video above.
If you want to compare and contrast the Testastrettas with other available options, check out our selection of motorcycle riding shoes.
