Our Touring and Commuting Motorcycle Boot Guide for 2011 includes all of our top picks for long-distance touring and everyday commuting. The criteria for this portion of our Warm Weather Motorcycle Gear Guides was that the boots had to have an element of waterproof breathability, be protective, and be stylish enough to rock under a pair of jeans around the office or upon arrival at your destination. There are some boots brand new for this season, some mainstays of the lineup for a couple years, but the bottom line is this: all of these boots will perform extraordinarily well in all types of weather conditions and keep your foot comfortable all the while.
First in our lineup is the Alpinestars Roam Waterproof Boot, which was brand new for Fall of 2010 and is one of the most solid value picks in this range of boots. At under $160, the Roam provides protection from all the elements via the proprietary Drystar waterproof breathable membrane, which will keep all precipitation out while allowing perspiration to pass through, keeping your foot cool and comfortable. The synthetic leather construction offers solid abrasion resistance and there are reinforcements laterally and medially in the ankle, in the heel and the toe cup. This entire boot is CE rated which means that Alpinestars went that extra mile to ensure this boot's safety and performance.
Next up we have the REV'IT! Rival H2O Boot which has been a staple of the lineup since its release in 2008. The Rival utilizes REV'IT!'s proprietary Hydratex waterproof breathable membrane to keep the foot dry but also free of all perspiration. The exterior is constructed of premium cowhide leather with two Cordura inserts equating to an extremely abrasion resistant boot. REV'IT! didn't skimp on the style either, as this is one of our top fashion picks in the group. Hard part protectors at the malleolus, heel, toe box and a thermo formed shin plate provide a great deal of protection. The rugged Skywalk sole coupled with the anatomically shaped foot bed offer solid grip but also a great deal of comfort in the Rival H2O.
Our next pick is the TCX X-Five Plus Gore-Tex Boot, which ushers in our three boots in this category that utilize Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membranes, which offer the highest level of waterproofing and breathability of any comparable membranes. A complete redesign for 2011, the X-Five has been TCX's worldwide bestseller for many years and maintains a classic touring boot style. Italian design, including full grain Italian cowhide leather, give this boot a distinguished look and vibe that will be extremely stylish under a pair of jeans. Combine this with hard part protection in the shin plate, lateral and medial malleolus, and reinforcements in the calf, heel cup and toe box, and you've got one of our top touring picks for 2011.
Perhaps the most stylish of this entire range of boots is the brand new for 2011 Dainese Nighthawk Gore-Tex Boot, which combines slick style, protection, performance and comfort into one of our top picks for this year. With Gore-Tex waterproof breathability, thermoformed shin protection, nylon ankle protection, with reinforcements in the heel cup and toe box, the Nighthawk also uses the rugged and comfortable Skywalk sole. We could go on and on, but what it boils down to is this: the Nighthawk represents everything we've come to expect from Dainese, extreme levels of attention to detail, the highest quality materials and design which add up to the most fashionable motorcycle gear you'll ever wear.
Last but not least, the brand new for this year Sidi Laguna Gore-Tex Boot couldn't be left out of the mix, and did you really think we'd leave Sidi out of our touring choices? Sidi's newest boot is a classic touring boot with Gore-Tex waterproof breathability, a top grain leather construction, with highly abrasion resistant yet flexible Cordura inserts. The Laguna also has plenty of protective elements, with reinforcements in the toe box, heel cup, at the ankle, a nylon shin plate and a hard nylon inner sole. Sidi also double stitched this boot in all impact and high-wear areas. As with the rest, the Laguna looks great under jeans, offers high levels of protection, waterproofing, and will be extremely comfortable for everyday wear and long-distance touring.
Built for all-season all-weather sport touring, the brand new Dainese Nighthawk Gore-Tex Boots are a stylish and functional mid-calf boot to take on all of Mother Nature's ill wills. We know what to expect from Dainese at this point: protection, comfort and style in the same package. These gloves will perform no matter what the weather conditions.
A full cowhide leather exterior with elasticated suede inserts is the upper construction of the Dainese Nighthawk Boots. Beneath this rugged exterior lies the Gore-Tex waterproof and windproof membrane to combat all foul weather situations. Gore-Tex offers the most breathability of any waterproof membrane that is available, keeping all wetness out, but allowing your perspiration to escape through, keeping you not only dry but cool and comfortable as well. Gore-Tex is also guaranteed waterproof for life; if it ever leaks, Gore-Tex will replace or repair it for free. The Nighthawk features a Skywalk sole, a premier rubber sole not frequently seen in the motorcycle industry: durable, flexible, non-slip, and extremely comfortable.
For protection, there is a thermoformed plastic insert to protect the tibia in addition to medial and lateral hard nylon ankle guards. The toebox is reinforced with thermoformed inserts and there is a TPU gear shifter guard. There is slight perforation in strategic regions of the boot that flows air but retains the waterproof elements of the Nighthawk. Inside, the foot and leg remain comfortable in all conditions thanks to the moisture-wicking comfort nylon lining. The closure is a single velcro cuff with a zipper that is fully backed by a waterproof gaiter. The Nighthawks also feature reflective ticks for night-time visibility. Overall, a standout choice for the all-season all-weather sport touring motorcycle rider.
