REV'IT! Rival H2O Boot review

The waterproof boot market is a segment in the motorcycle gear industry that is constantly evolving and improving. Over years REV'IT boots have always found themselves on the top of the waterproof boot market. The REV'IT! Rival H2O Boots, has definitely become a fan favorite as well an office favorite from the RevZilla staff. It's one of the most comfortable, durable, and best looking waterproof boots at its price point. It does lack some of the hi-tech components of the REV'IT! Apache H2O but offers many of the same features for a price point that does not break the bank. This boot is built for the extreme distance rider who plans to put a ton of miles on their bikes at a time and is looking for something that can provide a high level of
protection and comfort. The mid-two hundred dollar price tag
puts this boot in the mid-range of ADV riding boots.

Check out our REV'IT! Rival H2O Boots Review:

What makes this boot unique is the amount of comfort provided. The Skywalk sole is made of differentiated densities of rubber which makes it stiff enough to provide the rider with a high level of ruggedness and comfort. Thanks to the height of the boot and the thermoplastic built into the shin, The boot feels very supportive. The inside liner of the boot is made of a very comfortable and soft moisture-wicking breathable fabric. The comfort level of this boot is really what helps make the Rival H2O such a popular choice.

Being a REV'IT boot, the quality of waterproofing is very well done. The water resistant zipper is backed by a waterproof gaiter and REV'IT! took every precaution to make sure that no water will enter through any of the stitched seams which are always a weak point. There's an impressive Velcro zipper pull to prevent the zipper from becoming undone during longer rides. The beauty of this boot really is in the details. The stitching is beautifully done and the craftsmanship on this boot is high quality.

If black is your favorite color then you're in luck because that's the only color choice. The unisex design is made to be comfortable for both male and female riders and is available in sizes 36-47Euro which is roughly 4.5 to 13US

Check out our entire range of Waterproof Motorcycle Boots at RevZilla.com for more choices.

Fast Freddie

Previously:
2011 Motorcycle Boot Guides
TCX X-Five Plus Gore-Tex Boots Review
Dainese Nighthawk Gore-Tex Boots Review
Sidi Laguna Gore-Tex Boots Review

Motorcycle Touring & Commuting Boot Guide

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.

Check out our Motorcycle Touring and Commuting Boot Guide:

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.

Check out our full range by visiting the Waterproof Motorcycle Boots page at RevZilla.com.

-RetroZilla

Previously:
2011 Motorcycle Boot Guides
TCX X-Five Plus Gore-Tex Boots Review
Dainese Nighthawk Gore-Tex Boots Review
Sidi Laguna Gore-Tex Boots Review