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.
Far and away the most popular boot in the TCX Boots lineup, the TCX X-Five Plus Gore-Tex Boots are extremely popular in the Sport Touring community. For 2011, TCX gave these boots an overhaul, vastly improving the style and streamlining the design. These boots will perform great on the bike in long-distance touring and cruiser situations, but they are sleek enough to look good under a pair of jeans
(as you'll see in the video) when you're walking around town.
The TCX X-Five Plus Boots are a premium full grain leather upper with a Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane. What you're getting is an Italian-styled leather boot that protects you from all forms of precipitation but allows the foot to breathe and perspiration to escape away from the skin. Gore-Tex is the most breathable of air waterproof membranes, and the waterproofing element is guaranteed for life. Internally, the moisture-wicking comfort liner furthers the breathability by pulling perspiration away from the skin and helping it to pass through the Gore membrane. The anti-slip, oil and petroleum resistant rubber sole is high-grip but allows enough flex that you won't be uncomfortable off the bike and walking around.
For protection, the X-Five Plus has a reinforced TPU shin plate to protect against the extremely common injury of breakage of the tibia when it comes in contact with the foot peg in a get-off situation. The X-Five Plus also features anti-impact hard part lateral malleolus protection that will also act as a slider and TPU medial malleolus protection. The toe box is reinforced with hard part protection and the PU high-grip shifter panel is double stitched for durability. Flex bellows at the lower shin and back of calf allow for uncompromised movement on the bike while the padding in the rear of the calf provides extra protection. Finally, the zip and velcro panel closure system is backed by a full-length inner gaiter that maintains the waterproofing of this boot.
The TCX X-Five Plus Gore-Tex Boots have been one of the bestsellers in the past within the sport touring community and this new style design should only continue its success. To see similar boots, visit our Waterproof Motorcycle Boots and our Sport Touring Boots sections at RevZilla.com.
