GEAR REVIEW
GEAR REVIEW
By JAY Wilber
WHAT DO YOU WEAR ? you have been riding for any
IF time , you have experimented with several riding boots . When I first started riding , I didn ' t know what to get . You see , the issue was I didn ' t ride a Harley .
As I looked around in 2004 for riding boots , all I saw were cowboy boots , work boots , or Harley-style boots . So , my first choice was a Harley boot , and yes , I got a lot of ribbing for riding a Yamaha and wearing Harley boots .
My boots were typical motorcycle boots , high-top , thick soles , metal toe tips , and back plate . I looked like a biker , but they were not very comfortable . They were heavy and bulky , and when it rained , they got wet .
After a few years , we came to the National Rally and tried on some SWAT boots . We loved them ; they were lightweight and felt like walking in tennis shoes . We bought a pair and wore them for two years . The only issue was that your feet got wet when it rained . So , we ordered waterproof SWAT boots . When we got them , we discovered that you gave up a lot of comfort to get a waterproof boot . They had a steellike toe , and the boot was high on your ankle . After a few weeks , we went back to the old boot . As they wore out , we ordered another set of SWAT boots and just dealt with the water issue .
We started searching for a replacement pair of boots about two years ago . This time , we were determined to find the right boot for us . We started asking around and talk- ing to motorcycle riders and people who did a lot of walking and hiking . The more we talked , the more we heard about Keen Hiking Boots .
They give you support while walking and provide safety by being a sturdy boot ; they were great . The big winner was that they were waterproof .
If you look online , you will discover the Keen boot ' s suitability for riding and walking . I found a complete list on the Bass Pro Shop / Cabela ' s website . It included the below bullet points .
Manufacturer style #: 1017346 .
β’ Four-wheel drive performance for your feet
β’ Mid cut height - increased ankle support through canyons and over mountaintops
β’ Waterproof nubuck leather and textile upper
β’ KEEN . Dry waterproof / breathable membrane
β’ Hydrophobic mesh lining
β’ Cleansport NXT organic odor control
β’ Removable , metatomical , dual β density EVA footbed - molds to foot for top comfort and fit
β’ Dual density compression molded EVA midsole - supports and cushions
β’ Contoured heel locks - adjustable ankle support
β’ ESS shank for torsional stability over rough , uneven terrain
β’ Tough , non-marking rubber outsole with 4mm multidirectional lugs
β’ Toe caps for added protection
I purchased my first Keen Targhee II waterproof boots in May of 2022 and have used them through two riding seasons , and they still look good and keep the water out . So , consider the Keen boots when looking for an excellent boot to wear when riding and is comfortable when walking around at events . We love them , and Jane even just bought the Keen low top shoe to wear instead of tennis shoes . So , remember , it doesn ' t matter if you ride a Harley , Indian , or dual sport ; consider looking into the Keen boot for your next ride . CMA Jay and Jane Wilber oversee the North Central Region as National Evangelist .
13βͺNOVEMBER 2023βͺwww . cmausa . org