TRAVERSE Issue 01 - August 2017 | Page 63

Putting Your Best Foot Forward : A Real Test Of Three Adventure Boots

Motorcycle boots are one piece of riding

gear that many riders don ' t even think about . Casual boots , sneakers and even thongs ( flip flops ) are often used , the rider believing that a sturdy pair of shoes will protect their feet from the elements and perhaps even in the chance of an accident . God knows what the rider wearing thongs thinks ... The truth is boots are a very important part of your riding gear ; has anyone seen what happens to a footpeg when a bike slides ? If you haven ' t , check out YouTube and then imagine what would happen to your foot without the right boots .
While there ' s many things to consider when choosing the right boots for the adventure rider there ' s even more , the boots must not only protect in the case of an accident and also from the elements , they must also offer high levels of comfort . An adventure rider can spend all day on a bike and often stood on the pegs , the boots need to be waterproof and yet allow the feet to breath . They must also be comfortable off the bike and allow the wearer enough freedom to walk , often great distances .
Obviously choosing the right boot is a very personal choice , with many things to consider however , we ' ll offer opinion of three boots that are commonly worn , all within the mid-price range . All have there own strengths and weaknesses , and while this is not an endorsement of any , one brand there is a clear favourite here at Traverse and it will take some beating .
The RST Adventure is the cheapest in the range we ' ve tested in the real world , with a price tag of AU $ 250.00 and in many ways this is reflected in the quality of the boot .
The overall look of the RST Adventure is quite good , a full leather upper ( Nubuck , top grain cattle leather ) should be enough to highlight the quality of the boot however , it comes with a polyurethane ( PU ) coating . This gives the boot an almost plastic or vinyl look , offering a cheaper appearance .
The outer is reinforced in a number of areas and these do offer protection to the boot itself , notably in the area where gear changing can cause excess wear . Rider protection comes in a number of forms . A
TRAVERSE 63