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NEWS LEATT EXPANDS ADVENTURE LINE WITH HYDRADRI 8.5
Leatt has expanded its adventure riding range with the release of the new ADV HydraDri 8.5 boot, a model designed to bridge the gap between the comfort of a touring boot and the protection of a dedicated off-road boot.
The new boot sits squarely between Leatt’ s softer 7.5 ADV HydraDri and its more aggressive 4.5 Enduro HydraDri, borrowing elements from both to create what the company describes as a true all-rounder for riders who split their time between sealed roads, gravel tracks and technical trails.
At first glance, the ADV HydraDri 8.5 looks purposebuilt for long-distance adventure travel. The upper is crafted from premium nubuck leather, chosen for its durability and supple fit, while the lower chassis takes inspiration from Leatt’ s off-road boots with a TPU shell that provides greater ankle support and impact resistance.
The entire boot is lined with Leatt’ s HydraDri EVO membrane, which delivers a waterproof and breathability rating of 20,000 mm and 20,000 g / m ². Those figures place it firmly among the most capable waterproof boots in the category and suggest it is designed for riders who are just as likely to encounter river crossings and alpine storms as they are dusty summer tracks.
Protection is where the ADV HydraDri 8.5 distinguishes itself from many traditional adventure boots. It features a large reinforced shin plate, 3DF impact foam around the ankles, a flex limiter to reduce the risk of overextension and a steel-shank reinforced sole. The boot is CE certified to EN 13634:2017, meeting the latest European safety standards for motorcycle footwear.
Leatt has paid close attention to rider comfort as well. The company says the boot is designed to accommodate wider feet, an area where many European adventure boots can feel restrictive. The shaped toe box is intended to make gear changes easier, while a flat inner panel with grippy rubber and microfiber improves contact with the motorcycle.
Closure comes via three forged aluminium buckles with stainless steel bases, topped by Leatt’ s SlideLock system, a one-way hook-and-loop design that creates a secure seal at the top of the boot to keep water and dust out.
Underfoot, the ADV-specific sole pattern aims to deliver grip both on and off the bike. Midsole PU foam helps damp vibration over long highway stints, while the steel shank provides added support when standing on the pegs for extended periods.
The concept behind the 8.5 is simple: combine the confidence-inspiring support of an enduro boot with enough flexibility and comfort to make walking at campsites, fuel stops and scenic lookouts less of a chore. It is a compromise many adventure riders have been seeking for years.
In Australia, where adventure rides can span thousands of kilometres and conditions can shift from scorching heat to torrential rain in a single day, the ADV HydraDri 8.5 is likely to appeal to riders looking for one boot capable of doing almost everything.
With local pricing around the $ 800 mark, the boot enters the premium end of the market, but its combination of waterproofing, off-road protection and all-day comfort gives it strong credentials for riders who take their adventure riding seriously.
For Leatt, the ADV HydraDri 8.5 represents another step in the company’ s growing push into the adventure touring segment. For riders, it could be the answer to one of motorcycling’ s most enduring questions: how to find a boot tough enough for the rough stuff, but comfortable enough to wear long after the engine is switched off. TRAVERSE
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