[OCL]

I read in the Interwebs (so it must be true), that the majority of injuries when adventure/off road riding occurs at our lower legs. I have also met a number of seasoned adventure riders, and have a few friends, who got injured off road, and yes, the injuries occurred down there. Please, no pictures or descriptions of your own injuries! Let's keep this strictly PG rated. Just recently, I crashed my beloved KLR, which pinned my knee for a few moments, slightly spraining my knee due to hyper extension, and on another occasion, a low speed drop pinned my left foot under the bike! Luckily, no injuries on that one. Clearly, someone up there is trying to tell me something. So I decided to up my gear just a tad. After years of happily riding around the simplest CE approved knee pads tucked in my riding pants, and Touring "Adventure style" boots (Forma Cape Horn), I went shopping for more serious boots.

Let me make one thing perfectly clear now so nobody is wondering: it is NOT possible to find the most protective riding boots AND have flexibility, comfort, and control feel, in equal doses. The most protective are MX boots. And they offer the least amount of control feel, and you won't walk normal with them.

There are a number of really good boots out there with a great balance of protection, comfort, control feel, reasonable flexibility AND waterproof lining. If you spend enough, you will find enough. After a short and sometimes uncomfortable search/testing, I settled on a set of Forma Terra X
Forma Terra EVO Dry X boots at Revzilla

These are hybrid boots, in that they combine many of the protective qualities of a MX boots, and some of the more desirable qualities of an Adventure Boot. Protection at the footbed, shin, toes, and heel, as well as limiting ankle movement in all directions. Yet, Forma was able to trim down the height of the toe box, which allows easier shifting. This is a big thing on my Gen 3 KLR, as shift lever adjustment is limited before the shifter starts to contact the case on the upshift. So my boots must fit under the shift lever. These Forma boots do fit. It's a tight fit....but they fit and I can shift up and feel the lever even in the standing position. Forma boots are known to have a wide footbed, and the Terra EVO X do have that wide footbed. Finally, it is waterproof! It uses the same WP lining as my Cape Horn boots, which I have tested multiple times in driving rain for hours on end.

Oh and I can walk like a normal person with them. Sort of. They're big and heavy with a stiff sole. But I can walk on them without looking like I'm wearing Ski Boots!

Here they are in the flesh. Note the wide Toe Box. Thank you Forma!
Untitled by rogue_biker, on Flickr

Untitled by rogue_biker, on Flickr

 

[Fepony]

I also have Forma boots, Adventure and I love them.

 

[2WHLOZK]

I read in the Interwebs (so it must be true), that the majority of injuries when adventure/off road riding occurs at our lower legs. I have also met a number of seasoned adventure riders, and have a few friends, who got injured off road, and yes, the injuries occurred down there. Please, no pictures or descriptions of your own injuries! Let's keep this strictly PG rated. Just recently, I crashed my beloved KLR, which pinned my knee for a few moments, slightly spraining my knee due to hyper extension, and on another occasion, a low speed drop pinned my left foot under the bike! Luckily, no injuries on that one. Clearly, someone up there is trying to tell me something. So I decided to up my gear just a tad. After years of happily riding around the simplest CE approved knee pads tucked in my riding pants, and Touring "Adventure style" boots (Forma Cape Horn), I went shopping for more serious boots.

Let me make one thing perfectly clear now so nobody is wondering: it is NOT possible to find the most protective riding boots AND have flexibility, comfort, and control feel, in equal doses. The most protective are MX boots. And they offer the least amount of control feel, and you won't walk normal with them.

There are a number of really good boots out there with a great balance of protection, comfort, control feel, reasonable flexibility AND waterproof lining. If you spend enough, you will find enough. After a short and sometimes uncomfortable search/testing, I settled on a set of Forma Terra X
Forma Terra EVO Dry X boots at Revzilla

These are hybrid boots, in that they combine many of the protective qualities of a MX boots, and some of the more desirable qualities of an Adventure Boot. Protection at the footbed, shin, toes, and heel, as well as limiting ankle movement in all directions. Yet, Forma was able to trim down the height of the toe box, which allows easier shifting. This is a big thing on my Gen 3 KLR, as shift lever adjustment is limited before the shifter starts to contact the case on the upshift. So my boots must fit under the shift lever. These Forma boots do fit. It's a tight fit....but they fit and I can shift up and feel the lever even in the standing position. Forma boots are known to have a wide footbed, and the Terra EVO X do have that wide footbed. Finally, it is waterproof! It uses the same WP lining as my Cape Horn boots, which I have tested multiple times in driving rain for hours on end.

Oh and I can walk like a normal person with them. Sort of. They're big and heavy with a stiff sole. But I can walk on them without looking like I'm wearing Ski Boots!

Here they are in the flesh. Note the wide Toe Box. Thank you Forma!
Untitled by rogue_biker, on Flickr

Untitled by rogue_biker, on Flickr

Those boots look great! Even though I rarely go off road anymore I'd still like to have all the features on those Forma's. And the fact that they apparently are available in XX-wide size (are they?) means they may be a good fit for my EEE-wide feet. Usually, the riding boots I've looked at only come in D width (med), which don't work for me.

Except for USA Chippewa boots, which do come in the wider sizes. With that, I've always worn Chippewa Rally boots (below pic, except mine are brown bison hide) in cold weather, and lighter weight Chippewa riding boots in warm weather. The Rally's are well padded, warm and rugged, but not fun to walk around in. Thanks for posting, I'll be looking at the Forma's.

Aside: I have the same problem with getting my heavier boots under the stock shifter lever. Solution?....bought the Happy Trails extended shift lever for the heavy cold weather boots. May leave it on permanently, will know in about a month or so. Cheers.

 

[StarfuryTH]

I had almost settled on those Terra Evo X boots before I stumbled on a couple good deals on some used boots.

I run a pair of Alpinestars Corozals as my daily drivers, for commuting and very light adventure riding. They are insanely comfortable and moderately protective for a glorified touring boot. They're actually more comfortable than my normal work boots. I wouldn't mind a set of the shorter Belize for commuting, but I won't spend the money on them unless they fall into my lap.

I swap to Alpinestars Tech 10s for more serious off-road work. They are far more protective than the Corozals, but are surprisingly comfortable to walk around in. They're still heavy and clunky, but ankles are fragile machines, and they never heal completely once they're destroyed.

 

[OCL]

Those boots look great! Even though I rarely go off road anymore I'd still like to have all the features on those Forma's. And the fact that they apparently are available in XX-wide size (are they?) means they may be a good fit for my EEE-wide feet. Usually, the riding boots I've looked at only come in D width (med), which don't work for me.

One of the biggest issues I have when shopping for boots is indeed the footbed width. Before I settled on the Forma Terra EVO X, I tried on (I took them home, walked around in them, tried them on the bike briefly) a few other brands, including a couple of Motocross boots. The more protective the boot, the harder the footbed, resulting in a slightly tighter fit around my toes, as the protection wraps up and over the toes. Some brands just have narrow footbeds and it just kills my feet! My Forma Cape Horns never had this problem because it is a softer boot. I can sleep in these boots! That's how comfortable they are. I can't say the same for the Forma Terra EVO X's....yet....and I don't expect them to be as comfortable. I honestly don't know how people ride with boots that feel like Ski Boots! I'm speaking about the MX boots I tried. I'm told I am supposed to just get used to it if I wanted protection. But yeah they suck to wear and ride on especially for normal street/touring duties.

 

[OCL]

I swap to Alpinestars Tech 10s for more serious off-road work. They are far more protective than the Corozals, but are surprisingly comfortable to walk around in. They're still heavy and clunky, but ankles are fragile machines, and they never heal completely once they're destroyed.

I tried on the A-Stars Tech 5's, then 7's. They are awesome MX Boots. So much protection. But....I could not shift with them. Even with the shifter adjusted as high as possible without hitting the case, even with Tusk extended shift lever. I have a Gen3 and this is an issue for me. Also, the Techs are not waterproof. I also tried on the Toucan Gortex. I really wanted to like these boots, until I saw their price tag!!! The Alpinestars Corozals did not have the ankle protection I was looking for.

 

[StarfuryTH]

I tried on the A-Stars Tech 5's, then 7's. They are awesome MX Boots. So much protection. But....I could not shift with them. Even with the shifter adjusted as high as possible without hitting the case, even with Tusk extended shift lever. I have a Gen3 and this is an issue for me. Also, the Techs are not waterproof. I also tried on the Toucan Gortex. I really wanted to like these boots, until I saw their price tag!!! The Alpinestars Corozals did not have the ankle protection I was looking for.

I hear you on the Toucans. I've been tempted to pick up a couple different used sets on advrider, but at this point I don't need them, so they can wait.

My Tech 10s are pretty water resistant. Probably don't want to go swimming with them, but I'd trust them to keep me dry otherwise. Also, you can always get gore-tex socks.
Oddly enough, the Corozals are waterproof (dry-tex).

The Corozols are definitely not good boots for venturing off road. They do have malleolus protection, but no real rigidity to prevent bending or torsion. Like I said, commuting, touring, and very light off road use. Otherwise, the Tech 10s come out.

 

[Reveille]

I just wear SG12s. In kawasaki green of course. I tried the whole waterproof route a few times and eventually water migrates down your body eventually filling said waterproof boots up like buckets. It's a personal thing like what oil to use but I just like Mx boots for riding offroad. I'm probably in the minority.

 

[banditcilik]

I am also looking for boots but still haven't found one. All the manufacturers put lots of plastic panels for protector that end up more limiting than protecting.

 

[skypupbob]

I like the Forma adventure boots, they are very comfortable to walk in and offer fairly good protection without the stiff plastic pieces.

 

[Fepony]

I like the Forma adventure boots, they are very comfortable to walk in and offer fairly good protection without the stiff plastic pieces.

I absolutely agree. I also like them being leather so I can keep them oiled up and they look good. I have used this for many years.

 

[StarfuryTH]

I am also looking for boots but still haven't found one. All the manufacturers put lots of plastic panels for protector that end up more limiting than protecting.

That's not how that works. Leather is great for abrasion resistance, but it isn't going to protect against impacts or deformation like TPU (a flexible plastic which is commonly used in MX gear), which is why more TPU generally relates to more protection.

My Corozal boots are mostly leather outers, with some TPU shin guards and a couple malleolus plates. They're fantastically comfortable. They are not even remotely protective when compared to a proper motocross boot.

The Alpinestars Tech 10s I have are at least half plastic. Not only do they offer greater impact and crush protection, but they prevent the ankle from twisting in ways that it shouldn't.

These are almost polar opposites of the spectrum, but pretty much any decent MX boot is going to have a lot of plastic panels and structure. That's what makes them stronger, and that's exactly what you want in a MX boot. The better ones (more expensive) will also have ankle hinges to promote some limited flexibility there.

PPE is a personal choice. Each person will choose to wear the PPE they can tolerate based on their own risk assessment, which is fine.
But everyone needs to understand the products and what they bring to the table to make that assessment.

 

[bigbluklr]

I went with tech3 A-Stars about 4 years ago, when they went below $200. I hated them for the first 3 months trying to get some flexibility. I had the IMS long shifter (Clears case) so all I needed to do was adjust to get my foot under. I've pinned my legs under the bike a few times and the boots did their thing. Big stuff, branches, rocks get kicked up and no worries. Off road always wear them. Short rides around my area, road some gravel I have been wearing hiking boots. I'm looking at getting a shorty boot for those rides to give me more protection

 

[OverSquareEng]

I too have the Forma Terra Evo-X boots, they're good stuff especially for adventure rides where you want both protection and some semblance of comfort and the ability to walk around.

What pushed me over the edge was watching Atomic Moto's videos. He's a retailer so always take it with a grain of salt, but he has some of the more comprehensive boot reviews that I've found. And they actually ride a decent amount on the boots before review. And sometimes even do long term reviews too. They feel like less of a sales pitch than revzilla videos to me.

Motorcycle Boots by Atomic-Moto

Check out our selection of Motorcycle Boots at Atomic-Moto. We pick and choose only the best motorcycle boots from the best brands like Forma, Gaerne, Sidi, Alpinestars, and TCX, so you can spend more time RIDING.

www.atomic-moto.com

 

[OverSquareEng]

The Gaerne Dakar is another good contender from my research. They were out of stock in my size when I bought boots, so it made my decision easy.

Gaerne Dakar GTX Boots - Are these the new Adventure Boot King?

The Gaerne Dakar GTX is a new flagship Adventure Riding boot model from Gaerne. It plays at the upper end of the market and has a fantastic list of features: Gore-Tex, a lugged WELT sole, terrific leather, a mechanically hinged ankle, and that wide, comfortable, awesome Gaerne fit.

www.atomic-moto.com

 

[OCL]

That's not how that works. Leather is great for abrasion resistance, but it isn't going to protect against impacts or deformation like TPU (a flexible plastic which is commonly used in MX gear), which is why more TPU generally relates to more protection....These are almost polar opposites of the spectrum, but pretty much any decent MX boot is going to have a lot of plastic panels and structure. That's what makes them stronger, and that's exactly what you want in a MX boot. The better ones (more expensive) will also have ankle hinges to promote some limited flexibility there.

This 100%. The TPU plastics, basically what makes MX boots feel like ski boots, are what provides that protection from unnatural over extension of one's foot joints, as well as crush protection. Most of the quality MX style boots do have hinges to promote limited movement of one's ankle front to back, just not side to side.

We all make our choices. I chose to ride on the world's most comfortable boot (Forma Cape Horn) for years...off road...and didn't really get hurt. But after speaking to others who have gotten hurt, as well as a handful of "warning signs" from above, I've woken up to the fact that it's better to have good protection down there. Just as much as protection on your head. Hell! I know folks who ride with stylish street riding boots! Off road no less. They're happy as clams. But I just know that since I spend a lot of time off road, I need to up my game to protect myself. If I can't walk, I'm going to be miserable as hell! Joints/bones take forever to heal!!!

 

[OCL]

I like the Forma adventure boots, they are very comfortable to walk in and offer fairly good protection without the stiff plastic pieces.

I love my Forma Cape Horns. I have two pairs. One pair is almost 10 years old and they're still intact, and I've taken them through mudholes, snow, rocks, driving rain, etc. Unbelievable workmanship and material quality. I seriously considered their Adventure Boots as well.

 

[Fepony]

That's not how that works. Leather is great for abrasion resistance, but it isn't going to protect against impacts or deformation like TPU (a flexible plastic which is commonly used in MX gear), which is why more TPU generally relates to more protection.

My Corozal boots are mostly leather outers, with some TPU shin guards and a couple malleolus plates. They're fantastically comfortable. They are not even remotely protective when compared to a proper motocross boot.

The Alpinestars Tech 10s I have are at least half plastic. Not only do they offer greater impact and crush protection, but they prevent the ankle from twisting in ways that it shouldn't.

These are almost polar opposites of the spectrum, but pretty much any decent MX boot is going to have a lot of plastic panels and structure. That's what makes them stronger, and that's exactly what you want in a MX boot. The better ones (more expensive) will also have ankle hinges to promote some limited flexibility there.

PPE is a personal choice. Each person will choose to wear the PPE they can tolerate based on their own risk assessment, which is fine.
But everyone needs to understand the products and what they bring to the table to make that assessment.

You misunderstand, the boots have that. They are just leather exterior. They provide the necessary protection. Check them out before judging.

 

[OCL]

You misunderstand, the boots have that. They are just leather exterior. They provide the necessary protection. Check them out before judging.

He's not judging you. Our choices are our own and it is not a reflection of good/bad judgement on anyone else's choices.

The boots have SOME ankle protection. Better than Non-Adventure boots. But note the absence of lateral ankle movement mitigation. Those will bend. Even Forma's website explicitly state these boots are not as protective. And that's ok they know that. Some protection is a whole lot better than no protection (like riding on hiking boots).

 

[OverSquareEng]

You misunderstand, the boots have that. They are just leather exterior. They provide the necessary protection. Check them out before judging.

The adventures hide their protection pretty well, a good boot no doubt. But I would like to point out they are a step behind the Terra Evo-X when it comes to protection. The Adventure's ankle is less supported and the forefoot allows for a significant amount of flex (part of the reason they are so comfortable!). Here's a good breakdown between the 2.

Like I said, no doubt that the adventure is a good boot, it's just a step back in protection (but a step forward in comfort) when compared to the Terra Evo-X. It's all a trade off.