Test: sporty summer boots

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Test: sporty summer boots
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Boots

Test: sporty summer boots

Test: sporty summer boots
Comparison test: motorcycle boots for the summer

Content of

Motorcycle boots are uncomfortable on a short trip to the ice cream parlor, gym shoes are unsafe. Half-height sports boots offer an alternative, they are trendy and chic. But there are big differences.

Sebastian Lang

05/24/2011

Anyone who has ever queued at the ice cream parlor in leather clothing knows the problem: What feels great when burning across the house turns into torture after a minute’s break in the blazing sun. Let’s not kid ourselves, motorcycle clothes are simply impractical in everyday life. This also applies to boots.

Numerous manufacturers therefore offer half-height sports boots as an alternative to race boots. Is there a good compromise between convenience and security? PS tested models from nine manufacturers to find out exactly that. IXS and Louis were also invited to the test, but their variants did not quite fit into our comparison.

Since buyers of summer boots are not only concerned with safety, but also comfort, we rated the criteria of safety, driving practice and walking practice equally with ten points each. That “Handling”, that is, putting on and taking off, as well as the processing are each included in the evaluation with five points.

security
Injuries to the lower extremities are one of the most common consequences of a motorcycle accident – far more often than arms or head. A motorcycle boot must therefore above all protect at least the foot and ankle. For this, reinforcements in areas relevant to falls such as toes, ankles and heels are essential. However, these security features come at the expense of comfort and, last but not least, the coolness factor. Some manufacturers clearly prefer the last two points. Puma, for example, is starting the race with an only slightly modified street trainer that has only been slightly reinforced at the heel. Result: a very comfortable and cool, but unsafe motorcycle boot. Axo is also going the same way.


Test: sporty summer boots


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An important point in the test is the slip resistance of the sole.

The models from Alpinestars, Dainese and XPD, on the other hand, with their toe sliders look like racing boots with a shortened shaft at first glance. On closer inspection, however, only the Dainese Scarpa Dyno can score somewhat in terms of safety. It is the only boot with massive reinforcements in both the foot and ankle area. The S-MX 2 from Alpinestars In contrast, neglects the ankle protection, as does the XPD X-One, which only protects the ankle on the outside with an additional reinforcement. The downside of higher security: These shoes are less comfortable.

Practice driving
We checked the practical qualities of the nine summer boots on a test lap that led through both the city and several kilometers of country roads. In addition to the wearing comfort, the slip resistance of the sole, the seat and the freedom of movement were evaluated.

The fact that the sneaker-like Puma in particular scores the worst with six points on the motorcycle is mainly due to the nonsensical metal sole, which slides back and forth on the peg when driving and leaves an unsafe feeling. The models from XPD and Buse to fight. In both cases, the rubber sole is quite slippery, which means that the foot can easily slip off with pressure on the pegs, especially when exercising.

When it comes to wearing comfort, the racing foot position with the balls of the feet on the pegs separates the wheat from the chaff. In addition to unpleasant creases at the base of the toes, the edge of the shaft pressing against the shin is particularly annoying on many models. Axo avoids this problem with a particularly low shaft, Alpinestars with a very wide shaft – neither is really safe. The model from Held shows how it can be done better: Despite the tight-fitting, high shaft, the boots do not become uncomfortable even when the foot is in extreme position on the motorcycle. The same applies to the Dainese and Firefox models.


Test: sporty summer boots


Iron ham

Safety: On longer tours it is advisable to wear a full-fledged boot.

Practice walking
The fact that the Firefox is also very comfortable when walking is mainly due to its thin outer shoe and its low weight. It wears like a sneaker and is barely noticeable on the foot. Only the two lightweights from Puma and Axo are even more comfortable. The models from Alpinestars, Dainese and XPD, which are designed for maximum protection, appear very clunky, stiff and heavy away from the motorcycle. The rest of the test candidates take a middle ground and wear touring-suitable lace-up boots. The FLM manages the balancing act between protection and comfort particularly well. The B42 is reinforced at all safety-relevant points (heel, ankle, toe) and still does not become uncomfortable even after many hours.

handling
In order to enjoy a good biker boot, you have to get inside first. This is not so easy with all test candidates. The models from Puma and XPD are the easiest to use: Close the zipper, put the Velcro strap over it, done. But there is nothing wrong with the lacing variant either. On the contrary: because of the lashing, the laced boots in many cases sit much better on the foot than the non-adjustable versions with zippers. With Firefox, however, the lacing is very difficult.

processing
Adhesive residues on the sole, unclean seams, carelessly cut pieces of leather: hardly a boot in the test was able to convince in terms of quality. The boots from Puma and Dainese stand out positively. Both are very well made and leave a high-quality impression – and therefore look good when you queue in front of the ice cream parlor.

Alpinestars S-MX 2


Test: sporty summer boots


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Alpinestars S-MX 2.


Test: sporty summer boots


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Putting on the Alpinestars S-MX 2 is very easy thanks to the buckle.

Contact: Alpinestars S.P.A., 31011 Asolo (I), Tel. 00 39/04 23 52 86, www.alpinestars.com
Price: 169.95 euros
Sizes: 38 to 50
Outer material: leather
Protectors / reinforcement *: F.
Weight: 1330 g (size 42)

Rating: 26 out of 40 points

Conclusion: When driving, the Alpinestars scores with a comfortable seat and great freedom of movement. The wide shaft does not press on the shin even when the foot is sporty. It is very easy to put on thanks to the zip and buckle (picture). However, the S-MX 2 is very wide and slides back and forth, especially in the heel area. When walking, the Alpinestars look heavy and bulky. Toe and ankle protection are missing and cost the Italian boot points.

* F = heel, K = ankle, Z = toe

Axo Attack


Test: sporty summer boots


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Axo Attack.


Test: sporty summer boots


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The Axo Attack has no reinforcements, except for a mediocre heel protector.

Contact: Axo Sport S.P.A. 31036 Istrana (I), Tel. 00 39/04 22 83 23 00, www.axosport.com
Price: 99.00 euros
Sizes: 38 to 47
Outer material: leatherette
Protectors / reinforcement *: F.
Weight: 830 g (size 43)

Rating: 26 out of 40 points


Conclusion: The Axo Attack is the most comfortable boot on the test field. Thanks to the soft lacing, the shoe fits very well and does not cause any pressure points even after long journeys or walks. However, this sneaker feeling can only be achieved at the expense of safety: apart from a mediocre heel protector, the Italian boot has no reinforcements and does not leave a feeling of security. The processing is not a highlight, but okay for the price.

* F = heel, K = ankle, Z = toe

Buse City Limit


Test: sporty summer boots


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Buse City Limit.


Test: sporty summer boots


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The shift reinforcement on the Buse City Limits is made of leather.

Contact: Heino Buse MX Import GmbH, 52159 Roetgen, Tel. 0 24 71/1 26 90, www.buese.com
Price: 74.95 euros
Sizes: 36 to 48
Outer material: Leather-textile mix
Protectors / reinforcement *: F, K, Z
Weight: 1240 g (size 42)

Rating: 27 out of 40 points

Conclusion: The Buse City Limit offers a lot of boots for the money. The workmanship is okay, the switch reinforcement is made of leather in contrast to the competition (picture). The ankle, toe and heel are also reinforced. Thanks to the easy-to-run laces, the boot is easy to put on and take off. When walking, the padded Buse feels like a comfortable winter boot, but the end of the shaft presses on the shin. This problem also shows up when driving. The sole got very slippery.

* F = heel, K = ankle, Z = toe

PS test winner: Dainese Scarpa Dyno


Test: sporty summer boots


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Dainese Scarpa Dyno.


Test: sporty summer boots


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The lacing system of the Dainese Scarpa Dyno is quick and easy to use.

Contact: Dainese, 80807 Munich, Tel. 0 89/72 01 87-0, www.dainese.com
Price: 169.00 euros
Sizes: 39 to 47
Outer material: Leather, nylon
Protectors / reinforcement *: F, K, Z
Weight: 1340 g (size 42)

Valuation: 31 out of 40 points

Conclusion: The test winner comes from Dainese. The Scarpa Dyno has a lot in store, especially for sporty fellows: The level of safety is quite high for this type of boot, and the workmanship is top-notch. The lacing system (picture) is quick and easy to use, but the boot is very tight when you step in. Away from the motorcycle, the Dainese, like the Alpinestars, feels very stiff and heavy. When driving, there is nothing to complain about apart from a too wide heel area.

* F = heel, K = ankle, Z = toe

Firefox Raptor


Test: sporty summer boots


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´Firefox Raptor.


Test: sporty summer boots


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The Firefox Raptor’s laces are stiff.

Contact: Polo Express Shipping, 41363 Juchen, Tel. 0 21 65/8 44 02 00, www.polo-motorrad.de
Price: 49.95 euros
Sizes: 38 to 47
Outer material: Leather, polyamide
Protectors / reinforcement *: F, K
Weight: 910 g (size 42)

Rating: 23 out of 40 points

Conclusion: The cheapest model in the test comes from Firefox. Unfortunately, one notices the red pencil on the shoes. The workmanship is mediocre, putting on is very tedious due to the stiff laces (picture) and the narrow entry. Although the Raptor is very tight, it is very comfortable to carry. Thanks to the lacing, the shoe sits perfectly on the foot and feels like a leisure summer shoe. However, the thin material and the lack of toe protection are at the expense of safety.

* F = heel, K = ankle, Z = toe

FLM B42


Test: sporty summer boots


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FLM B42.


Test: sporty summer boots


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The FLM B42 is reinforced in the toe, heel and ankle area.

Contact: polo Express delivery, 41363 Juchen, Tel. 0 21 65/8 44 02 00, www.polo-motorrad.de
Price: 89.95 euros
Sizes: 36 to 48
Outer material: Leather, polyamide
Protectors / reinforcement *: F, K, Z
Weight: 1260 g (size 42)

Rating: 28 out of 40 points

Conclusion: The B42 offers a good compromise between safety and comfort. Toes, heels and ankle areas (picture) are reinforced, the entire shoe appears solid and stable. Nevertheless, according to the manufacturer, the waterproof boot is very comfortable. When walking, only the slight pressure on the shaft edge on the shin bothers. This pressure is much more noticeable on a motorcycle and becomes uncomfortable over time. Thanks to the easy-to-use laces, the shoes are easy to put on and take off.

* F = heel, K = ankle, Z = toe

Hero paddock


Test: sporty summer boots


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Hero paddock.


Test: sporty summer boots


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The somewhat uncomfortable edge of the Held Paddock’s shaft is annoying when running.

Contact: hero GmbH, 87545 Burgberg-Erzfloble, Tel. 0 83 21/66 46-0, www.held.de
Price: 114.95 euros
Sizes: 37 to 47
Outer material: leather
Protectors / reinforcement *: F, K, Z
Weight: 1170 g (size 42)

Rating: 27 out of 40 points

Conclusion: The paddock, which is also waterproof, is quite touristy. The padded leather part is very comfortable to wear on the motorcycle. However, the sole got a bit slippery and does not offer a perfect grip when the foot is sporty. In walker mode, the uncomfortable edge of the shaft and the crease when rolling the foot interfere with the otherwise high level of comfort. The workmanship is good, the entire forefoot consists of just one piece of leather. The thick shoelaces run a little difficult.

* F = heel, K = ankle, Z = toe

Puma Testastretta


Test: sporty summer boots


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Puma Testastretta.


Test: sporty summer boots


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The Puma Testastretta has a metal sole, but does poorly in terms of safety.

Contact: Polo Express Shipping, 41363 Juchen, Tel. 0 21 65/8 44 02 00, www.polo-motorrad.de
Price: 149.95 euros
Sizes: 40 to 48.5
Outer material: Polyurethane
Protectors / reinforcement *: F.
Weight: 760 g (size 42)

Rating: 25 out of 40 points

Conclusion: Puma also remains loyal to the sneaker line when it comes to motorcycle boots. Metal sole (picture), reinforced heel, high shaft and rubber sanding dummy transform the sneaker into a biker boot. The lightweight is very comfortable when walking and is barely noticeable. On the bike, the metal sole slides back and forth on the notch, and the shaft presses a little on the shin. Overall, the boot, which can be closed with a zip and Velcro, is too loose and does not leave a secure impression.

* F = heel, K = ankle, Z = toe

XPD X-One


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XPD X-One.


Test: sporty summer boots


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The XPD X-One has a grinder.

Contact: Shark Helme Deutschland GmbH, 21224 Rosengarten, Tel. 0 41 08/4 58 00-0, www.spidi.com
Price: 164.90 euros
Sizes: 38 to 48
Outer material: Lorica
Protectors / reinforcement *: F, K, Z
Weight: 1190 g (size 42)

Rating: 25 out of 40 points

Conclusion: Except for the shorter shaft, the X-One is very similar to the XP7 racing boat – including the grinder (picture). The feeling of wearing it when walking is correspondingly: the boot is stiff and heavy, and the crease presses when rolling. The crease can also be felt on the motorcycle, the narrow shaft presses on the shin and also restricts freedom of movement. The sole is quite slippery. On the other hand, the stiff boot feels reasonably safe. The inner ankle, however, remains unprotected.

* F = heel, K = ankle, Z = toe

Evaluation / PS judgment


Test: sporty summer boots


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A bunch of boots, a bunch of differences. The interpretations of the ideal summer boot differ widely.

maximum number of points

Alpinestars S-MX 2

Axo Attack

Bad city limits

Dainese Scarpa Dyno

Firefox Raptor

Practice driving 10 8th 9 6th 8th 8th Practice walking 10 6th 9 7th 6th 8th security 10 4th 1 6th 8th 2 handling 5 4th 4th 4th 4th 2 processing 5 4th 3 4th 5 3 Total points 40 26 26 27 31 23 placement 5. 5. 3. 1.

9.

maximum number of points FLM B42 Hero paddock

Puma Testastretta

XPD X-One

Practice driving 10 7th 8th 6th 6th Practice walking 10 8th 7th 9 5 security 10 6th 5 0 5 handling 5 4th 3 5 5 processing 5 3 4th 5 4th Total points 40 28 27 25th 25th placement 2. 3. 7th. 7th.

PS judgment

The differences between the nine test candidates are immense, especially in the area of ​​security. If you fall with the Puma or the Axo, there is a risk of serious foot injuries. But even the supposedly safest model in the test, the Dainese Scarpa Dyno, does not provide sufficient protection due to the short shaft. It is therefore always advisable to wear a full-fledged boot, especially on longer tours. In combination with a biker jeans it also looks chic.

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