Forma Phantom Flow Boots
Boots are always a compromise between comfort and protection. I'm 66, live in a rural area and my riding routes are mostly remote dirt forest roads on a 430 pound dual-sport. I want the extra protection a tall, four buckle boot provides when I'm out in the hills and expect that a protective boot is going to provide less feel of the bike and less comfort. I've been riding in the Fastbacks for a couple weeks and around 150 miles, 90% on dirt forest roads, in the dust and in the wet, here in the PNW. For a stiffer, tall, protective boot, these were pretty comfy right out of the box. The sole allows for good feel of the foot pegs and controls but is super comfy with great grip while standing on the pegs. The boots' uppers also help grip the sides of the bike when standing, inspiring confidence and increasing control. There is just enough flex to allow movement for decent shifting and braking. I had to move my shift lever up on the splines to compensate for the toe height. The buckle system is very adjustable, several of the buckles can be detached and moved to compensate for larger or smaller calves and it's possible to get the fit very customized. I found that heating the boots up with a hair dryer and then wearing them while they're still warmed up helped get the plastic to conform to my bony left ankle and knobby feet. I have pretty wide forefeet and am normally an 8.5/43 and these boots are size 9. They are roomy and comfortable but don't feel sloppy. My Re'vit pants will fit over the boots but I have the uppers pretty compressed around my skinny calves. The quality of these boots is outstanding and they look like they'll last for years of dirty riding! I put in some better insoles right away as the stock ones don't have a lot of arch support. Overall, I like the balance these boots strike between good bike feel and protection. For mixed, dual sport riding where I'm off pavement for many miles, I really am happy with these and look forward to riding in them for a long time to come. Although my longest ride so far in these has only been a couple hours, I wouldn't hesitate to put them on for a full day's adventure, even with some pavement thrown in.
I was having a hard time finding in between sizes in these Forma boots. Atomic Moto gets them directly from Forma so you can have it your way, to steal a phrase. The boots are plenty tough for street riding and occasional offroad. The toe box is roomy and are more walkable than MX boots.
I have over 6 months use in rocky, sandy, hardback West Texas terrain and they have served me very well. I would buy again. The fit was perfect- always a concern when purchasing online. I'm a wider size 11 and the 45 fits nicely. Quality is evident and boot is made in the EU. After ordering I received a call from Atomic just to let me know it would be shipped in a few days (not immediately), was that OK? Great job of customer service.
Boot is firm and will take time to break-in, not a great walker but a no joke foot protection beast. I've had a few dabs hitting an unseen rock or stump and the energy is absorbed by the boot and not your foot other than a sting.
Thanks, Atomic
Bought these to replace 6 inch Danner boots I wear during the summer. The Danners although good for walking leak while riding. I also have a pair of Dianese GT fulcrums which are great boots but are not great for camping. MY actual adventure riding is limited but wanted something with better traction than the Dianese and I do a good bit of moto camping but dont want to look like too much of a poser in full height boots. My Klim outrider jeans fit nicely over these. I wear a 11 1/2 to 12 shoe. 12 in hiking and running shoes and 11 1/2 in others. I went with a 46 knowing the majority of what I have is a 46 with the exception of my back packing boots which are 47s. Fit is very good and I think a 47 would have been a little too big. One pre requisite I have is I put green super feet in all my shoes except running and they feel great with them. Yes , at first they feel like ski boots
and are a little clompy but are already loosening. To sum it up I think the support they provide and the fit will be perfect for my gravel road, camping , road riding.
You can see and feel the quality in every part of this boot. Buckles are especially great. Surprising at this price point. I expect to be wearing these for a long time to come. Normally wear 10.5 shoe, but the 10 boots fit just right.
