Bought this boot to encase my feet for riding - due to extensive foot surgeries I do not want to EVER suffer injury/impact/abrasion to my feet or ankles so I searched for boots that offered above average support. The CE Rating on this boot is 2-2-2-2. The ratings are hard to learn from manufacturer and dealer websites for some reason. 2 is the highest rating, 1 is the lower rating, and 0 is essentially going barefoot. The 4 buckles will keep the boot on my foot with no doubts (protection isn't any good if the boot flies off the foot. Police find riders boots and shoes often missing both on impact and abrasion crashes). The side-bend support is very good in these boots which was important to me. The sole is rigid which is another key attribute so if you go toe down your boot/foot doesn't rip backward and if you go toe up into the ground the sole won't rip off or twist the ankle to mush. The side panel and front panel are plenty adequate for ankle crush protection and smash resistance/protection if an object is hit. This is the first product I've owned Made in Romania and I am well impressed. The buckles are nifty and durable. Comfort?? They are comfy now but took a good 20 hours of walking about, flexing, bending, stairs etc. to get comfortable. I jam a softball down into the ankle area when I'm not wearing them to encourage the plastic boot plating to conform to a shape similar to my foot. These are structured stiff boot and required break-in for me. I keep the top 2 buckles buckled tight when I'm not wearing them to encourage the uppersto take on a cylindrical shape rather than being flat which makes the shafts more comfy on my calves/shins. Happy I bought them - they are very protective yet comfortable enough to walk around in and wear all-day and on multi-day rides. I am able to insert custom orthotics in for improved arch support and comfort. Toe box is thick so a bit of adjustment to my gear shift linkage was helpful. Glad I bought them and I'd buy them again. They are warm but not hot. Talk to Brian for exact sizing/fit. He (and I)recommend a size larger so that if ever you crash your toes don't smash into the inside end of the boot. A shot of silicone spray makes them easy to slip into (talcum powder could work too if needed). No negatives to comment on. They are solid protections, fairly comfortable, stylish I suppose and do what I want them to do. I wear them under my riding/touring pants - it's a snug fit but does fit. I don't like riding without them. I highly recommend you wear protective boots when riding ANY motorcycle not just off-road or adventure. Be safe!
Five star service from Brian
The boot fit a bit loose around the ankle and tight in the toebox (common problem for me). Honestly it was just a bad fit. I didn’t like the buckles. I had to reseat the wires each time. Give me normal buckles please.
More of a touring(well protected) than ADV. I think others might have better luck with fitting and perhaps even the buckles. High quality for sure
Fits well for us with big calves. They fit me with a 21 inch calves The quality of construction seems to be A+. No complaints at all. I didn’t notice them being more hot than a regular boot. Brian with Atomic Moto is the best for customer service. 10/10 recommend Atomic Moto and the Gaerne SG22 Goretex enduro.
Brian was awesome! 10/10 customer service. He was recommended to me by Gaerne. Brian went above and beyond to make sure I bought the right size pair of Gaerne Balances Oiled. Will use again for buying moto/trial boots. Atomic Moto is also local to me in oregon which is awesome. They got me my boots very fast and right on time for the weekend.
Great boots, great service from Brian, who was ready to answer all of my questions.
After a couple of rides I am really liking these boots and looking forward to the protection they will offer. They are surprisingly comfortable right out of the box. My Revit OTB pants fit over them and can also comfortably go inside - my pants just have a gusset and velcro, no zipper so fold really flat to go inside easily.
On sizing I'd say if you are using the Euro sizing as your guide they run small but more true to size on US sizing. I usually wear a 41 in boots (like my Forma ADV touring) and Women's size 9 or 10 which is US Men's 7 - 8. I originally ordered the 41 but it was just too tight and had to return those and size up to the 42. I've never worn a 42 in anything else before so I hesitated but the 42 fits great. I have wide feet and the toe box is nice and roomy.
Definitely a new style of boot for me vs my Forma ADV's. Had to lift my shift lever up one notch and adapt my shifting technique but after a couple of rides I'm getting the hang of it.
I think these boots look great and the quality feels really solid. I suspect these will last me a very long time!