This is not a totally new boot. Indeed, as the Dainese Fulcrum 4 descriptor would suggest there have been three different versions prior to this one. And the truth is that the 4 is very similar to the 3. Visually, the only differences are a bit of extra reflective banding and a more prominent protector on the ankle.
Which begs the question as to why Dainese has brought out a new model. And the answer is that Dainese's hand has been forced by Gore, who are in the process of changing all their waterproof membranes from ePTFE ones to ePFE ones.
The difference between the two is that the new membranes do not contain Teflon. Teflon is a type of PFAS; which is what is known as a forever chemical. These are chemicals that don't break down easily in the environment, as opposed to biodegradable ones that do. PFAS chemicals are also associated with cancer, liver damage and other immune issues. In the coming years these chemicals are going to be banned.
The reason that Dainese has had to release the Fulcrum as a new boot is that, under the EN13634 regime, if there are any changes to the materials used in a boot's construction the whole boot needs to be re-submitted for approval. Given this, Dainese decided to release a new version.
These days Dainese likes to have a foot in every camp, so they have gear for commuting, adventure gear, gear for touring. And, of course, gear for the more style-oriented, retro rider.
But at its heart Dainese's DNA is rooted in racing. And so whilst the Fulcrum purports to be a touring and commuting boot, which it is, it actually looks and wears more like a sports boot than the similarly positioned offerings from the other brands.
It is an all-leather boot. The leather is soft and supple, making it a particularly comfortable boot to ride in, as well as walk around in. On the toe box the leather is perforated. This won't affect waterproofing, but it will make the Fulcrum a little easier to live with in hot weather.
There's elasticated, concertina banding on the forefoot and in the heel with a view to further enhancing comfort. The same might be said about the Neoprene panel that runs up the calf at the back of the boot.
For protection you get a super-tough counter in the toe box. There's a counter in the heel. You also get protectors in the ankles. And this is one area where it looks as though the new boot has been upgraded, as the ankle protector is much more prominent. At the front of the boot, to protect the shin, there's a substantial, rubberised bumper.
But for us it's the fact that the Fulcrum is a Gore-Tex boot that sets it apart from the crowd. You pay more for a Gore-Tex boot, but for good reason. Gore's membranes are both the most waterproof and breathable. But the real reason it's worth paying extra for a product with a Gore-Tex membrane is that Gore guarantees the waterproofing qualities of products with its membranes for life. And that is simply huge. If this boot leaks and let's water in, in say eight years' time, Gore will send you a new pair or a cheque for the price you paid. And this is a warranty that stands up. Gore does not equivocate.
Waterproofing is the primary reason for complaints about almost every category of motorcycle wear, but with this boot you need never fear getting wet feet. If the membrane leaks, a new pair will soon be on its way to you. Most manufacturers give their boots a 12 or 24 month warranty that incorporates waterproofing. If a normal boot leaks once the warranty comes to an end, all you can do is throw them away. But not with a Gore-Tex boot like the Fulcrum.
There's one zip up the inside of the boot for getting in and out. At the top of the shaft are two Velcro flaps to allow the volume to be adjusted, to help accommodate, perhaps, those with chunkier calves. The rest is really just detail. So a gearchange pad on the toe. Some reflective banding that wasn't present on the old boot. And a grippy 'Groundtrax' sole.
The Fulcrum 4 is going to be a supremely comfortable boot. It's light, the leather is supple and the chassis contains oodles of stretch.
It's pretty protective with all the bits you would expect. Obviously, there's no issue on the waterproofing front. The boot, by the way, is reasonably wide, which is not always what you'd expect with an Italian brand.
This is a boot that will suit the person who values comfort and feel. And in that respect it's quite like a sportsbike boot. It will work well for the guy who rides a sports-tourer or a naked bike. It won't suit an adventure bike, and if you want full-on race boot there are definitely better options.
This is the boot for somebody who does between 5,000 and 10,000 miles a year. Much more than that, and I think you'd find that you'd start to wear it out after a couple of years.
This is no Daytona or Held. If you do 15,000 miles a year you want something tougher. You'd also find that the ability to have almost everything on a Daytona boot replaced would come in handy.
This having been said, there is a significant price difference between the Dainese and, say, the Daytona Road Star. At the time of writing the Dainese is £275. At £470, the Daytona is 70% more expensive. And that's not nothing.
Will the Daytona last twice as long as the Dainese? Probably yes, but if you don't need the robustness and longevity of a Daytona, the Dainese is a lovely boot, and you might as well save yourself £200!
