Stylmartin Overlander boots in brown

The Stylmartin Overlander is an adventure boot. An adventure boot is different to a pure off-road boot that might be used by someone competing in trials or enduro events.

 

Of course, an adventure boot can be used off-road; indeed that’s why it comes with the extra protection for the shin, a huge toe box, an ultra-grippy sole and so on. But the adventure boot as a style is designed for adventure bike riders who, by definition almost, will be spending at least as much time on the road as they will do off it. That is to say that, as a typology, the adventure boot is a bit of a hybrid; comfortable enough for the road; protective enough for the trails.

 

The Overlander looks like lots of other adventure boots out there. And in fairness, it is undoubtedly similar to many of them.

 

The chassis of the boot is made from a heavily-greased, full-grain cowhide. The greasing of the leather will make the boot naturally resistant to water, but of course the real waterproofing comes from a breathable, waterproof membrane.

 

You’d expect an adventure boot to be particularly protective, and the Overlander is. The toe box features a super-strong counter. There’s a similarly impressive one to match it in the heel. In the ankles you get hard pucks that are backed with foam. On the front of the boot you get a large, shin protector that is backed with memory foam for comfort.

 

Of course, comfort is never going to be the standout feature of an adventure boot, but what can be seen is the lengths that Stylmartin has gone to in order to make the Overlander an easy boot to live with, both on and off the bike.

 

Below the shin protector, and running all the way down to the start of the toe box is a baffled, padded panel that is going to make the boot so much more flexible; especially for walking around. You get another panel, but smaller obviously, at the back of the boot above the heel. There’s more comfort padding at the top of the boot’s shaft; both at the back and at the front.

 

Entry and exit are executed by means of three adjustable, ski-buckle style straps. There’s also a wide, Velcro flap at the top of the shaft to help you adjust the volume around the calf.

 

The sole is what you might expect. It’s Stylmartin’s own, and is a typically rugged and stiff affair with an aggressive tread pattern that allows for the shedding of the mud and sand that one might expect to encounter off road. Stylmartin tells us that the sole is oil-resistant and non-slip, which is good to know. Inside the boot you get a replaceable, anatomic insole.