XPD Moto Fast H2OUT boots in black

Let's talk briefly about the XPD brand, because not everybody is aware of it. Basically, it's the footwear arm, so to speak, of the Italian clothing brand Spidi. Many years ago Spidi came to an agreement with its near-neighbour Sidi whereby it was agreed that, to avoid confusion in the market, Spidi would not market boots under its brand name. And so they came up with the name XPD which, when said quickly, sounds a bit like Spidi!

 

XPD has been around for a while, but a couple of years ago they poached the head designer from Forma, with the brief to create a world-class, motorcycle footwear brand. Only this year, 2025, are we really starting to see the fruits of this new relationship; and indeed the Moto Fast is a totally new boot.

 

The main point of difference with this particularly boot is its BOA-style lacing system. Now some old-school bikers are still wary of wind-wire systems, but they shouldn't be. These mechanisms are well proven, and totally reliable. They are far more dependable than old-fashioned laces, and if something were ever to break it can be easily fixed.

 

There are two versions of this boot. There's a version that comes without a membrane for those who accept that it doesn't rain all the time; and who place breathability and comfort above the need to occasionally keep the rain at bay. And then there's this version that comes with Spidi's known and proven H2Out membrane. And what that means is that the Moto Fast is going to be about as waterproof as a short, motorcycle boot is ever going to be. The issue being that a short boot will not be as waterproof as a tall one, because in the wet when the rain bounces off the road it can find its way over the lower shaft of a short boot far more easily than it can over a taller one's.

 

The main chassis of the boot is, according to XPD, made from leather. Well, to me the smooth areas looks like a synthetic material, but what do I know? Whatever it actually is, the main chassis is interspersed with areas of suede. 

 

From a protection standpoint, you get a commendably strong counter in the toe. Another in the heel. And large pucks to protect your ankles. There's a moulded-in gearchange protector on the toe. The shaft of the boot is padded with memory foam for added comfort.

 

The dual-density sole is by Michelin for good grip and durability. Beneath the Ortholite, removable inner there's a Nylon insole that acts as a kind of lasting board, or shank, to increase the sole's rigidity.

 

This is a pretty cool-looking, sneaker style boot with all the protective features you might expect. The boot feels pretty solid, but light enough for all-day comfort. It's going to be a great boot for those who are looking for something they can wear all day, both on and off the bike.  Whilst the super fast and easy lacing system means that these boots are going to be really easy to live with.