Xpd X-ADV Tourmax H2OUT boots in black

The chassis of the Xpd Tourmax is made from microfibre, which is a totally synthetic material. Now it is true that leather is considered to be more premium, but in terms of functionality a synthetic outer gives away little yet brings a number of benefits .

 

A microfibre chassis will last longer. It is potentially more waterproof. Unlike a leather boot, a boot like the Tourmax needs no looking after. You just wash the boots in water and apply a stiff brush when dirty. Microfibre material can be just as breathable as leather; if there's a downside with a boot like this it's that the boot won't soften and mould to your foot in the way that a leather one will. But nobody expects to feed the leather on an adventure boot, and nobody does; and so we would contend that a synthetic adventure boot is potentially a better choice for many bikers.

 

The Tourmax benefits from a twin-flap Velcro closure system at the top of the shaft; and this allows plenty of adjustment around the calf.

 

At the top of the shaft at the collar you get Lycra saddles front and back for comfort both on and off the bike. Up the inside of the boot you get a softer, almost Alcantara-style panel to protect the bike's bodywork.

 

In the forefoot you get padded baffles. You get the same in the heel. And both of these are meant to make it easier to articulate the foot for more comfort when you're in the saddle, but also for when you're walking about off the bike. You also get some soft, reflective banding in the heel area for a bit of extra nighttime visibility.

 

The front panel fastens by means of a single, but adjustable, ski-buckle strap. The buckle is made from magnesium because it is so lightweight. It's a small component of the boot's construction. But saving weight was always at the centre of this boot's proposition, according to Mauro who was responsible for its design and construction. And the result is indeed an extremely light adventure boot. In fact, it weighs 20% less than the classic Daytona Road Star touring boot. And that lightness is partly responsible for the boot's outstanding comfort. There just can't be many adventure boots that are as nice to wear as these.

 

Yet in every way the Tourmax is pure 'adventure'.

 

You get an immensely strong toe box; something commensurate in the heel, an extra plastic insert for the shin and protective pucks backed with memory foam in the ankles. There's obviously a moulded gearchange pad.

 

The boot is waterproof, and what Xpd has done here is to use the same kind of inner waterproof bootie that Daytona uses. It makes for the highest levels of waterproofing. If you get wet in these boots it's more likely to be because you crossed a stream of some sort and water got in over the shaft.

 

The sole is made from a high-grip rubber. It is formed of rubber of different densities; the centre portion that might come into contact with sharper off-road pegs being made of a harder compound. Embedded into the sole is a Nylon lasting board; what we would call a shank. The shank provides rigidity in the middle portion of the sole, but allows the front part to flex for walking. You also get an EVA midsole to absorb energy and provide cushioning to the foot. The insole is by Ortholite for comfort; and obviously this is replaceable if it wears out through heavy mileage.

 

The grip pattern on the sole is different at the front of the foot to the back of the foot. The shape of the lugs at the front are designed to give you more grip if you are 'walking the bike' uphill. They face the other way in the heel for when you are moving downhill.

 

This is a boot for the adventure rider who is prepared to go with his head rather than his emotions.

 

The Tourmax is going to be more than up to the job if you're green laning, or undertaking light off-road trails. But it's going to be a far nicer boot to wear and live with than most adventure boots if most of your riding is on the black stuff. And that's where most adventure bikes live. 

 

The Tourmax is, in every sense, a proper adventure boot, but it is so much nicer and more comfortable than most. This is a boot that will work for all but the most extreme adventure bike riders.