Wearing boots on a bike is a no-brainer, but there are times you don’t want a few pounds of leather and rubber hanging from each hoof. Like when you want to tootle into town, then take in the scene on foot. OK, you could ride in your favorite low tops and sacrifice your feet in a get-off, but you’re smarter than that, right? I was in similar straits last year about this time when my employer dropped a 100-mile commute in my lap. My regular riding boots handled the chill season, but my dogs were begging for mercy when summer arrived. A call to River Road for a pair of its Guardian boots brought a real treat for my feet.
The Guardians’ leather/nylon construction and wicking lining bring light weight and breathability to the fore. Add a cushy EVA footbed and light but sticky rubber treads and you’ve got a boot for warm weather, short hops and long walks. I wore them to/from and at work for months and have only good things to say about their comfort and utility. From a protection standpoint, realize that the Guardians are not heavy-duty boots. They cover my ankles, but just. And they are lace-ups, so catching a loose loop on the shifter or brake lever is always possible. With long riding pants and doubled knots, it wasn’t an issue for me. My Guardians run true to size and I consider them a good addition to the gear closet for $79.95.
For more information, see your dealer, visit riverroadgear.com or call toll-free (866) 212-2389.
(This Gearlab item was published in the January 2013 issue of Rider magazine.)
