If there are two things we demand for a day of adventure riding, it’s good boots and dry feet. And if you add in a bit of Italian design flair and a smattering of uber-cool oiled brown leather then you’ve got us hook, line, and indeed sinker.
So, when the all-new X Land Adv E-Dry Boots arrived here at ABR towers, we were all over them. Designed in the Carate Brianza district to the north of Milan, an area renowned for a whole raft of stylish Italian footwear manufacturers, the new boots are the latest release from Eleveit, and damn fine they look, too.
The boots have a waterproof E-Dry membrane designed to keep your pinkies as dry as a party political broadcast, which is handy for water crossings and even more handy if you have to wade into the water to retrieve a less competent mate. Further aiding such heroic rescue missions is the deeply treaded and pleasingly thick sole with a walking boot style tread pattern for grip both on and off the bike.
Inside the boot, there are polyurethane inserts to provide additional protection and flexibility in key areas, from the front and rear of the boot to additional protection below the gearshift pad. This is a feature found on both boots just in case you are still riding a British bike from the1950s!
The boots have a waterproof E-Dry membrane designed to keep your pinkies as dry as a party political broadcast, which is handy for water crossings and even more handy if you have to wade into the water to retrieve a less competent mate. Further aiding such heroic rescue missions is the deeply treaded and pleasingly thick sole with a walking boot style tread pattern for grip both on and off the bike.
Inside the boot, there are polyurethane inserts to provide additional protection and flexibility in key areas, from the front and rear of the boot to additional protection below the gearshift pad. This is a feature found on both boots just in case you are still riding a British bike from the1950s!
There is also protection found around the ankle with a shaped dome for the vulnerable ankle bone, and stiff polyurethane protection around the heel and in the toe box. And the whole boot benefits from a suitably padded interior for all day comfort.
At the front, a ribbed and flexible lower section leads up to a curved shin plate, bearing the E of the company logo. The X-Land is fastened with a large Velcro band at the top and three fully adjustable straps at the shin, lower calf and across the front of the foot to keep the boots firmly in place for even the most technical riding.
And an elasticated cuff keeps the worst of the water out if you are wearing ‘in-boot’ riding trousers. Addressing a common complaint with some adventure boots, the X Adv is designed with a wider fit which will allow the use of nice cosy socks on those chilly winter riders, or just a bit more room for those with wider feet.
Alongside the full height boot, Eleveit also offer a shorter version. Unsurprisingly called the X Land ADV Low E-Dry. Packed with all the same features, the Low version extends up to mid-calf height. This is ideal for those who are only looking at occasional off-road action but still want a good level of foot and ankle protection. Just ask your mates to get stuck in slightly shallower water.
Priced at just about £219.99 for the full-sized version and £189.99 for the shorter ones, you may well be seeing a fair number of Eleveit’s adventure boots at the ABR Festival in June. The boots are certified to CE / UKCA EN 13634:2017, level 2.