Fleeting glory

Let me cut to the chase: Tourmaster Response WP 2.0 are the most comfortable motorcycle boots I’ve ever worn and I doubt they will last more than two seasons.

Tourmaster touts a number of esoteric features for these boots, but do I really care that they come with 100 percent polyester round laces and 3M Scotchlite on the rear heel for nighttime visibility? No, not really. What I do care about is that the first time I put them on they fit like I had already broken them in. They have a “preformed orthopedic vibration absorbing foot bed” which means: 1) these are not ballet slippers, 2) my back doesn’t hurt after walking for miles on concrete sidewalks and 3) I’m comfortable wearing them all day long. They’re made with a “HiPora waterproof, breathable membrane,” which means that my feet don’t get wet even after riding all day long in the rain, nor do they sweat when touring in stifling heat. The “TecnoGI thermoplastic heel cup and toe cap” will come in handy should I lay down the bike, stub my toe or drop something moderately heavy on my foot. There is a leather shift pad on the toe and the sole provides a nice firm grip on pavement when I put my foot down.

One feature I question is the wraparound strap that secures with Velcro. There is a plastic cup in the boot lining that offers some protection for the outside anklebone and a molded plastic pad on the strap that doubles this protection. However, there’s none for the inside. Furthermore, will the Velcro hold the strap in place if I low side my bike and slide down the highway? On a positive note, this strap does cover the bowknot on the shoelaces. This effectively prevents them from loosening and also keeps those big loops from catching in a drive belt or chain.

There are many inches of double stitching and numerous panels used to construct the uppers of these boots. I’m rough on boots and doubt that this pair will last longer than a couple of years before one of these seams pop due to worn threads. The inner lining is already showing signs of wear, but this is partially because I tend to squeeze my feet into them rather than properly loosening the shoelaces. Still, this doesn’t promise longevity.

Even with these limitations, I think they are a terrific buy at $99.99. I’m seriously considering buying a second pair to wear as my winter street boots and wouldn’t hesitate to buy a pair for hiking.