Ever wonder what a motorcycle riding boot feel like when the sole is made of a motorcycle tire? There’s no other good way to test out motorcycle riding boots but on a day-in day-out binge riding from sunrise to sunset. It was such a timely occasion to use and abuse FÜSPORT Gibslon x Motoz Short ADV Boots. The boots were tested on a 6-day riding spree from Manila – Bataan – La Union – Sagada – Quezon – Rizal for Mindanao Freedom Ride and everything was put to the test, not only riding gear, but also the man and the machine!
FÜSPORT is an Australian company that specialize on motorcycle performance footwear, particularly to racing. Since its establishment in 1998, a relatively new company commits to test, develop and create new products by using high-grade materials with high quality equipment while balancing in the scale of its competitive value in the market. The name is symbolic to Doc (Peter FÜSS) for a team of professional riders to compete with the highest level of motorcycle sport in Australia. The brand is proud for its research and development by letting homegrown riders co-develop products in relation to the sport that requires it.
FÜSPORT GIbson x Motoz is quite a unique construction, especially in the sole area. Utilizing a motorcycle tire Motoz Tractionator RallZ, it aims to create maximum grip and increased control contact patch to improve the overall control of the motorcycle.
The exterior is a brown vintage PU leather finish which is waterproof and breathable. NextDry™ membrane construction is windproof and waterproof. It allows the skin to breathe and keeps the rider comfortable. It also has Integrated TPU inserts to give protection from impact injuries. Last but not the least, the buckles are durable to prevent sidelines in case of a tip over.
Actual Usage
At first, like any other motorcycle riding boots, it’s very stiff and has very little flexion especially in the ankle portion. It took me about a couple of days “breaking it in” inside the house, walking back and forth to ensure it’s fit. On a regular shoe, My size is US9, loose and comfortable. I preferred a snug US8.5 Gibson x Motoz just so it would “loosen” up to my foot allowance and make it fit as if wearing a regular shoe. The sole is quite fitted nicely where you won’t sprain your leg sideways if ever you stumble into an uneven surface. The look and feel is above average, and with it’s price, it looks how it should cost at least.
Like any other ADV boots, the toe is roundish and bulky, but compared to an actual motocross/offroad boots, it quite had some flexibility to fit within the foot peg and the clutch of my XSR700 especially during upshifts. The weight is not really bad compared to a full size riding boots. The mid-cut sheds a lot of weight, but can only protect up until the middle of the shin. There is also a rubber pad on top of the boot to protect the surface from constant upshifting. The right pair also had it, but for certain reasons, when you put your foot under the rear brake pedal. Using ADV boots may add some pressure on the brakes without the rider knowing it. It is one of the techniques taught to me by my coaches. I could be wrong, but I do it anyway.
The protection is really nice. You can actually feel it all around your foot without having to worry about having bruises. The only problem with new boots are toe splinters though.
The sole is very sticky on dry surfaces. I can’t seem to slide off my foot to “feel’ the surface before entering a curve. But, it’s a sure indicator, since the sole is actually a “tire” in the first place. On the other hand, “feeling” the surface on wet road condition, it is very slippery. It’s also a really good surface indicator as well.
On some off road sections, here is where the boot thrives, the bulky sole can barely feel any rocks underneath your foot. The sole is sturdy even through tip-toeing surfaces. Just be careful with slippery rocks though.
It also went through a generous amount of rain. Luckily, the water did not enter all the way inside the boots. I was only able to feel something wet until the top of my ankles, but totally way from that squishy feeling. It definitely can handle some rain, but I’m just not sure on heavy downpour.
I felt it’s relative flexibility on the 2nd day. Probably took about 1 full day of riding before it fits well into your foot – with a lot of stretching in between of course.
Overall, the design isn’t too much ADV hardcore, but it can also look casual and good for some quick rides. It could be a good all rounder, but I’d give it a point closer to ADV riding. At P7,080 the price is relatively competitive provided everything that was described about it.
Check out the features:
-Exclusive Motoz sole!
-Lower profile boot
-PU leather upper
-Waterproof and breathable lining
-Plastic gear pad protection
-Internal moulded plastic protections
-Adjustable VELCRO® brand closures
-Adjustable buckles
-Ankle reinforcements
-Extra soft polymer padding with memory foam
-Anti-bacterial replaceable foot bed
-Lower profile boot
-PU leather upper
-Waterproof and breathable lining
-Plastic gear pad protection
-Internal moulded plastic protections
-Adjustable VELCRO® brand closures
-Adjustable buckles
-Ankle reinforcements
-Extra soft polymer padding with memory foam
-Anti-bacterial replaceable foot bed
FÜSPORT boots is exclusively distributed by Access Plus Group in the Philippines.