Finding waterproof and breathable outdoor walking boots that offer a decent design of sole tread pattern that works on MTB flat pedals while also offering a grippy sole walking on the greasy rocks exposed at low tides here on the coast has proved to be a challenge.
I was offered a pair of Solomon X Ultra Mid GTX Boots to test and review last November as a general outdoor boot suitable for flat pedal off road cycling by on line outdoor website; Complete Outdoors.co.uk
4 months constant use;
4 months on these boots have proved them to be great with tread that is ideal for flat MTB pedals.
The sole is firm enough for cycling, and they are real light weight.
Been wearing them nearly daily through the winter on the commute to work in all weathers...
Pedal Grip;
The Boot on the right is the Solomon and it is the second boot i have found after the Five Ten Canyoneer wet boot (left) to be ideal for cycling with a good secure grip and none of that floating feeling usually found with most walking boots...
Even while climbing on flat pedals these soles grip well on my Superstar Pedals-a basic multi manufactured pedal design...
Good grip even on the up stroke...
Waterproof-yep!
While the 5.10 boot is a wet boot and also good in it`s own rights, the Solomon is a waterproof and breathable boot and it has indeed proved to be this cycling on the coast and had stood up fine to salt water exposure...
And have remained waterproof with just some dampness inside at the tops leaked through from waterproofs as expected, very impressed with the waterproofing of these boots...
Often use my INOV 8 Scree gators with them to keep them sealed around the tops riding on sand...
3 Seasons ideal flat pedal cycling general outdoor boots;
These are very light boots and proved to be great for flat pedal cycling, only mid winter did i feel these boots were not warm enough with mid weight Bridgedale socks, for either side of and summer these are perfect boots, i give them 9 out of 10 as for 3/4 of the years SE Scotland`s temperatures are a perfect boot,
Check your size;
One point is check your sizing before buy as they come up quiet snug-possibly the reason i found them a bit cold not wearing thick socks during sub zero temps, so go a half size more than normal...
No comments:
Post a Comment