The time has come for me to get a new pair of boots and I wanted to get something specifically for when I go green laning. Up until now I have just been wearing boots that I use for when riding on the road, and whilst they did do the job a decent pair of green laning boots would of been preferred on more than one occasion.
In a hurry? Check out my top pick here – Forma Terrain TX Enduro
The Terrain TX Enduro model made by Forma is my boot of choice. For the money it offers excellent protection and is made from high quality materials. I also love the fact that they make everything in house from start to finish.
I looked at quite a few other boots on my journey and these below are what made the short list – the top 5.
- Forma Terrain TX Enduro
- Forma Adventure Boot
- Alpinestar Tech 3
- Alpinestar Tech 7
- Sidi Crossfire SR2
When considering different boots for green laning I was looking at a combination of various factors. These were style, reported comfort by other users, quality of build and materials, price, overall protection and support and general reviews. All said though the real test will be hours in the boot to see how it performs and how well it lasts.
Here are my findings as to why these boots made the short list. They are in no particluar order.
Forma Terrain TX Enduro
Firstly I want to say one of the things I learned when researching this company is that they do everything in house, right from the intial designs through to the manufacturing and I think that is cool. Not many companies do this nowadays and for me it’s a big tick because it means they can control every aspect of the boot from start to finish creating consistant quality.
This is my top pick out of all the boots I researched, infact I have developed abit of a soft spot for the forma boots. I just like their styles, offerings and price points.
There were a few Forma boots I looked at including the Adventure Boot, Forma Adventure HyDry Boots, Terra Evo and the Terrain TX models.
The Forma Hydry is exactly the same boot as the adventure boot but it has a waterproof lining that is welded to the leather so it is completely sealed. Although I think this is a great feature I couldn’t justify the jump in price. Especially when most people are wearing SealSkin socks which combined with the standard Forma Adventure is practically doing the same thing.
The Terrain TX Enduro was my favourite because the level of protection it offers is more than the Adventure yet the price seems reasonable. Check the latest price here
When buying these boots you are getting plenty of protection including steal toe caps and injection moulded plastics on the shins, calfs, heel and ankle areas.
The boot incorporates their Flex Control System (F.C.S) which is basically a brace style design over the boot that allows enough flex in the ankle joint to move front to back (up and down) but minimal side to side movement.
There is also an intergrated stop support as part of the F.C.S which comes into play should you have an incident where your foot snaps back, and this would help prevent your ankle from breaks and trauma by stopping it from travelling back past a certain point.
The boots is well made and includes replaceable aluminium buckles unlike alot of other boots that use plastic buckles.
Terrain TX Enduro Summary
These boots remind me of Sidi Crossfires but at a fraction of the price. You are getting a stylish (that’s my opinion) boot that offers alot of protection with decent comfort from the memory foam underfoot that is provided.
The only downside I can see is they aren’t waterproof, but… there isn’t really a thing as a 100% waterproof trail riding boot.. is there? so using a pair of Seal Skins would be a good idea.
My best boot for green laning!
Forma Adventure Boot
Next up in the same camp is the Forma Adventure and what a boot.
This boot has been very well recieved, it’s light weight and comfortable and looks the part. Protection is less than the Terrain TX as you can see from the pics but that is meant to be.
Many people use these for green laning and you may join that club, I know I wouldn’t mind being in it for the well priced, £164 investment. Perhaps if the Terrains were more than the mere £22 increase I would be in this camp.
With the Adventure you again get the memory foam underfoot making them super comfy, a rubber toe patch to help prolong the life of the boot, plastic guarding over the shins, and ankle protection.
You do get the ‘Personalized Forma Drytex tubular lining’ with these, at least when bought direct and I assume everywhere else, but worth checking. This is essentially Formas own waterproof sock.
Forma also have their air pump system, which I forgot to mention on the Terrain TX Enduro, as it is present in that boot too. This is an air intake that allows air to circulate around the insole which helps keep your foot cool and comfy.
Available in the leather coloured combo pictured and also in black so an option for most people.
AlpineStar Tech 3 Enduro
Alpinestars is a very well known brand in the MX world and you will likely already know it.
Their range of MX boots are labelled Tech 3, 5, 7, 8 and 10. 10 being the top of the range so 3 is classed as the entry level model. They have Enduro models of the MX boots which is what we are looking at and the only difference between MX and Enduro is the sole design. Enduro soles having better grip.
These are well made boots and have a great reputation, with this model and the following Tech 7’s I talk about, being worn by many riders in green laning and MX.
The sole is injection moulded which means it is one piece. This allows for a comfy fit when combined with the padded inside.
For protection you have hardened plastic (TPU) over the expected areas like heel, ankle and shin. They also have a bio mechanical system to allow movement of the ankle in a similar way the Foram has their F.C.S.
Fastening clips on the Tech 3 are made of plastic, they save the metal ones for the uprated Tech 7’s and beyond, but I doubt that would be deal breaker.
People have reported the clips becoming stiff after some use but I can’t clarify it from first hand experience as I have never owned a pair.
As with all other boots you will benefit from waterproof socks because the boots themselves are not.
All in all for an entry level boot that has a reasonable price it’s a good consideration for green laning if you like it. Personally I would save the £3 difference and go Forma Terrain TX Enduros because I feel you get m,ore for your money.
Price check for the Tech 3 here
AlpineStar Tech 7 Enduro
My first reaction to this boot is the price tag is notably higher than other boots we have seen so far. I like the boot but struggle to justify the cost when looking at different brands and even the Tech 3.
That said I felt it worthy enough to list for people who don’t mind spending out abit more. It’s also what some pro riders choose to wear so you would be in good company.
Probably the most talked about positive the Tech 7 offers is comfort, people love them for that.
The boot is constructed from a micro fibre material with TPU coverings for protection, and it incorporates their bio mechanical system which allows flex on the ankle joint the same as the Tech 3’s.
You get an extra fastening clip with these which will give a tighter hold and made from aluminium not plastic.
The clips are replaceable as is the sole, if you happen to wear it out and damage it you can send them back and pay for a replacement to be fitted.
Again a waterproof sock is a benefit with these.
Sidi Crossfire 2 SRS
A big brand with a price tag to boot (pardon the pun). They do look sexy though. If you want the robocop image then get these!
Seriously though…
Sidi is a long founded Italian company whose products are worn by many professional rider around the world. The Crossfire 2 SRS is is a top of the range Sidi boot and it has plenty of bells and whistles.
Firstly incase you dont know, SRS stands for Sole Replacement System, and allows the user the replace or swap out the sole for best suit different riding enviroments.
You can choose to fit one of three options and in our case you would likely fit the Enduro sole which has the most grip.
Protection is present in all the usual places and with the Sidi Crossfire you are able to replace most components including all straps and clips. Infact the upper section is fixed with only screws, there is no stitching which means it all comes apart and is replaceable.
The calf area is adaptable and can be widened or narrowed to fit the riders calf and shin guard. The boot also has a dual flex system which means it has articulated joints for natural and better movement.
To be honest I dont think I am doing this boot justice so check out this spotlight review from Rocky Mountain.
