I tend to focus more on accessories and luggage, but sometimes you come across some kit that deserves a review. For an up-coming 6 month tour in Thailand I wanted a new pair of boots. The pre-requisites were reasonably light, comfortable, offered some protection, breathable due to the Thai heat and that I could walk in them off the bike, just like hiking boots.
Now that’s a pretty big ask for a pair of boots, but the good news is, in my experience of using the Stylemartin Vertigo Air boots the past 6 months in Thailand, they tick all my pre-requisite boxes and then some. No boiled dumplings for feet and walking was just like being in a “Sketchers” ad.
Purchase & Shipping
I couldn’t find the boots in the UK, not the colour anyway. I ended up ordering them from MotardInn based in Spain. They took about 7 days to arrive and cost a total of £137.48 (US$180).
They have a few sites and the prices are pretty decent for motorcycle gear.
Boot Specifications
I found the boots to be very well constructed, CE-certified (level 1 & 2), EN 13634:2017 standard, with D30 padded inserts in the ankle areas.
They have some nice touches like reflective pieces in laces and sides of the boot.
No so much of a lover of the huge logo down the side of the boots, although that is soon forgotten as soon as you wear them.
Upper: Suede leather + textile + proper open air mesh
Protection: D3O ankle inserts (both sides)
Reinforcements: Toe, heel cup, leather shift pad
Sole: Stylmartin “Traction” rubber (with drainage channels)
Certification: CE EN 13634:2017 (level 1 & 2)
Closure: Lace-up + stash pocket
Extras: Pull loop, removable cushioned insole
Basically: A hiking-style boot with real moto protection. Not floppy trainers. Not stiff ADV tanks. Something in the middle. They also offer a waterproof version.
Stylemartin is an Italian based company and I’m told the boots are made in Slovakia.
The images below are courtesy of the Stylemartin (they take better photos), a little further down the page you will see my photos after months of hard use in Thailand.
(Click to see larger image)
Comfort & Fit
Straight out the box, excellent! No rubbing, no bisters, no break-in misery.
I wore them around my house for ten minutes in the UK just after I purchased them, the next time I put eye’s on the boots was in Bangkok ready to ride, so almost no break-in period.
The soles are cushioned, so feel nice when you walk. Not “Sketchers” nice, but great for a hybrid motorcycle/hiking boot.
The insides of the boots are very well padded (photo below), so feel great from day 1.
You can slide in and out of the boots really easy, but they feel firm and secure on your feet once laced up.
Talking of laces…. they are long, not that is a con for me, more of an observation. The boots have a lace pouch, that only took me about a week to find 🙂
Fit was true to size. I’m a UK 9.5 (Euro 44) and they feel like a UK 9.5.
On the Bike
You feel the mesh working the moment you get moving. Cool air flows in and actually reaches your feet. In the Thai tropical heat, that’ s a gift from Buddha!
Shifting feels normal thanks to the leather pad. Peg feel is fine, but not harsh. If you’re used to big SIDI or Alpinestars Tech boots, these will feel much more flexible.
Laces are a small faff, but once tucked in the pocket they behave.
A couple of times I hit 44°C on the dashboard air temp display, no issue for the boots.
Off the Bike
This is my selling point! I’ve walked miles in these boots and they never felt stiff like hiking boots.
I never worried about blisters aches or pains and they never slid. The grip is excellent on dust gravel and after a break-in period even those cheap slippery tiles you sometimes find in shop fronts.
Here’s a photo of my Himi 450 for dramatic effect and a glimpse into some of the muddy terrain these boots spent most of their time in. This was taken on the Myanmar (Burma) border.
Weather Performance
Warm / hot weather: Perfect. The best hot‑weather boot I’ve used so far.
Rain: Forget it. They’re mesh. Soaked socks in minutes.
Cold mornings: Up in the mountains at 7am, cool air cuts right through.
Drying time: Quick, about 15 minutes using the hotel hairdryer or half an hour or less on the bike.
Durability
After about 9,000 km and months of 28-44°C heat, mixed road, dirt, petrol stations, temple steps, torrential rain at times. Stitching is still excellent, no frayed seams, suede is still excellent, no leaching of dyes or colour fading.
(Click to see larger image)
Pro’s & Con’s
Pro’s:
- Excellent ventilation (actually works)
- Very comfortable for walking
- Good for light off‑road
- D3O ankle protection
- Strong grip on gravel/tiles
- Dries quickly in heat
- Lots of reflective bits, including the laces
- Excellent build quality for the price
Con’s:
- Not waterproof in any way, but they do sell a waterproof version.
- Less protection than tall ADV boots
- Laces slower than buckles
- Chilly mountain mornings
- Huge logo on the side of the boot
Verdict
For Thailand, these Stylmartin Vertigo Air boots have been an excellent choice.
They would also work just as well in cooler climates, it’s just that my focus for this review is on hotter climates.
I’m not one for dishing out stars, as we are all have different requirements, budget and expectations. But for my particular needs, these are a 100% buy!
You can also look at the Sports Bike Shop (UK) or Revzilla (USA) for excellent reviews.