Bates Leathers Fast Lane Boots
BATES LEATHERS FAST LANE BOOTS
CW EVALUATION
These boots are made for ridin'
TECHNOLOGY IS A WONDERFUL THING, but there’s a lot to be said for oldworld craftsmanship, too. Take Bates’ Fast Lane riding boots, for example.
Available in standard and custom sizes for men and women, the boots are constructed from 3-ounce top-grain cowhide, lined for comfort and stitched with quality nylon thread. Because women’s calves tend to be proportionally larger than men’s, the ladies’ versions tested here get bigger, more accommodating velcro closures at the top of the boots. Built-in leather padding protects ankle bones, and a second layer of leather covers the top of the foot, preventing shifter-induced wear-through. Stitched to the allleather upper is an oil-resistant rubber sole, designed to reduce slippage.
Fast Lane boots start at $175. Custom sizing, graphics and additional colors can increase the price by as much as $100. Toe-sliders, for example, cost $15 extra. (Bates also offers maintenance: For $50, the company will reheel and re-sole its boots.) We opted for red leather with white inserts and black trim, bringing the total to $210.
Initially, the conservatively styled boots fit too snugly. Once brokenin, though, they were comfortable enough to wear even for off-bike hiking. The heavy-duty, YKK rear zipper allows easy step-in, and the steel shank provides good arch support. After more than six months of regular use, the drum-dyed leather has neither cracked nor faded.
Admittedly, Bates Leathers (3700 N. Industry Ave., #102, Lakewood, CA 90712; 310/426-8668) does not offer some of the modern features-such as calf-sliders, ventilation or waterproof liners-found in other manufacturers’ road boots. Nevertheless, the craftsmanship and quality of its Fast Lanes are beyond reproach.
