Firstgear Nevada H2o Boots
FIRSTGEAR NEVADA H2O BOOTS
CW EVALUATION
Not just your basic, black boot
YOU’VE BEEN THERE; SO HAVE WE. You’re miles from home, rain has reared its ugly, gray head and you’ve ducked under the nearest overpass, performing the Totes two-step as you struggle into overboots while 18wheelers whiz by a few feet away.
Firstgear (333 S. Anita, Suite 1025, Orange, CA 92668; 714/978-7718) has a better idea: Its Nevada H20 riding boots have built-in waterproof liners. We’ve had a pair of the Italianmade boots for the past eight months, and can report that they work exactly as advertised, effectively shrugging off even all-day deluges.
Appearance-wise, while it’s not fair to call these all-black boots clunky, they probably won’t be the first choice for style-conscious, neon-attired sportbike pilots. But the Nevada’s simple lines, broken up only by stitched-and-padded shift points atop each boot (Brit-bike riders take note) and a small reflectorized triangle above the heel, should appeal to cruiser, classic and touring-bike riders alike.
Entry is easy, thanks to a full-length inside zipper, weatherproofed by a vel-
cro-secured leather flap. A non-slip, stepped rubber sole is very securely bonded to the boot uppers, if our numerous sightseeing hikes are any indication. Off-bike, the FI2Os proved comfortable, if a little hot. The liner, made of a material called Paratex, is claimed to be breathable, but you won’t want to indulge in many extended walk-abouts in summer temperatures. On the plus side, in cold-weather riding, the H2OS will keep your tootsies from trembling far better than unlined boots. A good trade-ofif, in our opinion.
Available in men’s sizes 6-14 and women’s half-sizes 6-9, the Nevada H2OS come with a one-year limited warranty and are sold at select shops-the closest Firstgear dealer can be found by phoning 800/416-8255. Suggested retail is $224, which will seem like money well spent the next time the sky turns gray and the clouds open up. O
