Ixs Ultra Boots

IXS Ultra Boots

So long to soggy socks

JUST AS YOU DON'T MISS THE WATER 'TIL the well runs dry, so is it possible to ride motorcycles wearing “civilian” stuff and not care...until the going gets rough.

For instance, one of our staff was on the Honda Gold Wing’s Lap of America, doing just fine in cowboy boots, until he rode into winter rain and spent nine hours with feet colder and wetter than a non-bike-nut would believe. Here is a cure for cold, wet feet.

The easy description is to call the IXS Ultra Boots just plain waterproof, but that’s not enough. What these boots are is a system. They are made with Gore-Tex, the fabric that lets air circulate while blocking water, so the wearer’s feet are warm, dry and not clammy.

Next, the fastening system uses one velcro panel and two sets of zipper-andvelcro. You open the boot all the way and-after reading the instructions-snug the boots around the calves and then the ankles. The importer says the fit at the calf is the most important feature of boot comfort. From then on, they’re set, and you slip and zip and ride and walk with no pinch or flop.

Speaking of size, these boots are made

in Switzerland, where they know differ ent folks have different feet. They are offered in European sizes equal to women's 4 to men's 16, no kidding. In terms of usage, the important part has to be that our staffer has ridden through brass-monkey weather and not

been bothered one bit. Well, at least his feet were as warm as his hands, etc., and no water got through.

The shortcomings here are, first, do be careful on the sizing. The European system isn’t an exact match, and the size-9 equal is on the tight side. So order half a size up and, at worst, you’ll have room for extra socks. Next, these aren’t as supple as cowboy boots, and walking takes some practice because the soles are large and stiff.

As a minor concern, the careful fitting of boot to calf may limit what can be tucked into the boot. Your long-johns may fit, your jeans cuffs probably not, so the day may end with dry socks and wet cuffs.

But that’s no big deal, not when you’ll never be that cold and wet again. □

DETAILS

Moto Race P0. Box 861 Wilbraham, MA 01095 www.ixs-usa.com 413/734-6211 Price $295

Reafly warm and waterproof Sizes for everybody Plenty of adjustment

Look like motorcycle boots Cl umsy to walk in Pants don't tuck in