Red Wing Boots

Red Wing Boots

Simple, ettedive and black

THESE RED WING MODEL 970s FIT THE classic definition of motorcycle boots. Technology is not touted; there are no fitor protection-enhancing "mechanisms." They just are made of leather and rubber and have metal buckles to hold them on your feet, sized 6-14.

For pull-ons, the 970s anchor better than many other riding boots of this style. Buckle adjusters at instep and top make a real difference to fit. The chunky Vibram TC-4 lug soles and nylon-covered polyurethane removable footbeds ensure good grip and a high comfort level.

Style is classic engineer, available only in black.

Plus side is you draw less attention to yourself in the grocery store than when you are wearing

full-on roadrace boots that would make you look like a Star Wars Stormtrooper if it weren’t for the purple toe-sliders. Negative is that excess dye blackened for quite a while during break-in. Freethinkers will wear black socks.

Overall crash protection is lower than with plastic-clad racetrack refugee clogs, but convenience and walking comfort are higher. Opt for the $ 156 model 988s that look the same and you get steel toes and protection against electrical hazards! Maybe if you had an electric bike... Is it a downside that they are made

in China? It bums a fella out to see the box proclaim “Authentic Quality” only to find the Made in China label. But it’s not the first time marketing put on some spin. These are good boots. Just don’t tell your Panhead where they are from. □

DETAILS Red Wing Shoe Co. 314 Main St. Red Wing, MN 55066 800/733-9464 www.redwingshoe.com Price...$152 ^Jps A Water-resistant full-grain leather uppers A Non-marking soles A Lots of other styles available Downs ▼ Not U.S. made ▼ Leather dye stains socks ▼ Hell’s Angels Beijing chapter stoked