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| Archives - Product Reviews |
Product Review: Light On Your Feet - From RoadBike April 2006
Light On Your Feet Oxtar Jupiter Gore-Tex Since I spend a lot of time on my feet at events, I need a lightweight, comfortable shoe that doesn’t roast my feet or leave me limping by the end of the day. I chose the Oxtar Jupiter (don’t ask me, I didn’t name it) Gore-Tex riding shoes, and I wasn’t disappointed. They’re high enough to cover my ankle well, and they provide plenty of support. You can tighten the fit around the ankle by pulling the flap covering the laces more snugly; for more flexibility, just loosen it up a bit. Even though the tongue is sewn in place, the shoes are easy to slip on and off with the built-in loop in back. The Jupiter is made of a combination of Cordura and leather, with ankle armor and heel protection built in. The lower section of the laces is partially hidden, and a large flap with a hook-and-loop closure covers the knot. So you don’t have to worry about the laces coming undone or getting snagged on a footpeg. And I find that the oil-resistant sole provides plenty of traction on the road. I wore mine for almost 13 days straight at Daytona last year, and I don’t think I could have brought a casual shoe that would have been more comfortable on or off my bike. — Steve Lita Prexport GasWP I’ve found the two most challenging events to pack for are Daytona and Sturgis. At either one, at any time, I could be sweltering hot, shivering cold, perfectly at ease, or soaked to the bone. You just can’t predict the weather in south Florida or the Black Hills, and being on a bike makes you that much more vulnerable. So, when I went looking for some new footwear to get me through last year’s event season, I chose the Prexport GasWP. For me, this is the perfect all-in-one event boot. The outer shell is made of the company’s All-Weather Leather, and inside is a waterproof, breathable membrane. The material really is waterproof; the only downside is that if your pants ride up while you’re on a bike, rain might find its way over the edge of the short boot. I wear longer pants now. But the shorter height of the GasWP is a big part of why I chose the boot — it’s much more comfortable than a full-sized boot for walking around… and around… and around. And even on hot days, my feet weren’t uncomfortably warm. The boots have an Air Tech antibacterial airflow lining, and while I don’t feel air flowing around my toes, I’ve never felt stifled, either. Other standard fare includes toe-shift reinforcements, inner shock padding, and nonslip soles. These boots have just about everything I need to get me through another season of unpredictable motorcycling adventures. — Jessica Prokup RB SOURCES Jupiter Gore-Tex $149.95 Oxtar GasWP $149.99 Prexport USA |
