Having successfully entered the riding suits, helmets and gloves markets, German adventure tour specialist Touratech is now bringing out its own touring boots as the next step in its range of in-house developed motorcycle gear.
The DESTINO Adventure is said to combine a high level of protection with numerous comfort features, and what Touratech says are several completely new functions. As with its approach to the rest of its apparel range, the DESTINO is a combination product - a touring and enduro boot, a sporty motorcycle boot and leisure shoe all in one, with functional and safety features combined in a novel integrated concept.
Rather than being geared to one particular use, the company says the design considerations focused on the rider’s needs in a different range of situations - reflecting the mixed-use that adventure tour riders subject their machines to, and all their accessory and apparel products too.
Made from waxed, full-grain leather, the boot is reinforced with protectors - an impact-resistant polyurethane toe cap and heel protector with a metal cap that can be screwed onto the tip of the boot supplied for off-road riding, and a plastic shin guard protects against frontal impacts.
A robust insert in the sole effectively prevents the foot twisting and bending in a fall, but at the same time is said to be supple enough to allow the foot to roll while walking. The oil and petrol-resistant rubber sole has a chunky tread to provide a secure footing on more slippery surfaces.
Features include an extra-wide opening and three rugged buckles, which can be precisely adjusted in length thanks to a finely pitched adjustment system. On the shaft of the boot, a soft top edge made of Cordura keeps the wet and dirt out; the outer shoe is deliberately not made to be waterproof. This is because the range of uses for the DESTINO Adventure includes off-road touring. Special design solutions such as a stitched-through sole make it impossible to use a membrane in the outer shoe, and a membrane installed directly beneath the upper material would prevent the boot drying quickly if it ever gets soaked.
Instead the waterproof and breathable climate membrane is integrated into the inner shoe. Patented OutDry technology means it can be worn separately as a fully functional, washable shoe in its own right, as well as providing the internal comfort and weather proofing for the boot.
A retractable, coated stainless steel cable concealed behind the top buckle means the boot can be attached to the motorcycle while just using the shoe. The anti-bacterial footbed can be renewed, if necessary, or replaced with an optionally available comfort insole.
Available from the spring of 2016, Touratech is claiming a world-first for this concept, saying it marks a next logical step with a multi-purpose approach that first appeared with their Compañero touring suit, namely high-spec riding gear system components that can also be used as functional outdoor clothing - apparel designed for the destination as well as the journey.
TOURATECH AG
www.touratech.com
