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GSB Zoom Boots
rrp £89.99
Written by Phil Skinner.
Construction
These boots follow a familiar form, largely leather, of decent quality, with a flexible plastic shin guard, all
panels are held together with a double line of stitching. A concertina style panel below the shin guard allows
articulation and a cleverly placed reflective panel at the heel allows further flexibility. There's also the obligatory
reinforcement panel for gear changing over the toe. A full-length zip with a gusset behind keeps foot in and weather
out; the shin guard terminates in a large flap backed with Velcro. The sole?, its rubber and has a tread pattern.
A waterproof ‘Impertex’ membrane is sandwiched between the outer skin and the ubiquitous gray lining material.
Protection
Experience has taught me to trust these boots after an incident involving a CCM604 (see Sirius trousers review
for more details). As mentioned there is a 3M reflective paned at the heel which aids rear visibility (this panel
is highly reflective). There's ankle protection on both sides of the boot (apparently the most common injuries
in motorcycle accidents are to the ankles). There are stiffened ‘cups’ at heel and toe and as noted a flexible
shin guard with additional padding behind it. No claims of an anti-crush sole but they feel pretty damned stiff
to me (ooh err!) and defy attempts to deform them. One criticism is that the shinguard could do with coming up
a bit higher (the knee armour of my Sirius trousers which is relatively long ends about 1½” above the shinguard).
Fit & Comfort
These boots were an A1 fit for me from the word go (one of the main reasons I bought them) - no discernible breaking-in
period. I use my bike for everything - running errands, nipping to the shops etc. - so I often do a fair bit of
walking in my bike boots, they're okay but walking for more than, say, an hour is a bit hard on the feet. On the
bike comfort is excellent you would hardly know they're there. There’s not much in the way of adjustment; the velcro
flap allows degree of tightening/slackening round the calf.
Boots v Weather
I have had categorically no hint of a leak from these boots. The one problem is that with the boots style (they
are really only suitable for wearing outside the trousers only) rain will drip down the front of the boot. Its
no full on flood but if you are riding for any length of time in lightish rain you have to throw on waterproofs
when you might otherwise get away with it. For summer wear these boots are perfect, they are a little light for
colder weather, however a heavier pair of socks sorts that out.
Wear & Tear
After wearing these boots constantly for over two years they have reached the end of their lifespan. They are still
in decent nick but the soles have perilously little tread left (noticed when almost dropped bike in wet weather
while backpedaling). Soles apart, the GSB’s have behaved faultlessly, no zip problems, no popped stitching, no
tears, rips or even bobbling to the lining. Sure there are a few scuffs and scrapes but any damage is purely cosmetic.
A regular buff up with bog standard boot polish was all that was needed in the way of maintenance.
Summary
From the tone of the above you've probably gathered I'm pretty pleased with the performance of these boots. Sensible
boots at a sensible price, I reckon 89 quid is a well reasonable price to pay for two years worth of dry feet.
I have criticised two points but the same faults can be leveled at many of the boots available on the market (most
of which are more expensive). I’ll own up to the fact that I recently bought replacement boots and they weren't
GSB’s, however the simple reason is cold hard cash. I had a lot more cash to play with this time - subsequently
I bought boots that I believe to be superior quality (I’ll let you know what I think when I’ve had enough time
to test them properly).
Given my previous lower budget I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another pair of GSB’s,
a well deserved 4 out of 5 spanner rating.
If you have any specific questions you can email me at phils.hoose@ukgateway.net
Phils has done some in-depth product reviews of his riding gear.
Check them out...
FM F101Helmet | Swift Cabon-pro race gloves | CoolViZion visor inserts
Sirius Jeans | Tattoos | GSB Zoom Boots | Sportex Storm Gloves
Power Bronze Belly Pan
Phil Skinner
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