I was in the market for a set of sports riding boots. I wanted them to be suitable for casual rides and also the odd jaunt at the track. I tried on a large variety of boots, Alpine Stars,Dri Rider,RST, Sidi and others but they were either: a) too expensive; b) didn’t fit very well; c) ugly as a hat full of assholes or; d) poo.
I came across the Berik boots and was a bit hesitant at first because they were priced reasonably low at $199. You get what you pay for, right? WRONG! I tried them on and was surprised to find they fit very well. In fact nearly as well as the much more expensive Sidi Vertigo’s I had been eyeing off. On further inspection the boots are definitely bare bones, but the quality looked good. I asked if they could do them any cheaper (yes, I am tighter than a duck’s ass), and snapped them up for $180.
First up, the boots are pretty sexy looking. Aesthetically, the black and white fits well with most bikes and gear. They are made of good quality leather, feature molded plastic protectors and have replaceable sliders on the toe, heel and shin. To do the boots up there is a strong zip on the inside which is covered by an elastic leather flap with a Velcro backing. The Velcro is very tough and certainly not coming undone in a hurry.
The build quality is very good. I have had mine for approximately a year and a half and they are still in the same condition as I bought them. The stitching has remained solid as well. I have slightly worn the sliders from the odd foot scrape, but they definitely don’t need to be replaced just yet. And when I do need to replace them, it’s simply a matter of undoing a couple of screws and a cheap replacement part.
The boots have limited adjustment so it’s essential that you make sure they fit before purchasing – this can be said for any boot in general. The only real adjustment that can be made, is how tight or loose they are around your lower calf. Besides that, it’s a matter of sticking your foot in and zipping them up.
Wearing the boots around I have had no issues with comfort. I have worn them all day at the track and on day-long rides. At no time have I ever felt the need to take them off. Another good point to note for those every-day riders. a pair of jeans fit comfortably over the top – without looking ridiculous.
While the boots are in the budget line, I find that they have everything I need; comfort, protection and durability. They are bare-bones, no-frills boot that are great at what they do. Definitely a winner in my books.
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