Gaerne Silverstone Boots
GAERNE SILVERSTONE BOOTS
EVALUATION
A STREET-WISE PAIR FOR THE WELL-HEELED
WHEN IT COMES TO RIDING APPAREL, only boots really have to do double-duty. A rider can shuck his helmet, jacket and gloves when he dismounts, but his boots stay with him. And, typically, motorcycling foot-gear runs to the extremes of slipper-thin roadrace boots or stout touring brogans. But while either of those might be fine for riding, they can be agony to walk in for any distance, and their appearance often makes them stand out like two left feet.
Gaerne’s Silverstone boots, however, offer an excellent compromise for trucking down the highway and— occasionally —hoofing around the block. Gaerne (gair-NAY) accomplishes that task without a lot of fancy footwork, too, instead relying on sound materials and sensible features, such as a 2mm-thick cowhide exterior, full leather lining, resoleable Vibram soles and closedcell-foam shift pads. Gaerne also angles the boots’ shafts forward slightly, to accommodate a riding position. And while none of those features are particularly remarkable by them-
selves, in the Silverstones they add up to a functional riding boot that’s also comfortable, on or off the bike.
Those qualities become apparent the moment a rider pulls the boots on, a task simplified by the fulllength side zippers that are covered by Velcro-secured weather flaps. The soft, supple leather and relatively thin, flexible soles “give” so that the boots feel friendly and well-worn, while stiffeners in the heel and toe and a double layer of leather around the heel keep them from turning loose and sloppy. As a result, breakin time is short and painless, and there’s excellent control-feel, as well as a fit few other boots can match. And when a rider plants a foot at a stop, he can be sure it’ll stay put, because the soles offer good traction. Riders with skinny calves might complain about the lack of ankle support-the tops of the 12-inch-high boots flare slightly—but otherwise they’ll think they’ve stepped onto Easy Street when they slip on a pair of Silverstones.
What’s more, the Gaernes’ com-
fort doesn't take a hike when the rider does. They’re relatively light, with generous arch support to ensure that your feet won't feel like sole survivors on a forced march. In fact, you'll hardly know you're wearing motorcycle boots; and neither will most other people, because the subduedlooking, black-only Silverstones (the black-red-white scheme has been discontinued) don’t advertise the fact. The Gaernes hold their looks well, too. After more than a year of neardaily use, our boots are still standing, with amazingly few scuffs or nicks. Such durability is uncommon for drytanned leather, and it’s almost like getting an extra pair of boots.
Actually, with a retail price of $142.95 (in men's sizes 5-13, from Answer Products Inc., 27967 Beale Court. Valencia, CA 91355; [805] 257-4411), it's almost like buying two pair. For the well-heeled rider willing to foot the bill, though, the Gaernes can be well nigh irresistible. After all, that’s a small price to pay to be able to put your best foot forward—on pegs or on pavement. ®
