Cruiserworks Cruiserboots

Cruiserworks Cruiserboots

The engineer boot goes mod

WITH THE POSSIBLE EXCEPTION OF rodeo cowboys and B&D queens (now there's a pairing!), nobody spends more time in boots than the dedicated motorcyclist. A good boot can be a rider's best friend, fending off tire-tossed rocks and exhaust-pipe burns while keeping the tootsies warm and dry.

Allow us to introduce a good boot. It’s the Cruiserboot, the first product from Cruiserworks, a year-old, New Hampshire-based company. Outside, the 11-inch-high Cruiserboot is all butch, a spitting image of the engineer boots favored by 1950s riders. Below the buckles, though, the boot is thoroughly modern, starting with specially treated full-grain leather that’s guaranteed 100 percent waterproof-a true claim, far as we could tell, short of submarine duty. For a final line against leakage, the uppers and soles are bonded with polyurethane, not simply stitched. Also appreciated were the slipper-like Dri-Lex lining and

Cruiserworks 104 Bradford Rd. Keene, NH 03431 800/955-1187 Price...................... .$199 Ups A Quality construction, good value A Lowered heel, slightly curved sole great for après-ride hikes A One size doesn’t fit all: Mens 7 to 111/2 in half sizes, plus 12 and 13; medium and wide widths Downs ▼ Choice of black, black or black ▼ Mr. Macho styling only appropriate for cruisers and classics (though a touring boot and perhaps a sportbike version are in the pipeline)

styrene toecap (claimed to ward off chills better than a steel cap). Additional protection comes via hidden ballistic-nylon ankle armor.

For off-the-bike, walking-around comfort, there’s an air-cushioned insole, shock-resistant footbed and resilient “V-Grip” sole.

In six months of constant use in every kind of inclement weather this side of a blizzard, we have nothing but good to report about our Cruiserboots. For a first-time effort, very well thought out. We look forward to the company’s follow-ups.