Forma Terra Evo boot review: How to score a boot for offroad use and how the Forma rates
Вставка
- Опубліковано 11 чер 2024
- The Forma Adventure boot is crap boot for riding off-pavement but the Terra EVO is a true adventure touring boot. Join me on a detailed breakdown of how I score boots in my offroad rating system using the BMW Venture Grip, Sidi X-Power and Alpinestar Tech 7
Thank you Atomic-Moto.com for letting me use and evaluate the Forma Terra Evo boots - Авто та транспорт
After 30ish years of EMS work and numerous consults with orthopedic surgeons, Brett nailed the issue of torsional rotation. Unfortunately, as I have been told many times by orthopedic surgeons during post surgical "debriefings " , there isn't a riding boot that prevents rotational injuries. Don't let some salesman tell you otherwise. Heck, I have even seen a broken toe in a Tech 7 Enduro from a very slow speed tip over that I witnessed. We never figured out how that happened. Buy the best you can afford.
Good discussion Brett.
Came close to losing my right foot due to a nasty crash wearing inferior boots. Was in and out of a cast in walking boot for about two years. The hard thing for me, is that I know better. Rode up into the mountains to do some shooting and just wore a pair of work boots. I have a lifelong reminder, every day, to take the time in selecting and wearing proper boots. This is a really good video, and I hope that no one makes the mistake, or poor decision that I did. at 64 years old I still love to ride and currently on a 701. And some expensive boots.
I owned this boot and enjoyed the comfort, weather protection and modicum of physical protection. However, after watching your recent video regarding adventure touring boots versus true off road boots, whether with motocross or enduro soles, I switched to the Gaerne boots with Enduro soles. Brake Magazine also has a video (as does MAD TV out of Australia) on the advantages of full fledged enduro boots for traveling.
I’m currently about ten days into a three month non-weight bearing period following extensive foot surgery (not due to any motorcycle mishap) and, having previously dealt with long healing periods following bone fractures, I’m definitely aiming to minimize risk going forward. As we get older, things don’t simply bend and bounce back so much as just plain snap 😊
Yep Same. I got the Gaerne Enduro too. Love it!
I looked at that boot, but Brian at Atomic Moto matched me with a Forma Terrain after hearing the fit problems I have and the more off-road style of adventure riding I do. I put a good foot bed in it and I love the boots! Doesn't have the popular cashe' of Sidi or Alpinestars, but they are every bit as good, and maybe better because I don't see myself ever wearing these things out. Not much for walking, though
Great review and I agree 100% with everything you said about this boot! I own this Forma boot and it is very comfortable and well made but...I broke my ankle while wearing it on the COBDR. Definitely geared more as a touring adventure boot with no torsional rotation protection. I now wear a Sidi Crossfire 3 for more technical offroad riding.
Sorry you discovered it was not for dirt the way you did 🙁
Same happened to me. Lerned my lesson and now only use SG12.
I've owned this boot for 5 years. Brett had a very fair assessment of this boot. No lies told here.
Thanks for your comment
Bret-
I have owned Forma boots for over 10. Love them! Highly recommended!
Thanks Bret!
Bret, thanks to your video instructions and encouragement, I recently purchased the latest SIDI X-Power SC model from Atomic-Moto., prepared to give up comfort and mobility for advanced protection. I could not be happier with or
more confident in a boot. This boot offers top tier protection, in a light weight package, with customizable comfort, and a surprising ease of mobility due to the designed flex areas. Brian got me into the right size on the first try. After much research I found a boot that gives me confidence in superior protection with a comfort and mobility I can live with. And all at a very affordable price. Thanks for dragging this ole Harley lady into safer adventuring!
Good job on the review of the boot. 🥾. Keep doing these reviews. That are very helpful.
Well done Bret .. i bought short Falco touring boot with only 1 micrometric locking system .. i used them on roads and off pavement and i felt nice.. not 100% protected but for gravel roads and similar stuff i think they was ok ... Thank you for your help Hi from Italy
I’m a Tech 10 guy. I keep a light pair of trail shoes in my top box should I need em. Great review!
I hope that when I apply this to my current boots things look good.
Seriously, it is hard to know what to buy when you are new and on a budget.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts about the Sidi X-Power boots
This was very helpful, just what I was looking for.
Hi Brett, I live in Costa Rica so heat and airflow are important to me... as is waterproofing, please include thos ein future reviews, in fact of ALL gear, it is a real challenge here doing technical offroading without suffering from massive over heating!
Noted
You can have airflow or water proofing. Never both. We have the same problem here in South Africa as most riding temperatures in summer is mid 30 degree C.
Big fan of the alpinestars toucan, good compromise, but warm. Good video!
I ride onroad and occasionally gravel at a reasonable pace. I recently purchased Forma Low Adventure boots. The fit is phenomenal, easy break-in, comfortable for casual walking and just plain comfortable to wear... They fit my needs perfectly..... I think the usage "off road " and "adventure" is way too vague..... Protection is important as I always wear full gear, but for me comfort is right up there too. When I motocamp I encounter all different kinds of roads so comfort for riding all day and some protection is my personal need. 70 yo riding for 50+ years.
I do enjoy your informative videos. Thanks..
Just bought a pair of sidi x power, looking forward to your review. Hope I made the right choice for adv riding.
I have heard good things... Excited to break them in and try them out. First impression looking them over is promising.
Bought x-power last year and like them. Wear them around first to break them in, it does not take long. Do squats, place toe under car tire and lean back wards, wear when mowing grass... whatever it takes and they will become easy to walk in given the level of protection...
I had to return these as they felt unsafe to ride on for me as a noobie. You cannot feel anything on the shifter and brake. I went with the Alpinestars SMX-6 V2 for now. I'm just not at that level yet. But they felt completely protective.
Thanks for your efforts, Bret. As you say it's hard to get honest first-hand experience on boots. Happy days, Günter/Nürnberg
great review and I completely agree. I have these exact boots and love them. They are as heavy duty as I need them to be and very comfortable. I have another lighter weight Forma that I like as well. Both are well made, priced right, and perfect fit for me.
Interesting perspective. I'm at the point I don't care what people think other than me... I like my feet and function usually wins out unless it's a commuting day.
I usually wear my Sidi Crossfire gen 1 for gravel travel and trips. Daily commuting Alpinestars Tech2 short boots ~ a little stiff but really comfortable and feel better than my TCX Terrain.
Had worn Sidi Discovery which need a rebuild.
Fantastic points, and I think too many people under-estimate the importance of a good boot. Hell one of the videos on my channel includes an incident where we road some single track with some G310GS's and broke a foot. I like one of the comments below that said by the best you can afford, just like a Porsche.
Hi Bret, thanks for the very informative videos. Have you any experience with the Leatt range of boots? They seem to be getting some good reviews.
What ever boot you buy, is much better than slip on work boots, I use the Tera Eco low as commuting boots as they are comfortable and water proof. For on the trails is I use Tech 7's enduro....after braking my leg twice wearing Forma boots on the trails I decided to go for the Tech 7's.
I already own the work boots, I have to save to buy the riding boots
Great review, as usual. I bought these last year and they do well for the "light adventure" style of riding (aka: gravel roads) that I normally do. They are very comfortable, waterproof, well made with quality components, and easy to stand on the pegs for long periods. However, I was disappointed with the ankle protection and that the plastic piece that wraps around the back of the boot was so thin and flexible compared to how it looked in pictures. As for the fit, I have very high arches/instep and these boots are great in that respect. Many boots I've tried, such as Alpinestars, are too flat and put painful pressure on the top of my foot. These do not, and for me that was a win. If I were to upgrade to offroad boots for more aggressive riding, I would probably look at the Forma Pilot series.
Ride with Forma Terra Evo low and Daytona touring boot in wide. Tried on a pair Alpinestar Corisols that were too narrow in the toe box. The Terra Evo fit great. Very well made boot and stiff enough for off road.
Tore some ligaments in my ankle using those boots (motorcycle fell on my leg). Learned my lesson and now only use SG12.
I have the Evo lows as my regular street boots, with the odd fire road in there and the the Sidi's if I am going to do more serious off road riding. Do love those Evo's though.
I got these boots, but I do almost exclusively onroad. Might look like overkill, but I find them very comfortable on the bike. For sure I would not want to take a hike in these, but they are okay for a little bit of walking. I had narrowed it down to the Forma Adventure and these ones. I had ordered the Adventures first, but found them very floppy. Had to get used to switch gears first with the Terra Evos, but once you get the hang of it, it is easy.
Having used the Forma Adventure, Terra Evo, Astars Toucan, and Astars Tech 7, I can't recommend any of the Formas under a Predator for actual off road riding. The Evo doesn't have heel to toe crush protection and is VERY flexible when compared to any decently protective boot. My Toucans have been perfect for all around use, the Tech 7's are obviously even more protective. I would put the Adventure and Evo very close to each other in levels of protection.
Atomoic Moto said that X Power boot is awesome.
So I have heard. Looking over it I see why he says that. I'm going to break it in and give it a try
Looking forward to it. I think you'd like the Gaerne Enduro too. I tried both and ended up going with the latter but loved them both.@@BretTkacs
FastBacks
Agree with review - happy with the boot as an all-rounder and would recommend it for that use.
Broke my lower leg in 3 places when the swingarm came down on it during a low speed over (me being stupid in the mud on a single mountain track with a (too) big bike for that situation) - according to the ortho I could have lost the leg if it wasn't for the boot as the passenger peg mount and pannier racks did most of the damage. Not a scratch on the bike 🙂luckily but it's the slow ones that will hurt/kill you.
Emergency room got the boot off by simply cutting the waterproof liner - big boot opening to thank for that as Bret says - and I patched the liner as good as new. Wear them on ALL rides now as I'm still recovering the leg (5th op end-Feb) and need the robust protection it provides - got the crutch/walking stick tied down on the bike with Rock Straps
BTW - big + IMO which Bret did not mention? - stitched sole i.e. easily replaceable when worn without the need to buy a new set of boots
Li muito John Constantine e a saga do Monstro do Pântano na decada de 80 e adorei tudo que vi. Mas sinto dificuldade de encontrar a sequência correta para reler. Obrigado por esclarecer este ponto e pelas diversas curiosidades do personagem e seus criadores. 👏👏👏
Great stuff B ,, I realized the RST adv boots weren't going to give the protection I was hoping not to need .. I got a pr of TCX Evo Comp Mx boots after watching your videos ,, what's your take on them ? Tx D ..
I’ve had the Evo for several years now and it’s a great adv boot for the average rider. It’s quite stiff when new for walking but breaks in and is really perfect for gas and lunch stops. Had to hike out several miles in them once and that wasn’t great. These are too beefy for hiking. So, I consider them the perfect compromise considering the price. 3 years, 4k miles and still going strong.
I would be really interested in your opinions on the Fox Racing Motion X boot that came out pretty recently. It's basically a Motocross boot with a waterproof liner. I just picked up a pair and with some nice padded wool socks, they feel like a boot that you can spend all day in no problem.
Really good review. You mention it briefly in the video, but I think riders need to do a risk assessment when going out to determine what gear to wear as there are often pros and cons to each. Things are pretty clear if you’re riding enduro or purely pavement, but less so for adv, which can mix both.
Before the tech 7 dry star there was no option for waterproof offroad boots. Which made the choice more difficult. Riding in wet Gaerne SG12s for 10 hours on the highway can arguably be more dangerous than using a less protective waterproof boot that will keep me warm/dry/attentive.
I have a variety of boots and choose whatever is appropriate for how much crashing I’m expecting to do vs other factors. I think it’s important for riders to understand what their gear does and do that risk vs reward calculation.
Hi, Bret, thanks for your videos. I own the Revitt Expetition GTX boot and I would like to know your honest opinion about them.Thanks beforehand and kind regards.
i hope you could test the falco avantour 2, buckle system is old, but feels more solid than the forma
Cover watertight boots versus watertight socks! I’m very interested! I have had these Forma Terra Evo’s for 3-4 years and I love them. But when they get drenched, it takes forever for them to dry up!
They only get drenched because of a forgotten zipper on the pants or by accident though. Mine are still water tight.
Great video, I've had my formas for years. No issues.
In the next video, you should stand to the side of the information presented on the wall.
I would love to, please, know your opinion about the Gaerne Dakar Gore-Tex adventure boots; thanks
These particular boots run a little small on sizing. I wear size 11 in almost everything ( including an older pair of forma boots) but the11's are a little tight on this model.
Guys, have a look at TCX Track Evo. It's not mentioned frequently enough.
Just purchased the Terra Evo based on Brett’s review. I’m not an off roader and likely be riding 80% pavement, 20% hard pack gravel, logging roads.
Nice... I am not trying to sell or dissuad anyone from purchasing anything I review. I only hope to educate to expectations are accurate.
I'm glad this review helped...
Well Crap! I ordered the Terra EVO LOW’s (should arrive today) thinking they were more protective than this video demonstrated. I’m an old slow DR650 rider but wanted better foot & ankle protection than my old steel toe/steel shank work boots provided. Back in the day when I rode hard off-road, I wore Thor Motocross Boots which offered great protection (but made it really hard to walk or push the bike) but the added leg support allowed me to stand on the pegs all day. So I am hoping the Terra EVO LOW will be an old man compromise between ankle & foot protection and standing on the pegs & walking comfort. I’m also torn between the LOW and Tall Version (shown in this video), I just don’t believe the taller version provides much additional protection for the weight & comfort tradeoff but I’ve had experiences where a rock would hit my toes and rotate my foot off the pegs but the upper calve support prevented injury.. oh for the perfect boot!
We all want that "perfect" boot 🫤
I have different boots for different rides and wear everything from the BMW boot in the video to my Sidi Crossfire's
It's not about the choice you make, it's about making an informed choice and then weighing all the pros and cons, risk vs comfort, boot cost vs potential medical cost.
@BretTkacs Have you reviewed or ridden in the AStars Toucan boot? I’m curious to know how they might compare to these.
They have no protection really, just like the corozals. It's 100% a street boot. He mentioned this before in some other videos of his. My brother has the toucans, I had the corozals and went up to the Tech 7s. I sprained my ankle after I went down in Colorado at 30 MPH or so. If I was wearing my corozals I think I definitely would have broken my ankle.
I guess the biggest shocker is the BMW boot has absolutely no toe protection, that’s almost criminal lol. I’ve been using the Sidi 2 mid boot and that is great for my needs but of course the mid height compromise.
Any opinion on Leatt boots?
Forma - Latin for legbreaker. I'm sure many will agree.
Hello, I would like to know what category of boot you recommend, to minimize tibia fibula fractures.
We wear the Corozale model and my wife broke her leg
THANKS
What kind of exercises can I do in the gym in order to get ready to wear these boots?
I bought these boots because I found most of the other boots far too tight on my foot and ankle. I like them.
The problem I’m having is shifting with these big boots. It’s borderline dangerous for me. Ive adjusted the lever but when I can’t feel the shifter peg… it’s frustrating
what about Gaerne G.DAKAR GORE-TEX? Is it any good.
I wish you could make a video with terrain examples - like - "this is example of a trail, where you have no business in anything less then a full motocross boot" and "this kind of a trail you will propably be forgiven for wearing beefy ADV boot"
Is there any boot you are aware of that will hold up if every time it goes out it gets dunked and soaked in muddy water?
I bought these 2 years ago, but unfortunatly when I tried them in the shop I didn't realised they don't fit right. After that I found out I actually have large calves and these boots don't fit me! My normal size is 43 and I bought 43... I should have bought 44 and I think I would not have any problems... I can't closed them right, the material doesn't overlap and I definetly can't wear knee protections. I had problems puting my pants inside them and had problems puting my pants over them...
While adventure or enduro riding in my mind there is a fine line between too ridged of a boot. Most crashes are going to be relatively slow speed and if the boot does not allow for some flexibility now your talking knee or hip injury. I would prefer no injury but ankle injuries generally have less long term impact than knee or hip. Just my opinion.
I have heard that argument about knee injurys but haven't seen any credible evidence to substantiate that claim. All I hear is about possiblies or what someone "believes"
If I only had 1 pair of boots for adv touring with off-road sections (probably 50-50), would you say the tech 7 is a safe choice? Any drawbacks of tech 7 for touring besides comfort?
Defo safe choice! I have had a pair of tech7 drystar for a year and can ride, walk about all day in super comfort!!! The only thing I would say is they Squeak a lot when your walking around and people can hear you coming from a mile away!! Apart from that there awesome!!!
How would you say this compares to the REV’IT Discovery GTX? I don’t always want to wear my bigger boots so just curious.
The Discovery rate near the BMW Venture Grips shown in the video except the BMW boots have have been hyperflexion protection than most ADV touring boots.
The Forma Terra EVO is definitely better than the Discovery but not enough to make it to a class two boot.
If you were to go on an extended trip where the will be some road riding and some fast gravel and you're a noob what boots would you recommend? Think of a less extreme Itchy Boots scenario when it comes to the type of riding.
The noob statement makes me say wear as much boot as you can tolerate. What's the risk worth?
@@BretTkacs the problem is I have a steel plate in my lower leg since an accident many years ago and that has made it impossible for me to ride hard with snowboard boots because any lateral pressure on the side of my calf is really painful. And I'm worried that the same will happen when motorcycling-
Also, I like riding bikes and hiking. :)
I also need to upgrade to an enduro with
More protection. Been watching a few videos, and looking. Don’t seem to find any waterproof in that segment. Let me know what you’ll find and recommend.
Alpinstar Tech 7 Enduro
Thank you.
@@BretTkacsthe drystar version of the tech 7 enduro.
I have the fully armoured BMW Adventure Pro boots with the full ankle protection, the big plastic armoured hinge etc and they contributed to destroying my knee because there’s no rotation in the ankles. They’d stop an RPG…probably. But to change direction of your foot you twist at the knee.. I used a lighter Alpine Star MX boot, caught the toe on a tree root in the mud, hyper rotated, snapped the head of the fibula off. To be honest, having had both types of injury, I’d rather snap the fibula. Completely separated the head, tightened the boot and kept riding for 5 days, about half of it state forest trails and national parks dirt roads. Doctors just wouldn’t believe I did it. I could walk normally while wearing the MX boot. Could barely walk bare foot. Solution, don’t take boots off. 6 weeks in an ankle boot, versus years of physio and issues with the knee. Ultimately, if you take big bikes to places they weren’t designed to go, loaded with more crap than you need to carry, and try to play enduro legend, you’re gunna have a bad day eventually. You take it on the chin and try to be smarter next time. I use the Falco knock off of the Forma, with Fox armour. Cheaper, not bad, not the best. Adequate. Will they stop either injury…nope. Knee braces and stiff boots will result in compound spiral fractures of the femur. I did first aid on a guy who did both femurs like that. You should probably avoid doing that. He wasn’t having a good day. Not riding might stop those injuries. It’s all a calculated risk. You just need to calculate correctly. Or never crash.
Literally just picked up a pair of the Forma Evo Dry X and a pair of the SIDI Adventure 2... The Forma Evo was too bulky for me and too much room in the toe area. It was a size 44 and I wear a 10 not wide feet... The SIDI's were way more comfortable. I tried to save money with the Forma's and Ended up paying more in the end anyway.
i have size 10 shoes and opted for size 42 forma evos was a tight fit but they're breaking in well over time. I think you just went to big.
After wearing these boots and breaking my fibula on a local OHV trail, contacted Atomic Moto and bought the Sidis. Thanks Brett and Atomic Moto!
They look like a good adventure boot, I have wide 🦶 👍
Where can i buy the EVO ?
Run that mid sole support - large footpeg point by me again at 4:01.... Are you saying for most riders who run the larger 'rally' style footpegs, its because their boots don't offer strong mid sole support? Conversely, are you sayig if we had boots with stronger mid sole support, we could get away with those stock small foopegs?
Yes... The better the boot the less you likely to need larger pegs. All my newer bikes have OEM pegs
@@BretTkacs that interesting to ponder. I wear Tech 7s and use rally footpegs on my 890AR. I just find the oem pegs like those on the 890, 690, DR, WR so small that I feel like I’m wobbling about trying to stay on them, in particular ’rolling’ sideways off them. Rally pegs I feel just provide a more stable platform. Maybe I have weaker legs/feet? 🤷🏽♂️
Brand new rider..... big calves. I am guessing that the Forma Tero Evo LOW does not meet the standard you discussed here due to what appears to be a lack of tortional rotation protection.
That would be correct, no "low" boot can meet that standard. Of course the challenge for you is that if you have abnormally large calves there may not be a boot that will fit you that meets the MX standard (level 3). Most manufacturers are aiming for the masses.
I suggest reaching out to Brian at Atomic Moto. If there is a boot that will work he is the guy to find it.
@@BretTkacs Very cool. Thanks for the note and all of the great content.
I have the AS Toucan and they are great. But When I do something gnarly I will go with the Tech 7.
FYI , the Alpinestar boot actually has 4 buckles.
The Tech 7 (Enduro rated) on the table uses 4 buckles but the Tech 10 (MX rated) made by the same company uses 3 buckles
after 2 seasons the sole one one side had no pattern left and the inline at the ankles had holes in it on both legs. got refund.
No
Gaerne boots? One of the best, if not the best boot makers and still manufactured in Italy. I’ve run SG10 and Fastback Endurance Enduro Boots. Not sure why this guy says to remove the metal tips on these types of boots. Not good to compromise structural integrity. If you’re concerned about slipping, just add some skateboard grip tape to the metal and move on.
Looking for a unicorn boot that doesn’t end up, well smelly!!!
;-)
forma make great boots but you need to get the right ones for the task, do yourselves a favour though and wear decent MX boots if you ride proper off road, that is unless you have no care about ankles and tib/fib fractures
Being seeing a lot of reviews now (after the fact) and I guess the Forma boots I bought a few years ago are...garbage!
ugh
To be honest, motorcycle boots makers should take some lessons from ski boots makers.
For example, my wife is a dancer and she has very muscular calfs. She bought ski boots easily (and these boots are super protective) and we tried everything what is on the marked and no model of high adventure boots could fit her calfs. Only low boots, and only Forma Adv Low (which gives a lot less protection than cheapest of skiing boots) could barely fit with last several mm of top velcro.
Something high, like Toucans or Techno, or Tera Evo or full size Forma Adv? No chance.
WHY, OH WHY?
So, saying that Tera Evo is suitable for people with big calfs... Nope. It isn't. If you are dancer.
I think, road race cyclists should have same problem. Their calfs are enormous.
It would be awesome if you did one of these on helmets 🪖