Staff Favorites: Icon Super Duty 4 Boot

I’ve been wearing a pair of these for a couple of years now, two or three days a week on average, I’d guess. I’ve worn them on some gnarly rides and on many kinds of bikes, and I have to say they’ve turned out to be my favorite piece of Icon gear, and some of my favorite go-to footwear overall. Although the Chinese-built high-tops were slow to break in, now they’re very comfortable. They fit my size 8.5 dogs well, and are good for long walks as well as long rides. They’re also easy to get in and out of. Just snug and tie up the low-profile laces, and the one aluminum buckle per boot that snaps easily open and positively closed should keep these on your feet in the event of the Big One we hope never happens.

Safety is further enhanced by a steel shank, good ankle padding and oil-resistant rubber soles. For me, a big plus is no Velcro. Some makers' overuse of the stuff has given me a phobia of it lately. And though I've barely ever lifted a brush to these and they've never seen polish, the black leather uppers look almost as good as new. In fact, both boots still appear barely worn, including the left toe top. Not sure how that works. But for $140, they're a stylish, comfortable, hard-wearing deal. Also available in brown or wheat, sizes 6 through 14 U.S.

Rideicon.com

Sporting the boots on my recent First Ride of the 2014 Royal Enfield Continental GT.