The Forma Hyper Dry boots will keep you riding in urban style, come rain or shine

Low profile protective footwear is a popular choice for urban riding, and these Forma Hyper Dry motorbike boots provide an option that is both lightweight and waterproof. They have a distinctive casual look that’s ideal for pairing up with some riding jeans and a leather jacket, with pricing towards the higher end of this category.

Comfort

I originally plumped for the Forma Hyper Dry as an easy-on boot for short hops and commuting, something that I can wear all day both on and off the bike. I’ve since gone further than that, and they’ve performed just as well pushing a trolly around Tesco’s as they have on a week-long 2,000 mile tour.

Fit is spot on and true to my usual size, and they weigh around 750g each, pretty much on a par with sturdy walking boots. And they are comfortable to walk in, with enough flex in the anti-shock sole to strut about for hours and a padded tongue that cushions against the shin.

On the bike they feel secure around the ankles, thanks to memory foam padding, and there’s no pressure transmitted from the footpegs, even after hours in the saddle. Although there are no vented panels, the replaceable antibacterial insole has a perforated APS (Air Pressure System) designed to keep air circulating.

It works to some extent, but when the weather’s particularly warm they can suffer from internal heat build up. Wearing technical wicking socks really helps to stop feet getting sweaty though, as the upper has an effective breathable membrane.

Looks

The point of choosing a boot like the Hyper Dry is that they look like regular fashion boots rather than dedicated motorcycle gear, and here they score full marks. The full grain leather upper comes with a slightly aged appearance, which along with a printed relief on the white sole gives them worn-in style straight out of the box.

After thousands of miles in all weathers they still look pretty much the same, with just the odd mark through use adding to the patina. There is a TPU reinforcement around the back of the ankle and Achilles area, but that just gives them a technical trainer type vibe.

Quality

Build quality is everything you’d expect from an Italian designed boot, and apart from a slight shiny patch in the gearchange area they’re not showing any signs of wear at all. All the stitching is top quality and there’s not the slightest split between sole and upper anywhere.

The leather is supple, feeling sumptuously soft to the touch, yet thick and durable enough to offer peace of mind in terms of protection. Despite being a tad too long and lacking anywhere to tuck them, the laces are free from fraying.

One of the key selling points of the Hyper Dry is their waterproofing, which is provided by a breathable Drytex membrane. I put this to the test on a tour of Ireland, which involved full days of North Atlantic rain, and although the outer leather quickly soaks through, the Drytex keeps moisture moving in the right direction, away from your feet.

So far there hasn’t been a day’s riding that I’ve finished with soggy socks. They’re CE approved for resistance to water penetration, as shown by a ‘WR’ on the label.

The Hyper Dry features a dual laces and zip fastening, but once you’ve got the tension right, the laces become largely redundant other than for show. The inner side zip runs the full height of the boot and is back by a large gusset for both easy entry and to keep water out.

I’ve worn these for long haul travelling and the closure system has the added advantage of making them easy to kick off under the seat and to slip in and out of at security checks.

Protection

As is fairly common for a casual style boot, the Forma Hyper Dry meet the lower CE standard of 1-1-1-1, which translates as a short boot, with approved resistance to abrasion, impact cut and crushing. Protection includes reinforced heel and toe boxes, internal TPU ankle armour and memory foam padding.

They certainly feel secure enough for urban riding, but don’t offer the same level of protection as a touring or racing boot – not that that has stopped me covering big miles in them.

Value

The Forma Hyper Dry can hit your wallet harder than a pair of full-on adventure boots, but they’re well made, fit a treat and feel like they’ll keep your feet sweet for years to come. Pound for pound, they’re a worthwhile investment.

Verdict

I absolutely love these boots, and over the three seasons I’ve tested them they’ve been my go-to choice for any shorter ride or one that’s likely to involve significant time off the bike, such as going to the office, shopping, bike meets or hanging out with mates. And perhaps not ideal for the job due to the lower CE protection level and short height, I’ve toured in them too and they were great for wandering off and exploring on foot.

They’re comfortable for wearing all day, have more than proved themselves when the going gets wet and feel durable enough for a few seasons yet.

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