Travel in comfort and shrug off the worst the road has to offer with Eleveit’s Antelao touring boots

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Eleveit’s Antelao E-Dry is a technical motorcycle boot designed for year-round touring and built to withstand even the worst of the weather. Eleveit are a relatively new motorcycle footwear company based in Italy and have built a solid reputation globally for quality boots across the motorcycling range.

Their Antelao E-Dry Touring boots impressed me as I rode through the winter and into spring. They remained comfortable as I covered big miles and shrugged off the worst of the weather when the cold was biting and the roads were throwing up all manner of wet, horrible stuff. They never gave in to any of it and all they needed afterwards was a wipe down.

As temperatures warmed and my socks went from thermal to normal they continued to be pleasant to ride with, since they are constructed to be breathable as well as waterproof. 

• Related: Best base layers for summer or winter

Are the Eleveit Antelao boots comfortable?

I didn’t think they would be. They looked sturdy and stiff as I took them out of the box so at first glance I didn’t think they would be forgiving or bendable as I operated the gears. But no, the accordion-looking design and material in the front allows the boot to bend with every movement, whether on or off the bike.

But for me there is one particular irritation. Because I commute to work and I’m up and down in the office all day I get blisters on the back of my leg because that part of the boot is quite rigid. I do have other boots that are comfortable all day long, both on and off the bike, but because I like riding with the Antelaos I compromise by taking a pair of trainers to wear at work.

Do they look good?

They grew on me. At first I unfairly compared them to my more curvy adventure boots with fancy latches and buckles, but these are different. As I rode long distances with the Antelaos I began to appreciate all the intentional design features in its different sections and realised that their beauty is in their utility. All their individual parts add up to do an excellent overall job.

To me these boots look and feel professional and designed for the road ahead, wherever that may take me and under whatever conditions.

Are they quality boots?

The Antelao E-Dry is designed for year-round motorcycle touring, both medium and long distances, and built to withstand all types of weather. I’ve got more expensive boots that are beginning to look worse for wear but these are tough boots made with materials that I am confident will stand the test of time.

One useful feature is the Free Lock fastening system located at the back of the boot. Eleveit have perfected their own version of this popular replacement for laces and it works well even with gloves on.

How protective are they?

Eleveit describe the Antelao as being a technical boot. That means each section is designed to perform a specific function, such as the toe, heel and ankle, which are reinforced with impact absorbing materials. They’ve achieved the highest certification of EN 13634:2017 with a superior pass of 2222 WR – meaning the very best in all situations alongside water resistance.

The boot fits securely around the ankle and calf and the Velcro wraps nicely around the shin. Other areas are made with a flexible microfibre material that allows for breathability whilst also being waterproof.

Importantly for me, the Antelao keeps my feet securely planted on the footpegs whether seated or standing, even in rain. This is a design feature of the sole, which is made from a triple-compound rubber.

Are they good value for the price?

These are excellent value for the quality of touring boot you’re getting. They are covered by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty, and if you purchase via Sportsbikeshop you have 365 days to return them as long as they are unused.

Eleveit also make the waterproof Venom boots which are a bit taller, and other comparable boots in the touring genre include Richa’s Oberons and the Stylemartin Navigator (currently discounted).

Overall verdict

Ultimately these are sturdy, protective boots, CE-certified and made for lasting through the miles and seasons with you. They were made to be the “Kings of touring” and are appropriately named after Mount Antelao, the ‘King’ of the Dolomite mountains. If any pair of boots will take you there, the Eleveit Antelaos will.

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