Falco Mixto 4 Adventure Boots

[BrissyGTR]

Well the RTE to Paynes Find a few weeks ago was the final straw of the waterproofing for my current boots. They had just reached the 'Soft as Slippers' stage and I ended up with wet feet. Lucky I had a spare pair of socks with me. The zipper also decided to let go and to the bin they went.

Boot shopping in Perth is not as exciting as the East Coast although I did notice that Wombat uses Adventure boots so I thought would include them in my search. With the limited selection the Falco Mixto 4 ADV boots ended up coming home with me.

Being an entry level Adventure boot they are up to shin, have a couple of buckles to close them and heavy duty soles for gripping the road at the lights. They are grain leather, PU along with D30 foam and other synthetic stuff. They would only give minimal protection for harder off-road riding.

After using for a few days I still find them stiff and gear changes something to think about. The comfort and warmth while riding the bike as been excellent. As a road riding boot (I'm using them on a 1400GTR) they are possibly more suited to that role then the Adventure rider.

They cost just shy of $400 so not the cheapest or the most expensive. I'm looking forward to getting them broken in and doing some long rides with them.

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[Rusjel]

They look o.k Brissy, give us an updated report after you've worn them in a bit.

I've had a set of Formas that have just crossed the rainbow bridge after 6 years of hard use on the Kato. Waterproof and very comfy, their only sin being they get a bit hot in Summer.

I bought a set of Dri riders in similar style to your old boots last year and wore them to Payne's find. They leaked, as most Dri rider stuff does. I'll Dubbin the. Up and they'll be better, but another set of Formas is on my shopping list.

https://www.adventuremoto.com.au/forma-boots-terra-evo-boots

Ouch! They were 270 for the last set!

[Gateman]

Any good tips on making the Forma boots a bit more gear change friendly Russ. I think this might be a help for Brissy too.
I adjusted the gear leaver a couple of times going to the coast last weekend down the Water Fall Way. It does make for slower gear changes as expressed above.
I have a set of well used Rossi touring boots. Very supple good for the blacktop, good for walking.

[BrissyGTR]

Back on the bike today after a week working in Darwin. Good news the boots didn't leak. The length of the boot (half way up my calf) stops the bike pants slipping off.

The gear change speed will come as the boots become softer and broken in. I considered moving the gear lever but the boots, although sightly bulkier, are not that different in shape and size so I have left the gear lever at this stage. If I change my seat is would need to be adjusted.

Having buckles (2 per boot) are possibly the hardest thing to get used to after a zipper.

[BrissyGTR]

Another month and another 1000+km the boots are just as comfortable. The buckles are now becoming normal to do up and undo. I find it easier to slip my foot into these boots then the old style. You can step straight into them - no need to hold them.

The gear changes are now automatic and the muscle memory for gear/brake position is great. They are warmer then the old boots although not too concerning yet. Summer in Perth everything gets hot and these boots will be the same.

Walking is when you feel the heavier sided boots more and the thicker sole gives more comfort for you feet. The extra support around your ankles gives confidence on uneven paths.

These may look like adventure boots, they have surprised me for road bike riding. I would feel confident using them for light adventure riding. For single trail/hard enduro getting something with extra protection possibly would be advised.

I recommend using these boots for road riding if you are after something new.

[Nev..]

Those Falco boots look like they have Vibram soles.  That's the hard wearing but comfortable stuff they have on the bottom of good quality walking shoes.

[BrissyGTR]

Yes they have.
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And D30 foam over your ankles. It hardens when impacted.
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[Gateman]

Im falling out of love with my new Forma Boots.
The ones as in Russel's link.

I just cant get that connected feeling with the bike.
Too wide possibly. Its like im stuck in skies.

[BrissyGTR]

I have discovered an area of concern. The velcro on the top of the boot can catch your socks and roll in the hooks slowly but surely make their way through the sock and start chewing on your leg. Your pants leg covers up what is happening and it would have been laughing knowing what was about to happen.

I now have a quick look to ensure the Velcro is free of my socks before closing the top of the boots.You cannot view this attachment.

[Rusjel]

Im falling out of love with my new Forma Boots.
The ones as in Russel's link.

I just cant get that connected feeling with the bike.
Too wide possibly. Its like im stuck in skies.

Sorry I haven't gotten back to you sooner Gatey.

I have no magic formula except use, use, use. Get off road with them, get them wet.

I think mine settled down a bit after Ed and I flogged the Katos around the Bendethra 4WD playground for a day. There were multiple creek crossings that were well over boot high so they got saturated with water coming in over the top.

It's amazing how riding in wet feet and boots for a day helps you to make friends with them.

I haven't said this before, because you are an experienced bloke, but just in case... Adventure boots are meant to be less sensitive than road boots. They have stiffer ankles to support you when you put weight on your foot on eleven ground and the whole boot is stiffer by design. That takes a bit of getting used to.

Certainly after exclusively using Rossi road boots for the last 30 years I was shocked at how insensitive and stiff the For as were. But then using Rossis for Rocky adventure riding was never going to end well.

[Gateman]

Hi Russ those boots are working well these days. It took some miles and some mud to knock them to my way of thinking.
I purchased some boat shoes so I have something sensible to pad about in at Musters or Overnighting at a pub.
Happy chap now.

[Christo]

I've been doing a bit of dirt lately, and a bit of single track, with the associated drops, my 10 year old Gaerne Adventure boots were no longer waterproof, nor did they have much structural integrity.
After 10 years of good use, I should have just replaced like for like, but, I'd heard good things about the TCX Drifter's and decided to change things up.
A month down the track, I'm quietly impressed. They're starting to loosen up, they're not to terrible to walk around in, they are very waterproof and I have a good feel for both gearshift and rear brake.
All together, they are NOT TERRIBLE, in my estimation, Time will obviously tell.You cannot view this attachment.