And unlike most plastic-clad adventure-touring options, it doesnt look completely out of place worn with a pair of riding jeans, but yet it will still hold its own on any kind of motorcycle tripeither on and off-road.

True, a Sidi adventure boot or the like uses all that plastic for heavily reinforced ankle support, so in absolute terms a heavy duty adventure boot will offer more protection. But in the tradeoff those boots are difficult to walk inthink: ski boots. If you're comfortable with that trade-off, the Matrix boots offer a ton of utility player to any gear closet.

The boot is made from full-grain leather, and is backed by a waterproof/breathable membrane, and shod in a replaceable lugged Vibram sole

Protection wise, its got inside and outside ankle protection built-in, as well as a serious shin plate integrated in the tongue of the boot. The ankle cup and toe cap is heavily reinforced too.

For those who arent familiar with Stylmartin, its an Italian motocross and trials brand that was resurrected a few years back. Weve been big fans of the companys simple lace-up Indian boot (also shod with a Vibram sole), and we also carry the slightly beefier Rocket boot.

This all-new Matrix boot seems to combine the best aspects of the brands off-road heritage (reinforced shin plate, motocross style buckles) with what we love about the companys classic collectionplentifully thick leather construction that gets better with age, discreet armor, and a sole that's equally functional walking or riding, and that can be replaced by any competent cobbler.