the Ultimate motorcycling Yamaha Ténéré 700 Project Bike and I know my stuff pretty well now, so I spend eight hours or more in my boots on a riding day. Comfort, protection, waterproof and stiff shaft are the most important properties I look for in a lightweight adventure riding boot. the Tourmaster Trailblazer boots, part of the company’s new Horizon line of adventure touring gear, have all of this at a great price of $ 150.
The first time I wore the Tourmaster Trailblazer boots was also the first time I took the Yamaha Ténéré 700 on a narrow, winding, and rocky trail. I decided to walk the first half mile of the trail to make sure I didn’t have to call a helicopter to lift the bike and myself out. I hiked and trudged through a few mud holes along the way.
The Trailblazer boots were surprisingly comfortable to step on due to the lack of the large front and rear bellows flex panels and the lack of stiff protective plastic associated with MX or more aggressive ADV boots. I noticed that they quickly peeled off mud from the four flat stud pattern areas on the sole. Although the stud patterns are flat, they were very effective for grip when hiking the trail and staying on the pegs.
I brushed the side of my left boot against a boulder and felt the touch. It was a reminder that the Tourmaster Trailblazer boots are designed for on-road and off-road touring rather than technical riding that requires impact protection and rugged construction. The Trailblazers are 12 inches tall and on the top closure flap with Velcro there is an approximately five centimeter long shin impact protector. The toe and heel cups are made from molded plastic for support and protection. The knuckles have shaped reinforcement circles. The waterproofness is a built-in membrane that goes up 10 inches and contains an inner gaiter that you can slide your foot into.
I wore adventure style pants and they fit over trail blazers. The shaft doesn’t offer enough space to tuck pants in, but it has room for a wide range of calf sizes. The two MX-style buckles make it easy to get on and off and add some stiffness to the middle part of the boot.
I always giggle when I see symmetrical shift overlays – it’s been roughly 46 years since right-shift gearboxes were made. However, it does make for a more normal, everyday shoe look. Tourmaster put a matching overlay on the outer toe that I find aesthetically pleasing, although I don’t know what it is for.
I really like the stiffness of the sole shaft because when I stand on the pegs, all of my weight is centered there. I didn’t feel any pressure on the arch of my foot or a bend in the sole after standing on the pegs for several hours. The toe box is open enough for my toes but low enough to easily fit under the shifter on the Ténéré 700. I wear a D-width in street shoes and wear a thick riding sock, I haven’t felt any tightness or pressure points all day. There are only two half sizes between 8 and 13 so I recommend going up rather than down. There is also a women’s version.
The Tourmaster Trailblazer boots work over a wide temperature range. The boots are worn on days when the mercury fluctuates from the low 50s to the high 80s.
For me, the Tourmaster Trailblazer boots are four-season, street, and lightweight adventure boots that I can wear all day – on the bike and while walking. The Trailblazer Boots keep my feet dry, are roomy enough for my heated inner shoes, and don’t get me out in the summer heat. Tourmaster has a long history of durable riding boots and the new Trailblazers look and feel like they will last a long time.
Tourmaster Trailblazer Boots Quick Facts
- Sizes: 8-13
- Colors: black; Brown
Tourmaster Trailblazer Boots Price: $ 150 MSRP
Tourmaster Trailblazer Boots Review Photo Gallery
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