Over the past few years, casual riding sneakers have grown in popularity and for a host of good reasons too. Whether we’re able to admit it or not, most of us care about how we look around the people we know or when we are out and about doing non-motorcycle-related activities. No one wants to sound or look like a squeaky ‘RoboCop’ that needs oiling. The other major factor is, that full-out riding boots, track or adventure, are just so uncomfortable, heavy, and usually aren’t well-ventilated.
The number one and most obvious benefit to high-top riding sneakers is being able to climb off your motorcycle and walk around in comfort. I’ve been wearing riding sneakers on my daily commutes for the last 5 years and I don’t see myself commuting with anything else ever again. My last pair of riding sneaks basically acted as two extra limbs, hardly ever coming off. Whether it was working in the garage, going on date nights, family outings or office work, they did it all. They managed to last me two years, over 60,000 km of riding and considering that the average person walks 2000 km a year, we are looking at just over 4000 km of walking.
To argue the fact that these so-called “riding sneakers” cost an arm and a leg at prices (depending on the brand) varying between R2500 to R5000, when they offer so much more value than a focused boot, is just silly. To replace my knackered TCX riding sneakers, I slid on a pair of Stylmartin Shadow riding high-tops, now brought into South Africa by Sparx Distributing.
One of the top manufacturers when it comes to making riding boots is the Italian brand called Stylmartin. Stylmartin have been wrapping their boots around the ankles of many riders for the last forty years and they have made a name for themselves by kitting world-class riders like Eddie Lawson, Chad Trampas Parker, John Kocinski, Angel Nieto and Jorge Aspar Martinez. The brand, however, doesn’t only carry a rich heritage in motorsport, but in quality, design and research.
As for the Stylmartin Shadow, they are part of Stylmartin’s range of casual-style sneakers that promise both protection and an easy-to-wear-anywhere look. What makes these Italian shoes stand out for me is how many other brands have gone for a more skater-type shoe look, like Vans or Converse, but Stylmartin have stuck to their Italian routes and have a more mature Italian causal sneaker look—we all know an Italian shoe when we see one.
The Shadows are a full-black shoe, with lumo yellow details on both the front and back, with a mixture of breathable textile and high-quality leather inserts. They also come with two interchangeable laces for either a full “VR46” lumo yellow or the subtler black lace with yellow. The textile helps keep the sneaker cool in summer, but this also means it isn’t waterproof for those rainy days.
You’ll see leather protection around the heel, toe and around the shoelace area which helps make the shoe more durable. At first, I was worried about having suede leather on the toe shift pad, as I’ve had bad experiences in the past where my shifter would eat its way through the shifter pads for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but so far, the leather has held up. If like me, you want to keep your toes in your shoes, it might be worth buying an Oxford slide-on-toe shift pad.
What about safety? I know most hardcore bikers or newcomers will often comment, “Boots like these don’t look like they’re safe enough to be worn on a motorcycle”, but the CE (the legal requirement of all bike boots) certification gives confidence that the Stylmartins have been put together properly. It’s also good to know that they have reached the higher level 2 for impact abrasion resistance and impact cut resistance. At the end of the day, riding sneakers are jacks of all trades, but masters of none, so with their low cut they are never going to be as safe as touring, racing, off-road or adventure boots, but for town and around they pass in my book.
Comfort-wise, you are always going to have a winner with a riding sneaker, but the Shadows are now one of my favourites yet. Because they are so light and well-ventilated, I’m more than happy to spend the whole day in them. With the low cut and “U” shape at the rear of the shoe they are easy enough to put on and take off. The removable insole is comfortable and has perforated holes to help with ventilation. It’s probably one of the only sneakers/boots I’ve owned that don’t end up stinking.
What about sizes and pricing? The Stylmartin Shadow costs an affordable R3150 and is available in sizes 36 to 47.
At the end of the day, it ultimately comes down to what kind of riding you do and the level of protection versus comfort that you want to live with. For me it’s simple, save your focused riding boots for those special occasions and put on a pair of riding sneakers for the daily commute. As for the Stylmartin Shadow riding sneakers, they have helped prove yet again, that the simple recipe of a riding sneaker is all one needs for out-and-about rides—where less is actually more.
Stylmartin boots are available in an ever-increasing number of outlets. For details, call Steve Theron on 072 912 4658 or email him at [email protected]
Stylmartin Shadow
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