Falco Chaser 2 boots in black

There are lots of short, ankle boots on the market; and the fact is that there's often not a lot to choose between them; and that's because the specs. are often pretty similar. So you end up making a choice based on the aesthetics, the price and, if you're in a shop, the fit and comfort.

 

And so, yes, it has to be admitted that the Falco Chaser 2 is not unlike many such boots out there, but let us talk you through it, highlighting perhaps its more distinguishing features.

 

The first thing that strikes one is that the Chaser 2 is more of a 'high-top' in its styling. A short ankle boot is always going to represent a compromise when it comes to protection, because below the knee there's not a lot going on. But the Chaser is much taller than a lot of boots in this category. In fact, the top of the shaft sits a full 4" above the centre point of the  ankle pad. (Based on a size 42).

 

The sole is as rigid as they come. There's no talk of a shank in the sole, but it seems pretty uncrushable to us. Don't however take this as a challenge? All we're saying is that it's impressively strong. The sole has some grip but, as you would expect, the grip has been designed for the road; not the rough stuff.

 

The previous version of this boot came with a synthetic chassis. It made for a maintenance-free boot, but it wasn't overly comfortable. The new Chaser 2 is made from a full-grain leather, so it's going to bed in nicely over time, and will be much easier to live with.

 

In terms of protection, you get D3O pucks in the ankles and a really tough counter in the toe. A really tough one. You also get a reinforced counter in the heel. You get a gearchange panel on the toe.

 

The boots fasten with laces, although I can see many people not using the top two eyelets. There's a zip that runs up the inside of the boot to aid ingress and egress, but as the boot has a waterproof membrane the gusset behind the zip is not generous, so there's no way that you'll be able to get away with using the zip alone.

 

For comfort, there's some concertina padding in the heel, and at the top of the shaft. You also get a pull strap to help you to pull the boots on. At the bottom of the heel there's a reflective insert for better nighttime visibility.

 

So what's our take out?

 

The Chaser 2 is not a cheap boot, but it is solidly put together, and feels more protective than most boots of this ilk. We have worked with Falco for some years now, and we have had very few problems with their boots in terms of reliability. The membrane on the Chaser 2 is from Sympatex, and that's a very well known membrane, although obviously an ankle boot is never going to be as waterproof as a tall boot.