Forma Viper Dry boots in black

The Forma Viper Dry is a different kind of short boot. It's not a super-cool Bikeshed-style boot, nor is a super-casual, trainer-style boot. In some ways it's more like a short, technical boot. You could wear the Viper Dry on any kind of bike, but it would work well on any sport-tourer, or modern upright. And historically they have been popular with scooterists.

 

There are lots of boots like the Viper Dry out there, but we have gone for this boot because it has a higher shaft than some; and that's going to make it both a little more protective, and a little more waterproof.

 

The Viper dry is a comfortable boot; one that is easy to walk around in all day long. But it's also a very strong boot that is far more protective than one might expect. The counter in the toe is incredibly strong. Ditto the one in the heel. There are hard, foam-backed TPU protectors in the ankle. The sole is also very rigid. Truth be told, even though the Viper Dry looks quite relaxed, it's a bit of a toughie. 

 

The chassis of the boot is made from a mix of leather and a highly durable microfibre material. You get a gear change panel on the toe. The tongue and the shaft of the boot are padded for comfort. There's a strap to stop the laces becoming unfurled. At the back of the boot there's a cutaway for comfort to ease pressure on the achilles when you're leant forward on the pegs. What's also quite useful is a large tab in the heel to help you pull the boots on.

 

The membrane is a Drytex one; it's not Gore-Tex, but it's a very dependable membrane that is used on a lot of Forma boots. The sole is sticky and, as we have suggested, very stiff. In fact, it's very, very stiff!

 

We used to sell a lot of boots like these. But we stopped working with the brands that offered them. Well, when we saw that Forma offered boots in this style, we decided it was time to reacquaint ourselves.

 

This boot does everything you need a short boot to do. It's comfortable, protective, looks good, and will keep you dry. Honestly, what more do you need?