XPD Nashville H2OUT boots in black

First thing;  even though we're branding these boots as XPD, the labelling and boxing say XPD. Now this is trademark issue; an arrangement that XPD came to with Sidi, whereby any motorcycle boots made by XPD will go under the XPD label. But here in the UK, because it's less confusing, we are selling them as XPDs because, of course, that's who makes them.

 

Now we are very excited about these boots, because they fill a hole we've had in our boot offering for a few years now. 

 

Ever since TCX discontinued its ever-popular X-Blend boot, we have been short of a super-comfortable, smart-looking but rugged, waterproof, ankle boot. Yes, we offer a few boots that would purport to meet this brief, but in truth none has ever been a match for the X-Blend. Well, we think the Nashville boot is the boot we've been looking for. It's too early to be totally sure about such things, but it could be that this new boot is everything the TCX was. And more.

 

The XPD Nashville comes in two colours of full-grain leather. In a polishable black, and in a more oiled brown. The brown boot is made from what is known as a pull-up leather; a leather that is designed to show marks and scratches, in order to deliver an authentic-looking patina.

 

We are seeing lots of short boots these days that are made from low-quality leather, or even synthetic materials. Some of these are truly unimpressive. But we are talking about XPD here. They are the leather guys. Right now, they do leather better than anybody. At a time when people like Dainese and Alpinestars are using cheaper hides in the pursuit of lower price points, XPD is keeping faith. These boots are made from the very nicest, most supple leather. The boots feel lovely, and they're super comfortable too.

 

For  protection, you get hard counters in the toe and heel. There are TPU protectors in the ankles. In the heel there's an extra layer of leather. You also get a full-leather, gearchange protector on top of the already-reinforced toe cap.

 

Now, XPD claim that the Nashville has a sewn welt, the implication being that the boot is constructed with a genuine Goodyear welt. But that's emphatically not the case. There is real thread or twine in the welt, but this goes nowhere. It looks the part, but the Nashville has a standard stick-on outer sole. There's nothing wrong with this; that's exactly what you'd expect on a boot at this price point. You need to be paying significantly more to get a boot with a genuine Goodyear welt.

 

We like the way the Nashville looks. It has a purposeful mien, but this is a boot that is still smart enough to wear into the office. One of the things we particularly like about it is its higher shaft. The only short boot we know of that has a shaft this tall  is not a patch on this one. To help you get in and out of the boot there's a full-length zip up the inside, but you won't be able to do without the laces completely. The top of the shaft is padded for added comfort. There's also a panel of concertina banding in the heel for walking comfort. Usefully, there's a pull loop at the back of the boot.

 

The outsole has a Commando-style appearance, although it's a lookalike rather than the real deal. The insole is moulded for comfort. You also get a cushioned footbed.

 

We really like the XPD Nashville. We did a version of it without a membrane a few years ago. It was a lovely, and supremely comfortable, boot; but it didn't have a membrane so was of limited appeal.

 

The Nashville WP is a different matter. It looks the business. It is well put together. The leather is far better than you'll find on any other boot at this price point. It's a comfortable boot. It's got all the protective elements you would want. And it's well priced.