Frank Thomas Aqua Boot - review
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100% waterproof touring styled boot, cheap and cheerful though not particularly well shaped or styled.
Waterproof touring style boot
Initial Thoughts
The Aqua Boot is one of Frank Thomas' range of boots generally aimed at the lower budget demographic, it is a no frills waterproof boot designed for wet weather over sporting ability. On first inspection I have to say they look a bit like wellies, very generic and rubbery to the touch, but being a waterproof motorcycle boot they no doubt have a lotto deal with so that can perhaps be excused.
Construction
I tested these in a period of total downpours to ensure I could confirm or deny the claim that these are 100% waterproof and I am pleased to say that they are, in fact the only limiting factor to me getting slightly wet was my leathers eventually getting soaked through, until that point the Aqua Boot had kept my feet totally devoid of rain.However, my feet were far from dry... For some reason the breathable sports lining does not appear to be functioning on these boots, if you remember I likened them to wellies earlier in the review, well they feel even more so now.
After only a few minutes of wear they began restricting any airflow to the feet resulting in a horrible boggy feeling in my socks, so while the rain was being kept out I was actually hoping some would leak through and cool off my poor feet. Another similarity to wellies is the fit, unfortunately these do not seem to be very well sized at all, my feet sloshed around inside them making the inevitable sock farting noise if I walked. They generally seemed a bit too loose around the ankle and too wide around the foot to reassure me they were going to stay fixed to my feet in the event of an off.
Features
- Guaranteed 100% waterproof, this technical, seamless boot features a specialised polyflex shell.
- Flexible sections at the front and back of the ankle allow maximum movement, whilst protection is provided by the reinforced toe, shin and ankle protectors.
- A breathable sports lining is incorporated to maximize rider comfort.
- The angled heel and non slip sole ensure rider comfort both on and off the bike, and a reinforced counter shank prevents the foot twisting backwards.
Editor reviews
Last updated: May 29, 2010
Top 10 Reviewer - View all my reviews
Conclusion
The Aqua Boot is a snip at only £49.99 which I am sure will appeal to a great number of newer riders or those with less expendable income, its claim to be 100% waterproof is in fact - well - fact although perhaps too waterproof for the breathable layer to do its job.
This made for an uncomfortable boot from early on and coupled with the bad sizing, I was never really reassured that they would be any good when it mattered, I guess adding an extra layer of socks would bring the ankle and width fit about right but I cannot even begin to think of the foot temperatures involved.
User reviews
Average user rating from: 1 user(s)
Frank Thomas Aqua
I have had a pair of these for around 18 months, and have done over 14,000 miles, with some light off road.
I found them to be comfortable but tend to get a little warm in the summer.
They have never left my feet wet even after going through a number of fords.
I did wear them for 24 hours non stop during the 1000 mile Iron Butt challenge last year, with absolutely no issues.
I'm a firm believer in you in you get what you pay for! These boots have been worth the money and I have had my £50 worth so far.
The only negative is on the left toe a patch has been slightly worn away by the gear change.
