- Excellent ventilation makes the Genesis boots ideal for hot summer rides.
- Solid ankle and shift protection without full race-boot bulk.
- Casual urban styling that works just as well off the bike.
Paul has had the Forma Genesis Urban Boots in for review. A breathable, stylish ankle boot offering solid protection and comfort for summer motorcycle riding, they’ve become his new go-to boot to go with kevlar jeans.
When the weather warms up, it’s tempting to ditch the gear and ride casual. But with products like these ankle boots from Forma, you can stay cool — while still looking cool.
First Impressions
I’ve never usually been keen on this style of ankle boot, preferring a more classic brown short boot. The ‘trainer’ look just never did it for me.
That was until I tried the Forma Genesis Urban Boots. Now they’re my first choice when heading out on a bike that suits ankle boots and Kevlar jeans.
The design sits somewhere between the lower half of a race boot and a basketball-style trainer — although the Genesis offers far more protection than any sneaker ever could.
Comfort & Ventilation
Made from a highly durable microfibre textile, there’s an air-mesh panel down one side of each boot allowing decent ventilation to reach your foot. And that was a real revelation.
The brown leather boots I’d previously worn had about as much ventilation as a plastic bag. These genuinely breathe.
Leather and plastic panels reinforce high-wear areas, while the solid shift panel and strengthened toe box mean the gear lever won’t leave marks on the boot — or your toes.
A padded tongue and collar add comfort, and once laced up there were no pressure points at all. These boots are genuinely slipper-comfortable.
Practical Touches
One detail I particularly like is the adjustable Velcro closure. It adds security to help prevent the boot coming off in a crash, but it’s also brilliant for keeping loose lace loops under control.
I once caught a lace on a footpeg, and the resulting slow-motion topple was embarrassing enough to make sure I never wanted that happening again.
The double-density rubber sole provides solid grip when putting a foot down — even on wet tarmac. There’s no aggressive tread pattern, but for urban riding it works well.
The Catch?
Because of the ventilation panels, these aren’t waterproof. If you get caught in heavy rain, your feet will get wet.
But realistically, if you’re choosing these for a hot day ride, chances are the rest of your gear isn’t waterproof either. These boots are built for airflow and comfort — not winter commuting.
Verdict
The Forma Genesis Urban Boots have become my go-to footwear for summer riding. In fact, if rain isn’t forecast, I’ll wear them most of the year.
Paired with Kevlar riding jeans (I wear Bull-It Spitfires), they offer a solid balance of comfort, protection and style. Off the bike, they don’t scream “motorcycle gear” either — which is a bonus if you don’t want to walk around looking like a Stormtrooper.
No, they won’t match the protection level of a full race boot with towering hard armour. But they’re significantly more protective than riding in trainers — something I won’t do.
If you’re after a stylish, breathable short boot for urban riding, the Forma Genesis Urban is well worth a look.
More info: https://www.forbesanddavies.co.nz/products/view/forma-genesis-urban/
Forma Genesis Urban – Key Features
Outer
Microfibre, highly durable textile and leather upper
Forma double-density rubber sole
Ankle and front micro-injection protection
Gear shift pad protection
Padded tongue and collar
Lace closure with adjustable Velcro strap
Rear reflective insert
Inner
Air mesh lining
TPU moulded ankle protection
Soft polymer padding with memory foam
PP Mid Dual Flex midsole with anti-shock felt
Anti-bacterial replaceable EVA footbed
Sizes: Euro 42–47
Fit: Standard
Light & Comfortable
The Forma Genesis boots look normal enough that you can get away with wearing them off the bike, but also offer decent protection when on the bike. They're supremely comfortable, but the addition of a bit of waterproofing would really seal the deal.
