Forma Adventure Low Boots Review: The Perfect Middle Ground?

• Comfortable middle ground between casual riding boots and full ADV boots
• Waterproof, supportive and easy to live with off the bike
• Ideal for real-world road and gravel riding in NZ conditions

These boots shouldn’t work — but they’ve quickly become my go-to option.

I think I’m a bit late to the party when it comes to Forma’s Adventure Low boots. I’ve seen plenty of riders wearing them — and not just on adventure bikes. They’re popping up on nakeds and tourers too, and everyone I spoke to seemed to say the same thing: they love them. So when I was in the market for a new set of boots, I had to give them a go.

I tend to swing between extremes when it comes to footwear — either low ankle boots, race boots, or full-blown adventure boots. The Forma Adventure Low boots sit somewhere in the middle, and it wasn’t until I got a set that I realised just how useful that middle ground actually is.

They’re for those rides where you want more protection than a casual ankle boot, but still need something comfortable enough to walk around in. And that’s exactly where these fit.

Right Tool for the Job

Heading to Raglan recently on the BRM long-term Kawasaki KLE500, I didn’t want to look like a Stormtrooper stomping around town in full ADV boots. But at the same time, ankle boots didn’t feel like enough.

The Forma boots were spot on. Solid enough to give decent ankle support and protection if things went pear-shaped, yet not bulky or over the top.

And they’re not just for ADV bikes either. We’ve had a few nakeds through the BRM garage recently, and the Formas worked just as well there. That flexibility is a big part of their appeal.

Other owners I’ve spoken to also reckon they get better with time, as the full-grain leather softens up — something I’m looking forward to as I put more miles on them.

“They hit a sweet spot that I didn’t realise I was missing.”

Comfort vs Compromise

There are a few compromises, as you’d expect.

The sole is quite chunky, which is great for grip when walking around or dealing with slippery surfaces. But if you’re on a bike with a tight gap between the peg and gear lever, it can take a bit of getting used to.

Getting them on and off is easy, thanks to the two adjustable buckles and Velcro top closure. And I was surprised at how easily they slip under riding jeans, giving them more of a smart work boot look than a full ADV boot.

Inside, the Drytex waterproof and breathable lining should make them ideal for winter riding. They do feel like they might get a bit warm in summer, but I haven’t had enough time in them yet to say for sure — I’ll report back on that once we get some proper heat.

Protection Where It Counts

While they might look like rugged work boots, these are properly designed motorcycle boots.

You get TPU moulded ankle protection, a reinforced sole that shouldn’t crush if a bike lands on it, and solid toe and heel areas. The shin section is softer, which helps with comfort and flexibility, but obviously doesn’t offer the same protection as a full-height adventure boot.

That’s the trade-off — and it’s a fair one given what these boots are trying to achieve.

“Solid enough for protection, but comfortable enough to walk around in.”

First Impressions

With only a few rides under my belt so far, this isn’t the final word. But early impressions are strong.

They’re comfortable, versatile, and hit a sweet spot that I didn’t realise I was missing in my riding kit.

I’ll report back once they’ve had a proper workout — wet weather, dirt, and a bit of abuse — but for now, these have quickly become my go-to boots when I want something in between.

Verdict

The Forma Adventure Low boots won’t replace a proper off-road boot — and they’re not meant to.

But for real-world riding, where you’re mixing road, gravel and actually getting off the bike, they make a huge amount of sense.

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck between comfort and protection, these might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Publisher/Editor

Paul

Paul is the owner, publisher and editor of Bike Rider Magazine, a role he has had for over two decades. He has been BRM’s primary test rider throughout that time, riding and reviewing everything from learner machines to high-performance superbikes. After cutting his teeth with Superbike Magazine in the UK, Paul moved to New Zealand in the early 2000s and has since dedicated his career to delivering honest, rider-focused motorcycle journalism.