- Combines motocross-style protection with adventure touring comfort
- HydraDri EVO waterproof membrane designed for all-weather riding
- Worn by Kiwi adventure riding legend Chris Birch
Adventure-ready and waterproof, the new Leatt ADV HydraDri 8.5 boots are designed to handle everything Kiwi ADV riders can throw at them.
Adventure riding has absolutely exploded in popularity across New Zealand over the last few years, and with more riders heading further off the beaten track, the demand for proper adventure riding gear has grown just as quickly. One of the most important bits of kit to get right is footwear, because adventure riders need a boot that can handle serious protection duties off-road while still being comfortable enough to wear for a full day in the saddle.
That’s exactly where the new Leatt ADV HydraDri 8.5 boots aim to fit in.
Leatt are protection specialists, beginning with neck braces before expanding their line-up of protection and riding equipment. So you already know that when they do boots, they’re going to do them right when it comes to looking after your feet and ankles.
Sitting towards the premium end of Leatt’s adventure boot range, the ADV HydraDri 8.5 is designed to bridge the gap between a full motocross/enduro boot and a more long-distance adventure boot. The aim is to provide the high-level protection serious ADV riders want, while still delivering the comfort and flexibility needed for long days in the saddle. It almost sounds like the holy grail of Adv boots, right!
Being from Leatt, protection is clearly a major focus. The boots feature reinforced impact protection around the shins, ankles (3DF), and heels, along with a substantial enduro-style sole designed to offer grip and stability when riders are off the bike, navigating slippery trails, rocky climbs, or river crossings. There’s a hinge-style design intended to improve movement and walking comfort compared with a traditional rigid motocross boot, while still maintaining support where it matters, with a ‘flex-limiter’ to prevent ankle injuries. And that’s really important if you’re adventure riding, as you don’t want to injure your ankle in the middle of nowhere.
Leatt has also equipped the boots with its HydraDri EVO membrane — a waterproof, breathable liner designed to keep feet dry in wet conditions while still allowing heat and moisture to escape. For Kiwi adventure riders dealing with everything from winter day trips to multi-day South Island adventures and inevitable water crossings, waterproofing is a huge part of the appeal.
The forged aluminium buckle system also looks purpose-built for harsh adventure riding conditions. Designed to be low-profile yet easy to operate with gloves on, the buckle setup aims to provide secure fastening while remaining durable enough to handle mud, dust and repeated impacts.
Leatt says the ADV HydraDri 8.5 was developed specifically because many adventure riders found traditional ADV boots too soft and motocross boots too rigid and uncomfortable for extended touring.
Another tick for the boots is that they’re worn by internationally respected Kiwi hard-enduro and adventure-riding star Chris Birch, who has become heavily associated with pushing large-capacity adventure bikes into terrain most riders would avoid entirely. If the boots can survive the punishment Birch dishes out, that’s probably a decent endorsement in itself.
Unlike full motocross boots, which can sometimes feel overly rigid and cumbersome for adventure touring, the ADV HydraDri 8.5 appears aimed at riders who want something versatile enough for commuting, touring, and serious gravel exploration without sacrificing too much comfort once off the bike.
Leatt says the ADV HydraDri 8.5 was developed specifically because many adventure riders found traditional ADV boots too soft and motocross boots too rigid and uncomfortable for extended touring. The result is a boot capable of handling technical off-road terrain while remaining comfortable enough for all-day adventure rides.
With adventure riding continuing to grow rapidly in New Zealand, products like this are becoming increasingly relevant for riders who want one boot capable of handling everything from weekday commuting to multi-day backcountry missions.
And the good news is that the Leatt ADV HydraDri 8.5 boots are already available at Leatt dealers around New Zealand, so riders can check them out now.
Sizes offered are 8-13 in black/grey, priced at $899.99. Or you can check them out HERE
We’ve got a set coming in for a proper BRM test, so stay tuned for a full review once we’ve had the chance to put them through real Kiwi adventure riding conditions.
Leatt 8.5 HydraDri Boots Key Features
- Waterproof, breathable membrane.
- HydraDri® EVO:
- 20,000mm / 20,000g/m² waterproof/breathable rating.
- Nubuck leather construction with additional exterior waterproof treatment.
- Fit: Excellent comfort and fit, even for wider feet.
- Closure:
- SlideLock™ system – auto-locking, one-way sliding closure for a secure seal at the top.
- Forged aluminium buckles with Over-Lock system and stainless-steel base.
- Bike Grip: Flat inner side profile with protective, grippy rubber and microfiber panel.
- Toe Box: Shaped profile for smooth and precise gear shifting.
- Protection:
- Ankle: Flex limiter for improved control, 3DF impact foam protection, and a stiffer off-road-inspired chassis.
- Shin: Impact-reinforced shin plate.
- Heel: Shaped heel support.
- Sole:
- ADV tread pattern for excellent grip on and off the bike.
- PU foam midsole for superior damping.
- Steel shank reinforcement – CE certified.
- Certification:
- CE tested and certified to EN 13634:2017.
- Plastic-free packaging.
