Summer finally showed up, so we’ve been heading to the mountains to chase cooler temps. One piece of kit we’ve been trying out is Leatt’s new ADV HydraDri 8.5 boot. It’s a hybrid design that mixes MX‑style protection around the foot and ankle with a lighter upper and more flexibility for walking. Still a full‑height boot with a big reinforced TPU shin plate, but noticeably easier to move around in when you hop off the bike for a quick hike or scouting a line. The waterproofing has been the biggest surprise so far. They stayed bone dry while standing and walking submerged in water for an extended period of time. The enduro‑style sole has also been solid on slick, wet rocks. Protection on the lower boot is very solid with full TPU around the ankle, heel, and toe, plus a steel shank. The 3‑buckle layout with a Velcro top keeps things simple, and the lighter upper helps reduce fatigue on longer days. If you’re in the market for a walkable, waterproof ADV Boot that doesn’t skimp on protection, the 8.5 is worth a look. At $499, it’s also priced competitively for a top-shelf boot design. More details at the link and keep an eye out for our full review in the works! https://us.leatt.com/collections/adv-boots/products/boot-adv-hydradri-8-5
