Stylmartin Continental “Vintage” Touring Boot Review

[MotoNews]

Published in: Gear

Stylmartin Gives Motorcycle Gear a Touch of Class

Little has changed since Stylmartin’s Continental boots hit the scene in 2016. But why would it? The soft Nappa water-repellent calfskin leather gives supple support, movement, and a short break-in period. The malleolus and shin guards, plus toe and heel cups, provide enough protection to save your sticks in case of off-bike incidents. Even the mere sight of these ruby red (even the black) shimmery gems of moto gear can make your panties drop so fast they’ll dent the concrete. There’s not a whole lot of room for improvement.

Although the name is still uncommon in the U.S., Stylmartin is preceded by a royal pedigree. Established in 1970, the Antis brand was one of the first to populate the “Sport District” of Montebelluna, Italy. By 1979 their flagship line, Stylmartin, burst onto the moto scene led by master craftsman Antonio Binotto, whose eclectic style and creative vision has guided line after line of café, racing, urban and touring boots since. Between the 1980s and mid-’90s, the modest family operation became a global star when Grand Prix legends Eddie Lawson and John Kocinski began donning the Italian brand on the race circuit. Fellow GP champions like Angel Nieto and Jorge Aspar Martinez chose Stylmartin’s premium leather, beautiful designs, and expertise as their go-to, high-speed footwear as well—further validating their reputation for quality.

Stylmartin states that 1970’s motocross boots inspired the Continental’s retro look, but maybe there’s more to it. Undoubtedly, the road-racing iterations contributed to the vintage, well-worn feel and sleek physique. A hybrid of sorts—part superbike, part motocross, part-time machine—offers nostalgia with a modern approach to engineering and safety. Ankle cups, shin guards, and stiffness where it counts, make these “classics” is no longer synonymous with “dated.” Despite the solid construction, utilizing stitching techniques most associated with high-end footwear, makes the threaded areas waterproof, and the smooth premium full-grain leather feels well-loved out of the box. The adjustable metal buckles, albeit not replaceable if damaged, were made with longevity in mind. Some find the closures a bit difficult to hook, but this could also result from sizing.

The boots run small, so it’s best to opt for a larger unit, especially if you’re between sizes. This might be good news for riders with more petite measurements who still want to rock these Stylmartins as an EU 38 (~7/7.5 in U.S. women) is the smallest you can buy. Even if a little tightness is an issue, they are otherwise quite comfortable. Just as leather is a material meant to grow with the wearer, it will eventually break in and mold to your feet. And when choosing to buy a bigger boot, you give yourself more room to add arch support or in-soles, which takes the fit to a whole new level of comfort. It also provides more space for heavyweight socks when temps drop.

This also means a pair of riding pants can be tucked into the Continentals, making them accessible and enticing to a broader range of moto enthusiasts. Stylmartin focuses primarily on design and fitment, adding technology, safety, and efficiency as bonus features. Unlike its most comparable rival, the ICON Elsinore, the Continentals are trim, unbulky, and elegant without being delicate. The style is also more subtle, truly unisex, than most in this category. In contrast, much of the competition can look gimmicky, costumey, like they were purpose-built for the apocalypse or a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot.

Devised exclusively in Italy and produced in Europe, each shoe is meticulously inspected to ensure compliance with EC regulations before being placed on the shelf. Items must pass strict tests analyzed by accredited institutions to certify with a high standard of safety. Appealing to the café racer, cruiser, urban, and touring crowds, we wouldn’t recommend this boot for true dual-sport or technical trail riding unless you’re a pro. They might have a sufficient amount of protection for most applications; they just aren’t made with aggressive motoring in mind. But they are great for road trips, casually wandering onto some gravel or hard-pack. When it’s time to put your trotters back on the ground, the Vibram sole offers substantial traction, so walking around, moving your bike or steadying yourself at a stop will be sure-footed. A small detail many easily overlook.

Built to withstand varying elements on an adventure or joy ride, the Continentals can handle a bit of precipitation. Water-resistant leather keeps rain at bay, and more importantly, your socks dry. There’s a limit, so be prepared to bust out your blow dryer if you need to push the boundaries of this unlined, membrane-free material. On the upside, the thinner, mildly porous shell provides enough airflow in warmer weather so your feet breathe easier. Although, they would still not be recommended for summer riding in the southwest (it was 115℉ in Arizona for how many days? No, thank you.)

The MSRP was originally $345, but situations have lowered the average price tag to under $300. Whether or not this drop in dollars—not to be mistaken for value—is sufficient for everyone, Stylmartin is considered a premium brand. And any savings on small batch, well-made items should be regarded as a win. Heck, there are plenty of fashion labels whose fall lineups will fetch as much or far more moola. At around $260 to $289, the Continental Touring boots nearly match their competitors’ pricing while offering the same class you’re familiar with from this underrated Italian manufacturer.

Final Thoughts: These are the perfect motorcycle boots for touring, cruising, and light dual-sporting. Although they aren’t the go-to for the serious trail rider, Stylmartin’s Continentals do enough of just about everything and turn heads in the process. For the weekend or the long haul, these boots will keep you protected from the worst, cozy in most climates, and seamlessly move from shifting at speed to strutting down the street. It may not be the “perfect” boot for all, but perfection is subjective, so the best way to know if this product is right for you is to try them out.

Specs:

• UPPER: Nappa calfskin water-repellent leather (premium, full-grain, breathable)
• LINING: Leather
• PROTECTIONS: Shin and malleolus protection on both sides
• FASTENING: Leather straps with metal adjustable hooks
• FOOTBED: Anatomic and changeable
• SOLE: Vibram anti-slip rubber
• SIZES: 38–47, men and woman sizing available
• COLOR: Red/black
• Made in Europe, Italian design

MSRP: $340

en.Stylmartin.it

PROS:

• All-day comfort on- and off-bike
• Sizing up offers room for thicker socks and orthopedic inserts
• Premium materials and construction
• Retro look without sacrificing safety
• Good traction with Vibram sole
• Average price under $300 online

CONS:

• The soft leather is easily scratched
• Metal closures are not replaceable
• Not very breathable in hot weather
• Sizes run small and narrow
• No size options smaller than 7.5 (women) and 6 (men)
• MSRP suggests a high price tag

Where to Buy: 

 

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