The ankle-high GIANNI FALCO Zarah reminds us of a sturdy army boot and the distinct sole even takes us back towards the nineties’ Buffalos. This is only appearances – or a memory that is welcome to fade – because this Zarah is a full-blown motorcycle shoe.
We refrain from saying ‘motorcycle boot’. This GIANNI FALCO motorcycle shoe is just not high enough for that. The Zarah is largely a micro-synthetic, leather exterior responsible for its wear-resistant qualities. Apart from the shift panel and the reinforced base, this results in a smooth boot that can easily hide between its peers that don’t have motorcycle ambitions.
The main difference is the presence of D3O® inserts at the ankle. D3O® stays flexible under normal conditions and becomes harder upon impact. In ‘normal’ conditions, this feels like a relatively easy stepping shoe. The areas of the heel and toe are also reinforced without compromising mobility. Add the firm dual compound sole as a base, and you get a complete picture.
The tongue of this motorcycle shoe is a tad longer than the rest of the shoe. Getting in and out of them you do with laces. An integrated, water-repellent High-Tex membrane is supposed to keep your feet dry. We’ll add a little comment to that: ankle-high motorcycle shoes are seldom capable of guaranteeing dry feet. Please keep that in mind.
The higher the fashion level - and the level of ‘we don’t really look like motorcycle shoes’ -, the smaller the chance your leather shoes have a full-fledged shifting reinforcement. No problem on a scooter but on a motorbike, the multitude of shifting will quickly cause wear and tear. A shame of the leather shoes because this “wear and tear” will not often be incorporated in the warranty conditions.
You’d better take precautions, give yourself a hand or a foot in this case and add an extra layer to your leather motorcycle shoe or your gear lever. There are a number of options available in our range.
