Tourmaster Epic Touring Boots.
Tourmaster?s Epic boots are one of its core products, offered in both a standard version like those tested here and a vented ?Air? version. They are the tallest I?ve ever evaluated, running a good 12 inches up the front portion of the shaft, all the better to protect your shins. The basic construction is PU leather, a polyurethane replacement for genuine cowhide. It looks very much like leather and offers good abrasion resistance at reasonable cost.
Inside, a breathable membrane called OutDry allows sweat from your foot to escape to the outside while preventing rain from getting in. Both boots have a Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) shifter guard, in case you like riding old English bikes with right-side shifting as well. While this American boot was designed in Italy and made in Thailand, interestingly the bottom of the red and black sole is labeled ?oil and petrol resistant.?  The boots are up to European safety standards, eligible for approval from the CE (the French initials for European Conformity). That means that they are very tough boots, with stiff ankle guards, but not uncomfortable. Accordion stretch panels front and back allow for good movement when walking.
Rear view of the Tourmaster Epic Touring Boots.
Getting the boots onto my feet is fine, as a 9.5-inch YKK zipper on the side opens them up adequately, allowing my sock-clad feet to slip in. However, it would be even easier if the boots had a little loop at the back, like on my much-...