I was hard-pressed to find a replacement for my trusty touring boots. But then I found what looked like a worthy replacement: Forma’s Simo. Designed for women, this handsome Italian-styled touring boot features a waterproof, breathable membrane, ankle and shin armor, an anti-slip vulcanized rubber sole, a light weight (1.4 pounds), and reflective material on the heel.
The Simo boots include flexible panels on the top and rear of the ankles, plus dual-flex nylon midsoles that offer flexibility in the front while maintaining stiffness in the heel. If you’ve ever had to walk around in a stiff racing boot, you’ll appreciate this flex feature.
With the boots on, I measured 1-1/4 inches taller, while the heel itself is only about 5/8 of an inch. If you don’t like walking or riding with high heels but want the extra height, you’ll enjoy this cool “reach heel” feature.
What Forma calls its APS (Air Pump System) is really just a thin footbed insert. Shaped with a bump in the middle of the foot near the arch, the APS acts like a plunger as you walk. When you step, your foot pushes down on this bump, forcing the hot air out. When pressure is released, new air fills the bump. Whether this air comes in from a cooler place, well, I’m not sure about that, but I do know that the shape is ergonomically comfortable, and even after hours of walking in this boot, my feet were no worse for the wear.
The rough Velcro on the closure tabs did plague my overall comfort level. You’ve got to make sure the tab doesn’t touch your skin or it will scratch you all day long. Wearing long socks helps too. The US importer of Forma boots, CIMA International, also carries the Sokz brand of socks, which are high enough to meet the Simo’s 12-inch boot top. I also noticed that the leather in the shifter toe wore down quickly. I’m not too worried about the integrity of the boot, however, since the stiff inner toe is well supported.
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The Forma boots are available in women’s sizes 5-10 and cost $249. The Sokz-brand socks I tested are the “Arrow” style in tall, priced at $15 a pair. Sizing runs the same as shoe sizes. Both products can be ordered from Real-Rider.com or by calling 630.701.1601.
About the Author
Tricia Szulewski has maintained the woman rider’s perspective in RoadBike magazine since 1999. As the magazine’s art director and staff writer, Tricia feels incredibly fortunate to have a career combining both her passions—art and motorcycles. She is an MSF instructor and logs thousands of miles each year on anything that shows up in the company stable. You can find some of Tricia’s bike reviews, adventures, product evaluations and more at RoadBikeMag.com.
I have been searching for where to buy these riding boots but haven’t found anywhere local yet. I am in Maryland. Sure could use some suggestions. Would like to try them on before I buy them though. Anyone have any ideas, suggestions on where to get them? Thank you.
Patricia,There is a link at the end of our review that directs you to an online retailer where you can purchase those boots. It just so happens this retailer is closing out the brand from its inventory so it selling what sizes it has left at the ridiculously low price of $49.95! You might want to check that out.If you want to visit a “brick and mortar” location, then go to Forma boot’s main website where there is a dealer locator. You can access that link here to find a dealer near you.
I bought my first pair of Forma Simo’s on the strength of this article about two years ago. I absolutely love these boots. I wear them daily, whether riding (lots of fun), walking around an office (boring), or teaching motorcycling (much more fun!). I’m about to order my second pair because I’ve simply worn out my first pair – they’ve held up well over the last couple of years but I feel the need for an update. They feel snug and firm without too much pressure on the feet, my ankles feel well supported without compromising the flexibility of the boot. I can also feel my gear change lever easily in these boots. I can highly recommend these boots!
Are these boots still a fav? I’m on the never ending boot search. Ugh. Ride a cruiser style Yamaha. Just wondering if these are still a top rated boot from those that have bought them. Also, anyone know how tall the boots are? Thanks.
The Forma Simo measures 10 inches from sole to upper (rear upper); 11.5 inches from sole to front upper. And yes, they are still my go-to boot of choice for most touring-related or rainy weather riding that I do. Despite the wear in the shifter toe area, they are holding up very well with tons of miles on them. They do make my feet pretty hot on warmer days, however, so I tend not to wear them if outside temps are going to be upwards of 75 degrees F.
Very nice boots.
Do they come in wide widths?
No they are no available in wide widths.
Love your site!
Hey, how about the waterproof claim? Did you try spraying them or standing in water to see how long your feet stayed dry? At the MSRP of $249 I’d like to know more about that aspect. They are good looking boots and the armor and flex panels are a welcome feature for touring.
Tricia’s response: I’ve worn these boots in several rainstorms and my feet did indeed stay dry.