Both Feet on the Ground, and Feelin’ Good:
Redback’s “Terra” Combat Boot
 
Review and Photos by Randy Twells & Pete Alva
 
A while back my all-knowing editor said, and I quote, “Motorcycle boots are heavy for a Reason…!” Well, the Terra Combat Boot by Redback, battle-tested by the Australian Army and some US Forces as well, should change that perception.
  
While I don’t doubt that concentrated mass translates to strength, however IF you have a byproduct of (too much) weight, depending on the materials used some of that weight can be avoided. Do you actually LIKE traipsing (yes, it’s traipsing, much like trudging) around a big motorcycle event in your boots that weigh about 50 lbs each? How long do you last before you involuntarily sit down, when you hit that wall? And don’t EVEN try to tell me they provide exercise lifting your foot and taking a step and repeating all day, you guys who are wearing those lead-lined clunkers usually have the biggest proudest beer bellies slung over the tank! Fuggeddabbouddit!!!!
 
As technology improves, so should our footwear. Now, enter the next generation in comfort AND streamlined looks and fit: the Terra Combat Boot by Redback. They were enthusiastic about this new boot and wanted to find out what a Biker Chick, who is ‘out there’, thinks about the Terra. (No comments from the peanut gallery!)
 
HOW THEY LOOK, WHAT THEY’RE MADE OF. Dual Density Vulcanized Rubber 600 degree (F) heat resistant sole. Water resistant upper, 10” tall shaft with attached padded tongue and padded collar/leg seal.
 
Fit and looks closely related here, the Terra sole is curved in to the natural shape of the foot, from the toe all through the arch, and the trim heel. The upper follows its lead, providing a structure to support the arch area laterally; and the tread is inset from the edge of the sole, for a close shape allowing my women’s size 11 foot to look trim and streamlined instead of huge and klutzy. Guys don’t care about this but us gals do!! Full grain leather, nomex thread, speed lace loops, and a notch in the front edge of the lace opening, to allow for flexing your ankle.
 
The bottom of the sole, has this very off-road widely spaced tread. Does not pick up rocks or pebbles, as the treads are also angled so as not to allow anything to wedge between them.
 
Now for the inside of the Terra. The toe box and tongue lining is this puffy perforated (read: breathable!!) material, and there is an extra pocket in the back of the tongue so you can insert the extra pad that is included, or not, for custom fitting if you need more cush on the front of your shin. The removable extra insole and pad are honeycombed-type foam structure with the same puffy perforated breathable material covering. And WASHABLE.
 
HOW THEY FEEL WALKING. Redback’s Terra leather upper and construction are so well done that the Terra is totally supportive yet does not feel stiff. The specs say, “the last is designed to reduce arch flexion (sagging)” and therefore “maintaining forefoot flexibility, fore-to-hind foot and heel stability”. Each step feels like you get a push-off boost for the next step.
 
The last step of the day is just as comfortable as the first step of the first day for me in these boots= there was NO break-in period, but of course Redback points out that you have to be fitted properly to get this result. Fit is easy--the Terra comes in 43 size and width combinations. Also I am the Poster Child for foot issues, I have like NO arch, and have old ankle sprains that still make walking painful sometimes; in the Terra, my ankle and foot (arch) are supported by not only the shape of the sole but the whole upper of the boot as well, as mentioned earlier, keeping my foot/ankle straight and comfortable. The spec materials call it an “anti-pronation profile…. for additional stability for the foot, assisting torsion stability”. Whatever it is, it works.
 
The combination of 1) the dual density sole, a tough outer bottom layer, and the inner layer (“midsole”) that you walk on, filled with millions of little air bubbles, and 2) the the uppers being lightest-weight yet strongest materials possible, makes the whole boot the lightest weight boot I have tried, ever, that still actually protects my foot.
 
HOW THEY FEEL RIDING: We must be able to flex and move feet easily shifting, braking, feet down at a stop, etc.; the ideal soles—non-slip, good grip, oil-acid-grease resistant surefooted plant when stopping. All achieved with the Redback Terra. Also- the toe box is very sturdy and does not collapse in when kicking up on the shifter using the toe of the boot. Having had hammertoe surgery earlier this year, I noted the Terra completely shielded the surgical repair from any aggravation.
 
Well that’s the civilian talking. Then there is the military. It IS called the COMBAT boot, after all. As mentioned at the outset, the Australian Army officially wears this boot in Iraq & Afghanistan. Strangely enough, however the Terra is showing up on US military personnel, including brigadier generals. The Terra as of now is still not a US Army-issue boot. But, Australian Army personnel in turn are ordering replacement boots earlier than expected, up to a 10% attrition rate. Hmm…the Terra boot is so good that one soldier passes it to a fellow warrior from an allied country, in comradeship! The battlefield military-issue version of the Terra is a little different with some canvas inserts on the sides, tan leather and kangaroo, some additional venting etc, but essentially the same boot that you and I can get—and the civilian version, with full leather sides, is actually sturdier for motorcycle-riding application.
 
The Terra Combat Boot retails for $275.00. Not cheap. But in my opinion, well worth it. It’s like the gloves that were worth it, and the jacket, the helmet, etc, that were the best you could get, and cost more, but you are glad you got ‘em! And, it’s like tires on your bike---it’s contact with the ground, better get it right! I am wearing the Terra boots right now, typing this story, because they feel good on. You can check out these and other Redback boot styles at Renegade Classics Biker Outlet in Vista, the exclusive retailer in North San Diego County, CA.
 
www.redbackusa.com
www.americanrenegade.com
 
article from Quick Throttle Magazine