BMW AirFlow 2 Boots

By Olaf Wolff
AllAboutBikes.com Sr. Staff Writer

I have yet to wear a pair of boots more suitably named then BMW’s AirFlow 2 boots. The first hot day I slide my feet into them my over-heated dogs barked with pleasure like a happy pooch with his head out a speeding car window. The moving air quite literally circulates around your ankles and feet and up between your toes. Can you really ask for anything more from a pair of summer boots then that – short of built-in air-conditioning?

You might ask can they offer real foot protection, and I’d have to point out whose little black, white and blue emblem, recognized world wide for technical integrity, is affixed to the left boot. The AirFlow 2 boots come complete with shin and ankle protectors, toe cap and heel reinforcement, and reflective material above the heels for night visibility. Even though the air flows freely and abundantly in these boots there’s never a doubt your feet aren’t adequately encased and safe.

The black AirFlow 2 boots are made of a combination leather and AirTex material. AirTex looks and works similar to the material found on running shoes, only this stuff is high-abrasion proof. There is also a rubberized shift-pad on the top of each boot that is showing absolutely negative wear after several hundred gear-shifts. I’m told the specific design of the boots is intended to match BMW’s AirFlow or Venting Machine riding suits. Must be some suits.

The whole air flow concept works so well that when wearing mesh or perforated-leather pants, allowing the upper boot parts of the AirTex material to breath, you can actually feel the wind on your feet as you walk. My toes celebrated every step. Additionally, the removable anatomical foot inserts keep my feet happy walking around, while the snazzy design provides me with much needed style points.

I can’t think of anything I don’t like about these boots. For-what-it’s-worth though, I do have a notion about how to kick these things up to another level. If riding jackets and pants can have liners, why not boots. A waterproof/windproof, sock style, removable liner would add versatility to an already excellent pair of boots. I’m not sure if that’s a realistic option, but I can dream can’t I?

Being that these boots are made by BMW it’s safe to assume they aren’t bargain priced, but you can also rest assured that they’ll function precisely as advertised and last a good long while. It may appear as though I’m a cheerleader for BMW but I assure you that’s not how it works. I thoroughly research the products I test and I choose things I’d like to have for myself and I believe would work for me. I can honestly say without exaggeration that I’ll be wearing these boots every time the heat is on.

BMW AirFlow 2 boots - $276.65