Vanucci VUB-1 Riding Boot Review

Vanucci is one of the brands delivered to the world via the megalithic motorcycle shop Louis Moto. It’s not a hugely well-known name in the UK, but is popular in Louis’ native Germany and across the rest of Europe. I’ve been testing out their Vanucci VUB-1 midi riding boots for the last few weeks and covered several hundred miles in them.

Key features

• Knitted textile upper
• Chunky Michelin sole
• Lace-up fasteners
• Removable gear lever pad

Price

£154.58 (at the time of writing)

At first glance, the VUB-1s look like the kind of boots you see race team mechanics wearing in the pitlane, as they feature a full textile outer, chunky sole and basically look like a normal high street midi-boot or trainer. They are, though, certified riding boots, ideal for urban commuters and those looking to undertake short rides.

The upper of the boot is a knitted material, with an elasticated top giving the VUB-1s the feeling of slipping your foot into a very snug and well-fitted sock. Because of this, they are supremely comfortable, and the knitted construction means you get a refreshing amount of airflow through the boots to keep your feet cool.

The sole of the boots is one of the standout features, being a very chunky and nicely cushioned design and manufactured by the clever people at Michelin. The rear of the boot features a heel protector which has a carbon-fibre-a-like finish to it. On the protection front, the heel protector is about the only piece of ‘hard’ protection you get, although the upper of the boot, which sits around your ankle bone, has some extra padding to help protect the bottom of your Tibia.

Included in the box with the boots is also a slip-over gear lever guard that can be fastened to the laces of the boot thanks to a popper and loop. Getting the lever guard over the boot and fixing it on isn’t a problem, although it can work loose while riding and then get tangled in the gear lever which is a pain. I also found that should I be using the lever guard and needing to walk anywhere, it would quickly work loose and then just flap about on top of my boots. I get why it’s there, but for me, an integrated pad on the upper of both boots would be a much more helpful addition.

As the construction of the boots is a knitted material upper, they basically offer no weather protection if it gets cold or rainy, meaning the VUB-1s are reserved for dry and sunny days only. As mentioned though, the through-ventilation offered by the construction of the upper is a real bonus on a hot and sunny day.

Should you buy Vanucci VUB-1 riding boots?

If you are looking for a pair of summer boots that have excellent ventilation and don’t have the look or feel of a traditional full-protection motorcycle boot, the VUB-1s are an excellent choice. They are stylish enough to be worn off the bike without feeling awkward, and have an excellent sole offering good grip on the pegs and slippery surfaces.

They aren’t the cheapest option on offer at £154.58 (at the time of writing - the price seems to fluctuate), and even on the Louis Moto website, some traditional riding boots come in at a similar price as the VUB-1s. They also don’t offer the same amount of protection as a traditional riding boot, and that might put some people off. I have no qualms about using them for short summer rides out and about or while nipping into town. I’d not want to head off for a 1000-mile tour in them - although they would be in my rucksack ready for when I arrived!