Royal Enfield Nomad WP Mid Ankle Riding Boots Review

I’ve been using the Royal Enfield Nomad WP Mid-Ankle riding boots for a few months now. And for most of my rides involving city use, I’ve found myself reaching for them more and more – for their ease of use, comfort and convenience. At Rs. 7,500 for a pair, the Nomad WP mid-ankle boots aren’t particularly expensive, especially when you compare them to reputed European brands offering similar riding sneakers.

But why riding sneakers and not full-length boots? The answer is simple - convenience and comfort, especially on hot days.

North India gets very hot in summer. In fact, it’s warm for most of the year, except for the spring, autumn and winter months, which are perfect for a motorcycle ride, or two. Somehow, the hottest months of the year end up being when I ride the most. And if it’s a scooter, or a small commuter motorcycle involving primarily street testing, I often do something many would consider sacrilege: I skip on full length riding boots and opt for riding sneakers.

Yes, they don’t offer shin protection, but in hot weather, riding sneakers can be a whole lot more comfortable, as I’ve realised after a few years of using my previous pair.

I use riding sneakers mainly for city commutes, and for a few street-focussed professional rides which don’t demand technical use, or carry high-risk, such as off-road excursions or high-speed testing. For these rides, I have been using the Royal Enfield Nomad WP boots over the past couple of months. They look great, feel sturdy and inspire confidence even when the ride gets a tad adventurous.

So, what are they really like, and should you consider them?

Construction

The Royal Enfield Nomad WP boots are built to a high standard. The upper material is high abrasion-resistant waterproof leather. While I haven’t tested its abrasion-resistance (nor do I intend to), the boots have kept my feet dry through waterlogged Chennai streets and light drizzle.

On the toe, ankle and heel, there’s moulded thermo-plastic rubber (TPR) protectors integrated into the boot, offering a reassuring sense of security once you slip them on.

The polyurethane rubber anti-skid sole offers good traction, on the bike and off it, even on low-grip surfaces like sand over tarmac, or loose gravel.

Both the left and right boot feature toe shift patches – the left one makes sense for gear shifting, while the right patch may be a nod to riders of old right-hand-side-shift Bullets. Still, having patches on both sides gives the boots a uniform, balanced look.

Overall quality is quite impressive – much better than my previous pair of riding sneakers.

Fit & Feel

I usually wear size 42 boots (and shoes), for a snug fit, though lately I’ve also worn size 43 with thicker socks. The Nomad WP are true to size, and even though I ordered a size 43 pair, a 42 would likely have fit well too.

The overall fit and feel inspire confidence, both on and off the bike. One minor complaint is the mid-ankle design which takes some getting used to, particularly if you’re riding a sport bike with rear-set footpegs, as the high ankle can dig slightly into the shin area. Not a deal breaker, but worth noting.

Verdict

The Royal Enfield Nomad WP riding sneakers offer solid protection across the toe, heel and ankle areas. I’ve been using them for daily commutes as well as short cross-town rides on both scooters and motorcycles. For longer rides, or rough terrain, I’d still prefer something with more protection – full-length boots for touring, or purpose-built boots for track or adventure use.

That said, the Royal Enfield Nomad WP riding sneakers are an excellent choice for everyday use. For anyone who values casual looks and decent protection, they are a great choice. I’d strongly recommend them for daily commutes or weekend leisure rides – especially when you’ll be doing some walking on that Sunday breakfast ride or café meet-up.

If you’re looking for a pair of casual sneakers which offer comfort off the bike, and protection on the bike, the Royal Enfield Nomad WP riding boots are highly recommended. They are sturdy, comfortable, stylish and provide all-round protection for everyday rides. Most importantly, the build quality and fit-finish are top notch – at par with international brands that cost nearly twice as much.