The Phantom Flow boot from Forma is an extremely technical racing boot that has been developed over generations of MotoGP racing. These boots are designed for maximum performance and are considered Forma’s top of the line racing boot. Overall construction is a combination of a vented microfiber upper section, air mesh lining for comfort, soft polymer padding with memory foam, polyurethane nylon reinforcements, a personalized double-density rubber sole as well as a Anti-bacterial replaceable footbed with A.P.S. (Air Pump System, The A.P.S. system is basically a system that circulates air throughout the boot as your body weight squishes it down, though it might sound kind of like a marketing ploy, we have seen plenty of reviews and have gotten feedback from customers that it does in fact make a difference in keeping your boots fresher during longer rides).
Additional protection features include the FCS Pivot system that brings lateral stability and ankle support, a TPU dual flex and anti-shock felt midsole, innovative front cambric system with skeletal design that provides increased flex and protection, a shock absorber insert at the heel, polyurethane gear shift protection, three TITANIUM sliders (front, side and rear), injected and molded plastic protectors as well as a rear vertebrae system to ensure controlled flex and torsion. These things are pretty loaded with protection features. The above combination of features and materials resulted in a 2-2-2-2 CE Rating, that’s right, top rated in all marks.
Other features include a A. I.S. (Air Intake System for ventilation), a side lever closure with a zipper and Velcro main closure. These boots are considered a standard fit and have an average weight of 2.4 pounds per boot. The Phantom Flow boots come with a one year warranty. At the time of this review they retail for $379.00 and Forma states that they are not intended for Supermoto or Dirt track use. Overall I don’t know what to say, they kind of left me speechless. These boots just look great, wear great, feel great and based off of the ratings, protect great. Really a great boot for the money. I know the $379 price can seems steep, but I would argue that in comparison a few other brands have boots of this style in the 4-$600 range, and I would argue that the Phantom Flow boots are just as good if not better than most of them.
A few other items to note, there is an internal boot for better fit, with a long pull tab on the tongue, which is a huge help/bonus. The materials all look and feel top notch, and clearly the protection features are there. Honestly if you are looking for a pair of racing style boots and you are not checking these out you truly are missing out! I highly recommend taking a look. Oh and fit wise, I tried on my usual US size 12 and no issues.
I want to point out real quick that previously my experience with Forma wasn’t as extensive as some of the other brands that I would consider myself somewhat of an expert in, so I sat down and checked out a good number of Forma boots and shoes in a row, all of different styles and types, and shoe after shoe, boot after boot, I was impressed, it was like Forma just couldn’t miss. I’m quickly familiarizing myself more and more with this brand and I have to say they are quickly rising up my list of favorite boot/shoe brands. Really great work here, and if you are not familiar with them yet, I highly recommend checking them out! :: Damir 8/22/24
