Forma One Flow Boot

We tried on a selection of Forma boots here in the office and found the length to be about right. The width on the boots is a touch more wide than most other brands we carry. Alpinestars and TCX tend to be the most wide, but these might even be a touch wider. I’d say they are a D to E and might even work for somebody with a slightly wider foot (but don’t get carried away and think they are wide enough for a person needing a EEE or wider). So my advice would be to use the chart below to choose a size based upon your US shoe size.

Forma offers advice on choosing a size from your foot measurement. Here’s how:

1) Measure the overall length of your foot. Forma recommends placing your heel against a wall and measuring from the wall to the end of your longest toe.

2) Add 3/4” to the length of your foot

3) Using Forma’s sizing chart below, choose the smallest size boot with an insole measurement that is at least the length of your foot plus 3/4”.

Use Forma’s size selection method as a “second opinion”. Maybe you’ll find it reassuring if it matches your size choice based on street shoe size or, maybe it could be a tie breaker if you are undecided between two sizes. FWIW, Forma’s advice didn’t work for me since I have relatively short toes. I wear a 45 (known from trying on) and this method put me in a 42.

Men’s Conversion Chart

Women’s Conversion Chart

Forma’s One Flow boots and One Dry boots are new for 2021. Both new boots are a high top lace up riding boot with just a bit more overall height than typical high top sneaker styles. The “Flow” version is made with large panels of flow-through material for hot weather use and the One dry is a solid leather boot with an integrated waterproof liner for use in wet weather. Take the links below to view the other versions.

Recently I reviewed Forma’s Swift Flow and Swift Dry boot, which are both a classic high top sneaker style. This new “One” series is just as bit taller riding boot with a slightly different sole style. Being slightly taller, this boot gives slightly more coverage over the ankle area and both versions have a nice padded collar that is very comfortable. I find a slightly taller boot like this is often easier for me to break in since shorter versions can dig in a bit just above the ankle where your ankle bends. You’ll notice the upper is cut back slightly and one row of eyelets is skipped to promote flexing. Some wrestling shoes are built like this and this style reminds me of those. If I had to describe it in a couple words, I’d say “wrestler-hiker”.

The Flow boot is made with very breathable panels that make up a good portion of the upper and air FREELY flows through this material. Some vented shoes have liners or padding that partially restricts air flow, but this one does not. I can easily blow my breath right through them (using my lip lock test). For hot weather use, this one will be great. Choose the One Dry if you ride in wet weather. With the Dry version, you get an integrated waterproof liner. The taller height of this boot will help to keep water from coming in over the top too (as compared to more traditional sneaker styles). Because the waterproof liner isn’t a “flow through” material, the One Dry will be more comfortable in moderate-to-cooler temps (not hot).

Like a lot of similar riding shoes and boots, both these versions offer integrated armor units on each side of the ankle that are sandwiched between the outer leather and the inner liner, so you can’t see them, but you can feel them and they’ll provide a measure of protection against impact in that area. The heel surround and also the toe box are stiffened too. The sole has an integrated stiffener mid-way between the heel and the toe of your foot to keep the sole from bending when you apply weight on the pegs. The insides of the shoes are well padded with comfy 3D nylon and have a removable insole.

I’m a fan of this slightly taller boot and I really like the performance of the Flow version. :: Paul, 03-29-21