As far as my favorite riding apparel goes, boots are second only to leather jackets. There is something about the look and feel of fine footwear to rev my heart. Xpd X-Nashville motorcycle boots do just that, and at a nice price point of $270.
Sure, you can spend double that on some boots, yet the X-Nashville gives buyers most of the design, construction, and quality of higher-priced boots of this style.
I like the side entry YKK zipper, which works in conjunction with laces. I have other boots with the same construction, and they require loosening the laces for entry and exit after unzipping. That’s not the case with the X-Nashville boots. I can easily slip them on and off with the zipper down, and I don’t have to touch the laces. At the same time, my feet feel secure in the Xpd X-Nashville motorcycle boots with the zipper up.
Speaking of laces, they are oiled with metal aglet tip coverings to help them last longer and not fray at the ends, which may not be terribly important until the boots become well-used.
The Xpd X-Nashville boots are built with 1.4mm thick, water-repellent oiled leather, although they are not classified as waterproof boots. The top of the boot is finished with a padded collar for comfort and a loop at the back of the collar to assist with entry.
The interior is barrel-dyed, cow-leather lined, and breathable for all-day comfort. I’ve worn the boots in both hot and cold weather, and they are just right for long motorcycle rides.
I also spent the weekend walking for miles both days in them at the recent BMW Motorrad Days Americas 2023 and Barber Vintage Days Festival. Despite being new, the X-Nashville boots required no break-in period, and no blisters developed. They were comfortable right out of the box, giving me great support and cushioning.
Of course, you also want protection for your feet while riding. The X-Nashville boots meet CE EN 13634:2010 Level 1 standards for foot protection on a motorcycle, though they don’t sport the newer 2017 standard. Regardless, ankle protection is provided by polyurethane inserts supported by shock-absorbing material.
Naturally, as with most motorcycle boots, there is an extra layer of leather on each boot to act as a shift lever protector. Perhaps the fact that manufacturers place a shift pad on both boots is a nod to riders of vintage bikes with right-side shift levers—or it could be an effort to keep the boots symmetrical.
At the rear, above the heel, are padded gussets to allow easier forward flex of the ankle. This helps the operation of the foot controls.
The lugged rubber sole is Xpd branded and medium weight. It’s sewn on with a Goodyear welt to allow replacement at some distant time when they ultimately wear out. The heel measures 1.5 inches thick, and the size 46 boots are 9.5 inches tall. I found the sizing of the Xpd X-Nashville boots to be accurate.
Eons ago, my dad taught me to always polish new shoes and boots to protect the finish. Naturally, I did this with the black colorway version, and the boots did come up with a nice medium shine.
If you are looking for well-designed and built motorcycle boots, the Xpd X-Nashville boots are worthy of consideration.
Xpd X-Nashville Boots Fast Facts
• Sizes: 36-47 EU
• Colors: Brown; Black
• Certification: CE EN 13634:2010 Level 1
Xpd X-Nashville Boots Price: $270 MSRP
