Jett America J1 Lite Boot - Dirt Rider Magazine

Until I tried the Jett J1 Lite boot I found molded plastic boots bulky, hot and lacking feel to the point that I couldn't wear them effectively. The Jett boot is none of those things.The foot portion of the boot is plastic with the lining and upper composed of other man-made materials that approximate leather. The soft upper has cooling air channels molded in. Over the top of the soft upper boot is a removable (no tools) plastic shell that pops off to make it easier to walk around in when not riding. The plastic boots are easy to care for, and they clean right up. The upper shell is available in three sizes ($95 a pair) to customize the fit of the boot. The large top comes with size 11, 12, 13 boots, but riders with a large calf who wear a smaller size can easily switch to the large top for additional room, or vice versa. Other parts available are a buckle kit for $24.95; a shank kit that replaces the center sole insert/shank on both boots for $39.95; and the rubber ankle inserts for $9.95 a pair.On a normal boot having these spares wouldn't be that important. By the time most boots need parts they are all floppy. The Jett boot requires almost no break-in of the hinged ankle area, but the supportive feel of the boot doesn't change with age. We have close to a year on a preproduction pair and several months on a production pair, and they feel exactly as they did when new.The sole inserts remove with a single long screw, and installing them renews the boot's peg wear area and replaces the supportive shank at the same time. Unlike some boots, the J1 is externally slim and trim around the foot and toe box. Some riders may actually need to move the shifter down a spline if it is adjusted for a less streamlined boot. Likewise, the surfaces that contact the dirt while cornering are smooth and rounded, so they don't catch or snag on the ground. Chris Dension felt that the sole would slip on the peg when loaded heavily to the side, but I never had a problem.Adjusting the buckles is a snap, and remained so after extended use. The initial fit around the foot feels tight, but as soon as your foot warms, the interior forms to your foot, and any pressure is gone. The comfort continues to improve for a few rides, and then is consistent and supportive.The boot takes no time to break in, and any shifting or braking issues remaining will require adjusting the bike's controls. The Jett limits ankle extension, so you may need to adjust the brake pedal height for that. For some riders the boot is a little tougher on the plastic and graphics than a leather boot. For others the J1 is barely noticeable while riding: It does what it is supposed to and doesn't bother you. My favorite feature of the $399.95 boot is the strength of the sole area. Very little of the abuse from extreme landings or long whoop sections reaches your feet. Add in the way the boot stays feeling new and the fact that this boot is lighter than many high-end boots, and you have a great boot. Not just a great plastic boot, but a great boot.

-Karel Kramer

||| |---|---| |GEAR|92.0| |Style|18/20| |Comfort|8/10| |Function|48/50| |Wash/Care|10/10| |Price|8/10| www.jettboots.com

661.775.0571