Review: TripMachine’s Derby Rusty Wrangler Riding Boots

For most of my life, I rode with Woodland boots. I love them; they are versatile, durable, and comfortable. However, I wanted more protection than they could provide. I wasn't looking for professional track riding boots but something in between.

Requirements

• A decent riding protection
• It should fit well, be comfortable, and should grip the floor well
• Multipurpose
• It should be comfortable to drive and walk a couple of kilometers
• Looks good
• Good Price

Solution

TripMachine Derby Rusty Wrangler Boots is the one I chose after quite a bit of online research. I had no prior experience with TripMachine and, to some level, went to them based on the tens of reviews I watched on YT and other social media comments. They do seem to have fans inside and outside India.

Things I like

What I liked about it before buying was the looks and safety features it offered. I have now used it on a couple of rides and a drive. It is comfortable to wear on a regular day, and you would still feel confident on a motorcycle.

That doesn't mean I will wear it if I want to go on a hike. It is pretty heavy at 540gms per boot, compared to Woodlands at 420gms. You do feel that 100+gms when you walk a lot. But on a regular day, a couple of kilometers, it is fine.

It does look great. It goes well with jeans or similar pants like any other boots. I don't think people recognize it as a riding boot unless they know about it already.

On a motorcycle, you feel confident that your feet are better protected. You can initially feel the ankle and toe protection until you get used to it. I got the same size as my Woodlands (size 40); It fits firmly and comfortably with socks. The laces offer you flexibility in terms of how much firmness you want. You feel the brake and gear pedal well, which makes riding easy. You would need a gear shift shoe protector to protect your shoes from getting damaged. Boots also add at least an inch to my height, so it is a plus for me :)

The maintenance can be complex if you are not used to leather shoes. It is much work compared to my woodlands, but it was to be expected. I did ride in a lot of rain and city water once. It took me a couple of days to dry it properly, polish it, and find a place to store it. But while I was riding in the rain, it felt safe with lots of grip. So it was worth it.

Conclusion

At INR 7000, it's not cheap. It does need care and maintenance. To compare, my Woodlands Boots, which I got in 2019, cost me INR 4000. If you search online, generic riding boots start from INR 4000. So for its offers, I think it's a good price. And for the fit, finish, comfort, and safety, I would buy it again.

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