Fly Racing Sector Boots Test
After getting up and running back in 1998, Fly Racing has been turning itself into an off-road apparel powerhouse over the last few years, sponsoring supercross riders like Trey Canard and Andrew Short, and developing an impressive array of gear lines for males and females. Unfortunately, Fly Racing boots have lagged behind…until now. The new Fly Racing Sector boots are premium motocross and off-road footwear.
Here’s the best endorsement I can give you for the Fly Racing Sector boots: I brought a brand new pair out for a break-in ride at Hungry Valley State Vehicle Recreation Area. I rode all day and totally forgot I had new boots on until I went to take them off after hours of riding. Right out of the box, they were that comfortable, functional, and transparent. Excellent!
When I pulled the Fly Racing Sector boots out of the box at Hungry Valley, I was a bit disappointed to see that they have a separate inner bootie. I’m not a big fan of that complication, however, Fly proved me wrong due to the booties’ seamless integration.
Getting the bootie out of the Sector boot initially was a bit difficult, so I was skeptical. Once out, I saw that the bootie is lightweight and uses a combination of mesh and perforations to keep your foot cool. There’s also gel protection for the anklebone.
Lacking laces or any closure system, the bootie slips right on and feels comfortable. I was concerned about how easily the booties would insert into the Sector boots, as they weren’t easy to remove. I put my bootie-enclosed foot into the Sector boot and gave it a try. At first, it seems like it wasn’t going to work, but when I used the ankle strap as something of a shoehorn by pulling firmly on it, the bootie slipped right in and immediately felt at home.
Adjusting the plastic straps is standard issue, using the sawtooth method. This is somewhat hit and miss, though once you’re set, it should be fine. I use Alpinestars Carbon Fluid Tech Carbon knee braces, and the boots have plenty of adjustment room to accommodate them. The aluminum buckles click onto the boot in a traditional manner, and close with a satisfying click. The final adjustment comes from a tab at the top of the boot, which can be perfectly adjusted to taste thanks to strong hook-and-loop closing.
With one boot on, I examined the other boot and was impressed with the workmanship and design. There is plenty of protection of the heel, toe box, and ankle areas, as well as a sturdy toe shift guard. I really liked seeing the Torsion Control System, which is what made the Sector boots work so well from the moment I got on the bike.
Without any doubt, the boots are incredibly comfortable, with all credit due to the soft bootie, along with the breathable mesh interior lining. I still find it hard to believe I had forgotten I was wearing new boots and booties, but it truly never crossed my mind during hours of riding. That is impressive.
Other features that become apparent after examination is a sewn-on motocross sole (not sure how waterproof, as California is still in a drought), a nicely firm footbed (no discomfort when landing from jumps or changing through whoops), an effective heat guard (I was riding a Beta Xtrainer with a large expansion chamber), and upper construction using an abrasion-resistant microfiber. CE certification comes with the boot, which is a strong endorsement from a respected European safety organization.
Fly Racing still makes a couple of inexpensive boots for those on a budget, but if you’re going to go with Fly Racing’s outstanding high-end apparel, there’s no reason to not splurge for the $440 Fly Racing Sector boots.
For additional information, visit Fly Racing Sector Boots.
Location photos by Kelly Callan
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