Forma Arbo Boots

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). These are also roomy over the instep. so those with a thick/wide foot might really like this style.

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.

The Arbo boots from Forma are a mid height, touring style boot that is waterproof (Forma states that the boots are only water resistant, but according to the CE label, they did pass the optional waterproofing test and did receive a full WR rating, meaning that they are indeed waterproof and not only water resistant). Overall construction is a combination of both a synthetic and Cordura outer materials, a Forma made sole with double density rubber, a Forma Drytex tubular lining that is waterproof and breathable, as well as soft polymer padding with memory foam that aids in both protection and comfort. Overall the Arbo boots achieve a CE 2-1-2-2 rating which means they are level 2 in all categories except for abrasion testing, this is really good considering how light weight and comfortable these boots are. Even with a double density sole, reinforced heels and toes, shin and ankle TPU molded plastic protectors, and an anti-shock EVA TPU dual Flex midsole the Arbos were comfortable enough and easy enough to walk around in off of the bike.

Other features include a Velcro and zip closure, a rear reflective insert, a gear shift protection pad, as well as an anti-bacterial and replaceable footbed with A.P.S. (Air Pump System). The A.P.S. system is basically a system that circulates air throughout the boot as your body weight squishes it down, though it might sound kind of like a marketing ploy, we have seen plenty of reviews and have gotten feedback from customers that it does in fact make a difference in keeping your boots fresher during longer rides.

A the time of this review, the Arbo boots self for $149.99 and they just seem like a steal at that price. Initial feel right of the bat is wow, these are super comfortable! They are also a lot lighter feeling then they would seem by looking at them. I have heard mixed opinions on the looks, but to me, in person, they look clean and simple, I have no complaints in the looks department. I would say if you are looking for a pair of more casual touring boots that are light and comfortable you definitely need to put the Arbo’s on your list. My only real nitpick is that I wish there was some calf adjustment as I feel like people with smaller calves but bigger feet might feel like they have too much room around their calves, but really other than that, nothing but good things to say, really a solid booth, especially for the money.

One thing to note, is that my normal size fit me just fine, but that the toe box was slightly narrower than I have experienced with other Forma boots and shoes, so just be aware of that if you have wider feet.

I want to point out real quick that previously my experience with Forma wasn’t as extensive as some of the other brands that I would consider myself somewhat of an expert in, so I sat down and checked out a good number of Forma boots and shoes in a row, all of different styles and types, and shoe after shoe, boot after boot, I was impressed, it was like Forma just couldn’t miss. I’m quickly familiarizing myself more and more with this brand and I have to say they are quickly rising up my list of favorite boot/shoe brands. Really great work here, and if you are not familiar with them yet, I highly recommend checking them out! :: Damir 8/22/24