On the snow side of its business, Klim makes some high-quality, fashionable riding gear, apparel and accessories. With quality and performance that often exceeds expectations, I was enthusiastic about testing the company’s Adrenaline GTX Boots throughout a full season of riding last winter.
From sub-zero trips in Minnesota, off-trail riding in the Northeast and a straight week of riding in Montana, as well as other jaunts throughout the season, my Klims got a solid workout in enough conditions to get the full picture.
For me, boots are the most important insulating gear strapped to the body, because once my toes go numb, that’s all she wrote. I shopped around and found Klim’s boots to resemble the restrained style often found in the snowboard and downhill ski markets – tasteful, no gigantic logos, pink plaid, billet buckles or anything that’s wild.
Starting at $200 and made for snowmobile riders, the Adrenalines are made with Gore-Tex and 600 grams of Thinsulate for warmth and moisture wicking. The exterior is a matte material that feels like rubber, and is resistant to abuse.
Rider-specific features include a cushioned mid-sole, a toe meant to resist wear from tunnel bolts, shock protection for the bottom of feet, a high-grip sole for walking (or digging yourself out) and anti-slip laces that are easy to tie and don’t loosen.
Slip your feet inside and you’ll notice the soft liner, which held up well to a winter’s worth of riding. As a size-12 wearer, my boots have a good fit that tightens with thick socks. Fortunately, I proved thick socks unnecessary in these boots because my feet never got cold or wet during hours of super-cold riding or a sweaty, warm day. In fact, even getting stuck and shoveling out sleds in waist-deep snow, moisture and cold never got the best of me.
No seams have popped, and the exterior is completely free from scuffs, rips or any blemishes. All fabrics have completely held up, and they don’t even stink inside!
These days it’s easy to find warm boots with fancy fabrics most likely developed within the space program. Fortunately for snowmobilers who want a techy set that is comfortable, tastefully styled and easy to walk around in, Klim makes that possible with its Adrenaline GTX.
Klim
Rigby, Idaho
208/552-7433
klim.com