Taichi RSS009 Outdry Boa Riding Shoes Review

Everybody loves a good pair of sneakers. They’re fashionable, functional and quite comfortable. While they offer less protection compared to a sturdy pair of riding boots, I have to admit that I often prefer to wear the former when riding around town. Lugging heavy leathers while running errands is not fun at all. Sure, boots are fine on touring rides, but a quick trip to the mall? 

RS Taichi solved this dilemma by combining the comfort of sneakers with the protective properties of a riding boot. The RSS009 Outdry Boa Riding shoes offers safety in a fun package. I am a big fan of riding gear that looks like any regular apparel and these sneakers could be mistaken for your favorite pair of Chucks. They even have faux laces when in fact, these are fitted with a discreet Boa retention system. Hidden stainless steel wires can be adjusted via mechanical reel to achieve a custom fit so the shoes stay on your feet on any riding condition. Turn the knob to tighten and pull the knob to loosen, the Boa system turns this high cut sneakers into a pair of slip ons. Also, there are no dangling laces that could get caught on the shift lever or foot peg. 

The Outdry textile construction is waterproof yet breathable. I have been using them for several weeks now and my feet stays cool even when riding under the sun all day. I got caught in a light drizzle once and I noticed that while the outer layer of the shoe got soaked, the inner layer stayed dry. How they will perform under hard rain remains to be seen and there’s no way I am going to dip them in a puddle of water. What I can personally attest to, however, is the molded protection on the heel, ankle and toes. I got myself into a road mishap involving a speeding underbone straddled by three 14-year-old kids. Judging by the light bruising on my ankle and the wide scuff mark on the molded toe cap, it could have been much worse if I was wearing the usual pair of running shoes. 

Speaking of toe caps, I particularly like the asymmetric design on the left shoe. The intention is to have a wider contact patch for the shift lever but what it also achieved is a distinct motorcycle rider character despite looking like a retro basketball sneaker. It could very well be, if you ask me. The Vibram soles give excellent cushioning and traction needed on the hard court. So, is it worth the P9,500 price tag? Well, it has already saved me from a possible broken ankle and some missing toes. For roughly the same price, I probably won’t get the same level of protection from a pair of Air Jordans.