The Eleveit Antelao Waterproof boots are touring boots designed for year-round use. Built from a combination of microfibre and technical fabric, they are aimed at riders who want one pair of boots to cover commuting, longer tours and general road riding in all weathers.
After more than 1000 miles on a Kawasaki Versys 650 Grand Tour through winter and spring, the Antelao boots proved themselves to be a capable and well-rounded option.
Their waterproofing was faultless, they coped well with both hot and cold conditions and, once bedded in, they became easy boots to live with. The only real drawback was a stiff calf area that meant they worked best with taller socks.
Fit & comfort
The Antelao boots fit well overall, with good support around the heel and ankle. Fit around the toes felt fine with normal socks, although on longer winter motorway rides the addition of thicker socks made them feel a little snug at first. As the boots bedded in, that eased off.
Eleveit’s Free Lock system at the rear of the boot is a useful feature here. With a simple twist it tightens the calf area to suit whether you want to wear trousers inside or over the boots, and it does a good job of helping tailor the fit.
Sizing feels consistent within the brand. I also own a pair of Eleveit ankle boots in a size 43, and these fit similarly. Compared with my older TCX Speed boots in a size 45, the Eleveit boots definitely come up larger.
From new, the boots were quite stiff, and that was noticeable both on and off the bike. Gearchanges took a little getting used to until they loosened up, but after some miles and some walking they became much more comfortable.
The padded insoles are particularly good, with a soft, memory-foam feel that helps absorb shock when walking. The accordion stretch at the front also helps the boots flex nicely, both for gearchanges and for walking around.
The one comfort issue was at the back of the calf. With short ankle socks or ordinary sports socks, the stiffness in that area caused rubbing and left red marks. Switching to taller bike-specific socks solved the problem, and these boots reward the right choice of socks.
Getting them on is straightforward: undo the rear Velcro strap, release the Free Lock system, pull the back of the boot open and slide the foot in.
Taking them off is a little trickier because the heel hold is so secure. Releasing the lock and opening the rear fully is essential, and I often have to stand on the heel while pulling my foot free. That sounds a bit awkward, but the construction is sturdy enough that it has not caused any damage.
Cold & wet weather performance
The Antelao boots use Eleveit’s E-Dry waterproof and breathable membrane, and in wet weather they perform brilliantly. I’ve never had damp or wet feet during testing.
Most of the wet riding was on shorter local runs, but there was one more serious test on a winter trip to Leicestershire. What began as a cloudy day turned into a couple of heavy showers on the way down, followed by heavy rain and motorway spray from M1 traffic on the way home.
The boots dealt with all of it without letting anything in. For a touring boot, that kind of dependable waterproofing is one of the most important qualities, and here the Eleveit boots delivered.
Cold-weather performance was strong too. On everyday winter commuting, which mostly involved slower roads with just one short 50mph stretch, I had no issues with cold feet.
The only time I felt the chill slightly was on a couple of longer motorway rides where windchill made it feel somewhere between -2°C and -7°C. Even then, although I became aware of the cold after two and a half hours, it was never enough to make me stop and warm up. That is a respectable result for an all-year touring boot.
Hot weather performance
For a waterproof touring boot, the Antelao boots cope surprisingly well in warmer weather. The E-Dry membrane is sold as breathable, and in my experience that claim stands up.
During heatwave conditions on another ride to Leicestershire, I was never conscious of my feet overheating. By the time I got home after nearly seven hours in the boots, my Coolmax socks were a little damp, but that was hardly surprising given the length of time I had been wearing them. More importantly, my feet never felt excessively hot or uncomfortable.
The ability to stay comfortable in both winter and hot conditions is a big part of what makes these feel like genuine all-year boots.
Grip & sole performance
The soles work well both on and off the bike. On the bike, grip on my Versys’ rubber touring pegs is secure in all conditions, with no slipping or vague feeling through my feet.
Off the bike, the boots also feel dependable on most surfaces. Pavements, roads, garage forecourts and gravel paths all pose no problem in wet or dry conditions. The only place they struggle is on wet tiled floors, where grip can be lost a little more easily.
That aside, the sole performance is strong and entirely in keeping with what I want from a practical touring boot.
Protection
The Antelao boots carry a CE rating of 2-2-2-2, with WR marking for water-resistance, which is reassuring. In real-world use they also inspire confidence, with a secure fit around the heel and ankle and a solid overall structure.
I trust these boots to offer as much protection as can reasonably be expected if the worst happens. They may not have the aggressive look of a race or hardcore off-road boot, but for their intended touring role they feel supportive and substantial.
Durability
After more than 1000 miles the Antelao boots are wearing very well. There is only the expected marking on the sole and toe area, and most of the small scuffs on the toe have come from everyday tasks like bending down to fit locks or put my bike cover on.
There are also some marks on the heel area, mostly from standing on the back of the boot to help pull them off, but again this is cosmetic rather than structural. Nothing has broken, and nothing has needed repair or replacement.
Final thoughts
The Eleveit Antelao Waterproof boots are a convincing all-year touring boot. Their waterproofing is excellent, they cope well with both cold and warm conditions, and once broken in they are comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time on and off the bike.
The only real drawback is the stiff calf area, which makes taller socks essential for comfort. But beyond that, there is a lot to like here. The boots feel well made, they perform well across a wide spread of conditions, and they offer very good value for money.
For riders who do plenty of miles in mixed weather and are willing to give them a bit of time to bed in, the Antelao boots are easy to recommend.
