Roland Sands Mojave Boot Review
I received a pair of Roland Sands Design Mojave boots about a year ago. My original plan was to wear them for a few months and give them a proper testing. But then a funny thing happened: They seemed to be getting better the more I wore them. The Mojaves also began to present themselves as some of the most durable boots I have used in quite a while. I wanted to see just how much abuse they could take.
In the past year, I have worn them just about every week in some way. From daily commutes to fully submerging them in Tennessee creeks while riding scramblers to weeklong touring adventures in the desert and even doing a flat-track race in them.
When I first received the Mojave boots, the first thing I noticed was their burliness. These boots were made for riding first and foremost. While their design is easy on the eyes, make no mistake these are not fashion boots.
Slipping your feet into them right out of the box might take some finessing and a bit of time as their genuine cowhide leather construction requires a bit of a break-in period. Right off the bat though they are comfortable and their Vibram soles provide plenty of airy cushioning while the triple-density cheater insoles cradle your feet just right.
Before taking off on any rides I did have to readjust my shift lever a little bit as I needed some more breathing room for banging gears. The Mojave’s stout construction results in a slightly bigger overall boot than I regularly run. With that being said, they didn’t feel clunky in any way and actually felt quite light on the feet and offered a great feel on the bike. These boots are available in men’s 8–13, with half sizes between 8–11. I typically wear 12 size boots and these are true to size.
After a few all-day rides I was thankful for the incorporated mid-sole shank as it provided plenty of support and kept my feet free of fatigue. I had no idea the boots had a built-in waterproof lining until I splashed through a handful of creeks while riding scramblers in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. It was then I noticed my feet weren’t soaking wet. I was stoked. As many of you know, sometimes having dry feet can make or break a ride, especially in colder temperatures.
Months and months went by and I kept wearing and thrashing the Mojaves and they just laughed at whatever I put them through. Their reinforced toe box, heel, sides, and protective upper cuff kept my feet safe and offered plenty of defense even when I ended up racing flat track in them. That day I had forgotten my dedicated boots for flat-track racing but had the Mojaves in my truck so they were pressed into race duty. They came out winners, unlike the rider wearing them.
Still looking great after nearly a year of abuse. The soles wear well to say the least.
Ed Subias
As I was taking photos of the boots after their one-year run for this review, I was pleasantly surprised when I flipped them over. Except for some slight gouging from an angry footpeg, the Vibram soles had minimal wear and and still felt as good as the day I took the boots out of the box. Pretty amazing. The top side fared just as well, just some slight scuffing on the toe boxes associated with a year of use. Great stuff from RSD. Mine were Oxblood, but the boots can also be had in black, gray, and Whiskey.
At $300 the Mojaves aren’t cheap, but you won’t be buying boots again for at least a few years. Comfortable, durable, and protective are the name of the game with these boots.
