Over the last few years, Leatt has been steadily building out a family of waterproof adventure and enduro boots, starting with the full‑enduro 4.5 HydraDri and later adding the comfort‑oriented 7.5 ADV HydraDri adventure boot. With those two models anchoring opposite ends of the spectrum, the brand is now introducing a third hybrid design — the 8.5 ADV HydraDri — aimed squarely at riders who want all-day comfort and high levels of off-road protection, without stepping up to a full enduro race boot.

The 8.5 is built around a mixed‑construction approach that borrows the robustly-built lower chassis from the 4.5 Enduro boot while adopting the softer, Nubuck‑based upper found on the 7.5 ADV. The result, explains Leatt, is a structure that feels noticeably more supportive than a typical ADV touring boot but avoids the rigid, heavier feel of a full motocross design. An enduro‑style hinge provides controlled flex at the ankle, while a medial flex limiter adds stability for big impacts in rough terrain. Inside, Leatt uses its 3DF impact foam around the ankle area to add a layer of energy‑absorbing protection, and an impact‑reinforced shin plate helps shield the front of the leg from rocks and trail debris.

Waterproofing comes from the same HydraDri EVO membrane used in Leatt’s 7.5 ADV and 4.5 HydraDri, rated at 20,000 mm for waterproofing and 20,000 g/m² for breathability. The upper uses Nubuck leather treated for additional water resistance and durability during long, wet days. Underfoot, a mid‑sole layer of PU foam is used for damping, intended to take some of the shock out of repeated impacts when riding for hours on rough terrain. Leatt also incorporates a steel shank and an extended peg‑riding zone for extra arch support, along with a heel‑grip ankle design meant to improve stability when riding on the balls of your feet.

Daily usability also gets some attention. Instead of an extra top buckle, it uses a SlideLock ‘hook and loop’ top closure that creates a one‑way seal at the cuff. The three lower buckles use forged aluminum hardware for a secure, positive snap. The inner side of the boot is kept flat and grippy for better bike contact, and the low‑profile toe box is designed to make shifting easier on bikes with tighter lever clearances. In addition, an enduro sole pattern is designed to balance peg feel with traction off the bike, offering enough bite for pushing, dabbing, and scrambling around on loose surfaces. 

Leatt states that the 8.5 is roughly 20 percent lighter than typical boots in this category, which should help reduce fatigue when walking around camp or short hikes. In terms of positioning, the new 8.5 ADV is lighter, more comfortable and is easier to walk in than the 4.5 HydraDri, but is still significantly more protective than the 7.5 ADV HydraDri. Riders who found the 7.5 too lightly armored and too flexible for technical terrain—or the 4.5 too stiff and heavy for long‑distance travel—will likely see the 8.5 as the ideal middle ground.

The new ADV 8.5 HydraDri is EN13634:2017 certified with CE level 2222 achieved for motorcycle protective footwear, which means it delivers the highest standard of protection against abrasion and impacts. Sizes offered are from US 5-13 (EU 38-48) and available colors are Black/Grey or Black/Bronze, with a list price of $494. More details on the ADV 8.5 HydraDri Boot are available on Leatt’s website. 

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