MXA TEAM TESTED: LEATT GPX 5.5 FLEXLOCK BOOTS

WHAT IS IT? Leatt introduced its GPX 5.5 FlexLock boots in 2020 to complete its apparel line and to challenge the industry’s leading boot brands with advanced features at a sub-$400 price point. Leatt spent three years developing the FlexLock boots, and throughout the process the boots were raced with at the highest levels by riders like Justin Hill and Ryan Sipes. 

WHAT’S IT COST? $389.99.

CONTACT? www.leatt.com or (661) 287-9258.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Leatt GPX 5.5 FlexLock boots.

(1) Concept. The innovative Leatt GPX 5.5 FlexLock design was built to reduce forces to the knee and ankle significantly. Most motocross boots offer limited movement from side to side, while the FlexLock boots encourage the ankle to move naturally on impact, theoretically dissipating the forces going to your ankle and knee. The GPX 5.5 boots also come with interchangeable inserts that allow riders to reduce lateral flexibility.  

(2) Slide lock. The Leatt FlexLock boots also feature a slide-lock system that allows the Velcro to slide one way and auto-lock in the desired position without the hassle of having to adjust your straps and Velcro every time you step into your boots. Instead of unfastening the Velcro to tighten your boot straps, you simply slide the Velcro to tighten, and it will hold the new position. 

(3) Performance. The Leatt GPX 5.5 FlexLock boots break in quickly, and its range of motion offers a connected feel on the footpegs. The soles are grippy, which our testers appreciated, as it enabled them to maintain proper technique and prevented their feet from sliding off the footpegs. The inner side of the boot has a flat exterior with a rubber grip material on the calf that also helped our testers squeeze the bike. In the boot-stiffness range, the Leatt FlexLock boots lean towards the soft and flexible side of the spectrum. 

(4) Fit. Leatt hit the mark when it came to sizing. MXA test riders didn’t have to go up or down from their standard size to get the correct fit. The toe box on the FlexLock boot is wide; however, it has a low profile that enables easy shifting, and it didn’t feel too big for test riders with narrow feet. It also features 3D-shaped impact foam inside of the boot for a snug grip at the ankle and to soften impacts. This increased the comfort and protection while reducing heel lift at the ankle. The inner liner was very comfortable when walking around the pits. 

(5) Durability. The boots maintained their integrity over time, and although the boots were flexible from the get-go, they didn’t break down in a way that was ultra-soft. Hard-plastic grooves were added on top of the left toe box to grip the shift lever, but after 10 hours of hard riding, we noticed the grooves wearing down. The buckles also began to bind and often needed lubricant to close. 

(6) Options. The Leatt GPX 5.5 FlexLock boots come in a range of sizes from 7 to 13 and are available in three different colors: black/white, red/blue and all black. 

Josh Mosiman 2020 Kawasaki KX250 Fox Raceway16

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? Our only complaint was the buckle-and-strap system. The third strap didn’t line up perfectly with its corresponding buckle. We lost a buckle on the track when the screw fell out, and some of our buckles resisted closing when putting the boots on; however, after a small spray of Maxima MPPL, they snapped in place easily. 

MXA RATING: The MXA wrecking crew is extra picky about boots. The first generation of Leatt GPX 5.5 FlexLock boots held up well against our toughest testers. The boots broke in without a hassle, gripped the bike securely and felt connected on the footpegs. They are comfortable, innovative and race-ready at a price that is reasonable when compared to other high-end boots.

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