RIDING GEAR | DESTINO ULTIMATE GTX VS. DESTINO TRAVEL - CLASSIC MEETS HIGHTECH

With the Destino Travel and Destino Ultimate GTX models, Touratech has two boots for motorbike travellers in its range. What are the differences between the two products and in which usage scenarios do they show their strengths?

TWO CONCEPTS, ONE GOAL

Travelling safely and comfortably by motorbike – that is the claim of the two Touratech boots Destino Ultimate GTX and Destino Travel. What sounds simple at first is a complex challenge. Because when it comes to combining safety and comfort in one boot, the developers are faced with the question: Which aspect takes priority? The answer has to be: Both. And now it gets challenging. The Destino Travel takes on this task as a robust leather boot that integrates modern technologies into the classic concept.

The Destino Ultimate GTX is completely different. With this innovative product, the concept of motorbike boots has been rethought from the ground up. In terms of the protection concept, choice of materials and technologies used, the developers have broken completely new ground and created an adventure boot that has never been seen before in this form. The advanced technologies are adequately represented by the futuristic look of this high-end boot.

Destino Travel: Hydrophobic leather for optimum function of the climate membrane.

UPPER MATERIAL

The Destino Travel is a robust leather boot with a classic look and a robust off-road look. With a full 2.2 to 2.4 millimetres of thickness, its strong, full-grain upper leather already makes an important contribution to the protection concept. However, the choice of leather as a tried and tested material does not mean that no innovations have been made. The leather used for the Destino Travel has been specially treated.

An effective water-repellent coating massively limits the leather's water absorption, so that the upper material does not become soaked even after hours of riding in the rain - the boot is always pleasantly light to wear and cooling due to evaporation is prevented.

The water-repellent coating has another important function: the pores of the leather are not blocked by water, so that breathability is maintained. This is important for the correct function of the climate membrane. But more on that later.

Destino Ultimate GTX: Material mix of SuperFabric®, Omega leather and nubuck.

The Destino Ultimate GTX takes a completely different approach. The upper material is an intelligent mix of high-strength SuperFabric®, robust Omega leather and supple nubuck. The textile material SuperFabric® actually has some ‘superpowers’. The material is a robust fabric made from a high-strength synthetic fibre that is covered with tiny, hard protective plates in a precisely defined pattern.

This makes the material very abrasion-resistant and it is characterised by high resistance to cuts and other damage. The fabric is also extremely breathable and does not absorb water. It shares this property with the leather components of the material mix, which are hydrophobic.

TEMPERATURE REGULATION

As you would expect from a touring boot, the Destino Travel is one hundred per cent waterproof. It also has excellent breathability. The boot owes these important properties to the carefully integrated Sympatex climate membrane.

This particularly high-performance membrane can withstand a water column of over 45,000 millimetres - a value it will never be exposed to in a motorbike boot. Hydrophilic (water-attracting) molecular chains in the membrane material are responsible for transporting moisture to the outside. These absorb water vapour released by the feet in the boot and transport it to the outside. The effect increases dynamically with increasing temperature or humidity differences. Incidentally, the Sympatex membrane is a German product and 100% recyclable.

The abbreviation GTX in its name already gives it away: The Destino Ultimo GTX relies on the latest generation of Gore-Tex membranes from W.L. Gore for climate regulation. The pioneer in climate membranes utilises a different physical principle than its Sympatex competitors. Gore uses a microporous membrane. The membrane is made from the plastic PTFE and is absolutely waterproof. The process of stretching creates tiny pores in the material. The trick here is that the pore diameter is precisely dimensioned so that liquid water cannot pass through, but the smaller water vapour molecule can. This means that no water can penetrate the boot from the outside, but water vapour escapes from the inside to the outside in line with the temperature and saturation gradient.

SOLE

Destino Travel: Combined sole for secure grip on the footrests and good walking comfort.

The sole of the Destino Travel fulfils a clever dual function. It offers excellent grip on the footrests, which contributes to safe vehicle control during off-road riding. On the other hand, the sole construction allows comfortable rolling when walking, so that even longer walks can be completed without any problems. The second function of the sole is to regulate the climate inside the boot. The footbed is made from antibacterial recycled PU and has integrated channels that support the exchange of air and thus contribute to a comfortable climate inside the boot.

Destino Ultimate GTX: Innovative Vibram Apex® sole with functional zones.

The Destino Ultimate GTX uses an Apex® sole specially developed in collaboration with Vibram. It has zones with different properties that are assigned specific tasks. One area is specially optimised for actuating the foot brake lever, while another is responsible for stability and still others serve to provide the best possible walking comfort. Here too, high-tech in the sense of a synthesis of function and comfort.

PROTECTION

Based on many years of experience in the development of high-quality motorbike boots and the systematic evaluation of customer feedback, Touratech has further optimised the protection concept of the Destino Travel. An additional TPU ankle protector on the inside provides 360-degree protection for the ankle. The inside of the boot is equipped with suede heat protection. Plastic shin guards and gear lever guards round off the protective equipment.

Destino Travel: Robust TPU protectors for high protection on and off-road.

The Destino Ultimate GTX is based on a completely new protection concept. The Dynamic Support Frame (DSF) with its three components - calf support, heel cup and stability frame - offers maximum protection for off-road use. The ingenious design effectively prevents overstretching of muscles and tendons, while the integrated joint guarantees optimum mobility.

Destino Ultimate GTX: Complex protector system with Dynamic Support Frame (DSF).

To protect the foot from impacts, the DSF works closely with the reinforced toe area, the SEESOFT™ protector insert in the tongue and the shin plate.

CLOSURE

The Destino Travel is fastened like a classic off-road boot with three buckles. However, classic does not mean old-fashioned. The developers have taken the concept to a new level. The innovative S-Lock buckles are not only adjustable, they also have an additional joint that makes them even easier to open. The buckles can be easily replaced if necessary.

Destino Travel: S-Lock buckles with double joint for high ease of use.

The BOA Fit System of the Destino Ultimate GTX opens up a new dimension in terms of comfortable closure. This innovative lacing technology combines the perfect fit of the boot with extremely fast closing and opening. Simply press the button to activate it, turn it until the boot fits perfectly - and simply pull the button up to release it.

Destino Ultimate GTX: The BOA Fit lacing system combines width adjustment and closure.

The BOA Fit fastening system is characterised by its extraordinary robustness, which makes it the superior solution even for tough off-road use. The lacing is also covered to effectively keep out dust and mud.

CERTIFICATION

Both the Destino Travel and the Destino Ultimate GTX are certified to the highest possible level for motorbike protective equipment EN 13634:2017 Level 2. This means they offer the maximum protection currently possible.

RANGE OF APPLICATIONS

The Destino Travel feels most at home on tours and when travelling. Its functional concept allows safe operation of the foot levers and even a longer city tour is fun thanks to the good comfort. The high-quality Sympatex climate membrane ensures good comfort in all weather conditions. The protector concept offers a high level of protection. The robust sole and the large shin protector also allow moderate excursions on unpaved paths.

Destino Travel: Classic motorbike boot concept reinterpreted with modern technologies.

Its innovative construction predestines the Destino Ultimate GTX for an extremely wide range of uses. The protector concept as well as the fastening system and the sole impress with maximum functionality from demanding offroad stages to sporty rides on the road. The exceptional level of comfort makes even long daily stages a pure pleasure. Individual elements such as the ultra-robust yet comfortable BOA Fit fastening system, the Dynamic Support Frame or the Gore-Tex® membrane and the Vibram Apex® sole contribute to the outstanding riding and wearing experience, as does the perfect interplay of components. Innovative materials such as the extremely abrasion- and cut-resistant SuperFabric® not only impress with their outstanding functionality but also give the Destino Ultimate GTX an extravagant look.

Destino Ultimate GTX: High-tech for maximum comfort and protection off-road and on the road.

PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

NICK SANDERS, MOTORCYCLE WORLD RUNNER

“My Destino Ultimate GTX boots are extremely comfortable, I hardly notice I'm wearing them. They're do not feel super hard like many other boots, but fit wonderfully, which is why I like using them.”

MICHAEL HESSE, RALLY RIDER & MOTORCYCLE TRAVELLER

“After thousands of kilometres, different climate zones and types of terrain, I can say that the Ultimate GTX is the perfect mix of touring comfort and off-road suitability for me.”

WOLF, MOTORCYCLE TESTER & TRAVELLER

“Whether on my doorstep at ACT Croatia or in the distant Caucasus - the Destino Ultimate GTX has become indispensable for me on motorbike tours.”

CAROLIN BESSELING, INFLUENCER

“The Destino Travel is a lightweight, comfortable motorbike boot. I particularly like the pleasant foot temperature in all temperatures. The Destino Travel still offers sufficient protection with high flexibility.”

RENATA / DUO93, WORLD TRAVELLER

“The combination of safety, comfort, waterproof material and attractive design make the Destino Ultimate GTX my first choice.”

TIM SCHLAGE, INSTRUCTOR, TOURGUIDE AND GS TROPHY TEAM RIDER 2022

“It doesn't matter whether I'm riding the ACT Portugal at three degrees through snow, climbing the Sani Pass in Africa at 30 degrees on my motorbike or going on a long road tour - the Destino Ultimate GTX always performs.”