In the later part of our COVID-19 shortened 2019-2020 season, I had the opportunity to experience a pair of 509 Raid Laced Boots.
Trying new products is always a double-edged sword for me. I’m particular about my snowmobile gear because my riding is most typically longer distances without returning to my starting point daily. Trying new gear is fun but being stuck with new gear that is not up to the challenge for an extended time is not fun.
509 is typically a very good bet for well thought out design, function and capability. I felt comfortable and reasonably confident in leaving my current favorite boots behind to tell you about these 509s.
Ever try to get an imaginative good-looking photo of your boots?
The 509 Raid boots feature a 5TECH breathable liner and are insulated with 600 grams of Thinsulate. Both of these features worked to perfection in keeping my tootsies warm and dry in a variety of snowmobiling conditions.
The Raids’ construction was tough without being heavy or stiff. The tread design flexes well and offers good traction on the boards and the snow. The boots’ generous rubber reinforcements can definitely take the beating and abrasions offered by footholds and sharp running board edges.
My Raids were the traditional lace style, and here are two things that I learned about that:
- The laces were too long … to an extreme. The tied lace loops drag on the ground, or you need to tuck them in or wrap the laces around the top of your boot once to use up the slack before you tie them.
- Once you have experienced having the Boa system on your boots, there is no going back.
The last time I purchased new boots, I reluctantly took this advice from my brilliant engineer son Nick: “I know it seems like a lot more money, but spend the extra, get the Boa system, and I guarantee you will be happy you got it every time you put them on or take them off.” I did, and he was right. Thanks, Nick!
The good news is the 509 Raids are offered in a Boa version. They are also offered in Black/Black (as pictured above) or Black/White versions.
I found the 509 Raid Laced Boots to be light, comfortable, warm, dry and durable. Is there really anything else you or I would want in a boot? I think not!
Spend the extra and get the Boas!
