Much like that unfortunate looking lass on the end of the bar at closing time, sometimes you have to try things you perhaps, normally wouldn’t. Even the best cricketer will let a few slip through the covers, but the FOX 180 boot could actually be more ugly duckling and less walk of shame...read on.

Note: These boots are now renamed to ‘Comp R’ boots for 2019

When I was first presented with these all-new (for 2018) FOX 180 boots, I was pretty dubious. And I’m sure you can guess what my reservations revolved around. Yep - the rubber strap. Was it because it was different from the norm? Was I just used to straps and clips? Was it cheap looking? I was dedicated to find out. You know...for science.

Clearly built off the back of the championship winning Instinct, the 180 is the cheaper, baby brother in just about every way. But with the Instinct being a very high-end boot, the 180 can afford to lose a little tech and still be a good mid-level option.

The sole of the 180 isn’t going to do you any favours in slippery muddy conditions, but the DURATAC sole sticks to the pegs like glue

Grabbing the boot and sliding your feet in, it has a feeling of a large boot, in line with the instinct feel - #obvi. My foot slid in easy and settled in the toe box with comfortably. I found there to be much more room in the 180 then, say the SIDI Crossfire II which I am used to wearing. A little too much room for my foot and preference but someone with a larger, wider print would really appreciate the 180.

Strapping up, the buckles are very much like the Instinct, until you get to the top rubber strap that hooks into a catch on the outside of the boot. A little janky looking at first and initially I worried how good it would work. A clip would have been easy to use, but to swap in a rubber strap is probably half point of difference, (like Yamaha’s Reverse engine and Honda’s twin pipes) and half R&D. FOX are calling it the ActiveLock closure system and is designed to flex with the riders biomechanics for unrestricted movement on the bike. Looking down and bending the knee you can see the strap flexing a little, which is the idea. Whether it is better than a regular strap? Probably not. Otherwise wouldn’t in Instinct have the same strap? But, it makes the calf support very very comfortable and with its four position adjust-ability, it easily allows for larger calves and any type of knee brace.

Instinct-esk buckles that are replaceable for longer shelf life

I didn’t notice the flex in the calf when riding which is a good thing. The flex in the ankle is enough to allow me to get around the bike easily, and the lock out on the back is a nice addition. The rubber on the inside is really tacky and helps grip the bike with your legs and it runs right from the top to the sole.

The Dirt

Replacing the sole might be problematic as there is not sole you can buy as yet (Jan ‘19). The sole is also quite thick, so that might take some getting used to. When I heard about the rubber strap I wasn’t on board. But after riding with it - I’m a strap fan. It’s easy to use and never came off during regular use or taking a soil sample. Will we see the strap on more boots in the future - only time will tell.

Easy enough to walk around in all day without too much discomfort

But at nearly half the price of the Instinct, if you’re a hard core FOX guy and cant go big, the 180 (now called the Comp R) is a definite two thumbs up from me and a great mid-level boot with a real point of difference.