I've been wearing the rev it arrow shoes for a few months now, and honestly, they don't even look like motorcycle gear. That is probably the biggest compliment I can give them right off the bat. If you're anything like me, you probably hate the "Power Ranger" look when you're just headed to a coffee shop or meeting up with friends. You want something that keeps your toes from getting crushed but doesn't make you walk like a penguin once you hop off the bike.
When I first pulled these out of the box, I was struck by how much they reminded me of a high-end pair of skate shoes or those classic high-top sneakers we all grew up with. But the moment you pick them up, you realize they're a different beast entirely. There's a weight and a structural stiffness to them that tells you they mean business.
The First Impression and Aesthetic
The design team at REV'IT! clearly had a specific vibe in mind. They went for a mix of nubuck leather, 3D air mesh, and a bit of oily suede. It sounds like a lot of materials for one shoe, but it works. The rev it arrow shoes have this sleek, urban profile that blends in perfectly with a pair of riding jeans or even just regular chinos.
I opted for the grey and white version, though the blacked-out ones look pretty sharp too. One thing to keep in mind is that the white soles will, inevitably, get a bit of "character" from your shifter peg. Some people hate that, but I think it adds to the look. It shows you actually ride your bike instead of just posing next to it.
The perforation along the side isn't just for show, either. You can actually see the light through the mesh if you hold them up. On a hot July afternoon, you'll be glad that air is actually moving through the shoe rather than just sitting there getting swampy.
How They Feel on the Bike
Riding in these is a bit of a revelation if you're used to heavy, clunky touring boots. The sole is made by OrthoLite, specifically their X40 foam. It's got a decent amount of "squish" for walking, but it's firm enough that you don't feel the vibrations of the footpegs buzzing through your arches all day.
The gear shift feel is pretty direct. Some moto shoes have a massive rubber pad on the toe to protect the leather, but the rev it arrow shoes keep it clean. They've reinforced the internal toe box instead. I was a little worried the nubuck would get shredded by my shifter, but so far, it's holding up surprisingly well. There's a bit of a dark mark, but the leather itself hasn't frayed or thinned out.
One thing I noticed immediately is the heel. It's slightly lifted, which puts your foot in a more natural position on the pegs. It's a small detail, but when you're riding for an hour or two, it saves you from that weird ankle fatigue you get with completely flat skate shoes.
Is the Protection Actually There?
Let's be real: no sneaker-style shoe is going to offer the same protection as a full-height racing boot with a torsion brace. But for zip-lining through city traffic, the rev it arrow shoes punch way above their weight.
They've got these thermoformed cups in the heel and the toe. If you try to squeeze the heel with your hand, it barely budges. That's exactly what you want if things go sideways and your foot ends up under the bike. There's also an injected ankle cup on both sides. You can feel the little discs sitting right over your ankle bones. It's comforting to know they're there, but they're padded well enough that they don't dig into your skin.
The sheer stiffness of the sole is also a big safety feature. If you try to twist the shoe like a wet rag, you'll find it's quite resistant. That lateral rigidity is what keeps your foot from folding in ways it shouldn't during an impact. For a casual-looking shoe, it feels remarkably solid.
Walking Around and Daily Comfort
This is where most motorcycle shoes fail. Usually, you get to your destination and immediately want to take them off because they're too stiff or the heel rub is killing you. I've spent entire eight-hour workdays in my rev it arrow shoes without a single complaint.
The OrthoLite insole really does a lot of the heavy lifting here. It feels more like a modern running shoe underfoot than a piece of safety equipment. Also, the tongue is padded and lined with mesh, so it doesn't bite into the front of your ankle when you're walking.
One minor gripe—and it's a tiny one—is that they take a second to get on. Because they're high-tops and the leather is fairly sturdy, you really have to loosen the laces all the way down to get your foot in comfortably. There's a pull loop on the heel to help you out, which I use every single time. Once they're on, though, they're locked in. They don't feel like they'd fly off in a slide, which is a common fear with low-cut "riding sneakers."
Breathability vs. Weatherproofing
If you're looking for a boot to wear through a rainstorm, these are not it. The rev it arrow shoes are unapologetically built for warm weather. Because of all that perforation and the mesh tongue, water gets in almost instantly if you hit a puddle or get caught in a downpour.
However, that trade-off is worth it for the summer. I've worn these in 90-degree heat, and while my feet weren't "cold," they certainly weren't overheating. The airflow is noticeable once you get above 30 mph. It's a specialized tool—great for the sun, not so great for the clouds.
If you do live in a place where it rains a lot, you might want to look at REV'IT!'s waterproof options, but you'll lose that sweet, sweet airflow. Personally, I'd rather have the ventilation and just check the weather report before I head out.
Sizing and Fitment Tips
In my experience, the rev it arrow shoes run pretty true to size, but they're a bit on the narrow side. If you have wide "duck feet," you might find the toe box a little cramped for the first few days. The leather does stretch and break in, though. After about a week of riding and walking, mine softened up perfectly and molded to my foot shape.
I usually wear a 43 in most European brands, and the 43 in these fit exactly as expected. There's enough room to wiggle my toes, but my heel doesn't lift when I walk. If you're between sizes, I'd suggest sizing up rather than down, especially since you might be wearing slightly thicker motorcycle socks.
The Long-Term Verdict
So, are they worth the investment? If you're an urban commuter or a weekend canyon carver who spends a lot of time off the bike at your destination, then yes, absolutely. The rev it arrow shoes bridge the gap between "cool sneaker" and "protective gear" better than almost anything else I've tried.
They aren't the cheapest shoes on the rack, but you can feel where that extra money went. The stitching is precise, the materials feel premium, and they don't have that "cheap glue" smell you get with budget gear. They feel like a product designed by people who actually ride.
It's nice to have a pair of shoes that I don't have to think about. I put them on in the morning, I ride, I go to the office, I walk to lunch, I ride home, and I don't feel like I've been wearing heavy armor all day. They just work. And honestly, looking good while staying safe is a pretty solid win in my book.