As a parent of a 9-year-old who rides, having the proper gear – like these Fly Racing Youth Maverik Boots – is essential for his safety and my sanity. Watching him whiz around on his Volcon Kids Moto Two or Greenger x Honda CRF-E2 electric dirtbikes, I have the normal concerns any parent would have for their child’s safety. August loves riding his bikes but is not a fan of gearing up. Understandable for a kid who is used to skateboarding barefoot in shorts around the neighborhood. However, the non-negotiable rule is: If he wants to ride, he has to wear all the gear. Once August gets his gear on, he struts around the garage like a superhero and has a big smile on his face. I explain to him that the bulky gear allows him to ride faster and push the envelope, and if he takes a tumble the gear will protect him. The Fly Racing Youth Maverik Boots are great for August. They provide excellent protection with quality leather and plastic construction as well as inner ankle protection, an articulate rear ankle, 3D-molded plastic shifter and shin protection, and a metal toe guard. The non-lug sole provides good traction when he has one foot down at a stop. The graphics look sharp and caught his little brother’s eye, sparking a tinge of jealousy in him. (I assured little brother Wolfgang that he will inherit the boots when he’s big enough.) The Maverik’s straps and buckles are quite sturdy. The straps are adjustable in length, but the buckles are non-adjustable, fixed in place with screws. The boots are initially stiff, which is great for safety but can be difficult for a 9-year-old to get the needed leverage to close the buckles. That’s when Dad gets to play valet and finish buckling up the boots. Gear up completed, time to go riding! There’s a field near our house with a large sandpit that offers good space for riding. August’s electric bikes are silent, so they don’t bother the neighbors. August took off out the driveway and headed over with me following on my bicycle. Once at the field, August was bombing laps. At one point, he was attempting a tight, low speed turn (the bane of new riders) and went down. Of course, the bike landed on his leg and pinned him to the ground. No better example of why wearing all the gear is essential. The Maverik boots protected his leg from the bike’s footpeg, and in true Dad fashion, I said “See! That’s why you wear the gear!” as I picked up the bike and he stood up. After the mishap, August jumped back on the bike and tore off down the field no worse for wear. The stiffness of the boots gave August confidence to start riding standing up and attacking more difficult terrain like a giant sand pit. On the pegs, “throttle” pinned, he charged into the pit and flew out the other side with a big grin. I suggested that he practice putting a foot out when making turns, and he tried it out. The smooth sole made it easy for his boot to glide over the grass. The Fly Racing Maverik boot is an excellent choice for young riders, and August recommends them! They are available in Black, Black/Red (shown), and Black/Pink in youth sizes 1-6 for $129.95. Shop for Fly Racing Youth Maverik Boots The post Fly Racing Youth Maverik Boots Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.