Shell

Ever since Rome mercifully streamlined its range a couple of seasons back, finding the right boot for you has never been easier. That’s in large part due to the fact that boots like the Rome Bodega are available with different lacing systems. Whether you like the precision adjustment of a double Boa system, or the look and feel of a classic lace, you’ve got both options.

(NB: that’s for the men’s version only; the women’s model still comes only in double Boa). Even if you go for the lace, there’s a Boa’d-up harness within the boot that you can adjust to perfection before getting to the bunny-ears stage.

As for the shell itself, it’s a relatively malleable, lightweight design that’s perfect for park riding, complimented by the ‘Gripflex’ outsole that finds a good compromise between boardfeel and durability. Your colour options are ever-present black with some fine red detailing, or a great-looking tan variant for the double Boa version.

“It’s a relatively malleable, lightweight design that’s perfect for park riding”

Liner

As with the rest of the boot, the liner of the Rome Bodega is from the brand’s second tier of tech. If you want the creme-de-la-creme, that’s what the Libertine’s for – but take a closer look at what’s being offered here before you head over to that review.

The ‘Pro F.I.T.’ liner may not have the ultra-tech foam of the next-up model, but that’s really the only significant difference. You still get the 3D ankle supports that do a great job of banishing heel lift, as well as a quality footbed. Yes, it’s a little thinner on the Bodega, but the boardfeel bonus makes that a plus point for the freestyle-minded rider.

These are fully heat-mouldable, and that’s a step (ahem) that we’d always recommend taking if you can. In a perfect world your boot should feel like an extension of your body – and with the Rome Bodega, that’s no pipe dream.

“Rather than trying to be all things to all feet, it sets out its stall clearly”

Roundup

No big changes for the Rome Bodega, then, but that’s exactly why we continue to rate it. Rather than trying to be all things to all feet, it sets out its stall clearly – and for our money, over-delivers for its target market.

Speaking of cash, it’s a joy to see a boot that takes the best things about its higher-end stablemate, makes cost savings where possible, and still delivers something really special for the more budget-conscious rider. This is something the crew at Rome does well (see also the Rome Katana and Rome Vice bindings), and now more than ever we salute them for it.

Pros:

• A boot with an uncompromising focus on freestyle, which isn’t as common as you’d hope
• The latest model hasn’t rocked the boat, carrying over what we already loved about it

Cons:

• The focus on boardfeel will be less welcome when you’re jittering over crud
• We’re still waiting for different lacing options on the women’s version

“The Bodega boot family is all about smooth flexing pressure point free good times. Built around the notion that a high-performance boot doesn’t have to be overly firm, the Bodega family features the Bodega BOA, Bodega Hybrid BOA, Bodega Lace and Women’s Bodega.

Like all Rome boots, the Bodega features a fully heat moldable liner as it comes correct out of the box with our PRO F.I.T. liner for incredible comfort and pack out free riding. This buttery smooth serial chiller of a boot keeps its foot on the gas no matter the terrain.”

Buy the Rome Bodega: £250 at Blue Tomato UK 

Buy the Rome Bodega: €280 at Blue Tomato EU