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

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