Rome Libertine 2020 - 2010 Review by The Good Ride

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The Rome Libertine has a pretty big footprint but everything else about it does a good job for those that want a mid flexing do everything kind of boot. It’s been a long time since I got on this boot and it was good to see how much it evolved since then.

Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews.  We do make money from the “Where To Buy” links, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders’ perspective.

How This Review Happened:  We borrowed this for an extended demo and then returned it.
Days:
Size Tried: 
Riders: James (Size 9, 5’10” 185-195lbs)
Bindings: Union Strata, Rome Crux, Rome Black Label

Boards: Yes Greats,  Rome Agent, Rome Ravine

James’ Foot Specs
Foot Size: 9 US
Foot Width: E
Arch Length: Right 9.5 and Left 9
Instep: (left and Right) 10.5”
Calf Circumference: Top of boot 17” & Bottom of boot 12”

Sizing/Fit/Heel Hold: The Rome Libertine fit true to size with my 9 feet. My somewhat wide feet also fit well in these boots and I think they would work well for anyone that isn’t super wide. The heel hold was fine for me but I have big ankles. If you run narrow in the heel/ankle you might need more than what the smaller J-Bars can offer or need boot fitting foom to get a tighter fit. It fit well without any real pressure points. There was some very light pressure on a forward flex from where the tongue starts after the toe but it went away after a few runs and never really hurt me.

Lacing/Adjustability: Traditional lace does an amazing job for those that like to dial out how your boot fits. It takes more work but to many, it could be worth it.

Flex & Flex Retention: The Rome Libertine has some tech to preserve the flex like a little articulation at the ankle and a rubber back stay but it seems to be focused more on comfort day 1. It’s a hard balance between comfort and long term flex retention. We don’t know for sure how well this will play out over 100 days but at least the material looks good.

Footprint: One of the only real complaints we have with the Rome Libertine was how it was considerably bigger (over an inch) than my Adidas boots and a good bit longer than the Vans Verse I had. I can only speak to size 9 so it could be different in larger sizes. All three boots fit my size 9 feet almost the same when it came to the length inside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Response/Turn Initiation: So the medium bordering on medium/soft flex of the Rome Libertine had a medium response. I thought it might not be as responsive as it was but it powered all the boards easily edge to edge.

Shock Absorption: The D30 in the Rome Libertine seemed to make the thinner sole still pretty shock absorbent. It was a nice balance bettween having good board feel and being shock absorbent.

Traction: Vibram soles kill it for traction and the Rome Libertine is great for all temps and conditions.