I'm looking for a decent all-round boot, something safe to wear but also possible to walk in.... I like the idea of a high motor cross boot as it gives protection to my calf's which fall victim to my metal boxes. I've seen the Diadora Stone2 in brown, however retails at €240 ....

Do motocross boots loosen and make walking possible ? where the hell can you store them on the bike if you change boots ....

Currently using a hard hiking boot, at least I get one part right - the walking ....

Salut Matt

ps. why are most boots crazy colors !!

I have the same dilema (as I think do many people) and am currently wearing mountaineering boots which are not great for riding in. Am thinking along the lines of these now:

http://www.geargarrison.co.uk/shop/p...roducts_id=235

Cheap too.

Matt

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*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!

Look for the cheapest motocross boot in the AlpineStar lineup (Tech-4). Forget the top one like Tech-8 or 10. There is too much plastic in them and for sure you can't walk.

As for the Tech-4, most of the boot is made from leather and after the break-in period become soft enough for walking. Add a good sole in them and you'll be OK. With this setup I have no problem walking for 2-3hours.

Pat

Altebergs , Hogg all weather.

http://www.altberg.co.uk

Dry, comfy.

I even walked up Snowden in them :-)

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Check out this thread http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...highlight=nike


On our recent trip to Africa I used the Nike Air Zoom Tallac PRO XCR, a really high tech light weight hiking boot.



My wife wore a pair of Timberland Cadions, which I found an even better choice as they were sturdier.



Either choice:
Cool
Extremely lightweight
Sturdy
Water proof breathable membrane
Acceptable ankle coverage
Roomy: enough so that I can layer up with socks in cold weather, or if my feet get wet (don't need to wait for boots to dry out).

These boots do compromise safety somewhat, and more or less so depending on how and where you ride. But, with these you will only need to bring this one pair of boots and a pair of hiking sandles to be fully covered for an RTW. For extra safety you might want to go for strap on knee/shin guards that can be strapped on to the outside of the pants. Persoanlly I don't ride so hardcore that I feel the extra safety is worth the extra hassle and discomfort.

Virtually all my riding gear has on/off bike versatility. For a slight reduction in safety I get a vast increase in comfort, versatility and convenience. Being able to enjoy a long lunch at a nice restaurant without having to change clothes or be mistaken for an interstellar space traveller is truely a great benefit, as is being able to ride to a scenic site and take hike in it, comfortably in ones riding gear. Another benefit is that you don't need to pack as much stuff.

In the end it is about biking philosophy and risk aversion.

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Got to say Altburg Hogg boots, use them to ride in all the time as they were designed from military combat boots and hiking boots and adapted for bike riding they are perfect Have also done some big hikes in Norway as well as went ice climbing etc while up there, the Hogg boots were fine for everything. They are great all rounders and the quality is superb and they are Black, waterproof, re-buildable and repairable and cost at the factory custom fitted and sized built to order about £125.00 I think they are a bit more on Altburgs website.

I kind of enjoy my clunky low tech moto cross boots. They give great support to my foot that was permanently damaged from having a fully loaded bike smash it into the ground and slide for a long ways at 90kph. all the gear all the time.

This is what i wear

the hinged ankle makes them comfortable for short walks yet provide good protection from ankle twists and roll overs.
They do get a bit hot but a thin pair of coolmax socks help.
They are not waterproof

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I agree - Altberg Hoggs are great - worth the wait!!

However, if you really want motocross type boots try looking at trials boots - like Gaerne etc. They are same sort of styling as MX boots but more flexible so better for walking.

Adventure 950 and Marmaid,

I visited Altberg's site, and I must agree, those boots do in fact look great! I very much like the fact that they have lacings. With lacings I can buy a slightly big 2-3 season boot and use a inlay sole and some thick socks to convert it to 3-4 season, with increased performance on really hot days.

I also like the fact that they are black and descrete so that they canbe worn on a semi formal shirt and tie occasion.

But, being completely leather, they do look too hot for hot days, especially for walking.

Any comments about climate range? I mean, four season in the uk doesn't excactly cover any extremes?

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Wheelie,

I've got 3/4 season boots and don't have any problems with overly hot feet. To be honest, your feet are going to warm up in any decent walking boot. I also take walking sandals so if it's really hot and as long as I'm not going anywhere too 'rugged' I can wear them.

As for buying a larger size and using insoles etc. I wouldn't recommend it. You run the risk of the boots being too loose when it's hot encouraging blisters etc. and too tight when it's cold which will give you numb feet.
Better off getting the right size and having some decent 'performance' socks that wick sweat away when hot and provide good insulation for the cold.

I prefer a light weight mountaineering boot or a heavy duty backpacking boot. Go for something with gore-tex if you end up with one of the said boots. Scarpa, Vasque, Merrell, La Sportiva, Alico, Gronell are some of the top makers. Some websites to check out are; sierratradingpost.com, mgear.com, backcountrygear.com, campmor.com, snowleopard.com, killerdeals.com.

Have been on the road for three weeks now and both my wife and myself are well pleased with our Combat boots. They are waterproof and breathable, almost no breakin time and they look ok in a pair of off-bike pants. They are pricey but worth the investment. Its like a helmet for the feet. Hurt the head and it really interfeers with the riding, hurt the feet or any lower bone structure and and it really messes up walking.

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Jack & Janet

Altberg boots and x socks

I've had my Altbergs for two years and they've been the best boots I've

tried. After 8 hours in Norwegian rain my feet were the only dry part left.

I've run and walked plenty of miles in boots and these are as comfortable

as any. They didn't have to be broken in either. Like slippers.

It seems anyone who's tried them loves them. Enough said.