Hey all,

Well, the time to replace the old Sidi Top Actions has come and I'm wondering if anyone had used/is using the new(ish) Alpinestars Vector boot?

I'm looking for near-motocross boot protection with a bit more 'all day every day' comfort - so basically just the normal overlanding requirement, then, and these look like they might fit the bill.

If you have a pair, especially if you've done any extended trips with them as your almost-only footwear, I'd be really interested in your opinions.

CHeers - Andy

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AndyBee
(04 KTM 640 Adv 'Naartjie'/11 KTM 990 Adv 'Tsumeb')

I've used a pair of Alpinestar Vectors for the past 4 years or so, and I've found them to be just as you describe what you are looking for - more comfort but less (slightly) protection than a motocross boot. They are lighter, easier to get in and out of, and more comfortable for walking than a standard design motocross boot (although still too heavy for hiking any great distance). I'm not even sure it's fair to say they are less protective - about 4 years ago one of the US dirt bike magazines did a huge comparison of almost every dirt bike boot on the market and rated the Vectors third out of something like 27 boot models, behind only the Tech 8's and one other model. Since I bought these my Tech 8s have been permanently consigned to the closet - haven't worn them even once.

My only complaint would be that toe protection doesn't seem to be quite as good as boots with metal toe caps - I did smash the toe end of the boot very forcefully against a large rock on a single track trail and had a black toe for a few days afterward. I'm not sure the Vectors are still being manufactured - they apparently never sold real well, probably because of their untraditional design. But there are probably stocks left at many retailers.

Hope this is of some help. I really do like these boots, and have worn them daily for trips lasting as long as 8-9 days in absolute comfort.

Mike
Idaho
www.rtwrider.net

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Mike

Hi Mike - thanks for that - it all seems as I'd hoped. I didn't know they they were being discontinued (but I'm never very well up on these things!)but I still reckon I'm going to try for a pair. You never know, if they are on run out, they might even be on special offer!

Thanks again.

Andy

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AndyBee
(04 KTM 640 Adv 'Naartjie'/11 KTM 990 Adv 'Tsumeb')

Take a look at the Oxtar Infinity boot. It's a semi-motocross boot designed use on and off road. The price is similar to a decent pair of MX boots (£170).
They are full leather with Gore-tex lining, and are very well made, although not as rigid as a full MX boot. They strike the right balance for me, as I find MX boots too clumsy on the road, but these are comfortable on road with a good level of stiffness and protection for moderate off road use. The waterproof lining is also a bonus in the UK.

Just to echo liketoride2's comments about the Vector boot - they are excellent! I've just got back from a 2 week trip to Morocco/Sahara and had a brand new pair of Vectors which were extremely comfortable straight out of the box (no need to break them in) and didn't rub at all, on or off the bike. Infact I only took one other pair of shoes (trainers) and wore the Vectors every day for 2500kms both on-road and seriously off-roading in the desert with no problems, although a torrential downpour on the way back proved (like most MX boots) they are not water proof... but then eventually nothing we were wearing was, we were soaked to the skin after 600Kms!

The only thing I would add is although they appear softer in construction, they are still quite rigid so are more appropriate for a traillie style gear change, rather than a road-orientated bike.

Alpinestars have not discontinued the Vector, infact there are new colours for 2007.

xxx

I'm looking to buy the Gearne Oiled.... seem ideal, still want to be able to walk and have plenty of protection....

If you have any experiances with Gearne boots please feel free to comment before I splash out the €225 ....

Cheers
Matt

hi what size are you after? ihave a s/hand pair for sale good condition steve bye

Hi - After hearing some good things about them, I got a second hand pair off eBay a few weeks ago. Why don't you put yours up there? I'm sure you'd get a good price for them.

Anyway, so far I'm really happy with the Vectors - they are dead well made, easy to get on and off, just the right 'stiffness' and they look pretty cool (not that this is a consideration, you understand :-))

Time and distance will tell though.

Cheers - Andy

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AndyBee
(04 KTM 640 Adv 'Naartjie'/11 KTM 990 Adv 'Tsumeb')

Hi Andy
sorry to be a dumb ass but i've spent the last two nights trying to figure out how ot post stuff on the HUBB . Im doing a trip from caoe town to cairo to tel aviv next July and I have a load of stuff I need help with.
I know its not exactly what you are talking about but could you help a real tech dumb ass :confused1:

GAry

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Life is for Living - so Live

Hi Gary,

Sure - I'm happy to try and help if I can. What is it that you're having trouble with exaclty, is it something to do with the HUBB iteself, or are you looking for sources for particular information etc? Anyway, I've always found the guys on here very helpful and some of them are amazingly experienced, so I reckon you've come to a good place.

Cheers,

Andy

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AndyBee
(04 KTM 640 Adv 'Naartjie'/11 KTM 990 Adv 'Tsumeb')

I have had a few diffrent boots over the years, but my preferance is the Alpinestar Tech 4 - once its briken in it's better than the Vector and much safer, especially when you have a fully laden 1150 adventure laying on it!

I had a pair and they are very confortable but do not provide any protection at all and after been in water once they are not waterproof anymore. I now use the Gaerne SG10 great top of the line boots , very confortable but not waterproof and not done for walking much.

Hendi

I decided to get a set of trials boots to replace my Alpinestars Tech 4s.
Why?
They've got a grippy sole, so good for pushing in the mud and general clambering about.
They're available in waterproof Gore-tex fabric.
They're slightly shorter than MX boots(good for me as im a short ass)
They come in super cool brown nubuck leather, kind of suede looking.
They also seem better lined/padded than MX boots.

I suppose theyve got a little less protection than MX boots, but they're still real tough.

I like mine a lot, they're Novogar ones and cost me £80 brand new in a sale. These ones aren't Goretex, but i have army boot liners anyhow so its not a problem. If you want Goretex check out the Diadora Stone ones for about £160.

I don't know if anyone already said - but...
Sidi Discovery boots Good Price at about $250 US
I purchased a a pair a year ago after months of research - all the good reports are absolutlely correct. Much like a trials boot - I think made for atv's Waterproof - and comfortable.

As the reports suggest - a boot you can ride in - and walk/hike for hours in. Very comfy and warm as I have ridden in snow with them and dry as a bone.

Moto look though if you don't like that but lower and a lug sole for grip. So far incredibly good.

Try this link,

http://www.motonation.com/discovery.htm