Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
Articulated MX Boots Articulated MX Boots
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals




Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 Jul 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Posts: 86
Articulated MX Boots
My normal road boots are not adequate for technical riding. I find that hours of standing on the pegs wear out my feet, ankles and calves. MX boots seem to be the answer to this but they are too difficult to walk in (as one invariably do).
My old road boots are comfy and light but offer no real protection against cars ramming me from the side or the bike pinning me to the ground.

An alternative is to get MX boots with hinged ankles. Three boots come to mind. BMW Rallye boots, Sidi Flex Force and Gearne iforgetwhat. Does anyone have any experience with such boots? Do they wear in well? Do I really need them?
I can’t afford to buy them just to experiment (expensive) and the shop won’t loan me any for the weekend (understandable).
__________________
BMW R1200GS
Suzuki TL1000S
Suzuki GSX750R
Honda MBX50
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Jul 2005
george t's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2005
Location: London, UK
Posts: 119
ah! I got a pair of Gaerne SG10, the ones with hinged ankle.

They are good for off / road off piste "all day on the pegs" riding and provide good support.

But as all MX boots they are not much good for walking. The hinges are there but the only seem to offer little extra flexibility.

I used mine on a marocco trip, wearing them all day (6-8hours) for a week, mostly off road some technical some easier tracks and some tarmac). Didn't have time to break them in before the trip but they were comfy from day 1.

To be totally honest they are a bit of an "overkill" for desert track riding I could have gone for a cheaper pair but then again I liked the stormtrooper look (white boots) and I liked the solid / quality feel about them.

But if you are looking for a pair that you can ride all day and then get off the bike and walk for hours exploring, the SG-10s are not for you.


Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Jul 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: London, UK
Posts: 635
I had the sidis. they look cool, but were a bad choice: sweaty as hell and inflicting serious knee damage. they're so stiff that they transfer all the twist to the knee ligaments. they are for use with knee braces. stick with leather gaerne/other
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Jul 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Nantes, France
Posts: 392
I have a pair of the sidi ones, bought in Oz.

They are great at doing what they are designed for: hard core off road. Suberb protection. Very very strong. But for a long tour, no.

1.They are hard to walk in. Just too bloody big. The articulation helps yes, but only as far as the cafe and back for lunch. Even then they are a weight.
2.They are also pretty hot. Lots of plastic. Not an all-day boot.
3.They look ridiculous.

Tourers need touring kit I guess. These off-road things are just not made for us. A specialist boot like this is a major undertaking.

I guess if you do a lot of off-road on your trip then they will suit. or if you want the ultimate in protection.

But I will choose something else next time.

Simon
__________________
Simon Kennedy
Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Jul 2005
Ian Ian is offline
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 443
I've been using a pair of the Viberg dual sport boots (http://www.workboot.com/dualsportbb.htm) for a few years and IMHO they are a great alternative. There's not much protection to the shin or lower leg but the foot is very well protected. I've found they're reasonably water resistant if they're treated, not too much in hot climates and comfortable enough for a couple of hours walking. They also seem to be very well made - only scratches and cosmetic damage so far in 4 years of hard use on all sorts of terrain in all sorts of weather. Easy to order from Canada as well, at least to the UK. I faxed them a trace of my feet and payment details and the boots arrived a week or two later. IMHO, an excellent product.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 31 Jul 2005
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,108
I have the BMW Ralley boots. Good at protection, but not waterproof, hot and smelly (lots of plastic), and uncomfortable to walk in (I have wide feet).

Tim
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 31 Jul 2005
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Birmingham
Posts: 59
I have the SIDI flex-force. I used them on a trip around Maroc - mix of riding environments, but lots of standing on the pegs.

Good points:
No breaking-in needed; lots of adjustment to get the fit right.
Comfy around the foot and ankle area; the latter because of the articulation I think.
Pretty good armour around the shin area.
Sole can be replaced
Bad points:
Too fiddly; all that adjustment has a price - takes ages to put them on.
The plastic has lots of sharp edges that cut your hands, catch in your nails etc..
The rain skirt digs into your calf muscle.
Too many small metal parts in the construction - easy to loose.
They squeek without liberal application of WD 40!
They are just too hot.

So, what else to try? I had a pair of Alpinestars Vector in the cupboard. I have never used these off-road before, but tried them in the Peak District last Wednesday - very comfy, but the sole was too smooth and slipped a lot when pushing the bike over difficult bits.

I tried on a pair of Aplinestars Tech 6's the other day, and think I will buy a pair to try. A simple boot, well made, with a decent sole. Supple, but with plenty of protection. No rain-skirt - which is a plus as its redundant for me.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 1 Aug 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Posts: 86
Thanks for the feedback.
Your opinions were helpful indeed. Everyone I spoke to who owns MX boots has warned me that they are no good for touring.
It’s a shame really… the stormtrooper image is very appealing! I am disappointed to focus on practicalities and logic but hey, the fewer things that can go wrong and irritate me on a trip the better.

I have decided instead to get sturdy leather boots with good ankle support. They must have rigid soles enabling me to stand on the pegs and should lace or buckle high up my shin for support and protection. A rain skirt is not needed since I will wear them underneath the trouser legs.

Thanks guys
Cyril
__________________
BMW R1200GS
Suzuki TL1000S
Suzuki GSX750R
Honda MBX50
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 2 Aug 2005
george t's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2005
Location: London, UK
Posts: 119
thats 100% my thoughts
(after having spend loads to buy the Gaerne SG10)

I bought a pair of Alpinestar No stop - Off road (not the trials)
see the photo on this website

www.customlids.co.uk/offroad.htm
(select alpinestarts and look for the picture of the boot)

good level of support plus comfortable & decent flexibility,
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:12.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top