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15 Aug 2017
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Boots for a girl :)
Hi everyone!
So I am a girl leaving on a South America and Africa trip the whole of next year with my boyfriend (we have all the social media if you guys feel curious www.ldmotoadventures.com ).
The bike choice is the reliable yamaha xt660z tenere as we are planning on doing quite a lot of off roading.
Now, I am pretty sorted with all the gear but got stuck when it comes to boots... I'll explain!
I have bought some Fox Instinct model and the Forma Terra. I am quite divided on what should I take with me from these 2 pairs.
I know the fox are more motocross orientated, security is unbeatable. The weight is significant and walking is not the greatest comfort. On the other hand, forma are more "walking friendly" and way lighter but does is it worth to compromise security that much?
What's your opinion on this?
Thank you for your help!
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15 Aug 2017
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Doesn't matter to me if you're a man or a woman on this one.
The more remote you will be the more important it is to not get hurt, so I'd go with protection first.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
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16 Aug 2017
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R.I.P.
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Location: california
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Go for the comfort for sure. The Forma are excellent boots offering plenty enough protection for you riding pillion. I would also add knee pads (Fox are good), good gloves. If you come flying off, many times you land on your HANDS and your KNEES.
You DO NOT want MotoCross boots. That's just plain stupid. An hour walking in those will cripple you. And You don't want to have to change out of your boots every time you stop and want to walk around a couple hours.
I assume riding two up your boyfriend will be riding carefully on such a long tour.
If off road sections are too tough, you need to get off and walk that section so he can get through. (assuming it's only a short nasty section, less than a mile), like mud bogs, deep ruts and the like.
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16 Aug 2017
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Contributing Member
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Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
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I always tour with a pair of good sturdy street boots for riding, and find the space to tuck away a pair of light sneakers in my luggage for times off the bike.
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Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
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16 Aug 2017
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Location: Oxford UK
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Shoes and boots are the most difficult damn things to pack on a bike. They take up the most space for the least value of any item I take on a trip. If you wear heavyweight / MX boots on the bike you'll need to find space for their off the bike substitute so riding boots that can double up as walking boots or similar are ideal.
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16 Aug 2017
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R.I.P.
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Spot on! I've not walked in the Forma boots but hear they are comfortable for walking, yet offer good protection.
So a good compromise, IMO.
My TCX "Track Evo" boots appear similar to some Forma boots I've seen. Mine are super comfortable walking, even hiking. Nearly as comfortable as really good, high end, comfy sport touring boots ... yet are tough enough to protect in fairly harsh off road conditions. Really happy! ... AND ... the TCX are very light weight. So nice to walk in compared to my former
SIDI Cross Fires and Alpinestar Moto boots.
Of course you can't pack them easily in luggage. My 2nd travel shoe are KEEN SANDALS. And, if I need a nice pair of regular shoes while traveling, I can always buy a pair en route.
I've smacked my foot into rocks riding off road, pinned ankle between rock and foot peg, no damage or pain. No, the Track Evo's don't provide protection like a FULL Motocross boot, but pretty damn good as a compromise boot, IMO. They are flexible enough for easy walking. Can't review how waterproof they are, only short rain rides so far.
Opinions on Boots are always quite subjective, one size never fits all. 
Last edited by mollydog; 16 Aug 2017 at 20:01.
Reason: pics
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16 Aug 2017
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Hi Molly,
My wife and I are 12 weeks into our 3 year travel and have been stuck in Bolivia for 5 weeks with the BMW recall. We both wear Forma boots and find them wonderful and a good compromise. We only have 1 pair of boots and a pair of runners (and thongs of course) as space is limited so IMO the forma are the way to go.
One other thing we did was that we found our runners took up sooooooo much room in the panniers and were a bugger to pack down............ so I got out the trusty leatherman and opened up the heal section and removed the "Hard Plastic" support at the back. Once removed we sewed up the runner (trainers for you in the US  )and they have been perfect, no loss of support, and pack down nice and flat............. and allot cheaper than so called sports/ hiking shoes..... just a thought.
What state are you leaving from?
David & Em
2Wheelsinmotion.com.au
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17 Aug 2017
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5 Weeks for a BMW Recall? OMG, TaRider (Toby) was right! 
I'm not the OP here (refer to Post #1). I'm not leaving ... I've "been there, done that" 
I've never owned Forma boots, but read good reviews. Glad your boots are working out for you!
What is wrong with your BMW? Is it rideable? You might get better/faster dealer service in Chile or Argentina? BMW have dealers in both countries.
I spent quite a bit of time in La Paz years ago, but it's so different now. Enjoy!
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18 Aug 2017
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Quote:
Originally Posted by morieson
One other thing we did was that we found our runners took up sooooooo much room in the panniers and were a bugger to pack down............
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Pack the inside of the shoe - underwear, socks ... this way the shoe keeps its shape and you get to use the space. Same with the inside of any hollow object - pack the space with stuff.
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18 Aug 2017
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The franglais-riders
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++ for FORMA and TCX Evo.
My husband has the FORMA boots and loves them.
I have had my TCX Infinity Evo for 3 years now, and I have done 2 long trips around Mongolia and central Asia with them.
After 2 years they started taking some water (under very heavy rain only).
I love those boots and can walk and wear them all day without any problem. They are super comfortable and offer very decent protection.
I had MX boots (FOX) but they were too uncomfortable for long distance travel and long days on the bike, so I eventually sold them.
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21 Aug 2017
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Molly Dog,
Realize its off subject but arrived in Bolivia, received the recall notice, took to the local La Paz BMW dealer (who have been great ), had a gap of 2mm, way past the .2mm allowed so basically the bike was deemed unsafe to continue...... plus the wife said there was no way she was getting on the back after finding out , so many emails later and 10 days after actually arriving in Bolivia the replacements made their way to the dealer, 5 weeks from the initial notice. That and the clutch slave cylinder (another quite recall) replacement we should be right to head off again.
Warin,
Yes realize we can pack the shoes but for us we try and keep all our clothes in one bag...... just suits us I suppose, but good suggestion, thank you
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21 Aug 2017
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R.I.P.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by morieson
Molly Dog,
Realize its off subject but arrived in Bolivia, received the recall notice, took to the local La Paz BMW dealer (who have been great ), had a gap of 2mm, way past the .2mm allowed so basically the bike was deemed unsafe to continue...... plus the wife said there was no way she was getting on the back after finding out , so many emails later and 10 days after actually arriving in Bolivia the replacements made their way to the dealer, 5 weeks from the initial notice. That and the clutch slave cylinder (another quite recall) replacement we should be right to head off again. |
I think you've left off the actual "problem" here: " ...Gap of 2mm" ... where?
For What? Unsafe? How?
But if it (whatever the **** "IT" is) measures 2mm and is not meant to exceed .2mm ... well, that's huge differential ... unless we're playing Horse Shoes!
Good to hear BMW La Paz are giving good service. This kind of info is important to travelers. We see too few current updates on dealers and shops down there ... so big ups, hope you're back in the saddle(s) soon! Safe Riding!
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23 Aug 2017
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I use Alt Berg boots, they make dual use boots for this type of trip too!
Hogg All Weather Original - Alt-Berg Boots
They are used by military and police too! Their boots are hand made and very good value for what you get, they can even be made to measure.
The quality is fantastic. my set is more than 2 years old now and has been in regular use on the bike too!
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23 Aug 2017
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on my tenere I use TCX Desert, excellent and comfortable boots.
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8 Oct 2018
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My wife and I both have Forma Adventure boots, and we both find them very comfortable. We have walked in them and they are great. Good value too.
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