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Off road boots? Off road boots?
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Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
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  #1  
Old 27 Feb 2013
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Off road boots?
So, I've bought some TCX Pro 2.1 boots. Tried them on when they arrived, and they're seriously rigid! I know that's the point, and they'll probably give when worn, but I'm wondering do you really need this style of boot when travelling? I am gradually getting into more off road riding, but it's always going to be a means to an end / to explore, rather than anything too hard core. I wonder how comfortable they'll be compared to 'normal' road boots when worn all day, every day? I doubt I'd enjoy wandering around a town I'd just come across in them?

Does anyone have any experience with boots akin to these, and whether they're OK for all round use (off/on road, general day-to-day) or are they a little too specific?

Thanks in advance!
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  #2  
Old 27 Feb 2013
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I've been using Hein gerike off road boots (I think they're actually the same boot as the TCX) for the last few years and think that in fact they are too focused for green laning. They designed for motorcross racing.

I would look for something like a trials boot, sidi courier, the W2 adventure boot or forma adventure boot in the future.

If money is no object then sidi crossfire apparently offer the best mix of protection and movement.
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Old 27 Feb 2013
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I have the Hein Gericke Rallye III boots, "stiff as a boot" for the first week or so but nothing a little elbow grease and dubbin wont fix, very comfortable for all day / terrain. Easy to get on and off, not too heavy, warm and water proof and I find them quite ok to walk around in too.

Hein Gericke RALLYE III GORE-TEX® Boots, black - Boots

They do look similar to the TCX

[url=http://www.tcxboots.com/eng/prodotti-dettaglio.php?collezione=1&prodotto=10]INFINITY GORE-TEX
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Old 28 Feb 2013
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Depends on the balance of protection vs walking comfort with/without full waterproofness.

Alpinestars Tech 3's (non-MX sole) are very protective but I wouldn't want to trek the Annapurna Circuit in them. They're incredibly stiff initially but give quite well and the protection is incredible. They are rarely waterproof (leaking thru the welt) and necessitate some neoprene socks or similar for dry, warmth.

The Sidi Adventure Rains offer good protection but the sole is not stiff enough for all-day standing on the pegs.

I put a premium on limb protection and comfort while standing on the pegs. Waterproof would be very nice but I'm still taking the Tech 3's to Siberia.
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Old 28 Feb 2013
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I've been using Sidi Crossfire boots for 2 years now. I value my ankles a lot and tend to get far away from pavement. I have no doubt these boots saved me injuries and I have no regrets about the nuisance of big heavy boots. I find them comfortable to walk in, just too heavy to do so for long....
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Old 28 Feb 2013
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depends on how much off-road you want to do.
i used motocross boot from europe to mongolia, that is 3 months wearing them. i choose for safety and carried slippers for non bike day's
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Old 7 Mar 2013
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I have Alpinestars scout boots and they are very stiff. Good protection and waterproof and I'm hoping they soften up as they wear a bit. Has anyone used these?
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Old 7 Mar 2013
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Off road boots?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mooze View Post
I have Alpinestars scout boots and they are very stiff. Good protection and waterproof and I'm hoping they soften up as they wear a bit. Has anyone used these?
They are not waterproof

Mine were new when I landed last April in Frankfurt and within one week if riding I had wet freezing cold feet

Save your money. Alphinestars never helped in any way with replacement as I could not send them away they just ignored me

They are tough and saved me a few times in crashes but they are not waterproof
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Old 7 Mar 2013
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Alipnestars gtx is the best.
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Old 8 Mar 2013
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Ok this is probably a really dumb question, but I have been riding for about 3 years and have always worn my Timberlands. I know they won't provide the same level of protection in case of an accident but so far I haven't had any issues.

I will soon be going on my first motorcycle tour (1 month through South America). Is it really dumb that I am planning to not wear motorcycle boots for this trip and just stick my Timberlands?

(Once again sorry for asking such a noob question)
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Old 11 Mar 2013
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there are people driving with flipflops
if the timberlands work for you..go for it
it doesn't work for my riding style
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Old 11 Mar 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by transistorized View Post
Ok this is probably a really dumb question, but I have been riding for about 3 years and have always worn my Timberlands. I know they won't provide the same level of protection in case of an accident but so far I haven't had any issues.

I will soon be going on my first motorcycle tour (1 month through South America). Is it really dumb that I am planning to not wear motorcycle boots for this trip and just stick my Timberlands?

(Once again sorry for asking such a noob question)
They're MUCH better than riding in flip flops, something I witness everyday in Asia for the last 10+ years.

That said, the downside of the Timberlands is: laces - even in a slow crash they could get caught and cause a twisting injury - ankle, knee, etc; no armor - that leather will be chewed up pretty fast in a slide and then . . . no more protection; no protection of the achilles nor shin.

You could do worse. But for not alot of money you could do alot better.
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Old 13 Mar 2013
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Cool. I will actually check out motorcycle boots - my trip will be a combination of hiking+riding, and I just didnt want to carry around huge heavy motorcycle boots with me everywhere.
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Old 15 Apr 2013
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Hello
I did 60'000km of my RTW on the Salomon Quest 4D GTX:
Salomon Quest 4D GTX 590606, Herren Sportschuhe - Outdoor: Amazon.de: Schuhe & Handtaschen
They offer enough protection to the foot and are made for walking.
Just had to glue on a piece of lether for the left foot to protect it from the gearshift.
I never understood the idea of wearing those ski-boot like motorcross-boots unless you actually go on a motocross parcour or participate on the dakar.
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Old 16 Apr 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sushi2831 View Post
Hello
I did 60'000km of my RTW on the Salomon Quest 4D GTX:
Salomon Quest 4D GTX 590606, Herren Sportschuhe - Outdoor: Amazon.de: Schuhe & Handtaschen
They offer enough protection to the foot and are made for walking.
Just had to glue on a piece of lether for the left foot to protect it from the gearshift.
I never understood the idea of wearing those ski-boot like motorcross-boots unless you actually go on a motocross parcour or participate on the dakar.
sushi
I have to agree with you there... I have been riding for years using the high top backpacking style boots for foot protection... My current set is a pair of Meindl Dovers... These boots are built on a mountaineering style platform and are very sturdy, more so than many of the touring boots being offered out there...They are also 12" tall to the tongue so if you use shin pads, they will still tuck under the top of the boot...They also have a full Gore-tex liner so they are waterproof right to the top of the boot.. Using a boot designed for walking means you can save some luggage space by not having to pack an extra set of shoes for those times when your off the bike hiking... The downside is that they are expensive, costing more than many of the riding boots out there...
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