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!

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.

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

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.

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....

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

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?

Off road boots?
 

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

Alipnestars gtx is the best.

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)

there are people driving with flipflops
if the timberlands work for you..go for it
it doesn't work for my riding style

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.

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.

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...

Hello
is it this one?
Walking Boots and Shoes, Hiking Boots, Hunting Boots | Meindl
I started my trip with a similar pair of Raichle that I used in the Swiss Military Service.
The shoe was over 10 years old and still looking good,but sadly began to desintegrade shortly into my trip.
I went to the MEC in Quebec for a similar shoe but all modern boots,like my Salomon, are not very high.
When I have to replace those I might look for this Meindl.
sushi

I have the Sidi Adventure Gore boots and very happy with them, both on and off road. They have very good protection but are not too stiff and allow me to walk a bit with them confortably when I visit sites on the way.

Yep, those are the boots... I bonded a shifter pad to the left toe area with Aquaseal to save on wear...
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...s/IMG_0878.jpg

I did indeed go for the Alpinestar Scout boots. In a 5000 mi trip from Northern NY to Key West Fl (24 days, 20 of rain, 15 of those heavy to torrential downpour) in what turned out to be one of the wettest summers in the southeastern US. These boots never leaked a drop (did a "river crossing" on a street in Roanoke Va. on a day when there was 4" of rain in 120 min.). Not bad for walking either. If you are used to dress shoes/sneakers, these will seem stiff and heavy, but if you wear boots often they are great. Superb protection as well, breaking an ankle in an out of the way place can be a catastrophe. Good boots are worth having, but a solid pair like the Meindl (I used to wear gokey sauvage logger boots and they were superb) should do well. Oil/wax them often and heavily, and leaking will be less of a problem (the gokeys were completely dry unless you stood for awhile in deep water). My commuting boot is an alico summit mountaineer boot, works beautifully.

Hi,

I want to get this Thread up again.

I am going to drive form Austria to Sydney starting at the beginning of March 2015

I have AlpineStar Tech 3 Boots which are great!
But I also dont want to take another big pair of shoes to walk around (hiking in nepal).

I heard some used some kind of combat boots or heavy hiking boots like the Meindl shoes...

What do you thint? what is your experience?
I like the idea of the heavy hiking boots...

Thanks for your input!

No you dont. You need boots that you are comfortable wearing for a long time also when walking around the city and riding. I prefere normal hiking boots.

Here are a couple of good "Which Boot" threads:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...or-boots-75274

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...explorer-21773

I have a pair of A-star tech3's but they are stiff and difficult to ride in, changing gear is difficult and are impossible to walk in..

after that experience I decided to try something else.. and bought these
http://images.esellerpro.com/2189/I/...-New-800-1.jpg

http://images.esellerpro.com/2189/I/57/Wulf-Sport-1.gif
The new 2013 Wulf Trials Boots have been designed to meet the requirements of every trials rider. Whether you're just starting off or competing in a championship, these boots will not to let you down. With Polyester and nylon lining for added comfort, adjustable plastic straps with metal tightening handles, extra ankle protection and a micro-injection shin guard the boots offer all the modern features you have come to expect. But also feature classic materials such as full grain leather construction, suede heat shield and flexible rubber sole, the wulfsport trials boots pay homage to the history of motorcycle trials. All these fantastic features and unique characteristics look even more appealing when you see the price.

Thats the sales pitch from one seller , but they are flexible enough to walk in - easy to change gear and still feel protective enough to do the job

Looks good! A nice compromise between comfort and protection. Reminds me a lot of the Gaerne Balance, Forma Adventure and TCK Evo Track. All "mild" dirt riding boots that you can walk it.

So far, the Forma looks the best but not tried it.
What's the price on the Wulf boots?

£118 in the UK
Ghostbikes link

Wow! Quite a bargain! :thumbup1: Any long term ride reports on them yet?
Haven't seen them for sale here in US, perhaps someone will bring them in?

The boots I listed are in the $200 to $300 range. £118 is about $177 usd.
Good price!

Good service from Forma ref there Adv boots
I sent them a question on whether or not you could wear the boots with off road knee protectors, as I wanted to know if the opening, and top strap was big enough.
Instead of writing back they did me a short video.
So if anyone else was thinking of getting a pair.....

Forma Adventure Boots Adjustment - YouTube

Wayne

Pretty much ALL boots of that style are designed with knee armor in mind. They ALL allow adjustment and have adjustable fasteners as shown in the Video and also have the Velcro strap at the top.

Remember (in case this is your first pair of "real" off road boots) the knee guard need only extend down into the boot top about an inch or two max. You only need a very slight overlap to gain protection of your vulnerable Tibia area. (most common bone broken in motorcycling)

The key is to find good quality, comfortable knee guards. The good ones are very thin, use quality memory foam with a hard shell and fit your leg/knee well.

If you've not ridden with dirt bike boots on ...you're in for a treat!:helpsmilie: At first you'll think you've got two stubs for feet ... you won't feel shifter and brake. Don't panic ... in a few hour or days riding all will come good.

Your brain will adjust, you'll get used to the numb feel. NOTE: you may have to make an adjustment to your shift lever when wearing the big dirt bike boots. Fatter toe area than road boots. Easily done.

Thanks for the info, ridden off road on my CRF and my knee guards fit well in my motocross boots. Yeah I know the feeling of not being able to feel the shifter and rear brake, it took me awhile to adjust :rofl:

Wayne

I ride almost every day in a variety of footwear and this last summer bought a pair of Meindl hiking boots to wear on the days when both riding and walking, however I was wearing a pair of Daytona touring boots when I had a very low speed off in town, my right foot got caught under the bike and the twisting fractured my ankle, the accident was on August 18th, 4 bone screws later and I am just getting to the point where I can walk without crutches, I can't see me ever using those hiking boots for riding from now on, even my touring boots didn't give me enough protection when I needed it and a broken ankle is a serious pain in the butt.

What do people think of the Fox Comp 5S

Fox Comp 5S Boot - Fox Racing

http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/FoxR...031001?$detl1$

Been considering a pair for my up coming tours.

I think its a personal decision, Lightweight and easy to walk in vs High, heavy and more protection.
Those low top boots probably protect your ankle reasonably well but the rest of the lower leg will have no protection.

Great for styling and walking around ... but not for riding, IMHO.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4...er%2520leg.JPG
I always put this pic up of an Israeli rider during surgery.

I had a very similar break, (compound fracture of Tibua/Fibula) but mine was in the middle of the Tibia. 7 surgeries, 2 years recovery, $200,000 in 1997 USD. (now cost would be 1 million)

Tibia fracture is the most common injury to riders according a studies. Lots of good, comfortable and affordable boots have been shown in this thread (and in a few more linked to). Just no reason to ride in glorified sneakers that offer NO real protection.

I can't see how a frontal injury is that common. I'd say it's more the sides or at angles, from say from the bike landing/falling on you, or from hitting a rock or street furniture.

It's pretty difficult to hit the front of your shin, your foot and knee kind of get in the way.

Do correct me if I'm wrong though.

According to the Hurt Report (an old but very good study of MC crashes) the most common MC crash was a car turning in front of a rider. One of the most common injuries was broken leg, (Tibia) from rider smacking front of car. The break can happen front or either side. In some cases good boots can save your leg, sometimes not.

In my case, I slid into a Armco Barrier, my leg was trapped between the bike's frame and steel Armco. The impact snapped my leg (compound fracture) and sent me off over the barrier 200 ft. free fall to a rocky creek below. There were 6 witnesses. Suffice to say I used up ALL my extra lives on that one.

Bottom line is you have to ride in gear you feel comfortable/safe in. In my 8 years of AMA Enduro competition I crashed dozens of times. Yep, I'm good at it! :rofl: Some HARD, fast crashes. doh I was never hurt. Why? Good protective gear ... and GOOD BOOTS (and luck!) My broken leg was on highway on a bike I'd never ridden, racing with friends. (bad idea!)

Some of the boots shown in this thread are much better to walk around in than they appear to be. Also, quite easy and quick to get in and out of. Full on Moto Cross boots LOOK THE SAME but are MUCH Stiffer and horrible to walk in ... but several shown here are MUCH less stiff and much more comfortable to walk about in. I'd at least try out a pair. :innocent:
bier

I've had a few crashes, and yes a car turning, pulling out is the common accident (that involves a third party)

I've always worn race type boots like the Sidi black rain evo, but I'm looking for something with slightly more off road bias (light off road), as race type boots tend to wear out quickly after a year or two.

alpinestar scouts
 

7 weeks morocco; comfortable, sturdy, waterproof and no stink...
Do yourself a favour and buy some decent boots.
Even a small accident may ruin your trip.
Just my 2 cents.

Alpinestar Scout; best boot I have ever had.:mchappy:

I'm using wulfsport MX boots. Seem decent so far. Much more comfortable than I imagined.

The Alpinestar "Scout" boot gets good reviews. Also consider:
Gaerne Adventure
Forma Adventure
TCX Track Evo
Gaerne Oiled Balance

All are enduro "lite" boots, but offer good protection you can walk in. I've only tried the Balance and TCX. The Scout are probably the most protective.

Ive got the Gaerne - early days but so far great. My last pair were also trials rather than mx boots - definitely the way to go for me.


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Totally a personal choice but I went with the hiking boots option and have really regretted it since. Thank god no injuries like the picture you posted Mollydog, but really hurt my ankel and it will I fear be forever weakened! Likewise, even with minor offs my laces always get caught on the buckle of my saddlebag giving me a few twisted ankles to what should have just been a clean-off on deep sand. Really get some decent boots especially if you do a lot of off-road stuff!

Yea, decent boots are something many novice riders ignore. Foot, Ankle and Tibia injuries are common and can be serious, really stop or slow down your trip.

Even the Enduro "lite" boots listed above give MUCH better protection than a "low cut" styling type mini boot or hiking boot.

Most of those listed above are quite comfortable for wearing all day. The only complaint I've heard on the Alpinestar Scout is that they are too warm ... so maybe not first choice for very hot climates. Both I TCX and Balance I have walked in ... very good!

But all provide fairly good Ankle support, foot and heel protection and Tibia protection ... this a big one for me as I have a Ti plate and 15 screws in my leg.

I don't care about Gore-Tex or even water proofness so much. All have issues and all boots eventually get wet if doing something like a Sibirsky Extreme ride through Mongolia with 1000 river crossings.

Mollydog, not sure if you can get them up in the States but I find my Sealskinz waterproof socks to be a godsend! My hiking boots are in tatters now, mainly due to always crouching down pitching tent, mending punctures and probably due to always sort of having my feet bent on the pegs, so the gortex lining is useless anyway, yet the Sealskinz are totally waterproof and the pair I have are very warm too. Amazing, they are also quite breathable and can wear them for several days without them smelling too bad. The other footwear I carry are some sturdy sandles from Teva, which doubled up with the sealskinz make a decent enough hiking option so long as your're just going around some ruins or keeping to light trails.

It is funny, but when I first started riding, I would often put most my gear on except my boots. Now after many years, I ride MXC boots exclusively. They are a bit hotter and don't fit under pants, but they have protected me and given me peace of mind. A minor off a few years ago with SIDI Adventure boots resulted in an injury to my ankle that caused a week out of work and then several weeks of pain and kept me off my bike. I won't go back to any other boots now. I will ride in jeans before I leave my motocross boots home ever again.

Not many Moto travelers are willing to ride round the world or cross continents using MotoCross boots. Great protection, but terrible off the bike. Very stiff for walking around and sometimes not comfortable even when riding. (depends on boots) Clicking steel toes ... and most are NOT waterproof. :thumbdown:

I see many young travelers buying small bikes, like 125's and 250's locally, many riding round in trainers or hiking boots. This is common. I did the same at their age. Some are using open face helmets, riding in shorts or whatever. ALL good until you fall. :(

I think more experienced travelers do a sort of compromise, finding a boot that is tough and protective enough, yet comfortable enough to really walk a bit of distance in, or stand around at a border in 38C heat in. Ones that jeans fit over and so on.

Lots also depends on how much OFF road you plan to ride and how aggressive you ride. Do travelers really ride like Dakar racers, even when carrying 40 kgs. of gear on board? I don't think so.

For most a good quality street riding boot would suffice. I prefer a bit more protection and go with the boots I listed above. As comfortable as street boots with more protection.

And ... it's crazy not to protect ALL of your body if doing real riding ... not just boots!

Elbows, Knees, back, head, hands. Hands are very important as often times they are the first thing to hit the ground, stretched out to break your fall (good way to break a wrist or collarbone!) Also good to learn "How TO" fall off! :rofl: Sounds funny but it can help!

Racing dirt bikes for decades means I've crashed a lot. I'm good at it! :smartass: Most times falling off riding Off road is not bad. Highway riding and contacting SOLID OBJECTS is much worse.

Please be careful out there! ...and don't forget ... ATGATT: ALL THE GEAR ALL THE TIME! :clap:

offroad
 

I have the Forma Adventure boot now and OMG it is sooo nice. its light, comfy and flexable.... protection??? probably not as good as my previous boot.
I previously had the SIDI adventure boot. Very nice boot with a awesome protection, quite comfy....but it use to shit me to tears when walking in them as they sneak and creak every step.
then I tried a mates set of Forma's.. instant comfort too, no wearing in etc needed.
less protection yes but i aint going out racing the Dakar.
I will often wear my SIDIs.. esp when Im out in the forrests.
like anything.. KTM/BMW/...... Arai/Shoei... it all comes down to personal preference really... (and $$$$ sometimes) :thumbup1:

I just sold my set of Scouts in favor of another set of my favorite ADV boots
http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogall...0/IMG_3168.JPG
The scouts were OK, but I hardly ever used them for the fact that they are not great for walking in...

http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogall...0/IMG_3217.JPG
I've very much settled on these Miendl boots for all my riding and bought a replacement pair.. They are expensive, running about $500 a pair, but this one boot style covers my riding, long distance hiking and mountain trekking.. With the high top design the shin guards slip right behind to offer protection from the toe right up past the knee which I use if my plans are to ride gnarly terrain... The lower part of the boot has a rubber rand and very good ankle support that actually offers more foot protection than my Scout boots did...

A full blown MX boot will offer more foot protection than any other boot type but may also transfer the lower leg damage from a twisting injury that would normally happen with a lesser boot further up the leg...

I'm quite happy with my TCX Track Evo boots, after a couple months having them. Italian design, made in Romania.

Most comfortable Enduro boot I've used. All day walking around comfort combined with very good protection. Foot box is stiff enough and leather thick enough to offer good protection in all but most severe conditions.

Good stiff toe box, reinforced heal, excellent tread for grip on pegs. Very easy adjust buckles. All that and still comfy for walking. No problem shifting at all ... no adjustment to shift lever on any bike ridden so far. (DR650, 1050 Tiger, Honda
230, DRZ400)

Not yet tested in rain. They can be a bit warm on 32C days but should be fabulous in Winter cold.

Down sides? Not many. Slim fit jeans (Levi 501) cannot be pulled over boot. So use "over the boot" pants and you're good. Or tuck in pants and knee pads. All good.

But the walking comfort is what I like best. You totally forget you're wearing boots! Not a bad price now but will go down when put on sale ... probably happen some time this Summer. MC Gear is good outfit if shopping in USA.

TCX Track Evo Waterproof Boots :: MotorcycleGear.com

Forma Adv Boots
 

I got mine the other day, they were waiting for me when I got back from Thailand.
Worn then a couple of time now and they are very comfy. Also great for waking about in. Chuffed with the purchase

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/390/1...558cc828_b.jpgIMG_0412 by SW Capell, on Flickr

Wayne

Shame ya got the girlie colour though LR :tongue3:

Real men wear the tough brown ones :biggrin:

They sure are super dooper comfy & dry too :D:thumbup1:

:rofl:

Oh yeah

Wayne

The Forma's look GOOD!

Here's my TCX Evo Track's after a recent 3 day off road ride. Just a bit of mud/dirt. So comfortable. Not quite a tough as the Forma but generally good protection for light dual sport/travel. The Malius pucks are there but you can't really see them. These are SUPER LIGHT weight.

I like the Girly Brown ones myself!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y...2/P1000516.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C...2/P1000517.JPG