Sorry to raise the issue as it has been discussed to exhaustion but has anyone tried the vendramini marathon boots? Are they available in the UK? When I travelled last time I had hiking boots because I have very wide feet and couldn't find anything comfortable. Any ideas?

Andrew and Wendy

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“… all that is required for evil to triumph is for good men (and women) to do nothing ...”.

Is it for riding?

For wide feet try Altberg boots. They have a superb high quality range.

My husband had the same problem (wide feets). They do lots sort of motorcycle/military/hiking boots, at your precise measurements.

My hubby seems very happy with his riding boots.

Altberg Bootmakers - Richmond, North Yorkshire

Cheers,

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Maria

www.franglais-riders.com

I use 'Lowa' combat boots on the bike and off it
Not cheap, but very good boots

Trophymick

Try here - Springfields Army Store - Outdoors, Field Craft, Army Surplus & Camping Shop

I'll back the vote for Lowas, excellent boots, on and off the bike. Feel like a trainer on, but very protective and supportive. I have feet softer than a choirboy's cheek, but have never had a blister while wearing them. Top quality build and finish too. I always wear them on my DRZ, where a full-on biker boot can make me feel a bit silly.

The only problem is they are obviously a military boot, and popular with Western forces so I suppose this could cause a problem in some politically unstable areas.

Birdy

I have used Altberg boots for a few years. I like the fact that I can get a pair to suit just me. But I've never been impressed with the thickness of leather, and find that after 18 months of day to day use, they begin to sag and be less supportive.
Best boots I ever had were a pair of Sidi's but that particular model dosn't seem to have been available for quite a while.
Or so I thought until I looked at the Aerostich site. There was this familiar looking pair of boots ! Called "Combat Touring Boot", made by guess who ? Sidi !
So I ordered a pair and I'm eagerly awaiting delivery.

Has anybody bought boots from Altberg recently?

I fancy a pair of Hogg lites but I'm a bit confused about the cost. I'm sure I read here somewhere that the prices Altberg quote on their website are not actually the prices you pay. So how does that work then?

Also, I like the Hogg lites as they don't have a waterprooof membrane, which I find makes my feet hot and the boots take an age to dry if they get soaked, but will they keep the weather out?

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Beware the dark, mechanical bird.

Crusty, If you go on to the Altberg website you will see rrp prices, however after you register on site you see a different set of prices about 20% cheaper. I was fortunate to get a brand new pair of Altberg clubmans of ebay that fit like a glove, they do take a bit of breaking in tho.

I went to the altberg factory and found them very helpful however didn't get a pair as I am unconvinced of them. All altbergs are is a pair of hiking boots with some foam stiched to the ankle for protection. or lack of it - a bike landing on your ankle, I doubt these would stand up to this.

I didn't get them as the leather seemed too thin - even on the origional hogg boots (thickest) and also the lack of protection.
If i were that way inclined to want boots with litle protection and good for walking i think a pair of combat boots from an army & navy store would be as good.

Oxtar.
Only way to go IMO. I visited the Altberg booth at a show in the UK and liked the boots, but as pointed out, they are mostly converted hiking boots and a bit crude compared to the way the Italians do things.

Pluses on the Oxtar's are:
True Gore-Tex. Really waterproof. Never sweaty. Most comfy boot i've ever worn. Walked the whole Louve museum in mine and all over Paris for a week.

I have two pair, the Explorers and the Matrix. Both for around $150 or cheaper if you find a sale online.

I'm waiting for the Infinity Oxtar's to be imported again to the USA. Nice looking boots and if anything like my other Oxtar's then they are the bomb.

These are REAL motorcycle boots...made in Italy. Truly waterproof and breathable (Gore-Tex certified) Rugged with proper Tibia protection, tough
foot / heal box. Good zippers that last.

My Explorers are now 4 years old and just starting to go away. 70,000 miles over this period and lots of walking around.

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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

I've now registered on the Altberg site and the the pricing is no longer a mystery! Thanks for that Forestry.

Patrick, I've looked at Oxtar boots and agree they seem to be quality products. I also like the look of the Gaerne balance oiled boot.

It all comes down to compromise (again).

Obviously hiking derived boots offer less protection but are more practical off the bike. Teamed with my BMW trousers, which have full length shin protection, I reckon they might be ok.

I still haven't decided one way or the other but have made an appointment at Altberg to try a pair of Hoggs out.

Thanks for the replies.

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Beware the dark, mechanical bird.

Way to go Crusty!
The Altberg factory is well worth a visit; they are very attentive to customers with lots of footwear to try on including the motorcycling boots and they can manufacture to measure if you really need it, but there is lots of off-the-shelf stuff as well.

If you decide that you don't want their own products, made on the premises, then they also stock Lowa and the like (not sure if many motorcycling boots are stocked though).

Cheers,

Dave (nothing to do with Altbergs, except been by there a couple of times!)

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Dave

Hi, I purchased a pair of Hogg Lite's earlier this year, I figured I wanted something for day-long wearing on & off the bike and to cope with trecking too.

I was happy to accept the compromise in ultimate in protection for their dual use ability.
If you visit the Altberg shop, your feet will get measured for a boot that has good fit from the start.

That's when the problems satrted....

I spoke to and extremely unhelpful chap, who lacked knowledge in the product & I felt like I was a 'bother' to him.

The production of the boots was delayed by two weeks or so due to staff shortages, but nobody had the decency to phone me.....

Whe I recieved the boots I was Impressed by the upper fit, I did however find the sole very hard which made the soles of my feet ache after a mile or so, (kinda feels like walking on a hard concrete floor in bear feet).

I contacted Altberg and popped across (about 110 mile round trip), discussed the issue with the shop manager (a bit abrupt & not too helpful), it was agreed they'd resole the boots (with their other sole) & fit a more flexible midsole.

After recieving the boots the new soles are more stubborn & have less flex/give than the soles fitted originally!
The more flexible midsole is an improvement.

After several months of varied use, the boots are starting to look suprisingly saggy, I'm growing to quite like them but feel that the customer service leaves something to be desired.

I don't think the boots have the comfort under foot of a dedicated hiking boot.

Maybe Hogglites with a flexible midsole would be tha answer????

Sorry for the essay & good luck.

Phil

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650 Transalp

Thought I'd just jump in with my experiences of Altberg boots. I've had my pair of Clubmans for 4 years, during which time they have been subjected to year round use.

I see there is some doubt about their ability to protect. Mine are CE approved as protective clothing. In their time they have saved my feet and ankle from serious damage on a number of occasions. The first time I put them to use in this manner was lowsiding my Tiger and sliding down the road pinned to the floor by my right ankle. Not only did the boot protect me from the impact of the landing, but survived the slide. The next time was similar, with my coming to a halt with the weight of the partially loaded Tiger pinning my right leg to the floor by my right foot. No injuries on either occasion. The last time I put them to use was a couple of months ago when I managed to highside my Guzzi after a little moment of inattention. My Guzzi certainly isn't a lightweight and after throwing me off onto my shoulder came crashing down on my right foot (again!). I was left limping a little but able to walk onto the ambulance. The only foot injury I sustained was a bruised big toe. The marks on my boot and the damage to the peg suggest the RHS rider's peg was the first point of impact. The nail has nearly grown back properly but I have every faith in the protective abilities of my Altbergs.

In four years they do look a little battered but are also still completely watertight. Only the top section of velcro is suffering, coming away slightly. Altberg offer a full refurb service so I may be tempted. But no great hurry as work are giving me a couple of pairs this year

Foxy,
That is a seriously sad tale; have you ever thought of falling off on the left side or do you have something against your right leg??!

Shandydrinker,
Not a good experience - I have only passed by their factory shop a couple of times and, as I mentioned, I found the staff to be very attentive, perhaps a tad too much because I was basically browsing the store and not ready to buy at those times. Nevertheless I was impressed with their manufacturing on the premises (that must be a rarity nowadays?) and the wide range of off-the-shelf footware for sale.

Dave

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Dave

Lowa


Trophymick