Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Equipment Reviews
Boots you can walk in? Boots you can walk in?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipment Reviews Post YOUR REVIEWS of ANY Motorcycle, Camping or Travel Equipment and accessories. Tell us what worked and didn't work for you!
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree1Likes

Reply
Page 3 of 5 12 3 45
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #31  
Old 21 Dec 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: watford england
Posts: 174
This little dilemma appears again and again. Personally, after clouting my foot on a rock 10 years ago in the middle of nowhere in Morocco and my heel slamming in to the swing arm, I would not deviate from my current choice. I always wear motocross/enduro boots (with long sealskinz socks if raining). Then a pair of approach shoes (think off road trainers) for off the bike, why would you want to traipse around in your dirty bike boots when you finally get of the beast for the day? A pair of trainers hardly takes much room,
You could go totally hardcore like some blokes I met in Morocco once, 7 guys on africa twins, no support van, one 15-20 litre drybag each, which apparently contained shared spares/tools, jeans-t shirt-pants, toothbrush and finally - bungied on top for easy access- a pair of flip flops.
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 21 Jan 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: perth,aussie
Posts: 90
sidi black rains
i had a pair of sidi black rains,bit knackered now after 2 yrs of abuse but they were really comfortable.i even wore them for 3 days straight when i went to see metallica play in london and use to wear them out clubbing, if you pull your jeans down over them they look like fancy black shoes
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 21 Jan 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
Another vote for flip-flops and MX boots. 'Comfortable to walk in' normally means some sort of compromise on the protection front.
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 25 Jan 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Belgium
Posts: 54
thor 50/50?
Thor Motocross
__________________
http://tufferpuffer.wordpress.com/
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 6 Feb 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: South Yorkshire
Posts: 11
I use a pair of Gortex combat Pro boots, very comfortable, very waterproof and very protective around the foot area, big thick Vibram tread, thick leather and a thick padded interior around ankle and foot. I would sooner have my foot stuck under my bike in these than some of the cheaper carpet slipper motorbike boots ive had in the past....Allas ankle protection isn't ideal but they are wonderfull to walk in so if thats your priority, also as others have mentioned take a look at Altberg stuff, they do a high leg version of there Hogg boots which i am quite tempted by, has anyone tried a pair of these ?
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 6 Feb 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 74
Yes, I use the high leg Altberg Hogg style boot, and they are brilliant. The lacing all the way up the shin, holds the boot to your foot and leg with zero shifting up or down. Not tight spots, no hard corners. I can wear them all day, and walking around in them feels good. But I still want something, like a pair of sandals for walking in in hot weather.
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 6 Feb 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: South Yorkshire
Posts: 11
Quote:
Originally Posted by lowuk View Post
Yes, I use the high leg Altberg Hogg style boot, and they are brilliant. The lacing all the way up the shin, holds the boot to your foot and leg with zero shifting up or down. Not tight spots, no hard corners. I can wear them all day, and walking around in them feels good. But I still want something, like a pair of sandals for walking in in hot weather.
Thanks for the reply, could you tell me if there is padding in them where the leg goes up high or is it just leather, what are they like to get on and off, is it a fiddly process ? all the best, Rich
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 6 Feb 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 74
They have ankle padding, and the folds of the gusset up the front of the boot, do contribute some protection, the rest of the leg has some padding, not just leather, but nothing like a trial or MX boot.
The laces take a bit of getting used to. You don't have to undso them all. The top 4 or 5 lacings are on hooks and below those, the laces loosen and tighten easily enough for taking on & off.
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 6 Feb 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Manchester UK
Posts: 28
Allll Bert
I have worn my Altberg Classic high leg boots for 6 yrs, no need for plastic sweat boxes for 99% of all terrain use. They remain waterproof, all day boots I have worn for biking and walking. Bonus Altberg will repair ANY part of the boot in the future. ANY PART no matter what is required. ONE issue, do not buy the buckle up versions, unless you can touch your toes with the rest of your gear on. GREAT boots, I love em. My up and coming @road2manchester (Twitter), 16k mile Tour I will be buying a new pair of velcro versions. (fat belly)
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 7 Feb 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: South Yorkshire
Posts: 11
Right, thanks for the info on the Altbergs, im currently in the market for a new pair of boots so will deffinately consider these
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 15 Apr 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 10
I got away with Salomon Hiking boots for my trip to Argentina. Im size 15 so taking riding boots and hiking boots for the volcanos and the andes was just way too much room. I came off at 100kmh on asphalt in Peru and my boots did wonders. Each to their own...
__________________
Latest blog: My Motorcycle Lift
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 15 Apr 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: London
Posts: 6
I have been considering heading up to Darlington for an Altberg try-on for a while now. Theyre tough enough to protect your foot/shin caught underneath a bike?
Reply With Quote
  #43  
Old 16 Apr 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
I'm like a broken record on this subject but i'll say it again..

Your ankles are the most vulnerable and most likely to be broken/sprained body part while riding a motorbike.

They are also one of the most complicated to fix and cause you a great deal of immovability.

Travelling in the third world makes good ankle protection even MORE important with bad roads and sometimes shocking health care... Do you want a back street clinic setting your broken ankle up ? Potentially leaving it fused and badly set.

Get good, solid MX boots and suck it up !! You get used to walking with them and how often do you actually do a trek in your bike gear anyway ???

I'd rather struggle a little bit walking up a flight of hotel steps than have a crushed or twisted ankle in the middle of a trip .


The Alpine Star Tech 3 looks like a good option if you want to compromise a little without having "skiboots" like my Tech 10's ...

Altbergs make GREAT boots but they have very little protection. I'd use them for commuting only.

But like everything..... The risk is yours and "each to their own" when it comes to gear and safety.

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #44  
Old 16 Apr 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,028
Totally agree. Last thing I'd do is walk a lot in riding great. Sidi cross fire for me. Double hinged makes them very easy to walk in but they start off stiff so just wear them a lot. They are a great fit straight out of the box though. No wearing in required for riding. Just for walking. I used to wear road boots but came off once and ended up on crutches for a few weeks. Wasn't even a big stack. Had heaps of stacks since but my ankles haven't been injured since.
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
Reply With Quote
  #45  
Old 19 Apr 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: London
Posts: 6
Thanks, Ted. Something tells me I will be tapping your reservoir of knowledge a lot in the coming months. :-)
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 3 of 5 12 3 45

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Boots (motocross or trial boots) mau-asam Camping Equipment and all Clothing 19 4 Jan 2010 23:03
the right boots for the job gmanski Camping Equipment and all Clothing 4 21 Dec 2009 17:41
Boots geoffshing Camping Equipment and all Clothing 15 18 Jul 2008 14:05
Boots nomiskx TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 31 Jul 2004 22:41
More On Boots Kurt Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 0 28 Oct 2000 08:02

 
 

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. 11-14
  • 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 06:00.

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