I did 2600 miles in a new pair of Autberg combatstyle boots, these have gortex inners and are comfortable for walking and fully waterproof.

They cost £104.00
Julio

Just bought a pair of Sidi Courier boots. A sort of cross between mx and road boots, plenty of protection but not too heavy. Initial impressions were very comfortable right away and easy to adjust for a comfortable fit. Feel OK for general walking around, but I don't think I'd want to go hiking in them.

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Sean

The boots I like the most for motorcycling - either around town or long hauls - are construction safety boots made by a USA based company called Red Wing Shoes. I have the style 8238, which are insulated and also waterproof.

These boots are really comfortable, and the steel toe, besides offering protection, allows more space to 'wiggle your toes' and be comfortable in than normal boots. These boots also have a steel plate in the sole, which offers good protection when walking around in scrappy areas. They are waterproof, but this is accomplished with Gore-Tex, therefore the boots breathe and are not hot. I wear the same boots when I work in the desert (Algeria) and have no problems with the temperature. They are also tall enough to keep sand out, and provide protection against insect bites, etc.

The only disadvantage is that because they are safety boots, they are a bit heavier than normal boots. That's not a problem when riding the bike, but it can be annoying if you plan to do a lot of walking.

Red Wing products are expensive, but they are very well made, last a long time, and are worth the price.

http://pics.tdiclub.com/members/PanE...onda/8238.jpeg


[This message has been edited by PanEuropean (edited 28 January 2002).]

I just got some Altbergs too - www.altberg.co.uk. I went to their factory and they were really helpful - they even altered the shape of the boots to cater for my bunions. They advised the non-waterproof version of their hiking and biking boots because they'll be less sweaty in hot countries. They are very light and comfortable. For rain in cold climates I'll wear waterproof socks.

The boss of Altberg is an enthusiastic biker, who takes the Norsorex ankle protection very seriously. The price was £88, and they will repair them when necessary.

They also do some great desert boots and jungle boots but these are not available in a biking version.

my tour i plan on stopping and climbing as many andes peaks as possible so i'm thinking of riding in my mountaineering boots because they will hold crampons for ice/snow climbing and also be pretty good protection riding. but walking will be a pain so i'll have my trail running shoes and teva sandals handy too. ???

hi,
i just bought bmw kalahari boots
they go quite high, bellow the knee
not too heavy, flexible, very confortable, goretex
it's a good compromise between road and cross boots

very happy with them

safe travels

I'm about to buy a pair of BMW Savanna boots, MX/touring boots, was wondering if anyone has had any experience with these and whether they would be too hot in Asia (I wore a pair of AlpineStars road boots in Croatia in August last year and heat was unbearable)? Thinking of packing Timberland shoes for slouching at the bar...

george,
i'm very happy with bmw kalahari boots, called savanna now
they are confortable, light, goretex compared to real cross boots (which are the same price around)
they offer good protections too
the leather is excellent quality

safe travels

so, when do you go, which direction,did you find a travelmate ?

thanks vincent,

A leaving beginning of May for India via Turkey/Iran/Pakistan with Spud, and looks like we'll meet up with 4 others on the way!
Will send you a personal mail

George

I have a pair of SIDI's 'on road sympatex boots' which are nice for riding and for walking (even though mine are just a tad too small ..bought em on sale though ..a duh for me) These boots have also been great in the wet with no leakage.
Also have a pair of SIDI combat touring boots. These are available through 'riderwarehouse'. Gotta admit I really like these for riding although they are a little bulky for walking any distance. They remind you of an old style motocross boot. They are well made and have been waterproof (unless you tuck your pants in the ...duh #2 for me).
Boots are a personal decision and a critical one for a long journey. No matter what kind of advice you may receive It would be wise to get to know your boots well before taking off on a long trip.
CLAUDE :-)

george,
one more advice, take one size bigger :-)

Yes, the Altberg 'Hogg Lite' has held up really well AND you can hike in them.
Altberg.co.uk.
Last trips (Africa & SA) I wore a Sidi version of the CTB.
But next trip would use the Altbergs, with maybe knee/ shin guards under my trousers.

dc

I sound like an advert for Hein Gericke but they have a new boot out that is similar to a MX boot but has a Goretex membrane they look something like the old MX boots used too. 2 buckles on the foot area and a velcro closure further up the boot.

I've been using used ex-British army boots - cost IR£20. I wasnt expecting them to be waterproof and I can vouch that they definitely arent. Then again neither were the IR£230 Daytona Goretex ones that I got !

I met a retired US army guy the other day (he was only 37 by the way - had a good pension and over 100 acres in Texas!!!) he advised the following...
1) clean the boot with alcohol - in the US the have this stuff called rubbing alcohol that he mentioned in particular
2) use a normal dye on the cleaned boot
3) get a can of that water proof spray stuff and lash it on the boots
4) cover that spray with regular polish
5) repeat steps 3 and 4 often

Dont know if it works but I'm gonna give it a try.

[This message has been edited by gmarch (edited 22 March 2002).]

"A hundred acres in Texas" might be enough to support one cow grazing, as long as the cow was on a diet. I think the guy was teasing you. It's mostly wasteland (range) there, that's why the ranchers have such big spreads.