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Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #1  
Old 27 May 2006
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Iv got the Tech 10 boots similar to the tech 8's, On the bike they are very comfortable and make me feel safe and protected.

I think riding in normal boots or shoes is ridiculous as i know 2 people with permanent limps due to this. MX boots offer the best protection available to your ankle, foot and lower leg but sadly they are impossible to walk in and take a huge amount of space up as they are nearly twice the size of my old SMX Superbike boots.

Still... i wouldnt ride without them. Safety is never worth compromising on IMO.
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  #2  
Old 27 May 2006
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Got to agree with Tedmagnum, riding in normal footwear is rather shortsited, and I know two scooter riders with lower leg damage who used to ride in hiking boots - not any more, one is not now able to ride. It's not only off road were you need all the protection you can get, I bet more 2-wheelers are in accidents on tarmac then off road, you might not fall off, but how can you prevent other road users running into you?
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  #3  
Old 27 May 2006
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Exclamation

Sorry, but I don't agree.

It's *motorcycle* riding. There is risk involved. If I wear MX boots, what else should I wear? If I follow your argument, I had better cover myself head-to-toe with body armour until I look like one of the Imperial Stormtroopers in Star Wars - and at that point, I might as well just drive a Volvo!

Where I live, every day it's about 35c in the afternoon, and of course there's 85% humidity. Wearing safety gear is a good idea - but by the time I've covered myself head-to-toe with the body armour, I'll need to start worrying about heat exhaustion causing me to crash!

Let's be reasonable here...
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  #4  
Old 27 May 2006
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Question

Do you wear a helmet Bruce?
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  #5  
Old 27 May 2006
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brclarke
Sorry, but I don't agree.

It's *motorcycle* riding. There is risk involved. If I wear MX boots, what else should I wear? If I follow your argument, I had better cover myself head-to-toe with body armour until I look like one of the Imperial Stormtroopers in Star Wars - and at that point, I might as well just drive a Volvo!

Where I live, every day it's about 35c in the afternoon, and of course there's 85% humidity. Wearing safety gear is a good idea - but by the time I've covered myself head-to-toe with the body armour, I'll need to start worrying about heat exhaustion causing me to crash!

Let's be reasonable here...
Why risk yourself unnecessarily ? Sure, i can imagine its very hot in Mexico but basic protection is not going to turn you into a volvo driver is it. Its just a personal opionion, but gloves, boots and helmet are essential.

As travellers, we spend most of the day in the saddle at high speeds and NOT having suitable protection is just plain idiotic. Iv seen too many accidents and injurys not to think any other way.

Have you seen what a face looks like when its scraped down tarmac at even 20mph ??

Have you seen an ankle crushed into a shin bone under the weight of a bike. leaving the owner unable to walk without a stick for the rest of his life and insufferable arthritus ?

Have you seen a hand which looks like its been jammed in a lawnmower after a 30mph scooter fall leaving the owner disabled....

THATS realistic mate !! Its you life and your skin. You can chose to protect it or not, i just wish you the best of luck if your unlucky enough to have a fall .. which we all inevitably do from time to time.
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  #6  
Old 22 Oct 2001
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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
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  #7  
Old 24 Oct 2001
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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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  #8  
Old 28 Jan 2002
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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.




[This message has been edited by PanEuropean (edited 28 January 2002).]
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  #9  
Old 29 Jan 2002
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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.
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  #10  
Old 5 Feb 2002
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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. ???
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  #11  
Old 24 Feb 2002
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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
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  #12  
Old 9 Mar 2002
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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...
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  #13  
Old 11 Mar 2002
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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 ?
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  #14  
Old 12 Mar 2002
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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
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  #15  
Old 16 Mar 2002
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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 :-)
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