I would go for the Altburg boots, go to the factory and get them made to measure I use Altburg Hogg boot it a cross between army boot and bike boot has good foot/ankle protection is waterproof, superbly comfortable on and off the bike. Much more versatile than bike boots when travelling - for severe weather wear a lightweight hiking boot gater over it stop water going up the leg. I use them all year round and when travelling all my other boots just stay in the cupboard at home.

My wife and I are leaving in July for a RTW from China to Baja, Mexico and will travel thru Mongolia, (all off road) as well as the mid east, (some off road) and lots of real roads thru Russia, Europe and the US.

We have selected the Sidi made Combat boots from Aerostich. I have walked around town (Changchun) a bit and for new boots they aren't bad. I think they will break in quite nicely and perform as advertized. The right choice for us.

Jack

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On the road,

Jack & Janet

Daytona also makes great boots. I bought their Roadstar GTX, not cheap (250€) but worth it. Waterproof thanks to GoreTex (four days of heavy rain in France didn't mess'em up, I was completely soaked except for my feet which stayed warm and dry - that included two 'river' crossings as well) and very comfortable to walk around with. And, last year in Corsica and Italy with temperatures in their 30s, I never had trouble with sweaty feet - I was able to wear the same pair of socks for three days straight and eventually changed them on day four; not because of the smell but because I thought it was a bit weird... next time I'll try four to five days
I would not recommend them for heavy offroading though.

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"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"

For me, versatility is the name of the game. I only bring one pair of boots that I can use in all conditions, both on and off the bike... pluss a pair of hiking sandals for really hot weather, the beach, indoors, around the camp site, etc.

This translates into summer trekking/hiking boots that are:

• Cool
• Extremely lightweight
• Sturdy
• Water proof breathable membrane
• Cover the ankle
• Roomy: enough so that I can layer up with socks in cold weather, or if my feet get wet (don't need to wait for boots to dry out).

I spendt ages searching before I found the perfect pair: Nike Air Zoom Tallac PRO XCR, which is without a doubt, the most high tech light weight trekking boot ever made. I could only find it in Nike's concept store http://www.nike.com/nikeacg/?ref=global_home&rfrshd=1 The picture below is of another version of the boot, a bit more inexpensive, sold in regular sporting stores (the picture from nike.com of the boot I am refferring to is in Flash and can't be reposted).


Hiking boots do not offer as good protection as riding boots, but then I won't be riding competetively either. I think the reduction in safety performance is worth the gain in all the other performance areas. It is a real thrill to feel your feet air out as you ride in the heat of summer, and also not have to change into something else when getting off the bike, and not having to carry extra shoes in your luggage...

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Blog: www.bamakobyvespa.no
My Youtube Channel

If your going Off-Road defenitely wear MX-boots, you wouldn't be the first to discontinue your journey because of injured legs (panniers). You can always carry a pair of light sneakers if you have walk.

Grtz,
Sjeng

Yup, agree... but I won't be doing any serious offroading on my next trip. Bad roads yes, but no offroading (the bike I will be riding wouldn't be able to handle it).

My wife bought these Timberland Cadions yesterday


They offer better protection than the Nike's I bought. If I was to do it over again, I may very well have purchased this one.


Many riders who travel arround the globe, doing tens and thousand of kilometers, sometimes hundreds of thousands, may only do less than one kilometer off road, even if they are equipped to do many more... kind of like shooting a duck with a bazooka. My personal choice is to dress up for what I will experience during the vast majority of time, rather than what I will experience in the extremest of conditions... In the end, it is a decision about acceptable risk vs comfort and convenience. I'm sorry to say, when it comes to me, the latter seem to win more times than not. This means I will need to improvise in extreme conditions (choose a different route, go slowe and careful, pospone travel to a day with better conditions, make provisionary equipment, etc.).

But I really do agree, I would also choose some real protective boots if I was to do any offroading of significance (in terms of magnitude/distance, difficulty or hazard).

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My Youtube Channel

http://www.harpersraceshop.co.uk/item2757.htm

Alpinestars SMX-R boot black vented
I like the sound of these being vented, for hot country travel. are they too street oriented, though? I'm going along the 'safe boots for riding, thin trainers for everything else' route.
the boots are quite new i think- anyone tried them?

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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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

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?

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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Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250

Do you wear a helmet Bruce?

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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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

Surprisingly, yes, I do wear a helmet. I am just about the only person in the town who does so, but yeah, I have an HJC open face. I also have a Nolan N100 clamshell, but that sits on a shelf: it's far too hot to wear here.

And as for "Have you seen what a face looks like when its scraped down tarmac at even 20mph ??", again, yes. One of the folks I work with took a spill about three weeks ago off his bike and landed quite literally on his face. Damage done: some nasty bruises, scrapes, and a few stitches on his brow. Most of the damage has healed now, though I notice he's started wearing a helmet.

You mention head, hands, and feet. How about a broken knee, or a broken back? Following your argument, I had better wear a spine protector and knee pads when I saddle up.

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Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250

For pissing about town... No. For long travelling and overlanding, armour is a good idea yes.

Chill out man. Do what you like.

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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

But I am chilled. You should see me when I'm angry!

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Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250