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Motorcycle boots
I am about to embark on a RTW and need advice on what kind of boots to wear. I have some winter/goretex road boots but have been looking at the Alpinestars Tech 8 offroad boots. are these suitable or should I stick with Road boots?
thanks |
The Sidi Combat Touring boots seem to get a lot of praise. You can see what they look like and order them at this site....
http://www.aerostich.com/ Me personally, I would just wear a pair of really good quality hiking or work boots. ------------------ Bruce Clarke brclarke@islandnet.com www.islandnet.com/~brclarke |
We wear very lightweight road boots, with a thin sole, almost like a shoe. Worked fine on four continents thank you.
In the end it really comes down to what kind of riding you're doing, and you didn't tell us. If you're on a serious off-road bike with knobby tires, and use it like it should be used, mx boots for sure. We're two-up on a G/S, which means finesse is a wiser course than brute-forcing it through the tough stuff, so a light boot is fine. Most important of all is that they aren't too hot and stiff to walk around in for a few hours. Winter boots in the Sahara would probably not be a good choice, so think about what you NEED and where you're going, and pick the lightest coolest boot compatible with that. You can always add a pair of socks. A pair of running shoes in a handy spot at the top of your saddlebags, and room to put your heavy boots away is a good solution. We use nylon stuff sacks, one per shoe/boot, back and forth between boots/shoes to keep the rest of the gear clean. And we used one pair of runners and one pair of boots each to go around the world, and will do the same again. Any more than that is a waste, you just don't have the space. ------------------ Grant Johnson Share the Dream! at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com |
Thanks to both of you for repying so promptly
I think the majority of the travelling will be road based and will have to choose my gear based on that presumption. Thanks again. |
I saw a Kiwi couple travelling over the Nullabor on a rented bike (ie: little room for stuff) and they were wearing leather hiking boots and nylon gaiters to the knee. Seemed a very good compromise and also comfortable. Didn't look naff either.
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I used to wear black steel toed construction boots for all my riding (I liked the solid toe for shifting): in town, trail rides and longer trips on various surfaces. Then one day I was gazing down at the highway and saw the blacktop whizzing by and realized how vulnerable my feet were, mostly the ankles. Just two tiny little pegs suspend your feet from annihilation. So I bought a pair of Sidi Combat Touring Boots. This spring & summer I did two trips over 10,000 kms on my Beemer, mostly asphalt, some logging roads and the boots look like new. They're not to bad to walk in, keep my feet dry (sort of, but WAY better than construction boots) and I could gaze down at the pavement and had that psycological edge! Just stick a pair of the ultimate travel shoe - canvas Converse All Stars - somewhere easily available and your set for cruising the streets. actually, I am now changing my thread to be a recommendation of the All Stars. You can twist 'em, scrunch 'em, and just generally jam 'em into your bags, wet, and they'll virtually take no room and come out sparkling dry.
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Hi
My friend bought a pair of Sidi Courier boots just over a year ago an is really pleased with them. They look like, and give the protection of, motocross boots but the sole has some flex built into them so you can actually walk quite well in them. Just saving up for a pair myself. PS You can get them in black so they don't look too flash. ------------------ Cheers Gav |
I agree with dw & brclarke ref the work boots, thats what I'm wearing at the moment and have ridden around Australia previously. The steel toe comes in handy (not for head kicking, although) just in the general wear & tear that overland bike riding entails. They are relatively cheap (Australia) and in ready supply not that you would go through many pairs, I've still got my pair and believe me they have been punished. There's a plus, once you've finished your ride you can get a job on any building site.
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I rode the Philippines last year on a rented Honda trail bike. I have road/mx Alpine Stars at home but they weren't practical to carry in my luggage (backpack). I ended up using "Mack" boots (work boots) and nylon hiking gaitors. In the rough stuff I used soccer/hockey shin guards for protection. Light and easy to carry. A bonus was the boots polished up nicely to look respectable off the bike, so I didnt carry any other footwear. I am also a big wrap for " Draggin' Jeans" kevlar reinforced cargo pants.
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I suppose the terrain that you are going to be covering will depend on what boot suits.
If you are going to be travelling off road , deep mud etc then a motorcross boot boot will provide better protection. I use Gaerne trail boots which provide shin protection and have a grippy sole for slippery conditions. But useless for walking in. Julio |
I must definetely advice against working boots. I know from personal experience that wearing shoes or boots with shoe laces can cause serious injuries when you're going down. The laces will get hooked on any edge and that way you can seriously hurt feet, shins and ankle. Invest in sturdy motorcycle boots which will also protect your shins.
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I've been wearing the Sidi CTB's for about two years now. They are really great boots WHILE I AM RIDING. Only recently have they broken in to where I can walk around much in them. Obviously any boot is a compromise, as is all motorcycling gear -- because of space limitations which require everything to serve multiple functions. Like Grant, I carry a pair of walking shoe, for when I get off the bike.
The leather of the CBT's is top notch, and is well broken in by now, and VERY waterproof with the occasional application of nikwax products. I've ridden for hours at a time in rain, both here and in Europe, and my feet have stayed bone dry. I think that when the rigid, motocross style soles wear out on them, I'll see if there is a more flexible sole available. this may make them into a better walking boot. ------------------ Bob Shilling, Berkeley, California '88 BMW R100GS, '91 BMW R100 |
I love motorcross boots ,on road or of, but they are a pain in the arse off the bike. They are huge , and mean that you need to carry shoes as well. Ive gone for a pair of old fasioned heavy scarpa walking boots, plus a pair of sandals that take up no room and weigh nothing.
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The problem with most 'specialist' bike boots is their generally uncomfortable for walking in for any extended period of time (note wildly sweeping general statement here :-) ). I have used Army style 'GP' Boots for mant years now, made even better as my employer provides them for free (together with sheepskin lined, water proofed, winter boots). I've found these to be an excellent boot for touring (rubber over-boots for when it's wet) as they fairly well insulated and once worn in, very comfortable for both riding and walking. My 2 trips around Oz I had these boots and a pair of beach sandals as my only footwear, I didn't find I needed anything else.
------------------ Stay Upright, Andy D. |
Boots are always a tricky subject but for what it's worth here is my suggestion.For the last 5 years I have completed long distance tours of Europe on my R1100GS and have been in all climates from snow and rain to Spanish deserts and mountains.I have always worn High Leg Timberland Buck Boots and can honestly say they are brilliant.I repproof them once a year and can guarantee they are completely waterproof even when standing in ankle deep water .They are also very strong and become supple when you have got them wet a couple of times.I have done 200 km in the rain at high speed (chasing the sun)and they never leaked at all.This year I went for a 7 hour walk in the Ordesa National Park in Northern Spain (very hot)and they are still comfortable.Hope this helps.
Roy F |
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.
------------------ 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. ???
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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 |
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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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.
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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.
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But you must admit: retired at 37... that's nice!
What did I do wrong? Maarten |
Just spent 11 days riding down the west coast of Ireland (Eire) - two up on an XTZ660. Only covered 1500 miles but wore my new SIDI COURIER boots straight out of the box, all day every day.
Fabulous boots - easy to adjust day to day or hour to hour as your comfort and riding style changes. Not TOO big and clumpy, not too rigid. Walked around a fair bit - no problems - Only SUGGESTION - don't buy mail order - Got mine - a supposed 41 on the box through Cheapest - didn't notice until 2 days in that they had a little 42 on the boot... only number anywhere on the boot. Got insoles and works a treat as long as you wear big socks. Fab boots - comfy - light enough and worth every penny..... Tony. http://www.dmaracing.com/sidicourierf.html - check it out. |
hi
the trip goes well for the moment :-) bmw kalahari boots are so good and confortable i even wear them during the day when not biking safe travels http://vincent.danna.free.fr/ |
I use the Altberg Desert Boots. They are lightweight and are made of suede with cordura sections which let air in - great in hot weather. And to my mind they are the most stylish items of footwear I've ever owned! They wouldn't be as robust as conventional leather boots if your foot was hit by a car or a rock, but I think they'd be fine for sliding down the road in, even at high speed. They are quite high and have some ankle padding.
They don't have a reinforced patch to protect the boot from the gear lever, so eventually there will be a small bald patch on the suede. The gear lever also rubs on the bottom section of the lace, so I've replaced that lace with a zip tie. Works fine. Or you can simply miss out one of the eyelets when you're lacing them. There are so many eyelets it doesn't seem to make much difference. Let's see if I can post a picture here from the altberg web site: http://www.altberg.co.uk/images/bgdesert.jpg solved by Grant - note that you have to have an IMAGE address in the link - not the html page. [This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 30 July 2002).] |
Nope, that didn't work! Go to www.altberg.co.uk/bgdesert.htm
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I use DAYTONA offroad boots. Goretex layer, kevlar protectors but they are still much soft fo ordinary walking. But if You want use it for hardcore riding - no way you may hurt yourself.
Mike |
Sorry for this error! I mean to soft for offroad riding for traveling - great!
Mike |
Hi,
I have those Alpine Stars and I tried them for during a holiday. I think they're the safest, but I don't think I'm going to wear them during my Africa trip next year. You can't really walk on them and you can't put them in your boxes to walk a bit on slippers or something, because they are so big. I think I'm gonna wear mountainboots. Marianne |
When it comes to boots I don't go with compromises. Most bikers in daily life are injured or by the bike that drops on the leg or by a car hitting them from aside.
I almost lost my left foot because you're ancle on a bike just seems to sit exactly on the hight af the car-bumper... Also, I like to play around, not afraid of some dirt / mud road. That's why I have been riding with Alpine Star Tech 8. Ok, people think you're comming from Skying holiday.... They are bulky and flashy. BUT it is the safest out there. Once on the road you don't need to worry when there is a stretch a bit like off road showing up. Also I have the impression to have more control over the bike because the boots follow the bikes movement more then 'souple' boots would do. Mine have gone over 30.000km now and I think I can do another 30.000 with them. |
Hi all,
I suppose the people who use working boots combine them with cross shin-protectors off-road? Or am I just dumb? I use them with custom made, fat-leather shin protectors on my bike (have a Yamaha DT175 for my work, but I´m in the process of adquiring a real bike now;-), they do a great job protecting against brush, stones, dogs and falling (not that I´m experienced in that :-)) but I wouldn´t like the feeling of getting hit side-ways by a car... They have laces on the back and the front goes up above the knee. They´re not confortable for walking, but they´re easy to get rid of. Bolivian artisans do a great job on making custom-made accesible to poor devils! Comments appreciated! Tim Anyone [This message has been edited by Timido (edited 06 November 2002).] |
Just a quick note about the Aerostich Combat Touring boots. That are very stiff out of the box and I almost sent them back. But, give them a while and they break in very well. I've been quite happy with them since, though I wouldn't recommend any post ride hiking in them. The soles have no traction.
------------------ www.bikerswithoutborders.org |
hi
I have used altberg for the last 12 years courier work fantasic after 4 years send them back get they rebuild them good as new for £40 they also do made to measure chers nobby |
I tour street on a rz500 2-stroke and dirt on a xr650R. Have travelled both types of terrain with MX boots only because I was wearing ankle-height work boots (leather Scarpa with excellent nylon shank and nylon laces) when t-boned by a muscle car - after my lower leg was squashed between the Chargers bumper/hood and the rear subframe it was then jammed backward through my rear side fairing before I was catapulted into a hawthorne. My foot landed bare except for a mysteriously holed sock.
Fourteen of 26 foot bones crushed with all toes also broken. Compound tibia/fibula. Elegant exit with hawthorne branches stuck deep into my neck, pelvis and calf where there was no leather. If I had a steeltoe cap my toes would be gone. I now wear Thor MX T-20 boots. They fit well, will never fly off and have fair traction compared to Scarpa's Calgary Vibram sole. Plus, they repel rocks better than steel-toed work boots which compress the steel into your forefoot causing a ring of bruises. I get a stubbed toe if I am standing, otherwise my foot flies back due to the stiff sole and plastic traction on a steel MX footpeg. Crashing the xr650R with hard luggage creates horrid lower leg positions that the taller padded MX boots alleviate. Consider soft luggage for such crashes as the hard luggage actually creates more accidents by catching trees - imagine a 3rd gear 360 on a 300lb bike. Imagine your body, flesh peeled and gone. Bared muscle and sinew you've nothing else on. Now drop yourself in a vat of red molten steel, I think of workboots and thats how I feel. Steven |
i think huan means the gericke "TRG rally" boot, like a cross between motocross and road boot.they look great and are really comfy, and when my local hein gericke finally get my size in i will get a pair i think. one tip though, they come in continental sizes which are slightly narrow compared to english sizes, so go up a size, eg im size 10 but i need a 45, which is suposed to be size 11.
------------------ dave |
After a nasty off a couple of years ago, which left my right foot dangling on my ankle with only some skin and a bit of temdon attaching it, I know use Gaerne mx boots. Used in the dirt as well as road, great support for riding all day. That said, it has taken some gentle perssuasion (repeated blows from a lump hammer over a 1 week period,not wearing them at the time)to get them to a point where I can walk around in them for hours without a problem. Really comfy now after 3 years of regular use, 3 soles and countless new buckles.
Anyone got any fleecy metal toed slippers? take care all Simon T |
I've got some A'stars Vectors. They're really comfy, although they don't feel *quite* as protective as the Tech series ones I had before. Very light though, with trainer-style rubber soles. Lots of armour, but nice 'n flexy too.
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I'm an happy & proud owner of a pair of "vendramini capetown"
This is the link to see the boots: http://www.vendramini.com/dynamic/en...d=34&offset=4& If it doesn't work try www.vedramini.com and in the off road section look for "Capetown" I found it very strong and dry ever under the most incredible rain. Max |
I've got the Oxtar Matrix boots. For street and fire road riding, I like them very much. They are soft leather and have nice grippy soles for wet street conditions. I like the shin and ankle armor they have as well. So far after only a couple thousand miles they are quite waterproof too. Very comfortable to walk around in.
I would not want to wear these in rocky or tree-stump ridden conditions, they won't have nearly the impact and torsion resistance that MX boots have. I'm buying some proper MX or MX-crossover boots before I get into more serious dirt work. The SIDI Discovery boots are one pair that caught my eye for that as well as the Aerostich Combat Touring boots, either will provide much more ankle support and armoring than the Oxtar Matrix will. [This message has been edited by Kingsqueak (edited 24 December 2003).] |
I've been wearing ROCKY Alpha police type boots, after trying the few touring type 'real' motorcycle boots in my size. (US 14)
The Rocky Alphas are inexpensive.....VERY comfortable, feel pretty good on the pegs, and great to walk in. They're easy to find in the US, and they have 5-6 variations of the same boot. (Waterproof, not waterproof, side-zipper, height,etc) They are somewhat breathable...probably not worth a durn in cold,wet, weather. (HAven't tried the waterproof version) I do want to try the CTB, or the new laceup boot from Cruiserworks http://www.cruiserworks.com/products...mando%20anchor eventually. I've got strange, large feet....so a lot of 'slipon' boots are hard to put on, and don't fit well. I do like lace ups... Here's a link to an example of the Rocky....but they're easy to find on the net... http://www.buyemp.com/dept.asp?dept_id=1111405 Oh yeah, if you're wearing short 'work' or 'hiking' type boots, that don't extend much above the ankle, you may want to look at the link below. Warning!!! It is very graphic!! From an emergency room Doc. The rider was wearing 'hiking boots' on his bike in a mishap. http://gogetemgear.hypermart.net/medical/ankle2.jpg [This message has been edited by PeteSC (edited 30 December 2003).] |
Riding with a pair of Sidi Discovery boots since November. They are the best in my opinion. They work great going from street to dirt. They are also water proof and breathable. There was almost no break-in, only a week max, and they are simple when it comes to putting them on or removing them. Good luck on your choices
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Ive a pair of sidi mx boots which make me walk like a robot off bike but Ive crashed in them many times trail riding with the bike foot peg landing on my legs after 5ft of air and they've not touched my legs, however i find in light spills it strains your knee as your leg movement is restricted(yes i'm sat here with a sore knee!).
anyway I'm on the lookout for road riding boots for a AT or BMW and found an add for canadian combats. Anyone know how they are and what the ankle protection is like as there expensive and tailor made thus don't want to waste alot of money on a regular boot which I could buy over the counter like CAT boots etc.. |
I don't know what the Canadian ones are like, but I'm a real fan of the German Para boots. There are several versions available, but mine are constructed of extremely thick leather, with stiff padding on the ankles. Very protective boots that I can walk in for miles.
Have you called into USMC in Elm Grove in Portsmouth? The have a very wide range of high-leg military boots, and the Canadian ones might well be one of the ones they stock. Unfortunately the German boots they have are made of thinner leather, have a different sole, and have steel rather than fibre toe caps. I'm not a fan of steel toe caps; I've heard stories of toes being severed as the sole bends in an accident. I assume this would only happen if the sole was overly flexible. My main bike boots are British Para boots with the upper and shin guard from a pair of Frank Thomas "Rough Riders" (Remember them? Terrible!) sown on. I've never been able to afford proper bike boots. The British boots aren't a patch on the German ones, so I'm going to sow the FT uppers onto those, even though I like using them as light bike boots/heavy walking boots. Good luck in your search! Stig [This message has been edited by LordStig (edited 10 February 2004).] |
Quote:
more at: http://pages.videotron.com/mcrides/p...hari-boots.htm Bruno Montreal, Canada CBR 929 http://pages.infinit.net/mcrides/ |
A couple of things worth noting:
- I have had the SIDI combat touring boots for almost two years and I would say they aren't broken in even yet. Also, not especially waterproof, and their soles -- though very abrasion resistant -- have very little grip. Very treacherous in the ice and wet. - Steel-toed boots are helpful for shifting, but the steel can be folded back over onto your toes in a crash and cause serious injury (as in broken or severed toes, depending on the design). A patch of plastic, rubber, or leather on the toe gives more feel in shifting anyway. - As mentioned before, laces are very risky on a motorcycle boot. If at some point you need to get away from your bike (which you should if going down at speed), anything that can keep you associated with that soon-to-be 700+lb metal and plastic projectile is a bad thing. There are lots of good boots out there, but it is hard to find ones that offer significant protection and yet are comfortable in many environments and can be used for walking. The ones I have used on a daily basis for years, in all kinds of weather, are some goretex-lined, Frey/Daytonas. They are utterly waterproof and comfortable in all temperatures, have a stiff patch of plastic over the toes for shifting, and only take a second or two to get on and off (dual side zippers with leather/velcro flaps). They also have an effective rubber sole that has held up well, and are shaped so that they will not pull off in a crash. The bad news is that, though very useful, these boots are not especially stiff and really can't be considered useful for off-road use. Maybe Frey/Daytona makes a boot that is good for that purpose, I don't know, but for street use these are excellent. |
We've been using Altberg 'Hog Lites' for the last couple of years. They were very comfortable from the start and are great on or off the bike. Only problem is the soles seem to wear down fairly quickly, but you can get them re-soled. Looking at the latest on-line catalogue it seems that they now make a few boots in a similar vein, but with thicker soles. For anyone not doing alot of off-road stuff I would definately recommend them.
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Came across these boots recently, but I've no experience with them.
If you want boots for hiking as well, a nice alternative. http://www.mt-sun.com/catalog.php?ty...d=CP21464&aid= |
Anyone tried those SlDl boots:
EXTREME • top-grain leather construction • Sympatex® breathable membrane • all-weather waterproof boot • zip-less fastening system & seamless lining • Sizes 41-47 http://www.bikingdirect.com/sidi/sid...xtreme-big.jpg ? Matt |
I use a pair of waterproof (gortex) hikeing boots, with nylon sides and top. They are great and cheap. As well they are reasoably cool as they breathe a little .
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Hey Matt,
The boots in the picture are Sidi "On Road" boots. OK, the name doesn't really make sense when you look at the boot but that's what they are called. Just used a pair 70K miles in the USA, then Alaska to Tierra Del Fuego and back. 3 plus years of use They are truely waterproof and comfortable from day one. No problem with fastening system, still going strong. I sealed the sole to boot connection after I got a weep there but the boots had seen plenty of abuse at that point. Now they are again completely waterproof. They are tall so I took Chala sandles as my second pair of shoes and switched out at night. In Peru I hit a piece of metal on the road with my foot. Hurt like hell but no cut to the sole or me. Lots of little crashes, one SUV in El Paso and a bad crash in Bolivia on a dirt road. No damage to my feet. Soles have good traction even in the wet. Boots are light enough to run the foot controls easily. Not sure about a resolability, mine are still OK. 5 star rating on these. Bill. |
Hi,
I am searching for a pair of boots for adventure touring. I have an AT and I use it for soft off-roading (travel enduro) at my trips. I have understood that my requirements are: - First of all I will wear them all day. So, I can't use MX boots, because I want to walk when I 'll arrive in a city or at a beatuful landscape where I want to walk a little. - I want the maximum protection in this category. - I prefer cool boots, than hot boots. The first requirement is the most important for me and the last one is the less important. Also, I will take a pair of hiking boots, because I like trekking/hiking. From the results of my search I liked very much BMW Savanna or Oxtar Infinity but the problem is that these boots are very hot for summer. Are there something like them but cooler? Thanks, Helias |
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.
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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 |
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. |
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:
http://www.usoutdoorstore.com/outlet...306184!430.jpg 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... |
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 http://tbl.imageg.net/graphics/produ...051083v250.jpg 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). |
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? http://www.harpersraceshop.co.uk/usrimage/cat71276.jpg |
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. |
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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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... |
Do you wear a helmet Bruce?
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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. |
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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Chill out man. Do what you like. |
But I am chilled. :) You should see me when I'm angry!
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Ted & Bill’s Excellent Advice…
Get the right clothes and the heat is not a factor which should ever override safety.
MX boots are not a problem when you’re on the move. Yes, they are bulky but your ankles are worth protecting. Any boot which does that is better than nothing. A good full-face MX helmet is much better than an open one. You should always try to wear protection (gloves, padded knees & shoulders in trousers & jacket). If you don’t, you’re being selfish to your family, people who love you and the people who will have to repair you, take care of you or support you if something bad happens. Set a responsible example to younger riders. Party on dudes. Stephan |
answering my own question
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note- alpinestar shoe sizes are 'roomy' so recommend not buying online without trying on first |
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