Boot Recommendations

[Shaq Diesel]

Looking for a good set of waterproof boots. Looking for something that provides ankle and some shin support. If you can point me to a local retailer that actually stocks said boot so I can try them on (instead of the traditional point the dart at a random internet site) that would be a bonus.

[scootertrash]

Why don't you post this in the ask Ted Column?

[Britton]

I wear the Aerostich combat touring boots. They are a little pricey but I have had the same pair since 1995. They have over 50,000 miles on them and a lot of that is dirt. They are the boots that I wore on the Deliverance ride and Labor day ride. They are waterproof and offer outstanding protection. They are also easy to walk around in. When these finally wear out, I'll replace them with thier combat lite version.

www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/index.html

[scootertrash]

I wear the Aerostich combat touring boots. They are a little pricey but I have had the same pair since 1995. They have over 50,000 miles on them and a lot of that is dirt. They are the boots that I wore on the Deliverance ride and Labor day ride. They are waterproof and offer outstanding protection. They are also easy to walk around in. When these finally wear out, I'll replace them with thier combat lite version.

www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/index.html (http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/index.html)

I have the Combat Lites and there pretty jam up. Comfortable to walk around with while not on the bike. And provide support, and haven't dissappointed me yet.

[Shaq Diesel]

Why don't you post this in the ask Ted Column?

I have a weird feeling that the end results will deal with boots, ass, and "up yours".

[Ritten]

I have a weird feeling that the end results will deal with boots, ass, and "up yours".


Smart man...

I use the Oxtar Matrix for the past three years over 60k miles and have absolutely loved them with the exception of the lack of stiff ankle protection on my last trip. Until I wore a hole through the toe they were completely waterproof.

[jason70360]

Smart man...

I use the Oxtar Matrix for the past three years over 60k miles and have absolutely loved them with the exception of the lack of stiff ankle protection on my last trip. Until I wore a hole through the toe they were completely waterproof.

I took this advice before my Maine trip and bought some. No complaints here. Comfortable from the get go.

[nickatnite]

I took this advice before my Maine trip and bought some. No complaints here. Comfortable from the get go.

See,,,,,

All because of ASK TED!!!!!!!

[Britton]

Smart man...

I use the Oxtar Matrix for the past three years over 60k miles and have absolutely loved them with the exception of the lack of stiff ankle protection on my last trip. Until I wore a hole through the toe they were completely waterproof.

Hey...my boots are better than your boots. Just ask Ted!:p

[nickatnite]

Stu.

I first had a pair of Sidi Disco's and liked them with the exception of the calves were to tight. I sold them and bought the Stitch Combat Lites and love them. Waterproof and all.

[Shaq Diesel]

For those who have offered opinions, I'm going hit you with a round 2.

I'm looking for data on...

Ankle Protection - How are these boots with supporting the ankle? I primary requirement of mine is for the boot to minimize ankle sprain, twist and breakage in a get-off.

Shin Protection - My two jump-offs on the Beemer have had me strike my shin against the tank and frame. With my current Teknics (which a modest shin protector) they have just grazed off with no noticeable injury to myself. I know for a near fact if I was wearing low-cut boots in those situations I would be crying quite loudly about my shins hurting.

I favor protection over styling if that helps you in your evaluation any.

[nickatnite]

pm (Ron Compton) rcompton over on ADV and ask him about shin protection and the GS. He was in a wreck a few years back (Park ranger pulled out and hit him). He broke his leg in (I THINK) 2 or 3 places on the right, due to the BMW cylinder. Wore a hole thru his Darien pants on the pavement also.

He is the one who tried several boots also, but wound up buying my Sidi Disco's. He'll give you an honest eval.

[Juice]

I really do not think that any road/touring boot is going to give you a lot of ankle/shin protection. The problem that you will encounter with any boot that gives ample protection is that they are not going to be very uncomfortable to do anything in other then ride. I l have a pair of motocross boots that i would wear on the KLR. Excellent protection but did not allow me to do very much walking. This will be my next riding boot. (http://www.alpinestars.com/Effex_Goretex_Boot/pd/np/113/p/233005.html) My son has a pair that he uses on the race track and they are great.

[nickatnite]

Here are a few of Ron's pics. Like I said, he chose the Sidi's now due to the extra shin protection that he needs.

The bike:

http://thetwins.smugmug.com/photos/76537777-L.jpg
http://thetwins.smugmug.com/photos/78350890-L.jpg

The Police car:

http://thetwins.smugmug.com/photos/75827169-L.jpg
http://thetwins.smugmug.com/photos/75827194-L.jpg

Yes, the officer hit him hard enough to spin the car.
http://thetwins.smugmug.com/photos/75827167-L.jpg

Right Jesse bag:
http://thetwins.smugmug.com/photos/74230811-L.jpg
http://thetwins.smugmug.com/photos/74230823-L.jpg

[leon]

I wear the Aerostich combat touring boots. They are a little pricey but I have had the same pair since 1995. They have over 50,000 miles on them and a lot of that is dirt. They are the boots that I wore on the Deliverance ride and Labor day ride. They are waterproof and offer outstanding protection. They are also easy to walk around in. When these finally wear out, I'll replace them with thier combat lite version.

www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/index.html

thinking about the combat tourers. still undecided between the lites and the regular taller ones. anybody tried them both?

[nickatnite]

thinking about the combat tourers. still undecided between the lites and the regular taller ones. anybody tried them both?

Yup....

If you have large calves, the regular CBT's are gonna be tight. The Lights are about 3" shorter. Same boot (both actually made by SIDI), just shorter for people with larger calves.

Keep this in mind, order both and which ever one you don't like when you get them in, return them to Stitch! Plenty of people have done that!

[Dirty_Sanchez]

The men in brown just dropped off a certain parcel for me.

The box contained a pair of Oxtar Infinity's. Fits like a glove, and fully waterproof.

Regular $300 boots bought for $189 from New Enough.

I take a pair of 8's in my A-Stars Tech 6's, these are a Euro size 41.

Gonna keep 'em.

Am doing the Vidalia ride on Friday and meeting up with the rest of you FF's for Sat's. ride iffin's you want to take a lookse at my new hoofers.

Dirty

[Ritten]

I was really hoping to get a set of Infinity's in my size (47) but they were already sold out. Instead I went ahead and got a pair of the Matrix 2's for $139. Not a bad discount at all!! I figured if my last set lasted me three years then these should be well worth it for the price.

[wjcook]

OK at the risk of bad responses I'll admit what I use to ride my motorcycles. Being a retired AIR FORCE AIR COMBAT COMMAND veteran may have a "little" to do with my choices but really I'm satisfied with my bargain boots. I've long ago wore out my military issue boots so I looked around for a replacement . This is a good source for real cheap boots of good quality. BRIGADEQM.com or get a full size catalog send to your home. There are black combat jungle boots for as little as$18.99. The desert storm style desert boots as low as $41.99 I'm sure the $300.00 boots I've seen some guys asking about are better but these inexpensive boots would be perfect for those mud holes. just my 2 cents worth, hope it may help someone out take care......

[leon]

appreciate the input. i've never owned a pair of riding boots, i've always worn my danner or redwing work boots when i ride the klr, so im looking for just a little bit more protection and something that will take the abuse of riding so that my daily wearers dont have to.

[Bayou Boy]

Two posts above someone recommended combat boots.

Do not go there.

There is a reason riding boots don't have laces. Asphalt eats laces through and then the boots have nothing to keep them on your feet. So they come off. And your feet get ground to a pulp. You either need leather covering all securing bits or straps that won't be ground by pavement e.g. metal.

I wear Diadora Touring boots. they use a zipper covered by a velcro secured flap. And are 100% waterproof and have pretty good shin protection. I like them a lot, not to mention they are one of the few touring boots I can get my local shop to order for me so I can try on before I buy.

[wjcook]

THANKS BAYOU BOY I would never know about that, I guess I'll have to get a pair of real riding boots now that I've been warned. I'll keep the military boots for riding the tractor much less wear and I've never fell off yet.

[Marc]

am i the only person that wears frye harness boots? steel toe, water proof, harness to keep them on your feet, thick leather. they look really nice so you can wear them pretty much anywhere. they are way over priced but i have a hard time with putting a price on comfort. i am sure if i did more off road riding then i would need to upgrade but for the street they are fine.

[Bayou Boy]

am i the only person that wears frye harness boots? steel toe, water proof, harness to keep them on your feet, thick leather. they look really nice so you can wear them pretty much anywhere. they are way over priced but i have a hard time with putting a price on comfort. i am sure if i did more off road riding then i would need to upgrade but for the street they are fine.

So those just slip on and off without any cinching or anything?

I would want something that I can't pull off of my foot without unlatching, unvelcroing, or unzipping or better yet a combination of more than one of those.

Also, how are those for shin protection? I bet there isn't anything but the leather.

[leon]

just ordered the cbt and cbt lite (good idea, nick) i'll just be sending one back. having looked at the many options, i think these are going to be the most practical and versital for the way i ride. we'll see, looking forward to breaking them in.

[Rocky]

Boots are probably the last bit of motorcycling gear that many riders purchase. They were for me: I had a helmet, jacket, gloves--and tennis shoes--long before I had decent boots. But once my feet felt the weather and road protection of a good pair of motorcycle boots, there was no looking back. Now they feel naked riding in tennis, street shoes or even work boots. And they could quickly be so in a spill, as nothing short of super glue will keep no riding boots on your feet when the going gets tough.

[tpknueven]

I am still looking for a riding boot. 80% dirt and paved roads 10% trails, 10% walking and site seeing (tourist things).
Has anyone tried the Gaerne Balance Pro-Tech Boot?
I have read good things about these and the oiled leather ones.
I think for the price difference i could snoseal the cheaper ones and keep then water proof. If not I may spring for the oiled ones.

Thanks in advance

Timmy
1990 TRANSALP

[scootertrash]

I am still looking for a riding boot. 80% dirt and paved roads 10% trails, 10% walking and site seeing (tourist things).
Has anyone tried the Gaerne Balance Pro-Tech Boot?
I have read good things about these and the oiled leather ones.
I think for the price difference i could snoseal the cheaper ones and keep then water proof. If not I may spring for the oiled ones.

Thanks in advance

Timmy
1990 TRANSALP

My Combat Lites from Aerostitch have been good. Water proof, comfy, good traction (SIDI sole). If I had to get another pair it would be a pair of SIDI Discoverys. I just like good traction while off the bike, and waterproof on the bike. Again, just my .02 cents. :baby:

[Navaho6]

I really do not think that any road/touring boot is going to give you a lot of ankle/shin protection. The problem that you will encounter with any boot that gives ample protection is that they are not going to be very uncomfortable to do anything in other then ride. I l have a pair of motocross boots that i would wear on the KLR. Excellent protection but did not allow me to do very much walking. This will be my next riding boot. (http://www.alpinestars.com/Effex_Goretex_Boot/pd/np/113/p/233005.html) My son has a pair that he uses on the race track and they are great.


I wish I had bought something tougher than the Alpine Stars touring boots. I will probably upgrade soon.

I say get the toughest boot you can find. I dropped my dirtbike (only 260-lb bike) last weekend, and it fell over on my right foot. Even that slow speed fall on dirt with Alpine Star MX boots, which feel like wearing a cast, smashed my foot real good - maybe a fracture.

[ONE LOVE]

Two pairs. Oxtar Matrix with Gore-Tex for the street and Alpinestars Vectors for the dirty days. The Vectors aren't nearly as comfortable as the Matrix, but I imagine they are a damn sight more comfortable than a broken ankle though.

[Save-the-Manatee]

I love my Infinity's

http://www.newenough.com/image/path/13531/TCX-InfinityGTX.jpg

[king4456]

i have gaerne and have loved them.

[tpknueven]

i have gaerne and have loved them.

do you have the oiled or protechs? Just wondering if they are both waterproof

[allanj255]

Altberg Clubman Classic
These are hand made boots from North Yorkshire - 100% waterproof, have a hiking boot sole so good to walk around in off the bike. Cost around £150. Great value for the quality, the factory will,re-sole the boots as the uppers last for years (I've had my boots for 6 years and they still look like new.
From altberg's web site
"The Original Altberg High Leg Bike Boot - unchanged since 1989 combines modern technology & components with traditional boot making. The boot is used by many UK & Scottish Police Forces.This is a tough boot - solid underfoot support and crush resistant midsole, waterproof membrane lining - tall classic leg design. A great British boot at its best in the worst British weather & conditions"
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff268/allanj255/clclass-b.jpg

[king4456]

do you have the oiled or protechs? Just wondering if they are both waterproof


they say drytech on the inside. they are very waterproof and on hot days my feet do sweat but you know what they say, i would rather sweat than bleed.

[Ritten]

two pairs. Oxtar matrix with gore-tex for the street


+100

[Capt.SIN]

My problem has been finding a wide boot.Any suggestions?
EE,or EEE