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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Hoppus Maximus on April 14, 2018, 06:48:28 AM

Title: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Hoppus Maximus on April 14, 2018, 06:48:28 AM
I've been riding a BMW GS for years and finally made the switch to a Griso, which I'm really excited about.  The thing is, my current Sidi Adventure Rain boots are too stiff in the ankle for the riding position on the Griso and I'm looking for another option.  The Sidi brand is my preference so if you have any recommendations, I'd be grateful.  My Adventure Rains are for sale if anyone is interested...size 44, like new.

(http://thumb.ibb.co/dqt96n/P1020114.jpg) (http://ibb.co/dqt96n)
Title: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Paul Brooking on April 14, 2018, 06:54:07 AM
I have Chippewa Engineers boots for winter use. Wolverine 1000 Mile for summer and O’Neil MX boots for extended off road whilst on the Stelvio. Each have pluses and minuses. I find purpose built motorcycle boots too fragile for the money they ask for them. I like a Goodyear welt and the ability to resole


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Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Lcarlson on April 14, 2018, 07:10:56 AM
Sidi Canyon Goretex on my BMW. Usually Cruiserworks engineer boots on the Guzzi.
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Guzzistajohn on April 14, 2018, 07:21:28 AM
Forma
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: EV11Jack on April 14, 2018, 07:26:34 AM
Hi, For Christmas my wife bought me the TCX Hero's. I love 'em. They're waterproof, although I've not ridden with them in the rain but with a GoreTex liner I'm sure that they are. They fit perfectly & didn't need any breaking-in. They're soft & comfortable. I would recommend them.


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Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: twowings on April 14, 2018, 07:30:34 AM
Forma Adventures
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Darren Williams on April 14, 2018, 07:56:44 AM
Actually the best MC boots I have ever had are Moto Guzzi branded. Made in Italy and I don't know who the maker actually is.  They have are comfortable, been fully waterproof and breathe pretty well. Starting to be worn out now and I would get another pair if I could find the same ones. I think Lowryter bought a pair and liked them also (he's quite a discerning consumer so if he recommends something you will know it's good).

Sidi boots have been my favorite brand.  From a performance/cost ratio. I have different boots for the aall seasons and touring. And dirt and street. With my sons, i was buying boots when i would find them on sale just to be sure they were  available for the boys to wear.

I  know I''ve said this before, but again MC boots need to be light as well as protective. You don't want a heavy boot twisting up your knees and hips if tumbling down the road after a get off.
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: pressureangle on April 14, 2018, 08:23:08 AM
After a great lot of hemming, hawing, hand-wringing and teeth gnashing I bought Gasolina Typhoon boots.

https://gasolinaboots.com/index.php/typhoon-boots/

(http://thumb.ibb.co/fB3HRn/typhoon1_web480.jpg) (http://ibb.co/fB3HRn)


I gave no consideration to water, since 99% of my riding is dry and hot in South Florida, and those momentary downpours dry out in a half-hour afterwards.

I've been not only satisfied, but very pleasantly surprised by the comfort level. They're not hiking boots, but I've spent entire days walking around in them; they never get hot, they needed no break-in, and they're perfect on my 1100 Sport. No ankle-biting, no toe pinching, just perfect. I never think about my feet while riding, and that pretty much says it all.

Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Lannis on April 14, 2018, 08:23:21 AM
I like light so prefer tennis shoes (high top black and white).

Just spray a little camp dry and your good!

:-)

Goes well with your Tupperware helmet, mesh gym shirt, and swim shorts - nice and cool and light on a long ride ...  :wink:   :grin:

Lannis
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Lannis on April 14, 2018, 08:28:41 AM
I always liked my Sidi/Aerostich "Combat Touring" boots, but I lost the latching strap off of one, and they're no longer available and neither is the "jury rig" fix-it kit ....

so I'm now in a pair of "Gaerne Dry-Tech" boots ...

http://gaerneusa.com/shop/street/g-durban-drytech/

which are light and comfy and (I think) waterproof, although I haven't tested them in an all-day rain yet; they do well for the hour or two that I've been in the rain on them.

Lannis
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: bpreynolds on April 14, 2018, 08:38:07 AM
Hi, For Christmas my wife bought me the TCX Hero's. I love 'em. They're waterproof, although I've not ridden with them in the rain but with a GoreTex liner I'm sure that they are. They fit perfectly & didn't need any breaking-in. They're soft & comfortable. I would recommend them.


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If I had to pick my absolute, all-time favorite boot it would be Alpinestars Scout boot but they too are only a 3 season boot:  Fall, early Spring, and definitely Winter; yet, overall (not the Scouts) I’ve had quality issues with AS’s products before with other boots of theirs. 

But.  For the best level of protection and quality combined with value, it’s just plain hard to beat nearly anything by TCX.  Both me and a riding bud of mine have had different boots of theirs and they never fail to impress.  I often wonder how they even manufacture them in such quality for so little price. 
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Guzzistajohn on April 14, 2018, 08:54:03 AM
I ride in crocs. They’re waterproof. For cold weather I wear socks too.
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Lannis on April 14, 2018, 09:04:03 AM
My Adventure Rains are for sale if anyone is interested...size 44, like new.

(http://thumb.ibb.co/dqt96n/P1020114.jpg) (http://ibb.co/dqt96n)


That's about an 11 in our money ... I usually go a half-size higher for the thicker SmartWool socks I wear on a ride so they might a bit tight for me ...

Lannis
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Yukonica on April 14, 2018, 09:05:13 AM
I ride in crocs. They�re waterproof. For cold weather I wear socks too.

That'a a crock.  :grin:
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Tusayan on April 14, 2018, 09:08:12 AM
If you're looking for ankle flexibility, you might like Bates Road Race or Sport Racer Boots.  They are the boots on which the Gasolina boots noted above were modeled, and they are still available.  They don't provide a great deal of impact protection, they are more like leathers for your feet, but the flexible design (in particular for the Road Race boots) was based on the needs to ride 1960s and 70s road race bikes with rear sets and a small amount of space between seat and pegs.  I've worn them for about 25 years on bikes with tight ergonomics and also use Sidi On Roads for touring where a more rugged, waterproof boot works better.

Bates boots can be supplied in standard sizes or custom made, which is useful if your calves are particularly thin or muscular.  They're made as they have been for decades in Long Beach CA, mostly by the same woman over that period.  The price is less than a lot of stuff made offshore, and they can be re-soled like any traditional boot or shoe.  I get about 10 years out of a pair.

https://www.batesleathers.com/footwear/


(http://thumb.ibb.co/n7UNu7/image.jpg) (http://ibb.co/n7UNu7)
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Yukonica on April 14, 2018, 09:14:28 AM
Garne G-Adventure. A lightweight version of OP's Sidi.
Not as well made but surprisingly durable (cheaper fittings and bonded sole). I wear them as my daily footwear because my RA makes tying shoes 'not so easy'. The first time my wife saw them she thought the Garne G on the shinguard stood for Guzzi.
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Guzzistajohn on April 14, 2018, 10:01:39 AM
Formas for dirt and pavement
(http://thumb.ibb.co/m49297/BEEFA20_C_21_AA_4281_8135_4677_A8_F7_C195.jpg) (http://ibb.co/m49297)
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: j.r.r. on April 14, 2018, 10:04:46 AM
My favorite boots are DAINESE STREET ROCKER D-WP, excellent fit, very light and can walk all day wearing them.

(http://thumb.ibb.co/cewUNS/DAINESE_STREET_ROCKER_D_WP.png) (http://ibb.co/cewUNS)


I also like the Gasoline boots, very comfortable and provide good protection when riding against flying rocks.

(http://thumb.ibb.co/dFr797/Gasolina_Boots.png) (http://ibb.co/dFr797)


And last but not least Belstaff Endurance boots, exceptional workmanship and quality of leather.

(http://thumb.ibb.co/chi9NS/Belstaff_ENDURANCE.png) (http://ibb.co/chi9NS)


I also have a pair of SIDI boots but they are not as comfortable as Dainese pair. A little bit surprise because I've used their bycycle shoes (road and MTB) for ages and they are very good, they last for years.

(http://thumb.ibb.co/ipVs97/Sidi_Insider.png) (http://ibb.co/ipVs97)

Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: JACoH on April 14, 2018, 10:52:31 AM
I also have a pair of Gasolina boots, very well made and as comfortable as my old Ashman/Top Gear boots of the 70's and 80's. A few different designs, but not as much protection as most of the big companies' offerings.  I had them make me a pair with ventilated uppers. Recommended!
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Ronkom on April 14, 2018, 06:41:38 PM
What ever I can find in a size 15EE......Not much of a selection.  I'm using a pair of waterproof Tactical boots from Magnum.
ronkom
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Guzzidad on April 14, 2018, 07:18:50 PM
      I like Magnums too. The waterproof boots are too hot for Florida weather but the regular boots are great. Light weight and as comfortable as tennis shoes.
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Seventy One on April 14, 2018, 07:54:52 PM
Sidi Adventure Gore-tex.

Waterproof for the last 4 years and 50k miles. The soles are replaceable but they're wearing so well that I may never get the chance. They became very comfortable once they broke-in a bit.

I got mine for about $290 (shipped). Bought 'em through Bikerland.de when the exchange rate was really good. Normally they were closer to $600 stateside through Revzilla. They are a bit warm but I got used to it.   
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: pressureangle on April 14, 2018, 09:28:44 PM
What ever I can find in a size 15EE......Not much of a selection.  I'm using a pair of waterproof Tactical boots from Magnum.
ronkom

Gasolina are custom fit. Trace your feet, talk to them. You'll get what you need.
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Lannis on April 15, 2018, 07:01:15 AM
Gasolina are custom fit. Trace your feet, talk to them. You'll get what you need.

Beautiful boots and look very comfortable ... but I don't think they have a waterproof version ....

Lannis
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Hoppus Maximus on April 15, 2018, 07:42:33 AM
Lot's of great opinions here!  Looks like I'll be doing some research today.  :thumb:
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: wrbix on April 15, 2018, 08:28:08 AM
Vendramini Tourer -
- I find a lot of boots have too large toe box, hindering upshifts. Not these.
- I’ve found most boots have binding hardware/straps/etc on inside with risk of hang up. Not these
- well made, hold up well, water resistant.
- Italian made with resultant style.(Guzzi content)
- not cheap (non-Guzzi content)
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: et18 on April 15, 2018, 10:17:22 AM
I ride in crocs. They�re waterproof. For cold weather I wear socks too.

That's funny!

I like Alpinestars Oscar Monty boots. Comfortable and functional on any bike. You see a lot of guys wearing them in YouTube bike tests and those guys often have their pick of free test gear.
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: motogoro on April 15, 2018, 10:18:59 AM
Gore-Tex, Sympatex, what-have-you is my minimum.  I don't do well with cold, wet extremities. 

My current boots are everyday Red Wing Wellington style boots.  Waterproof liners, reasonable traction soles. 

I've worn Alpinestar touring boots that were great.  Sidi "Panter" Wellingtons that I loved.
Tried Aerostich Combats. Never got past the buckle/drawstring routine to properly break them in. 

I wear my Red Wings almost daily year around now. 
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: timonbik on April 15, 2018, 10:39:18 AM
Man, I don't get it??? Some of you guys are spending more money on boots than I buy bikes for, and that's for 1 pair.   Spend $300 US plus on boots?  I like safe and I like comfort but I also like value.   Put more miles than I can fathom on old pair of Hitec patrol boots and that's after wearing them at work for 5 years.   Still have them for working around the yard.  If i remember correctly they cost $60 CDN.  Must be nice to have money to throw around!!!
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Luap McKeever on April 15, 2018, 10:43:17 AM
Chippewa Firefighters. I love them. Water proof, insulated, steel toed, and very comfortable.  Not the prettiest though.

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcToZkCGvqFGg26-Qtpodd78-28gmejhP734riUUvQPEfzH0ZLQd)
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Guzzistajohn on April 15, 2018, 10:54:07 AM
Man, I don't get it??? Some of you guys are spending more money on boots than I buy bikes for, and that's for 1 pair.   Spend $300 US plus on boots?  I like safe and I like comfort but I also like value.   Put more miles than I can fathom on old pair of Hitec patrol boots and that's after wearing them at work for 5 years.   Still have them for working around the yard.  If i remember correctly they cost $60 CDN.  Must be nice to have money to throw around!!!

I take good care of my stuff, spread the cost out over 10-12 years it's not much. I've had wet feet for 2-3 days and I'm not a big fan  :cool:
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: pressureangle on April 15, 2018, 12:01:25 PM
Man, I don't get it??? Some of you guys are spending more money on boots than I buy bikes for, and that's for 1 pair.   Spend $300 US plus on boots?  I like safe and I like comfort but I also like value.   Put more miles than I can fathom on old pair of Hitec patrol boots and that's after wearing them at work for 5 years.   Still have them for working around the yard.  If i remember correctly they cost $60 CDN.  Must be nice to have money to throw around!!!

Some of us don't like to look homeless.
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: timonbik on April 15, 2018, 01:22:16 PM
Some of us don't like to look homeless.

One should be judged by the horse that he rides rather than the boots on his feet!!!
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: bpreynolds on April 15, 2018, 01:43:44 PM
Man, I don't get it??? Some of you guys are spending more money on boots than I buy bikes for, and that's for 1 pair.   Spend $300 US plus on boots?  I like safe and I like comfort but I also like value.   Put more miles than I can fathom on old pair of Hitec patrol boots and that's after wearing them at work for 5 years.   Still have them for working around the yard.  If i remember correctly they cost $60 CDN.  Must be nice to have money to throw around!!!

Please advise.  Where can I get these $300 bikes of which you speak?
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Ncdan on April 15, 2018, 02:37:02 PM
Warm to hot weather ridding, military desert  boots. Cool to cold weather, militarily insulated gortex boots. Rain ridding, frog togg boot covers on either. 
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: timonbik on April 15, 2018, 02:38:31 PM
Once bought a 350 Kawasaki triple at a church bazaar for $125.  Put gas in it and rode it.  Yes I admit it is getting hard to come across such deals but recently just missed a running, riding Yamaha XT500 for $500 CDN.  That's a little over $300 your bucks.  There out there, but your timing has to be spot on!!!

Cheers, Tim
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Lannis on April 15, 2018, 03:56:41 PM
Man, I don't get it??? Some of you guys are spending more money on boots than I buy bikes for, and that's for 1 pair.   Spend $300 US plus on boots?  I like safe and I like comfort but I also like value.   Put more miles than I can fathom on old pair of Hitec patrol boots and that's after wearing them at work for 5 years.   Still have them for working around the yard.  If i remember correctly they cost $60 CDN.  Must be nice to have money to throw around!!!

What do you do when it rains all day long on a ride?

Lannis
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Lannis on April 15, 2018, 04:00:01 PM
  Must be nice to have money to throw around!!!

2008 BREVA 750
2013 VICTORY XR CLASSIC
2006 VICTORY V92TC
2006 DUCATI MULTISTRADA 620 (IN DUCATI HEAVEN)

Must be nice to have money to burn, grind the ashes into the ground, and bury the ashes ....

TWO Victorys?   ONE Victory is gross overconsumption ....  :wink:   :grin:
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: timonbik on April 15, 2018, 07:10:54 PM
2008 BREVA 750
2013 VICTORY XR CLASSIC
2006 VICTORY V92TC
2006 DUCATI MULTISTRADA 620 (IN DUCATI HEAVEN)

Must be nice to have money to burn, grind the ashes into the ground, and bury the ashes ....

TWO Victorys?   ONE Victory is gross overconsumption ....  :wink:   :grin:

Come on now, we're not talking HD's here.    :evil:
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: mobiker on April 15, 2018, 07:58:28 PM
I like Alpinestars Web Goretex. Leather, goretex and very comfy on my feet. They are surprisingly comfortable to walk in, when off the bike.
For hot weather I have a pair of Alpinestars that are virtually identical to the Web Goretex, except they don't have goretex and have some nylon mesh panels for breathability. I don't remember the model name of these, but I don't think they make them anymore anyway.
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Yukonica on April 15, 2018, 10:52:18 PM
I always liked my Sidi/Aerostich "Combat Touring" boots, but I lost the latching strap off of one, and they're no longer available and neither is the "jury rig" fix-it kit ....

so I'm now in a pair of "Gaerne Dry-Tech" boots ...

http://gaerneusa.com/shop/street/g-durban-drytech/

which are light and comfy and (I think) waterproof, although I haven't tested them in an all-day rain yet; they do well for the hour or two that I've been in the rain on them.

Lannis

Re the latching strap: an alpine ski shop with an actual tech service should have all kinds of latches that will work. European makes are your best bet for an exact match. Kastinger, Raichle, Lang, Delbello, ... there's a bunch that use very similar hardware to what I see on motorcycle boots.

Regarding Garne's Drytech; I have worn G_Adventures year round as my only shoe since 2016 and have never had wet feet yet. Snow, spring puddles, on the bike for hours in coastal Alaska rain... all with no problems. In a hot climate you might find it doesn't breathe as well as Goretex but that would be the only concern I'd have. I have one pair that is wearing out and a new pair that is breaking in.
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on April 16, 2018, 07:15:47 AM
Sidi On Roads since the 90s.
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: helmetbolt on April 16, 2018, 09:15:40 AM
Altberg boots. Excellent quality and made to measure.

https://www.altberg.co.uk/category/motorcycle-boots/


Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: JJ on April 16, 2018, 02:55:48 PM
I have several, but these seem to be my favorite overall...Chippewa Rallye Boot...comfortable AND with a zipper. :1: :thumb: :cool:


(http://thumb.ibb.co/crQXU7/Screen_Shot_2018_04_16_at_12_52_41_PM.png) (http://ibb.co/crQXU7)
Title: Re: What's your favorite riding boot?
Post by: Sheepdog on April 16, 2018, 03:06:57 PM
I like Alpinestars boots as they are made on a wider last than most bike-specific footwear. I like them waterproof and mid-height (I have large calves).