boots, protection vs comfort

[Sheepdog]

I had an accident once wearing a pair of Merrell hiking boots. The laces broke and the boot came off during the tumble. My foot was beat to hell. Now I use boots made for riding...

I have both the tall and robust Sidi Pantah and the lower, but waterproof Alpinestars Ridge boots in my closet. The A-Stars boot fits a great deal better. The toe box is larger and my largish calves are not cramped by the taller upper. Both are better than a hiking boot or a pair of Chucks...

As for Rockports...I still have the pair I used for dignitary protection back when I did that sort of thing. They are exceedingly comfortable...even after an 18 hour day!

[ITSec]

I have three pair of Rockports, newest for dress up, 2nd for kicking around. 

I use the oldest pair in the gym and garage.  I jog about 7 blocks in them before I do weights and rowing.  I guess when I get a 4th pair, I relegate them to yard work.

I am disheartened to hear that might have cheapened the product- like so many things.   

Rockport was bought by Reebok in the mid-80s, and Reebok kept the manufacturing in the poorer/cheaper parts of Europe. After Reebok got bought by Adidas in 2005, all the work went to China and the quality went down a bit; not terribly, but noticeably. The other thing that happened with the move is that the lasts for making the shoes changed - in most Rockports, I always took a 9.5 or 10 in standard width, but with the newer Chinese ones I need a wide fit in the same shoe design. The new owners (Berkshire Partners - not to be confused with Berkshire Hathaway - and New Balance) got hold of the company about 18 months ago, and I haven't bought any shoes since the latest change, so I don't know what the quality is like today. It's to be noted that New Balance does their manufacturing in the US and in Europe, not China - so things may be looking up for the brand.

[ryjan]

I sucked up the price and finally bought a pair of Gasolina Typhoons.

I was not just pleased, but surprised, at the quality and fit, as well as the comfort. The very first time I wore them was at the Abacoa (Jupiter, FL) vintage bike meet, and walked around the streets in them for like 7 hours with no discomfort or break-in noticed. Magnificent!
http://gasolinaboots.com/

Very nice boots and from what they say in description great for hot / humid riding days. What type of sole did you pick? Do you know the difference between Standard and Lugged �Commando� Sole? Is the leather soft, easy to fit shape of your feet and calf? I would love to see more pictures of those boots, specially after you've been using them for a while.
Sorry for all those question but buying on-line is always risky business :)

Couple weeks ago I bought Roland Sands Mojave Boots (https://goo.gl/KGwy21). They are very tight fit, sides are very stiff and my bony ankles really take beating when walking. They also look huge, I wear size 8 but when I put them on they look like at least size 10. Looks like wasted $300 :(

Thanks!

[JJ]

Plenty of options today for everyone!

JJ's Rule of thumb - always wear something above the ankle :1:

[LowRyter]

Rockport was bought by Reebok in the mid-80s, and Reebok kept the manufacturing in the poorer/cheaper parts of Europe. After Reebok got bought by Adidas in 2005, all the work went to China and the quality went down a bit; not terribly, but noticeably. The other thing that happened with the move is that the lasts for making the shoes changed - in most Rockports, I always took a 9.5 or 10 in standard width, but with the newer Chinese ones I need a wide fit in the same shoe design. The new owners (Berkshire Partners - not to be confused with Berkshire Hathaway - and New Balance) got hold of the company about 18 months ago, and I haven't bought any shoes since the latest change, so I don't know what the quality is like today. It's to be noted that New Balance does their manufacturing in the US and in Europe, not China - so things may be looking up for the brand.

Then it's worked out well for me since I have a narrow heel.  That's why they fit good.

It's amazing to me that I have a shoe that I can wear with a suit and tie but also use it as an athletic shoe.  Like I said, if anyone could design a motorcycle boot that you could use for hiking, it would be great.

[flower_king001]

Been wearing these by Chippewa since I wore out my Corbin Roadmaster boots.

 http://www.chippewaboots.com/footwear/footwear/road/engineer/27862




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[sidecarnutz]

My current boots are over the ankle desert combat boots. They have a side zip after you lace them up. Nice liner that is water proof to 6" deep. The tan suede sheds water like a ducks back. Very comfortable and soft enough they needed no break in.
They were on special two years ago at Sportsman's Guide for $44 and I caught them with a free shipping coupon. Light weight and "enough" protection. My legs got pretty messed up when I got hit 22 years ago. Can't wear really tall or heavy boots any more due to the crushing injuries I got. Light weight is what I have to use now or my bad leg swells up like a balloon!

[Guzzistajohn]

Like Guzzistajohn, I've got a pair of the Forma boots.  He forgot to mention that they're waterproof as well as light and easy to walk in.
I've also got two pairs of Puma boots, one with the "ghost doctor" bracing.
I'm happy with them all.

Oh, I did. I actually walked across a low water bridge the other day in 4 or 5 inches of water. Dry as a bone!