Boots ...

[Bulldog9]

I haven't bought a pair of new motorcycle boots in 25 years.

My 40-year-old Carolina jump boots have been re-soled twice and are currently bald so they are out of the running until I take them to the local cobbler shop.

My other boots are at least 20 year old if not 25-year-old first gear Kilimanjaro boots. Great boots overall but they have long since given up being waterproof and I'm considering getting another pair.

I have a 25-year supply of military combat boots that I could easily wear and probably will, but I would really like to see if modern technology has improved the ability for a boot to be waterproof, comfortable when walking around, and effective as a touring boot.

I have a 3000 mile trip planned for early April traveling down the east coast to the Florida keys and then back up the ridge of the Appalachians to DC. I'm thinking it might be an excuse to get a new pair of all purpose riding and wearing boot.

With you guys recommend? And of course remember I'm snapping my red suspenders so the cheaper the better.

[Oca Grassa]

I don’t know that what I can recommend will be of any help. I have winter riding boots that water proof. Not cheap, made in Europe. Also great on the bike, not so much for walking around. Made by a company called Richa out of Belgium.

 For summer I have a pair vented boots. Not water proof as you might imagine. Relatively inexpensive, but again; great on the bike but you wouldn’t go hiking in them. Also, I wound up putting better insoles in them to make them better on the bike. They’re Tour Master branded boots, the Solution Air model. I paid about $65 shipped a few years ago

Lastly Alpinestar makes a shorty touring boot that is water proof and built like a pair of modern cross hikers…IE like you could both run trails and hike in them. Again, not at all cheap. About $210 a pair.
https://www.cyclegear.com/_a/product_images/1394/9141/alpinestars_cr_x_drystar_riding_shoes_750x750.jpg

[Ncdan]

Boots are much like oil preference conversations, there are no absolutes.
Personally for me, I wear modern ruff out combat boots, Blackhawk Warrior. 
They are cool in hot weather, warm in cold weather, with a pare of wool drab green military socks and easy to put on and remove.
They can be purchased at a reasonable price at any Army/Navy store. I figure if they are suitable for combat conditions they will fill the requirements of motorcycle riding. As far as waterproof, see the rain coming slip on a pair of rain covers with the rain gear.
Again boots are a personal choice and no need to criticize other’s choices.

[Kev m]

You lost me at:

With you guys recommend? And of course remember I'm snapping my red suspenders so the cheaper the better.

You cheap SOB.

I have some cowboy style, composite toed, vibram oil resistant sole, Ariat's that I really like but (don't ask cause I feel so stupid) that I bought a little small. I might buy another pair I like them so much.

But recently I saw these work boots that use snowboard style dial devices to tighten up and I really want to look into them. The only problem is that I don't want to break the 11th commandment "Thou shall not buy crap only advertised on FB". So I am waiting to see if the stuff is good enough for the real world and if I see it THERE, I'll consider a pair.

That's all I got.

I don't like too much with zippers or laces or other crap. A lot of the motorcycle dedicated ones are too moon boot for me. Though I did have a pair of BMW boots back in the 90's and early aughts that looked a lot like moon boots and just fastened with Velcro. They were waterproof and great. Oh yeah, waterproof is step 1 or need not apply.

[scra99tch]

I've been using my Asolo TPS boots for riding for a long time.  I can comfortably hook the heel on to the passenger pegs on my Cal-vin for another riding position.  They are waterproof and have the ankle coverage needed.  Very comfortable for hiking, which is usually my day trip ride destination when I can get away. 

A little pricey but finding a used pair is usually good enough.  Just watch out for their earlier models the foam if stored wet and not allowed to properly dry was prone to failure at the sole and heal.  I believe the newer versions have resolved that issue. 

Also if you can find them cheap and destroyed.  Send them out to Italy and have them resoled.  They did a wonderful job repairing a few of mine.   

[Bob Wegman]

Steve,  If you are looking for cheap.  Do a smash and grab.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I've been wearing a pair of Alpinestars Air Plus v2 Gore-Tex XCR boots for the last 3 years. Good protection (as tested by a left-turning car May of '23), cool enough in the heat (100+ degrees on most of the National Rally trip last June/July), warm down to around the mid-40s. Waterproof from the start and still are. Comfortable to walk in.

[kingoffleece]

Been using SEDI on road GTex for a long time.  Works a treat.

[jcctx]

Redwings. sprayed with water guard!

[Motormike]

The low-budget way is to take whatever leather boot you like and treat it with a good spray-on water repellant, then hit all the stitching with Sno-Seal wax.  Repeat every riding season.  The Sno-Seal does attract a bit of dust, but they are boots so who cares?  I use the stuff religiously, even on my so-called waterproof Gore Tex boots.

[Oca Grassa]

Having spent a lifetime in the military, I’ve ridden in combat boots many times. More than I care to count. It was just part of riding to work in those days. What I don’t recommend is crashing in combat or any other style leather boot. When I did, my boot got trapped under a sliding bike. The leather got hot and suddenly the toe stuck and rolled my ankle around until my foot faced the wrong way. Very last time I ever rode in combat boots.

[Ncdan]

Having spent a lifetime in the military, I’ve ridden in combat boots many times. More than I care to count. It was just part of riding to work in those days. What I don’t recommend is crashing in combat or any other style leather boot. When I did, my boot got trapped under a sliding bike. The leather got hot and suddenly the toe stuck and rolled my ankle around until my foot faced the wrong way. Very last time I ever rode in combat boots.

Stick any boot under a sliding motorcycle at speed and the outcome will be disastrous.

[Clifton]

I like 7-8" boots that are comfortable for riding as well as walking and moderate hiking. Tactical boots, such as many police officers wear, work well and can be found reasonably priced. They lace up for a comfortable fit but also incorporate a side zipper which enables them quick to put on or take off.

Waterproof versions are convenient when in rain but I find even the "breathable" ones tend to not breath so well and be hot in warm weather, so I have a pair of non-waterproof as well. In the heat of summer I wear the cooler non-waterproof boots and if on an extended ride just carry rain overboots in case of rain. In spring and fall I generally just wear the waterproof ones. I forget the exact ones I have now, they're 5-6 years old, but similar to these.
https://lapolicegear.com/lapg-d8201szbk-sector-8-duty-boot.html

[Kev m]

I like 7-8" boots that are comfortable for riding as well as walking and moderate hiking. Tactical boots, such as many police officers wear, work well and can be found reasonably priced. They lace up for a comfortable fit but also incorporate a side zipper which enables them quick to put on or take off.

Waterproof versions are convenient when in rain but I find even the "breathable" ones tend to not breath so well and be hot in warm weather, so I have a pair of non-waterproof as well. In the heat of summer I wear the cooler non-waterproof boots and if on an extended ride just carry rain overboots in case of rain. In spring and fall I generally just wear the waterproof ones. I forget the exact ones I have now, they're 5-6 years old, but similar to these.
https://lapolicegear.com/lapg-d8201szbk-sector-8-duty-boot.html

Those look pretty damn good for the price.

But alas we can't buy them for health reasons.

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including arsenic, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca. gov.

       

[Clifton]

But alas we can't buy them for health reasons.

Yeah but ok unless you're from Cali. :)

[kingoffleece]

Used my SEDI boots in many a torrential downpour.  Never wet. Ever.

[Oca Grassa]

Yeah, same for my Richa boots. Waterproof as advertised. On my 3rd season with them now and my feet stay warm & dry all winter.

I’ve worn Redwing work boots for 40 years. At work. I’ve ridden in them a handful of times. They’re waterproof and insulated. But after nearly wrecking my ankle for life, I don’t wear them to ride anymore.

[guzziart]

I'm not looking forward to replacing my 8yo Sidi's but once they appear to start taking on water, they're done. I hope when that time comes my pockets will be deep enough for another $200-$400 pair ( of who knows what) which at my age will hopefully last me the rest of my riding life.  My 15yo EH rated Redwings are also showing signs of failure (holes aft of toe cap) but since I'm retired I'll continue to wear them for work around the house.  In my youth I wore work boots for riding and working.  Over time I got tired of wet feet when getting caught in inclement weather so, I bought some "rubbers" that I'd put on over my work boots, I've long forgotten what they were called.  Anyway, I got tired of that baloney too and made the jump to dedicated riding boots, been happy ever since.  These days when I catch some rain, I stop, put on the waterproof over pants and my lower extremities are kept dry.
As for the LAPD lace up riding boot specified in an earlier post, they're nice but not for me, ain't into lacing things up, my luck the bow would come undone while riding or the bow would catch the shifter and trip me up while getting on/off the bike.
Art 

[Kev m]

As for the LAPD lace up riding boot specified in an earlier post, they're nice but not for me, ain't into lacing things up, my luck the bow would come undone while riding or the bow would catch the shifter and trip me up while getting on/off the bike.
Art

I'm normally with you but that boot seems to have a velcro tab and a zipper. Meaning you can probably permanently tie and tuck the laces, then use the zipper for on and off (if I'm seeing it right). I might get a pair just to bang around in.

[Clifton]

I'm normally with you but that boot seems to have a velcro tab and a zipper. Meaning you can probably permanently tie and tuck the laces, then use the zipper for on and off (if I'm seeing it right). I might get a pair just to bang around in.

Correct. I initially lace them to fit, after that utilize the zippers to remove and put back on.

[kingoffleece]

For those unaware:
Get some Nixwax and keep the leather from wetting out.  Glove Proof also works a treat.

https://nikwax.com/en-us/products/waterproofing/clothing-waterproofing/waterproofing-wax-for-leather/

Doesn't stop any of the membrane performance either.

[Moparnut72]

I  usually use Neatsfoot oil but I think I'll give Nixwax a try. I have messed up feet so I wear work boots during all the time I am on my feet. I used to wear Red Wings years ago but my go to's are now Danners. I just recently bought a new pair at the beginning of winter. I got insulated, Goretex Super Rain Forest work boots. They are really heavy duty, double leather, triple stitched and extra thick soles. I am really happy with them the most comfortable boots I have ever owned. Not cheap though $470, well worth it.
kk

[Perazzimx14]

I  usually use Neatsfoot oil but I think I'll give Nixwax a try. I have messed up feet so I wear work boots during all the time I am on my feet. I used to wear Red Wings years ago but my go to's are now Danners. I just recently bought a new pair at the beginning of winter. I got insulated, Goretex Super Rain Forest work boots. They are really heavy duty, double leather, triple stitched and extra thick soles. I am really happy with them the most comfortable boots I have ever owned. Not cheap though $470, well worth it.
kk

Kinda of the Cheap/Fast/Good triangle. Pick any two you like

[kingoffleece]

Used Neatsfoot, SnoSeal, Mink Oil, and everything else over the last 55 years or so.

NixWax is SO easy.  Doesn't last as long-when I was back east in all that rain 3-4 treatments a year.  But it takes all of 5 min max per boot and it's not sloppy.  Water runs right off-boots don't get so cold from being waterlogged, and the membrane works as good as it can.

When testing my seat covers and all the contract testing for others (usually testing pants, socks, and soft shells) I would ride hundreds of miles a day in the rain-and if I was lucky-snow.  Never had wet feet.

[Brand X]

I have these old units..about 45 years old..Always like the tt-100 tread pattern..

https://www.ebay.com/itm/226626211470

[JStorm]

I can't offer but a sliver of experience compared to many of you but I know a thing or 3 about snapping red suspenders, or getting bang for my buck!
I've been very impressed with the 2 pairs of Noru boots purchased from Motorcycle closeouts dot com. I first bought the vented Hakone touring boots (a size larger than I typically wear) for my time on the V7 Stone. Very supportive yet all day comfortable to walk in. Ventilation works great but not waterproof. Once I traded up to the V85, I bought a pair of Noru waterproof Tsua. Feet stay dry, sole is stiffer for standing yet stiff all day comfortable walking or riding. Lack of ventilation is evident but I like warm feet anyway. For under $100 I think they are a great value.

I recently bought a pair of Alpinestars Tech 3 Enduro boots and man do they take some getting used to. I dont know that I will ever be in a situation to test their protection compared to the touring boots. In fact, I am questioning my sanity in trying them at all. But seeing so many other dudes on our group ADV rides wering them or similar or full blown MX boots, I think I have to trust the (learning) process and get used to the completely different skills necessary to operate the bike with nearly zero ankle movement available and absolutely no toe flex!
Hakone vented touring boots pictured for reference.

[BMCMOTO]

I have Sidi on roads that I love to use when touring. I like something lighter for day rides etc. I have an old pair of Prexport boots that I truly love for this use. However, my feet have grown and they need replacing. I've tried a couple, one from Tourmaster which isn't real leather and has a zipper and a Held boot that is real leather but has two zippers. I much prefer velcro closures and a simple design. I wasn't having much luck until Oca pointed me to Richa boots. I have ordered their Vapour model, looks good but so did the others. Just need something for short day rides and irregular commuting.

Thanks, Oca!

Brian

[Bulldog9]

Thanks for all the feedback.

I ended up finding a pair of Sidi boots packed in a box. I forgot I bought them a few years ago. They were in a box of old boots. One of the buckles are broken and a mouse ate a hole in one toe, but shoe goo is a friend. Of course that was after I ordered these Tourmaster Men's Trailblazer . I used points so no real cost.

[LuftGansa]

Does the water guard spray work well with redwing type boots? 

[Tom]

Woverine work boots.  About $100.  Leather.  Pull on tabs.  Round or square toe.  They look normal.  On Amazon.     You have to read the details for any other boots and make sure they're leather shaft.  Good for fly-n-rides.