please recommend some riding boots..

[lucydad]

All,

Ok, the Aerostich catalog came.  I am eyeing their "Combat Lite" boots at $347.  Not cheap, but I know they make good boots.

My current boots were bought at a local sporting goods mega store.  They are leather bottoms, mesh uppers, and zip sides with laces in front. Laces are not ideal for riding, I know that, but they fit under my kevlar and leather riding pants.  They fit well, and are comfortable and great for high heat.  They SUCK in the rain though and protection is so-so.  I think I spent $40.

The AS boots are not cheap.  And since I now am retired, I need to pinch my scheckles a bit tighter.  My Scottish grandfather also is urging me to start shopping better.

So, may I ask for boot recommendations please?  I do not want dirt riding style.  I also like fairly easy on and off.   

Oh, and I am thinking about a waterproof, tough duffle for the V7R:  the main camping gear bag perhaps?  Thoughts?

Thanks in advance. 

[BMCMOTO]

SIDI On Road for boots, waterproof and Velcro closure.

Ortlieb waterproof for duffle.

YMMV

Brian

[mojohand]

I absolutely love my BMW Pro Touring 2 boots:

http://shop.bmw-motorrad.com/Boots/Pro-Touring-2-boot-psc-200000641-YlegMkqlzXAAAAE0t9JtTecS-UXCOM-WFS-en_EU-EUR.html

They're comfortable for all-day walking, I can wear them under khakis or jeans for work, and they're waterproof, too. Great protection features as well. Highly recommended.

[Arizona Wayne]

I got some Sidi sport/rain boots a few years ago and am very happy with them but that particular model is NLA.  Took a little time to break them in but not too long.

[Matt]

I ride every day (unless it's icy) in the crap weather of my environs. The Combat Lites are my main boot and have been for five years or so now, if I ever wear these out I'll buy another pair but it looks like that'll be a while.

It's cheaper to buy good gear the first time, I had serious palpitations ordering my Roadcrafter back in 2009, best gear money I've ever spent. I live in it and it gets better every year.

[Lcarlson]

I favor Cruiserworks Engineer boots -- they look like they belong on a motorcycle. Then again, I ride a cruiser much of the time.

[Guido Valvole]

I have some Alpinestars that have served me very well since late 2008. Don't know the model, price was reasonable, under $200 iirc. *Very* comfortable, and dry in rain. Goretex and some insulation so warmish in winter and tolerable in summer. They're starting to show wear but will be around for a while longer.

I recently picked up some Aerostitch Combat boots, used from a friend whose foot will never be the same again but is at least still attached and now working fine. Never have a bike spear your foot by the footpeg. Price was right. They're heavy (all the better for kickstarting the BSA) and more "old school" than the Alpinestars, which are in the modern heavy-duty high-top running shoe category by comfort (leather, though). Comfortable in their own way. Re-soleable, which is a rarity these days. One of the buckle straps was torn through use, I figured it would be an easy replacement. Oops, no. Lite buckles are available but the thicker Combat ones are "backordered". They were good at suggestions, Lite straps and anchors and maybe use a ski shop for the work. Cheap Guzzi content: I looked at the tear, found that most basic glues didn't attach to the strap's plastic, and used some canvas and epoxy to patch the thing. So far so good. Combat Lites should be noticeably lighter. Built to last and be repaired. Do note that the Combats are not all that insulated -- a Good Thing for warm weather, less so for cold.
cr

[racasey]

I absolutely love my BMW Pro Touring 2 boots:

http://shop.bmw-motorrad.com/Boots/Pro-Touring-2-boot-psc-200000641-YlegMkqlzXAAAAE0t9JtTecS-UXCOM-WFS-en_EU-EUR.html

They're comfortable for all-day walking, I can wear them under khakis or jeans for work, and they're waterproof, too. Great protection features as well. Highly recommended.

Gotta go with MojoHand.  I have worn this boot for many years, tuff as nails, comfortable all day long, and still dry on the inside after tropical style downpours.

Great boot for the price, and superb protection from all angles.

Ciao,
DC

[rboe]

Sidi adventure boots. Super product (Sidi makes the Aerostitch model, Ive tried them, prefer the Sidi version).

But Forma is on my radar as many folks say it's the best boot if you have to do a fair amount of hiking/walking in them.

[Moto Fugazzi]

Sidi adventure boots. Super product (Sidi makes the Aerostitch model, Ive tried them, prefer the Sidi version).

But Forma is on my radar as many folks say it's the best boot if you have to do a fair amount of hiking/walking in them.

I have a pair of Forma boots, and they were very comfortable once I swapped out the insoles. I have no problem wearing them all day long on my feet. I did get stuck in standing water one day for about an hour, and water did seep through. FWIW, I do need to change insoles on all of my boots, so the standard boots may fit you well. My write up on these is here: http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=65039.0
Ken
P.S. I have no idea how these will do in hot TX weather, but they've never been too warm on hot and humid WI days.

[kingoffleece]

I have several pair of SEDI-vented, Gore, and On -Road, and they are all top notch.

[grebmrof]

Had a pair of the AS full height boots for years, loved the look and the coverage of my foot and leg, but never got comfortable shifting and braking with them, ultimately sold them on AdvRider.  I replaced them with these TourMasters about a year ago, they've worked very nicely this past season:

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/tour-master-solution-wp-air-boots?utm_source=product&kwd=&gclid=CjwKEAiA7MWyBRDpi5TFqqmm6hMSJAD6GLeA-Hbt-ohf5oTOZACyOvPk2gnvkOTGZZUYw0YTsEHEFxoCv4fw_wcB

Easy on, reasonably comfortable & priced.  I take a 9.5 U.S. which became a 43 Euro size, so they may run slightly small.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Sidi on roads. More than likely the last boots you'll have to buy. Like most tools, you buy cheap stuff over and over..good stuff once. 

[wrbix]

Vendramini:                                                                                                                                                                         - smaller toe box than most making manipulation below shifter easier,
- Models with zipper/Velcro on lateral/outward facing side of boot - ever had your hardware hang up on peg?   
- articulate at ankle well
- Italian made - izzat good?
                       

[Xlratr]

Another vote for Sidi from me. I had a pair of BMW enduro boots for many years, which were very good (I believe made by Alpinestar). But finally the rubber layer on the top for the gear shifter flaked away. I replaced them with off road Sidis. Really good boots, comfortable and totally waterproof. I understand you don't want the off road type, but I'm sure the road type are just as good.

If you're looking for waterproof bags, these are also excellent. Don't know if they're available in the states, but I really recommend them if you can find them.
https://www.ortlieb.com/en/

John

[redrider]

Alpinestar SMX5 most days now that summer is over. 5 years on them and only now do the heels start to show the underlayer. Sidi all mesh for the summer. Again, Alpinestar adventure with GTex are warm in the winter and mostly waterproof unless standing in a puddle. (Welt construction). I have used the Alpinestar XCR for 3 years as my daily walkers and at least 23 MSF classes per year. Only now are the soles loosing their tread. The interior looks new and the laces replaced once. Still not sold on the new XCR with the Velcro but the rest of the construction looks to be the same so in the end, they will probably be here when the sale prices show up after Christmas. The XCR has been the best value ever.

[leafman60]

I highly recommend the SIDI On Road boots.  They are my current boots.

Also, Vendramini makes a very fine boot. The Daytona and the Marathon are both excellent.

One thing I've recently noticed is that perhaps Sidi has discontinued/replaced the all-leather On Road with a new version that incorporates textile. If true, that would probably displace me back to the Vendramini.

Looks like Sidi now has the "All Road" textile/leather. Maybe the Touring would be ok. Why did they discontinue their most-popular boot?
http://www.motonation.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=6

Vendramini Marathons-
http://www.bikerworldusa.com/vendramini.html

[samfrank]

I have the combat lite's. After the break in period they work great. Break In takes a week or two. Just wear them around the house. I love them and will likely be the last boot I'll buy. Spoke with a guy still wearing his after 15 years. The yellow laces do shred a bit from the Velcro closure. As already mentioned, they are made by Sidi.

[leafman60]

I have the combat lite's. After the break in period they work great. Break In takes a week or two. Just wear them around the house. I love them and will likely be the last boot I'll buy. Spoke with a guy still wearing his after 15 years. The yellow laces do shred a bit from the Velcro closure. As already mentioned, they are made by Sidi.

Aerostich Combats are good but they are not waterproof.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Looks like Sidi now has the "All Road" textile/leather. Maybe the Touring would be ok. Why did the discontinue their most-popular boot?

Fortunately, I have mine. SIDI, what are you thinking??

[samfrank]

Aerostich Combats are good but they are not waterproof.

Interesting that you say that. Mine have kept my tootsies dry in downpours. At least that's my experience to date. The AS literature claims waterproof if I recall correctly.

[Perazzimx14]

Redwing 953's for me. Started wearing them in 1992 as my daily boot working construction. Once broken in more comfortable than a well worn pair of tennis shoes and can also be cleaned up to wear with casual business attire. I like the 953's because they are inexpensive, still made in the states, not insulated and do not have a lugged sole to harbor dog sh!t and mud. YMMV

[chaoselephant23]

Redwing are a damn good choice! I just cleaned up a 13 year old neglected pair with Pecards and Aquaseal. Good as new.

You won't regret the Combat Touring or Lites. Solid build. Good looks. Excellent peg feel with the wedge soles. Super ankle support. And for me as a newbie rider a confidence booster. Feet feel incased in iron.

If you go with the CBTs, SuperFeet are a nice upgrade. Make sure to fit the insole to your arch. Not the size of the boot.

[not-fishing]

Stylemartin Indians in Brown.  get rid of the red laces and buy a set of decent brown boot laces from REI or whomever



Look good enough for work.  Comfortable enough for all day and good protection.

Lugged sole for grip that's replaceable.  although boots are a little wide for driving clutched cars like MR2's & CTS-V's

8" Full lace with hooks for great ankle support.  some of us have a bit of a floppy foot

Oil the leather with olive oil rather than messing with boot polish.  old equestrian trick  I figure mine are going to last years of daily use.  The only downside is they're to hot for when it get's over 95.  but my feet run hot

[OlderSlower]

I love my Combat Lites, but they take a LONG time to break in.  They are remarkably water resistant.  If you want a stiff boot that is closer to a MX boot than tennis shoe type boot, you will probably like them.  Only need to buy once...

[tiger_one]

I still have a pair of the bmw touring boots like above picture, but I have moved up to better protection.  I use these for offroad, dirtbike riding, and touring.  Warm and dry, plus I can walk the towns in them.


https://www.motocard.com/en/boots/alpinestars-toucan_gore_tex_black_10.aspx?ctry=us&currency=&utm_campaign=comparadores&utm_source=google&utm_medium=comparadores_en&utm_term=boots_alpinestars_m-0668031&size=10%20(EU%2044.5)&gclid=CjwKEAiA7MWyBRDpi5TFqqmm6hMSJAD6GLeANuom5P5uK_EWw7PzNVN1taULwM35x7X5MfszEZp0_hoCPA3w_wcB

[Don Ivey]

Another vote for Vendramini Daytona's.  I've had mine for almost ten years, and they are still going strong.  Expensive, but worth it.

[leafman60]

Interesting that you say that. Mine have kept my tootsies dry in downpours. At least that's my experience to date. The AS literature claims waterproof if I recall correctly.

Unless something has changed, Aerostich specifically says they are NOT waterproof. Lemme go look.

From their description-

"From time to time, apply any good waterproofing product and they will mostly eliminate the need for carrying rain boots."

I seriously looked at these in the past. They do not have a Goretex etc liner.

They may be good enough for you, though.  I'm sure they are very high-quality boots.

However, you can (could) put on a pair of On Road Sidi boots or Vendramini boots and stand in a bathtub of water and not get any water intrusion. I doubt that the Combats would do that.

[leafman60]

Another vote for Vendramini Daytona's.  I've had mine for almost ten years, and they are still going strong.  Expensive, but worth it.

If you ever have them re-soled, caution the shoe repairman to not impair the inner water barrier that wraps the sole.

[Moto]

I have the Sidi Doha short boots and heartily recommend them as comfortable and protective.

I also recently got a pair of the Sidi On-Roads, the all-leather model. I haven't had a chance to wear them much, especially in rain. My only comment is that in a recent horrible thunderstorm over near the Mississippi I sure wished I'd worn the On-Roads instead of the Doha's. I was soaked neck-to-toe before I could even get my Frogg Toggs on!