Newbie question on boots

[emshaferii]

I was looking for recommendations on a pair of boots for riding my ST1300. I am 5'9" and need all the height I can get to reach the ground flat footed. Any recommendations for a comfortable boot that allows for easy shifting but has a thick sole to give me a more stable stopped position? I am wearing my Cabela's hunting boots right now with a Vibram sole but they are both insulated (too hot) and only have a 3/4" thick sole. thanks so much.

[Bob B]

I'm also 5'9" and bought a pair of 9" Redwing boots, model 980. With them I'm able to flatfoot it. They are very nice boots; waterproof, sturdy, and offer a lot of protection. The negative(s) are they are lace- up (so they take a minute to get on and off), a little hot in the summer, and a tad pricey at about $150.00.

[STill Fiddlin]

I got a pair of these until I sort through the long list of touring requirements ($$):

$50 "waterproof" Skechers at Famous Footwear (http://www.famousfootwear.com/product.asp?product_id=1007599&variant_id=30009)

[EagleSix]

I was looking for recommendations on a pair of boots for riding my ST1300. I am 5'9" and need all the height I can get to reach the ground flat footed. Any recommendations for a comfortable boot that allows for easy shifting but has a thick sole to give me a more stable stopped position? I am wearing my Cabela's hunting boots right now with a Vibram sole but they are both insulated (too hot) and only have a 3/4" thick sole. thanks so much.

I haven’t found a thick sole/heel riding boot, so I don’t have any recommendation other than the common sense and things you have read or already thought about. Most of the stronger boots offering better protection are high and therefore a bit warm for summer. The more vented boots are the less protection they offer. 25% of our body bones are in our feet. Protection should come at least a few inches above the ankle and have some type of ankle protection. I’m interested in some of the recommendation you get on this. I’m only 5’8” and wear “Setup” boots which do not have an overly thick sole. They offer pretty good protection for a reasonable price. They do get warm here in the desert (like everything else), but part of the price I pay for the protection and flexibility.

.

[Byron]

I wouldn't call these a thick sole but they are a lugged sole (see attachment) which was one of the things I was looking for in a boot. They are Sidi Sport Tepor (2006 model), previous model has molded soles. They aren't inexpensive but they had more of the features I was looking for than any other boot so I bought them from New Enough (http://www.newenough.com/sidi_sport_tepor_boots_page.htm). No tax and free shipping saved me a few bucks.

I would say they get warm, your feet will sweat, but they are not uncomfortable to wear in 100+ degree weather. I haven't had the chance to try them in really cold weather yet, only low 50's. They worked great in the wet.

[Tarheel_Rider]

+1 on Red Wings. I started wearing them on construction sites over 20 years ago and although pricey compared to other alternatives, they provide day long comfort in just about any environment. Very sturdy and wear well for years. The heels are tall and add to stability when stopped.

[Need4Speed]

I have owned a pair of Sidi On-Road Sympatex boots for 5 years and like them very much. They are completely waterproof, breathe as well as expected and have a comfortable flexible sole. They are easy to strap on and take off. In 95+ weather, I don't notice the heat coming off of the engine (I do have the fairing flares and wear moisture wicking socks.) The quality is very good.

The downside is the price of around $240, ouch! The sole/heel is not very thick compared to Red Wings so you won't get the height you are looking for.

This boot may not be what you want. I just thought I would throw this in for the heck of it.

[pmorritt]

I'm also 5'9" and bought a pair of 9" Redwing boots, model 980. With them I'm able to flatfoot it. They are very nice boots; waterproof, sturdy, and offer a lot of protection. The negative(s) are they are lace- up (so they take a minute to get on and off), a little hot in the summer, and a tad pricey at about $150.00.
Bob, hate to burst your bubble, but (thru experience) no boot with lace up is waterproof. The leather is treated to shed h2o-hense-Waterproof , but try riding in the rain for a few hours--the water will get in. Boots designed for riders are specifically designed to be waterproof--wth a membrane such as Gortex-have armor at the ankle etc. Personally, I presently wear an Oxtar/Matrix.

[zoomzoomzoom]

These are great! $59.00 on ebay.11183

[hojo in sc]

I'm with Byron and Need4Speed.

I had gone through several pairs of bicycling shoes, trying to find one that didn't hurt after riding hard up a mountain climb. I bought a pair of Sidis and gave them a test right way. After 30 minutes of mountain climbing and riding at 95% of my max. heart rate, my feet felt great. Thus, when I bought a motorcycle, Sidi boots were the ones for me.

[toddg66]

Oxtar Matrix is the way to go. I have ridden with the same pair for 41K miles and love them.

:06biker: :)

Todd

[Ken]

Tourmaster Solution Boots (http://www.motoemporium.com/tourmaster/solutionwp/tmsolutionwpboot.html)

[AZST]

I bought a pair of Joe Rocket Revolution boots off e-bay a little over a year ago. I won the auction at $95. They are waterproof (which is vital here in the desert :p: ) I believe they are insulated and I never have issues with heat. I am 5'9" and don't have any problems flatfooting, unless my Sargent is in the highest position.

They are comfortable to wear on the bike...not real comfortable walking for any great distance. I am not totally convinced of the quality as the left boot seems to be cracking on the surface despite my efforts to clean and treat it.

Overall, I like the boot though.

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[Bob B]

Bob, hate to burst your bubble, but (thru experience) no boot with lace up is waterproof. The leather is treated to shed h2o-hense-Waterproof , but try riding in the rain for a few hours--the water will get in. Boots designed for riders are specifically designed to be waterproof--wth a membrane such as Gortex-have armor at the ankle etc. Personally, I presently wear an Oxtar/Matrix.

Actually, Redwing makes a line of dedicated motorcycle boots, including the model 980 I mentioned. They do have a membrane, but it's not Gore-Tex (forgot the name). The boots have a gusset, which helps keep water out where the laces are. I admit however, I haven't given them the acid test by riding in a downpour yet.

[Gonzo]

I picked up some steel toed work boots from Sears for $30.00. Just enough thickness (about 1/2") to help me reach the ground, with lugged soles. I'm 5'10", inseam 32".
They are also just the ticket for backing up into the garage on a slightly uphill, smooth surface.
My first several hundred miles on my new bike was in the rain, and no leaks. They lace up.
Gonzo