Which boots to get????

[hopgo]

Aynone have any suggestions on which boots to consider.....I have my old Air Force boots, but wonder if I need any more protection,etc. Any thoughts or ideas??

[MAC_JD]

Tourmaster Solution Waterproof Boots.

$107.99 at ww.Rapidracer.com. Free shipping, had them in three days.

JD

[BobSTrider]

Sidi On Road Gore-Tex Boots....

I love these boots! Got last year's model cheap off of E-bay - just keep watching for your size.....

http://www.newenough.com/boots/waterproof_sport_street_touring_boots/sidi/on_road_gore_tex_motorcycle_boots.html

[STindy05]

Tourmaster Solution Waterproof Boots.


JD

+1 Love my pair!

[joeca43]

+ 1 on Sidi On Road's . I love them and have never had a wet foot and have stayed warm even riding at 26 degree's.

[crazykz]

I'm not sure how easy they are to find now but the Oxtar Matrix Boots are the best I've ever had. Shin gaurds, easy to walk in, waterproof, and GoreTex liner. Very comfortable.

I like the original version better but here's the 2nd version:
http://newenough.com/browse/view_product_images/769

Curt

[UNTMatt]

Heavy combat style boots work great for an alternative. Just make sure you have the laces secure prior to riding.


Sidi makes good boots as well. I just can't fit into any of them due to the width of my feet. I'm going to invest in some Dannier combat boots before too much longer.

[sherob]

+1 Tourmaster... Oxtar's are great if you wanna spend the $$$ :)

[kingprawnokay]

I wear Red Wing 968 10'' over Icon leg armor (www.redwingshoes.com). My boots are so full of Leatherfood that rain showers don't matter. I haven't found thicker leather anywhere and there's no need to change shoes at work. Puma has a new line of Gore-Tex boots as well (www.cyclegear.com).

[Bob Hughes]

Jeannette has the Solutions and I have the Sidi Sport Tepors and both are great boots. Difference seems to be Solutions are leather and Sport Tepors are synthetic uppers.

[tdeboeser]

Love my Oxtar Matrix. I got mine from motorcyclecloseouts.com, they have diff inventory from time to time. Not too hot for waterproof ( really waterproof ) boots.
I've worn mine for 24 hours, on and off the bike without any discomfort. But I don't wear them just because the are comfortable :). If they ever wear out, I'll probably get another pair.

Tom de

[dreddd2000]

Diadora Express waterproof boots. I got mine at motorcyclecloseouts.com as well. Of course, I live close to them so no shipping for me.

[STryder]

I considered the Sidi on Roads but just couldn't justify the $260 price. I wound up settling on the Joe Rocket Sonics. Gauranteed waterproof with both Velcro and cam buckle. At first I was convinced that they were leaking as I road in the rain repeatedly. Then I realized that it wasn't leaking from the outside, but it was probably just sweat from the inside. I now make sure that I dry them well and have had no leakage since. I paid $117 with free shipping and have at least 2500 miles on them. I am very pleased with fit and performance.

[pretbek]

+1 Oxtar Matrix.
They are very comfortable to walk in, are waterproof even in an hours-long heavy downpour (DAMHIKT), seem to breathe well because they are not hot and sweaty on hot days.

[SteveST1300]

I got a pair of Garne waterproof boots and they stayed dry in the great NorEaster of April 2007 Rode to Moonshine and back to NJ in em and didn't get a drop of water. They are comfortable to walk in as well.:03biker:

[nm6r]

I have been wearing Cruiserworks riding boots (http://www.cruiserworks.com/) for over 7 years. Actually, the same pair of boots. They are waterproof, have oil and acid resistant soles, ankle protection, no steel shank, military toe box (not steel), insoles and linings designed to be ridden in all day and walked in when you get there. They are also very comfortable.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

[Biker George]

+1 on the Oxtars...they are like bedroom slippers.

Regards,

-Geo

[NCSTer]

+1 on the Cruiserworks boots -- 4 yrs and counting on a pair of the Men's Side Zip and they still look almost new. These are the most waterproof boots I've ever owned, and no saturated leather (= added weight) when wet, like some "membrane" boots. They also look and feel like regular footwear when you reach your destination, so no need to carry other shoes with you. When (if?) these ever wear out, I'd definitely buy again.

[number9]

I didn't read this entire thread, but from what I have seen by boot duscussions this and another ST based forum is that most guys seem to go for waterproof and comfort rather than protection. In my opinion, protection should come high on the list. Work boots are a BIG no-no for me. I got the Oxtar Matrix and felt they were too thin in the ankle protection area for my tastes, that and the sole felt too skinny and like my foot was going to kreel over. I sent them back and got the Oxtar Infinity and LOVE them. They feel much more beefy in the ankle area and are waterproof and as comfy as my tennis shoes.

Just think about that 800# bike sliding down the road with your foot/ankle between it and the pavement - how long you think a pair of regular old work boots would hold up? Not long, probably about .02 seconds. Your ankle is an important joint that can be hard to fix.

My mom was in a car wreck in 99 and shattered her ankle and a 1-1/2" section of the two bones in her leg between the knee and ankle. She has had 13 operations, bone transplants from her hips, plates, screws, braces and they finally fused (welded) the ankle solid and has to have her shoes sent off and modified to work with the brace that is on her leg.

Now I know that her injury was in a car wreck, BUT the the results could be the same. Wear the most protective gear you can get and is practical.

[4INer]

+1 more for the Sidi on roads. I also have a pair of diadora express http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=50-7192 that I use for those times when I will be doing a lot of walking in them as the lower cut is more comfortable. But the Sidi's are more protective and are still pretty comfy. I can't yet vouch for the water shedding ability on the diadoras, but can tell you that the sidi's are completely waterproof.

[dreddd2000]

My Diadora Express' don't leak. I've been out in some strong rain storms with no wet inside them. Now, they are a tad warm for summer, but I just live with that.

[IndyST]

+ a couple on the Sidi On Roads. If you don't mind the higher cut the protectection is great and I've walked for hours in them. Best thing is they can be re-soled (sp). Mine are 3 yr old with 30K on them and have been reconditioned once including new soles. Great Boots!

Mike

[Sylvain]

Oxtar Matrix 2 Gore-Tex Boots

I got a set from Newenough, good price and service. They are holding up well. If you don't mint the futuristic look some say they have!! But they are very comfy and fit under regular jeans, riding pants etc. Easy to put on as well. One zip and velcro.

[puddlejumper]

Alpinestars are probabaly the most comfortable footwear I've worn in 30+ years. Waterproof, warm in the winter and I wear them to work everyday. For a year and a half now and they are still holding up. Best $180 I ever spent:06biker:

[GaryWayne]

I have a pair of BMW boots that I;ve had for 12 years and they are still in great shape. I also have Crusierworks that I've had for 8 years and like them also. they are very comfortable,waterproff and look more like regular boots rather than bike boots. Both are very good..the BMW boots are pretty tall so I have to wear tall boot socks with them but I really like both sets and have done thousands of miles in each.

[STony G]

The black waterproof ones. They don't show dirt and they will keep your feet dry.

For me. I have the Tourmaster Solution, not too bad in the rain. they would work better if I treated them.

The last pair was Alpinestar Roam, much more comfortable, but the velcro gave up the ghost as did the soul.

[BlkMax]

I have been using Alpinstars SMX-Plus starting this season. See here: http://www.alpinestars.com/SMX_Plus_Racing_Boot/pd/np/111/p/20512.html

I went for SAFETY. These are race boots with an inner lacing system that gives ankle support for walking, with hard plastic along the sides of the boot to limit lateral ankle movement, and a plastic buckle system on the calf.

I had tried on some touring riding boots, and for the dollars, there was not much difference between the riding boots and a good pair of waterproof work boots in terms of ankle support in the case of a crash (except for the $$$). I wanted a boot that would give me MAXIMUM protection. I had to forgo waterproofing, ability to "hike", etc.

These boots are not easy to get into, and barely fit under the cuffs of a pair of boot cut jeans, but are not bad to walk in, and really are comfortable on the bike.

If I want to hike:eek:, I will bring tennis shoes... that is what saddle bags are for.:D

[Bashy]

I have a pair of these. Not a lot of money for them and very comfortable.



http://www.amazon.com/Timberland-Mens-Shifter-Motorcycle-Boots/dp/B000MLCM8K

[Tor]

I swear by Oxtar Infinity (http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/images/products/infinity_gtx.jpg)clod hoppers.

[Phil]

Sidi Vertigo here.

Race boots, but hey I need them for double duty :)

[thesmithiz]

I wear Magnum boots, very comfortable, easy to walk in and so far pretty cool in the heat. If I didn't need a wide size I could have a side zip and waterproof but the laces actually are no big deal and I treated them so I will have to see how waterproof they are. I like how high they come up my ankles and they plany well at stops..

[desmodue]

I recently had to replace my Alpinestar 540 Tech Road boots. I didn't want to buy Alpinestars again because of the cheap construction that caused them to wear out in just 8 years :rolleyes: Actually, the Tech Roads are long discontinued, so I wanted to see what else was available. I bought the Sidi Way Tepors from New Enough, because I had seen some good things written about both the boot and N.E. Well, they looked like a very good boot, and probably are, but they are just too narrow. I returned them to New Enough (really good folks, plan to deal with them in the future) and exchanged them for the Oxtar Matrix 2, because a lot of people here recommend them. I have only a few miles on the Oxtars, but they are very comfortable, look good, appear to be very well made and should last a long time. Thanks to all who recommended the Oxtars and add my name to the list of satisfied users.

[aaron1]

sidi boots are great little expensive but they last for ever good quality.

[TomStickler]

Highly recommend Oxtar Matrix. Bought mine last year, wore them on an Edelweiss High Alpine Tour, then a 10,400 mile tour from SC to Seattle and back thru Phoenix both ways.

Never had a wet foot, and were not too hot thru Death Valley and Phoenix at 111 degrees.

Only complaint: the little reflectors on the back finally cracked.

Tom

According to the October issue of Motorcycle Consumer News, Oxtar is changing its name to TCX after Oxtar was acquired by Novation Motorbike, a newly formed subsidiary of Novation, located in Montebelluna, Italy. No info on what effect this will have on their line of boots.

[therider]

+1 on oxtar matrix. i got mine in nov 04 and still going strong. i wear them all day in office, feels like slippers. I got them from newenough for $140, and that was some deal !!! now i see it is a lot more costly, so might try the tourmaster solution goretex when this one wears out.

does anybody know what the size 42 of my oxtar translates to the size for tourmaster solution ?

[bass_on_tap]

I just put a pair of Diadora Express up for sale, new size 13m. Check classified.

[Rob__]

Did TCX buy Oxtar? I seem to remember something like that. I have Oxtar Matrix and they are VERY comfortable. Perhaps too comfortable. I'd like to see some steel toes and steel shank on the bottom. It looks like the Sidi have that, but the price seems a bit high.

[MARCUS ST1100]

I had a pair of Oxtar Matrix for about 5 yrs with about 100,000/mi very comfortable I would sometime forget to take them off after a ride the zippers teeth came apart. I ordered a pair of Aerostich Combat Lite Boots made by Sidi, looks like these will last a long time a little stiff but after I break them in
I feel these are going to be my boots for 90% of my ridingwith my Roadcrafter suit, my other boots are Sidi Road boots I use with my full Vanson leathers.

Marcus

[pepollock]

The Sidi On-Road boots are more impressive than ever! After 10 years and one re-sole they are still very comfortable and completely waterproof. Just got back from a trip downeast (Maine) which included five hours of rain ranging from moderate to monsoon to duck-drowning at a steady 40 to 50 mph. Not a drop of H2O inside the Sidis. Worth the price? You bet! :bow1:

I did stop at a gas/conveneince store for 20 minutes after lightning hit a tree about 100 yards ahead of me. Water is one thing - a jillion volts of electricity is quite another.

BTW, my Olympia AST jacket leaked a little at its chest vents and sleeve vents. Not too bad considering.

[sennister]

I bought a set of Joe Rocket Sonic boots this year. I was looking at the Meteors but I decided in the end (glad I did) to go with the taller Sonic so that I didn't have to worry about my pants from coming untucked. I have long legs so I have problems with that.

I went about 6 weeks trying to break in the boots. My feet hurt the entire time. Last week I broke down and got a set of the Dr S. Gel insoles. They helped a lot and now my arches don't hurt.

[Capt_Gruuvy]

The ones that go on your feet.

[Captain JT]

Alpine Star SMX plus. Lots of protection and reasonable comfort. They squeek when you walk, they barely fits under the cuff of my Olympia riding pants. They also reduce the "feel" of the shifter.
Safety =A
Comfort=B
Waterproof=F
Easy on off=C
They are the first thing people look at when you walk into a restaurant.

[LDMike]

+1 on Oxtar (TCX) boots. I've had a pair of them (Explorers - combo leather/Gore-Tex) for 100K+ miles and I'd get another pair. Very comfortable, easy to walk in, break in to slipper comfort and good protection.