Looks like a fine quality *** kicker.I'd suggest something like this
On boots of any respectable level of quality the zipper is outside the waterproof envelope. Leaving the zipper completely unzipped or a complete zipper failure will not affect the waterproofing of the boot per se. Water could get in through the top of the boot I suppose because the boot will be loose around the leg but not because it is getting past the zipper.They seem like they'd be the weak point for long life and waterproofing.
Andrew thanks for the info! Though it's not a deal breaker I'd like a pair of boots that used a zipper instead or in addition to laces.On boots of any respectable level of quality the zipper is outside the waterproof envelope. Leaving the zipper completely unzipped or a complete zipper failure will not affect the waterproofing of the boot per se.
Well, their very British what you're doing in the rain? Their only MID boots, risk of pant legs sliding up and over...I wear a pair of Regent Kelso boots. http://www.regent-footwear.co.uk/shop/product/kelso1
FWIW if it is of any assistance to anyone here is what I have learned from my experience. Work boots are more slippery than motorcycle boots (at least touring boots) which is not good when trying to maneuver the bike by pushing with your feet while sitting on it. They are not waterproof and having to stop to put on over-boots of any kind is of no interest to me. I have found them to be far less capable of handling temperatures anywhere near the range of what good touring boots can- both cold and hot. They do not provide the level of protection that a riding boot does. I do not like laces simply because of the extra fussing and because you cannot adjust them on the fly- you have to stop and undo and re-tie them. My boots have a zipper with a Velcro flap that closes over the zipper as many models do. I would recommend to everyone that they take the time to try several models and sizes and make sure that you get a proper fitting boot. You will appreciate the proper fit in extreme weather be it hot or cold. If it is to tight you will have trouble with the zipper and your boot will not be able to ventilate your foot properly. If it fits to loosely it will not close around you leg sufficiently tight. In this case you will notice the coldness against your leg when it is cold out. Mine are Gortex and I only wear Gortex approved socks (which actually exist) with them. This is at the recommendation of Alpinestar. The two together create a system which allows your foot to breathe and moisture to wick up the sock and out the top of the boot. It really does work- as I said, if the boot is to loose around your leg you will feel the coolness. If it fits properly you will not even though the boot continues to ventilate your foot but not to the degree that you feel cold. This ventilation is critical. Everyone's foot sweats. If your boot cannot ventilate and remove that moisture your feet will be damp and they will be cold. If your boot fits properly the zipper only snugs it up around your leg and then you adjust the tightness with the Velcro flap. In my case I leave the flap looser when it is very hot out and I can actually feel my foot cooling off every time I leave from a stop and get up to speed where the boot starts to ventilate. When it is very cold I snug the Velcro flap more tightly around my leg to reduce the air flow and my feet stay warm even though the boot continues to ventilate and remove any moisture. Here is why I don't like laces- I can do this adjusting of the Velcro flap very easily while I am riding and fine tune the ventilation to my liking. This may sound strange but when you take off in the cold and a ways down the road your feet start to feel cool and all you have to do is reach down and tighten up the flap a little to solve the problem it is a nice feature to have. I paid about $200.00 for my boots about 15 years ago and they are still completely waterproof and still in very good shape which I believe makes it a very good value.Andrew thanks for the info! Though it's not a deal breaker I'd like a pair of boots that used a zipper instead or in addition to laces.
A complete accurate report on the "best" boot for riding, I too use only Gore Tex approved socks. With this system I can use my very warm and dry Sidi on road riding boots year round. I have found a company here in the USA that will not only resole them but recondition the entire boot to include replacing the velcro system.FWIW if it is of any assistance to anyone here is what I have learned from my experience. Work boots are more slippery than motorcycle boots (at least touring boots) which is not good when trying to maneuver the bike by pushing with your feet while sitting on it. They are not waterproof and having to stop to put on over-boots of any kind is of no interest to me. I have found them to be far less capable of handling temperatures anywhere near the range of what good touring boots can- both cold and hot. They do not provide the level of protection that a riding boot does. I do not like laces simply because of the extra fussing and because you cannot adjust them on the fly- you have to stop and undo and re-tie them. My boots have a zipper with a Velcro flap that closes over the zipper as many models do. I would recommend to everyone that they take the time to try several models and sizes and make sure that you get a proper fitting boot. You will appreciate the proper fit in extreme weather be it hot or cold. If it is to tight you will have trouble with the zipper and your boot will not be able to ventilate your foot properly. If it fits to loosely it will not close around you leg sufficiently tight. In this case you will notice the coldness against your leg when it is cold out. Mine are Gortex and I only wear Gortex approved socks (which actually exist) with them. This is at the recommendation of Alpinestar. The two together create a system which allows your foot to breathe and moisture to wick up the sock and out the top of the boot. It really does work- as I said, if the boot is to loose around your leg you will feel the coolness. If it fits properly you will not even though the boot continues to ventilate your foot but not to the degree that you feel cold. This ventilation is critical. Everyone's foot sweats. If your boot cannot ventilate and remove that moisture your feet will be damp and they will be cold. If your boot fits properly the zipper only snugs it up around your leg and then you adjust the tightness with the Velcro flap. In my case I leave the flap looser when it is very hot out and I can actually feel my foot cooling off every time I leave from a stop and get up to speed where the boot starts to ventilate. When it is very cold I snug the Velcro flap more tightly around my leg to reduce the air flow and my feet stay warm even though the boot continues to ventilate and remove any moisture. Here is why I don't like laces- I can do this adjusting of the Velcro flap very easily while I am riding and fine tune the ventilation to my liking. This may sound strange but when you take off in the cold and a ways down the road your feet start to feel cool and all you have to do is reach down and tighten up the flap a little to solve the problem it is a nice feature to have. I paid about $200.00 for my boots about 15 years ago and they are still completely waterproof and still in very good shape which I believe makes it a very good value.
Congratulations on finding something that works for you......I have the older model and am well happy with them, and they're more flexible than the hunting boots I used to wear.....ride safe...ffSo, opposite of why I started this post, I bought motorcycle boots. But, not so expensive as I was thinking. And with some protection I never was thinking before (ankle protection, velcro over zipper, shin protection, reflective panel on the back...).
Thanks for the pic. I think that's a good-looking shoe... for what it is. There's a place not too far from me that sells Bates boots. I'm going to check it out.I have had a pair of Bates boots and I find them comfortable and when on a trip they look fine with street clothes. They are made with Gortex and have proven to be water proof in heavy all day rains.
Gerhard