Boots Tourmaster Solution WP Boots

RFMike

Joined
Feb 25, 2007
Messages
38
Location
River Falls, Wisconsin
Tourmaster Solution Boots

OK, here's the next post on gear used during my last tour.

I purchased the Solution boots a little over a year ago, and am mostly satisfied. I've worn them for about 6,500 commuting miles, and the 4500 mile tour I just got back from.

Pros:

After break-in, they are pretty comfortable. They were tight for my high arched feet (read pull until your face turns red, then pull some more), but loosened up eventually. They are comfortable riding and walking, even though there is no arch support. I've got strong arches, but if you don't, be forwarned, these are not really walking boots.

The soles have great grip. I have a 30" inseam, so I need soles that grab, and these do. You would think that they would wear fast, but they don't. They are still in great shape after that much use.

Ankle protection seems like it would be very effective, but you don't feel it at all, riding or walking.

The style is quietly understated, in comparison to much of what is out there, which is a plus to me.

Price is great for what you get.

Cons:

Not many, but having said that, these are not waterproof after six hours of heavy rain riding. Not bad, but not waterproof. And, don't try to put them back on after your socks are wet- they won't go back in, no matter how hard you push. Dry socks, and maybe some powder, but not wet.

For the money, these are very good boots, and are waterproof through 2-3 hours of rain. After that, use rain boots.

Mike
 
Re: Tourmaster Solution Boots

How hot are these boots?

I am looking for a pair of boots for when I am doing my commuting. Something like this might be nice but I worry about how hot they will be on a long ride being that they are somewhat waterproof.
 
Re: Tourmaster Solution Boots

I have these now and have ridden in some rain.. not sure about 6 hrs of rain but I've stood in 4 inches of water and it rained most of the day that day... they were actually quite waterproof for me.

My biggest problem with most water proof / touring boots is there isn't much tread on them and it wears out pretty fast... I think I have about 40,000 miles of riding and camping on these boots and have even used them for hiking a couple of times, because I forgot my hiking shoes.

They were tight at first but do loosen up quickly. They are not as comfortable as my Oxtars were - the opening in the boot is smaller so you have to jam your foot in rather than just place it in as with the Oxtars.

I need to review the Teknics I just got yesterday but so far the Oxtars are my favorite but at about half the price the TM are the best bang for the buck for me so far.

Sennister - The boots, in my opinion, are warm but not hot. Maybe the extra breathable waterproof material acts to shield you from the heat more, I'm not sure but they are not nearly as hot as just plain leather boots.
 
Re: Tourmaster Solution Boots

Oh... forgot to add.. no matter how waterproof a boot is supposed to be, I treat the leather to mink oil first thing and do that about once or twice a year.
 
Re: Tourmaster Solution Boots

For $100, these boots are great :bow1: I loved my Oxtar's, but I couldn't eat $200 for another pair of them when I could have these for $100. :rolleyes: I'm kinda hard on boots... these are holding up pretty good so far. :)
 
Re: Tourmaster Solution Boots

I bought the Solution boots after reading reviews on this site. Great value<$110.00>, uncomfortable until broken-in<2-3mo>, warmer than non-waterproof boots I've worn.
 
Re: Tourmaster Solution Boots

These boots are warm when it's 95 degrees, but what isn't? I agree with Mellow, they seem to be cooler than lace-up boots, or the typical pull-ons, maybe because they are more open at the top. On a long ride, I never feel that they are hot at anything below 90 degrees.

My boots have armor inserts at the ankle bones, both sides. The outside you can see by the round imprint, the inside there is no accent, but it is there. As I said, you hardly notice them.

One more thing, that might or might not matter to you. These boots claim to be leather, and they actually mostly are, unlike many others that claim to be but aren't. If you roll back the overlap material at the seams, you can see the backside texture, which in real leather is unmistakable. That means that the uppers are going to outlast the soles, if you take care of them. Mink oil once or twice a year, black shoe polish when the leather starts to show.

The best thing I can say is that if I needed a pair of boots right now, this would be the choice for me; best performance for the money.
 
Re: Tourmaster Solution Boots

RFMike said:
These boots are warm when it's 95 degrees, but what isn't? I agree with Mellow, they seem to be cooler than lace-up boots, or the typical pull-ons, maybe because they are more open at the top. On a long ride, I never feel that they are hot at anything below 90 degrees.

My boots have armor inserts at the ankle bones, both sides. The outside you can see by the round imprint, the inside there is no accent, but it is there. As I said, you hardly notice them.

One more thing, that might or might not matter to you. These boots claim to be leather, and they actually mostly are, unlike many others that claim to be but aren't. If you roll back the overlap material at the seams, you can see the backside texture, which in real leather is unmistakable. That means that the uppers are going to outlast the soles, if you take care of them. Mink oil once or twice a year, black shoe polish when the leather starts to show.

The best thing I can say is that if I needed a pair of boots right now, this would be the choice for me; best performance for the money.
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I figured you would have the best input as far as how hot they are. It looks like you live about 20 miles from me :) My daily commute on my bike is from Stillwater to Hastings on 95 (Manning).
 
Re: Tourmaster Solution Boots

Hey, we are close. I live about 15 miles from the border. I worked in Stillwater for about four years at a little architecture shop. Nice town. Spendy, but nice.

The boots are great for this climate. I think it would be hard to go wrong. I rode last fall into the thirties, and the feet were ok. Course, I had my feet tucked into the warm air stream...
 
Re: Tourmaster Solution Boots

I'm in Eau Claire, where did you buy you boots in the cities? I went for a ride yesterday about 30 miles great to be out of course it was after the snow stopped. But the lace up boots wont cut it.
 
Manufacturer Link

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Pros:
- Very waterproof
- Very comfortable after a couple hundred miles of break-in
- Affordable - You can get these for just over $100 at most online stores, mine were $119
- Longevity - mine have lasted a full 3 years.

Cons:
- The soles, like with many touring boots of this style are thinner than I'd like - I'd prefer a more aggressive and thick sole for longer life. These boots will need to be replaced because of the sole wearing out vs any other part of the boot wearing out. All in all, a good statement about the rest of the boot.
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- It would be nice if the boot opened up more. If you have thick or heated socks you'll have a snug fit getting your foot into these. This has loosened up a bit over 3 years but not much.

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Conclusion - For me, the price point on these and the quality are enough that I would strongly consider these when it's time for a replacement. I did get some real cheap boots on clearance that I have waiting in the shadows and I'll review those when the time comes. However, if I did not already have those I would just replace these with another identical pair.
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I'm finding all of the same points.

I'm glad the soles are the way they are....they provide all day walking comfort also. Feel as comfortable as a pair of sneakers. (Just don't make the mistake of wearing them with out socks for a quick walk to the bar....you'll have ankle blisters for days....DAMHIK!!!)

<D>
 
Over all they are a good boot, but mine do leak a bit. If I kow I will be in the rain for a while I have to add over boots to stay dry.
 
These boots work for me. I only wear then when I ride, not as everyday walking shoes. I do plan to purchase a pair of boots that offers more foot, ankle and shin protection. Any recommendations from anyone?
 
Macedo said:
These boots work for me. I only wear then when I ride, not as everyday walking shoes. I do plan to purchase a pair of boots that offers more foot, ankle and shin protection. Any recommendations from anyone?
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Just a heads up... if you are asking a gen question about other boot options, please post that in the farkles/boots section. This is so we can attempt to keep each thread in this section ONLY about a specific product.
 
I love these boots. I have those hard to fit feet. They fit great and have stretched to fit great. They leak alittle in extended rain exposure. My sock near my toes was wet after 107 miles in the rain. I tought they did well. I'am thinking of sealing them to see if that helps. Anybody know a good sealer?

Dave
 
I find it odd some have had them leak. I road in a frog strangle this summer for 2.5 hours with these boots and they did not leak at all. Do you think its working through the material or coming in the top of the boot? When I wear out the set I have, I will definately get another pair of them. I even bought my wife a pair after having tested mine for a few months.
 
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I found these boots pretty comfy, waterproof as advertised. The heel has hollow pockets, and will wear thru, which has happened to me.

For the money I found them an excellent value.
 
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