Author Topic: boot recomendations (Read 15435 times)

Tundrahog · « **on:** September 28, 2005, 06:49:18 PM »

I'm thinking a pair of riding boots may be next on my list in the outfitting department, and I've been going thru the offerings on newenough.com. Curently I wear a pair of high-top work boots wich I am pretty comfortable with. Most of my riding is commuting and running to lunch, with the occasional trip into the hills for fun

What are the advantages of a purpose-built boot vs. what I have now?
What kind of features should I look for?

I'd prefer a subdued "non-power ranger" style, and am trying to keep the price in line, I just dropped over $250 on tires, and another $150 on pants my wife is starting to forget how much money I saved on gas this year!

As always thanks for your help

Red01 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 28, 2005, 07:19:50 PM »

Advantages, no laces to get caught on anything, yet still fit tight so they support and they won't come off.

What features depends on what you want from the boot. You already said you didn't want a racey style boot, but do you want toe sliders, or not? Do you want waterproof or vents? Want high or low? Pants/leathers inside the boot or always outside?

There are some pretty decent m/c boots out there in the budget class. I've got a pair of Joe Rocket Rhino boots (this one is no longer in production, but looks like a cross between the current Revolution and Reactor boots), that have held up for 4+ years of relative neglect. They were advertised as waterproof, but they didn't prove to be in heavy rain, or if you had to walk thru standing water. Other than that, a very comfortable boot that you could wear with street clothes and walk around in all day. In fact, until I get my new boots better broken in, I still wear them if I'm going somewhere where I'll be on me feet for a while (like work or picket duty).

A couple months ago, I splurged and bought a pair of Sidi On-Roads. These boots have been around for years and get rave reviews from folks who do lots of riding in all weather conditions... kinda like the Aerostich of the boot world. The toe box has been a little slow to break in, but hopefully that's a sign they'll be as long lasting as everyone says. They ARE waterproof, and the do breathe like they say they do. They were not too hot on my feet on my 4-day summer trip, and they kept water out even when I waded in lakes and rivers to test them out.

For a budget boot, I'd also take a good look at the SetUp brand which is marketed by the same folks as Sidi and is rumored to be Sidi quality with a budget label.

billster · « **Reply #2 on:** September 29, 2005, 06:34:25 AM »

I hear ya re: the Space Ranger looking things for everyday use. I've been very happy with the 12" lace up Red Wing motorcycle boots but there's no easy on/off with them. I've always been impressed with the Bates Fast Lane boots and will probably pick up a pair in the near future. Simple, good plain leather.

http://www.batesleathers.com/boots.html

bill

Tundrahog · « **Reply #3 on:** October 01, 2005, 10:28:23 PM »

thanks for the input

I'll probably get a pair over the winter

S_Kisby · « **Reply #4 on:** February 06, 2006, 12:47:27 PM »

Double-H 7" Engineer Harness Boot has always been more to my liking & they hold up great! Don't look like power ranger stuff either! Of course I'm switching back from 15 years on cruisers!

Tundrahog · « **Reply #5 on:** February 06, 2006, 01:45:34 PM »

I just ordered a pair of Oxtar Gortex Matrix boots from newenough.com they should be here later this week.

I was going to order the Setup boots when they went on closeout last week, but I hesitated too long and now my size is sold out

rider123 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 06, 2006, 03:17:46 PM »

I Have some Chippewa riding boots and they are great but a little pricey, they are a full length boot and protect your shins. But in hindsite I probably would have gone with some cheaper joe rocket boots. I think the Chippewa boots, while being good at protection, are a little too stylish and the heel is a little too high for my liking.

I almost feel I have to wear these pants so the boots will look ok:

Joe Rockets got some good ones that are fairly cheap as well. I would stay away from what I bought and go with proper sport boots that aren't too power rangers like.

ATC'er · « **Reply #7 on:** February 06, 2006, 03:59:13 PM »

I like that belt! But where do I put my cell phone?

rider123 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 06, 2006, 05:21:10 PM »

In the pouch of coarse.....

ATC'er · « **Reply #9 on:** February 06, 2006, 05:53:37 PM »

*RING-RING* Honey, it's for you!!

Tundrahog · « **Reply #10 on:** February 06, 2006, 06:11:26 PM »

RING-RING??? set it to vibrate!!

Buzter · « **Reply #11 on:** February 06, 2006, 06:40:42 PM »

That's one reason I'm not into the cruiser chap stuff. Way too homo-erotic. I really like the little chains that go on the buttons of the leather vest.(haha) how queer.

Quote from: "rider123"

I Have some Chippewa riding boots and they are great but a little pricey, they are a full length boot and protect your shins. But in hindsite I probably would have gone with some cheaper joe rocket boots. I think the Chippewa boots, while being good at protection, are a little too stylish and the heel is a little too high for my liking.

I almost feel I have to wear these pants so the boots will look ok:

Joe Rockets got some good ones that are fairly cheap as well. I would stay away from what I bought and go with proper sport boots that aren't too power rangers like.

PitterB4 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 06, 2006, 09:33:55 PM »

On topic (look at me NOT being the hyjacker for once!!!)... I have Oxtar boots (full powerranger style). I like them. At ~15K, they are holding up well.

chupacabra · « **Reply #13 on:** February 07, 2006, 05:13:59 AM »

I've been thinking about getting some Sidi Thunder Sympatex Boots or some Alpinestars Effex Gore-Tex Boots. But haven't seen ether in the shops to try on. I like the all leather type but they may be too warm for around here. Maybe these are more like what I need Sidi Scorpion Boot.

aussiebandit · « **Reply #14 on:** February 07, 2006, 05:41:50 AM »

I use the Rjays Vulcan boot all year round, the wife wears Rossi boots.

Honestly, like any other foot wear, it all depends on what you want from the boot, how much money you want to spend and what feels comfortable.

A lot of the boot makers now make an 'urban' style boot that isn't as high as a standard motorcycle boot but offers the same sort protection.

See http://www.setupaustralia.com