Bandit Alley
GENERAL MOTORCYCLE FORUMS => PRODUCT REVIEWS => Topic started by: Tundrahog on September 28, 2005, 06:49:18 PM
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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 :grin:
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!
:duh:
As always thanks for your help :thanks:
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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.
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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
:cop: bill
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thanks for the input :thanks:
I'll probably get a pair over the winter
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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!
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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 :duh:
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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:
(http://209.89.24.91/pants.jpg)
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.
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I like that belt! But where do I put my cell phone?
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In the pouch of coarse..... :grin:
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*RING-RING* Honey, it's for you!!
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RING-RING??? set it to vibrate!! :stop: :stop:
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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.
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:
(http://209.89.24.91/pants.jpg)
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.
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:downhill:
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.
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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.
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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
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I have Sidi Champion Air boots (http://www.sidisport.com/_Data/Articoli/MVCHAMPIONA.jpg)
I got them for Christmas so I haven't had them that long but I like them. They were not the style that I wanted but they were a present so what can you do.
For me, they absorb some of the vibration somehow. If they don't then they do something to help my feet b/c my feet don't get numb when I where them on the bike. They are also extremely vented. Your feet will not get hot in them, I repeat extremely vented. It's like wearing air conditioning for your feet. Good in South Texas.
They're light and cool (vented) and comfortable but they're not as tight as you might get with more straps or laces.
Chad
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I got a pair of the Sidi B-One boots when they came out last September and I love them!!!!!! Now this is the only pair of motorcycle boots I've had so I don't know near enough to compare them to any other boots. I was riding in 6" steel toe Timberland boots before I got the Sidi's. There is a night and day difference between those 2 for sure. The B-one's make it feel like you're wearing really tall slippers right out of the box. I'm not hip on the flashy race boots with their 3 or more color combos, but do like the form meets function of them(on paper)... I got the all black ones plus i wear my jeans over them so they don't really show much at all.
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I have just bought my second pair of Alpinestars boots as my first pair have seen better days (there is a nice hole in the side where my Tibia came out). I will never ride a motorcycle without good boots on after seeing how much protection my last pair gave me in an accident.
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I have Sidi Thunder Sympatax boots and I'm very satisified with them. They are very comfortable and wear well. Like most Sidi boots they are pricey but I can wear them all day whether it be riding or just at the office. You can check them out HERE (http://www.newenough.com/sidi_thunder_sympatex_boots_page.htm)
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I have the Sidi Vertibra Tepor. Waterproof and good protection.
A little pricey at $220, but you'll use them for ten years.
I got eight years out of a pair of Garne's. Another great brand.
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Well I got the Oxtar matrix boots after they did a whirlwind tour of the county ( :thanks: FedEx).
Fit was good, my feet are fairly wide, and while they were a little snug in the toes that seems to be loosening up. I like the style, thay are basic black and I can wear my jeans in or out of the boot. I think the armor is a little suspect, the shin guard seems solid, the ankle and heel cup are there but not awe inspiring.
Very little break-in required. I wore them around the house for a couple days then wore them on a 45 minute walk with the dog-no problems.
Got a break in the weather today, and took them riding :banana: :banana: . The toes are pointer than I'm used to so shifting was a little awkward, but I got used to them quickly.
Overall I'd say They're what I was looking for: a solid, comfortable boot that I can wear every day. I haven't tried it yet, but I tend to believe that they will waterproof as claimed.
Oh yeah--did I mention I actually got to ride today?? WOOHOO :beers: first time in about 6 weeks, and only the second time since November :boohoo:
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I just picked up a pair of Gaerne ST Dry touring boots. This weekend I will, hopefully, be able to give them a try. The initial fit seems to be really nice. They are full leather with waterproof liner.
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I bought a pair of pretty nice boots off Ebay for $25.00. Please don't ask me what kind they are because I can't remember sitting here at work. But, they turned out to be very nice. Point is, you can find some nice deals on Ebay if you don't mind putting on a boot that somebody else has worn. There's always Dr. Scholl's foot powder to clean out the stink. :bigok:
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Ok, I'm home now and have looked at my Ebay boots. They're Triumph and are made in Italy. Very nice boots for $25.00 I must say. I can wear them all day.
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i've got oxstar as well, great boots and one of the few i've found which are totally wind/water proof but still breathable. loads of protection and in terms of price still in the middle. a little powerrangery (thats a word) but if you get them in black quite understated, get some! :stickpoke:
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FWIW - word is that Oxtar is not exporting to the US anymore. At least they're not exporting most of their styles.
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Alphinestar goretex units.
6 years old, resoled once
1st 3 years when I was a motorcycle courier, so I was wearing them, like 12 hours a day 5 days a week. Waterproof, yes. Warm yes. Value for money, heres the math, price $375 Aust= 120 k miles= 6 years abuse, and bloody comfortable.
I wish tyres lasted like alphine star boots.
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Mick, know anyone that uses Sidi's OnRoad's in those kind of conditions? I've heard a lot of good things about those, too - which is why I sprung the funds loose for a pair.
($260US from New Enough) (http://www.newenough.com/sidi_on_road_sympatex_boots_page.htm)
(http://www.newenough.com/product_pictures/s/sidi_onroad_sympatex_boots/side.jpg)
They're only ~8 months old, but so far they've proved to hold up to the claim of being waterproof. Their workmanship and materials seems to indicate they'll hold shape and last much better than the JR Rhinos that preceeded them.
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My wife just ordered some Sidi Doha Boots to replace the old new balance sneakers I keep riding with. :banana: :lol:
Got them from http://www.newenough.com/
Should be here on monday. :grin:
(http://www.newenough.com/product_pictures/s/sidi_doha_boots/600w.jpg)