| Author | Message | ||
     Borrowedbike |
I'm shopping for a new set of boots. I've been in a pair of Cortech's for a couple years but they are getting long in the tooth and I need a boot thats got a bit more protection for a track day and aggressive rides. Good lateral Ankle support seems to be the thing that sets off a "Serious" boot from a "street" boot. I've tried on A Star's, Sidi's, Dainese, Oxtar etc.. but cant find one that fits really well. Do these things break in or not? What do you think is most critical form a boot feel standpoint? I'd prefer to spend about 2 bills, but will go up more if it's the only thing that meets my needs. Thoughts? | ||
| Jlnance |
I found they do break in a good bit. My current pair were very stiff when I got them and chafed my calves. I thought I had made a mistake, but they softened up nicely. If you can live with ordering them online, newenough.com has a good selection. You obviously have to be confident in the sizes if you go that route, though they are very good about exchanges. | ||
| Xl1200r |
+1 for newenough.com. Just had to do an exchange for the lady with them on a pair of boots (Oxtar's sizes are all whacked) and all they ding you for is shipping. | ||
| Djkaplan |
(Oxtar's sizes are all whacked) Went through the same issue with my Oxtars. Had to send them back cause the size wasn't even close. I like them, though. No break-in required, just had to acclimate to the new feel. | ||
| Jaimec |
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/406 2/314875.html | ||
| Borrowedbike |
Thanks all! The Stiche's just made my christmas list as replacements for the daily riders, but I'm focused on a track day boot right now, so the Lateral support and traditional toe skid plate etc are pretty important. Done a lot of business with New Enough, but wont order boots without trying them on first, so it's off to the shop to try on then an order through the web (Or a price match if they want my business) How's the quality on the Oxtars, do they hold up? Jlnance, what brand of boot are yoi in that broke in? | ||
| Slaughter |
Alpinestars SMX are awesome. I've crash-tested mine THREE times before destroying them in the last crash. Good side support. I broke 2 toes and a metatarsal in a tumble but that was a "toe-jam" type break. Still raced the boots for another whole year before finally destroying them (torn seams but they did their job). Bought another pair. (Message edited by slaughter on March 06, 2008) | ||
| Jaimec |
I also have a pair of Oxtars. Certainly plenty of support... they remind me almost of ski boots. MISERABLE for just plain walking around though. And when you do, the constant squeaking will certainly draw unwanted attention to you in libraries and museums (don't ask). Now I just wear 'em for track days and I wear the Combat Lites for everything else. For the hottest summer days I also have a pair of BMW Airflow Boots. | ||
| Azxb9r |
Sidi. Since everyones anatomy is slightly different, one brand is going to fit you better than others. For me, Sidi is right on, and their stuff is very well made. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I would recommend against the Joe Rocket boots. They are a tall leather boot (over the calf) with aluminum locking buckles. Discrete enough that when your riding pants are over them you don't look like a storm trooper. They work pretty well on the street, and seem to offer a good balance of comfort and protection. However I ripped the instep out on the kick starter on my KLR-250. So all in all not awful, but I would not buy them again. | ||
| Jlnance |
Jlnance, what brand of boot are yoi in that broke in? Alpine Star. Looks like these, though I'm not positive: http://www.newenough.com/boots/waterproof_sport_st reet_touring_boots/alpinestars/ridge_motorcycle_bo ots.html | ||
| Nevrenuf |
reep, i got a pair of joe rockets. i wouldn't call them a boot that i would use on a race track either but besides what you said the one thing i do like about them is that they keep my feet warm with just one pair of socks. and since i don't have a bike with a kick starter on it, i don't have to worry about doing that to them. | ||
| Sanchez |
I love my astars SMX+ | ||
| Borrowedbike |
Anyone tried the Oxtar's or the Setup's? | ||
| Lost_in_ohio |
Opinions A couple of questions you Must honestly answer. Are you going to strictly ride in them? Are you going to ride and work all day in them? Are you going to ride then walk around the mall or grocery store? Are you going to ride then walk say around a race track all day? Pure riding boots are not comfortable enough to walk any distance in. Boots that you can comfortably walk around in for any length of time, generally, provide less protection than pure riding boots. Boots and helmets, you really need to try them on and wear them around for a while because they absolutely have to fit. I have a pair of Sidi's for when I am on the bike and not walking to much and just recently purchased some redwing boots for riding and walking combo. I walked around mid ohio and road america in my sidi's last summer and was punished for it. The dogs were barking for sure. I hope this helps | ||
| Froggy |
Anyone know of any brand that runs wide? I have been playing mail order with Newenough.com trying on different size boots, but shipping back is killing me. The issue I have is that I got wide feet, so I have a hard time finding any kind of shoe or boot that fits good. I just got a few pairs of Sidi Gore-Tex boots. They look great but have got to be the narrowest boot I’ve ever worn. The size 11.5US fits great on the sides, but has about 2.5" of space in front of my toes, and even with the boot on as tight as I can get its still doesn’t feel that secure. I can almost slip my foot out without undoing the Velcro and strap. If it was a cheap boot I don’t think it would mind, but at 3 Benjamin’s, it needs to fit better. | ||
| Littlebuggles |
Bates custom leather makes boots. Saw that here on badweb last fall or summer, checked out their web page and it looks like they do good work, plus the price is not outrageous, and they've gotten good reviews. | ||
| Lost_in_ohio |
I have 4E wide feet and Sidi fit me. | ||
| Ustorque |
i just bought a pair of the setups and i love these boots price was too good to pass up and worth every penny......no break in needed these things are like slippers.  | ||
| Azxb9r |
Italian shoes tend to run a bit narrow. I know that Sidi makes a "mega-width" in their cycling shoes for people with wide feet. You may want to see if they have a mega-width for the boots also. |
