| Author | Message | ||
     Neurorider |
Here's something I'd like to see some thoughts on: Are there any good motorcycle boots that are made in the USA? Right now I ride with a pair of Chippewa Packers (half western boot but laces up, tough boot that looks good) but they don't have much in the way of ankle padding (none). All the true MC boots I've seen so far are made in China. I'm really tired of buying stuff from China and try hard to find boots and shoes made in USA. Justin and Chippewa are my friends there! It just bothers me to spend 200-300 bucks on a pair of boots made in China. I'd rather ride with Chippewa loggers or something, if I could just add ankle protection...Any thoughts? thanks, doc | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Would anything from Thorogood work? http://www.lapolicegear.com/thmebo.html | ||
| Jramsey |
If you just street riding I'd stick with what your now using. I wear black non steel toed Justin work lacers when I ride because its the about the only brand I can find in my size that fits( I wear a 9-1/2 AA)and I can walk in for any length of time when not on the bike. Chinese shoe/boot manufactures must believe that everyone on the planet has an E width foot and all toes are squared off in length. I don't care for Chinese products or ill fitting foot wear. | ||
| Bigblock |
zcustom.com semi sustom fit boots, 3 different styles and prices. USA resoleable mine should be here in a couple weeks, I'll give a complete review then. | ||
| Jaimec |
http://www.cruiserworks.com/ | ||
| Jlnance |
I think Red Wings are made here. http://www.redwingshoe.com/ProductResults.aspx?Que ry=&ProductType=Motorcycle&SubType=Zipper | ||
| Dynasport |
I used to wear a pair of Thorogoods until I wore them out. They were great boots, but I could have sworn mine were made in China. | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
Danner boots are made in the US, but are not motorcycle boots. I like the stryker side-zip. It has the good fit of a lace up with the convenience of a zipper boot. Oh and they're water, blood, and chemical proof. | ||
| Zane |
Look at the Altama boots. I believe they are made in Atlanta. I got a pair and love them. Very light, good grip on the soles and not too hot. | ||
| Austinuu |
I've had my Fastlanes by Bates Leathers for a little over a year now and love them. I even got to talk to the lady who was making mine. Austin | ||
| 46champ |
I've got bates fastlanes also they have several different versions of the same general boot. So far I like them and their not bad to walk around in. | ||
| Alchemy |
I like my Chippewa motorcycle boots. There is some hardware on the outside of the ankle and the tall tops pretty much eliminate any concern for heat on the right leg and protect the calf. They are USA made and leather is very nice and they can be resoled. There seems to be some light padding between the leather on the calf. I was a little nervous about the velcro closure but it seems substantial. Granted it could be improved I think. They are not water proof but I have nikwaxed 'em up pretty good. I use a high performance tall sock on long rides and it clearly aids comfort. I ride to work and then switch shoes. If I were to improve them adding some additional ankle protection/padding would be nice and also I keep grinding the edge of the sole off when leaned over in turns so a small metal cleat on the outside edge would be nice to have. I got mine for $150 + tax at a local store. Trying them on made a lot of difference - nice!!! | ||
| Bill0351 |
All of my riding boots are some sort of US military surplus. That made me wonder if they were actually made in the USA. I would hope so. I am going to check when I get home. I would assume that the US military would only buy from US companies if at all possible. Bill | ||
| Neurorider |
Thanks for all the great answers and leads! lots of good info here. From what I can see so far Cruiserworks is Chinese (at least all the ones I've ever seen in person are, and the website only shows a few employees and no factory...). I didn't know about Thorogood-and that's a great website too! I emailed customer service at Altama (I'd forgotten about them-thanks!) and got an immediate reply that all their milspec line is USA made and the rest is imported. RedWing sent me a detailed list of which shoe model #'s are USA made (pm me if you'd like the list). Bates looks really nice! Though, judging from the replies, I'm not doing so bad with steel toed Justin workboots or the Chippewas I often wear. Neither one is waterproof though; maybe a pair of insulated waterproof logger boots or Danner$$ would fulfill the waterproof role too. I like to be able to hike around with the same shoes on. Anybody ride with Sidi Adventure boots? doc | ||
| Jaimec |
Cruiserworks was NEVER Chinese! Where the heck did THAT come from?? They were being supplied by a Canadian manufacturer but the new owners decided they wanted an American supplier. Unfortunately this put them out of business for awhile but they finally found someone to fill the bill. Where does it say they're made in China?? PS: Just checked my two pair. They were purchased several years apart and BOTH say "Made in Canada." The company, however, was founded by an American couple (Alan and Beth Veach) who designed the boots and had them made in Canada. The company was sold to the current owners who decided they wanted an American manufacturer so they ended their contract with the Canadian supplier sometime last year. They were several months without inventory till the present. (Message edited by Jaimec on May 12, 2008) | ||
| Dynasport |
This is a timely thread for me. I need a new pair of boots as mine received some damage in my recent get off. I had a pair of the Chinese Thorogoods that were very comfortable, but not waterproof. Also, be careful about assuming where boots are made. Mine looked milspec and were purchased at an Army surplus store, so don't assume. Next I bought some nice HD boots that were very comfortable for me, though a bit heavier than the Thorogoods. Those too were not waterproof however, and they are the ones I just damaged. Now I want a good looking boot, comfortable enough to walk around in and wear all day, yet waterproof as well. I am tired on putting on a rainsuit and having wet feet. I don't want ones that look like sport bike boots if I can help it, and would greatly prefer American. I don't want to spend $500 up for them however. Let us know what you decide on Neuro. I too would prefer to try them on before buying, as I have had some very expensive boots that I could not wear because they hurt my feet (Danner-bought by my employer by shoe size without the ability to try on first). | ||
| 4cammer |
Great thread.... now I have to talk the Mrs into those custom made Bates Fastlanes (325.00). | ||
| Ulyssesguy |
anyone seen these? http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Aerostich-Comb at-Touring-Boots-p-16558.html | ||
| Jasonk |
These are what I wear: http://www.danner.com/product/uniform+boots/tactic al/striker+gtx+uniform+boots.do and the smallest lettering on the tag on the inside of the boot reads "Made in China" Love the boots, just wished I had paid more attention to that little detail when I bought them. Danner is a child company of LaCrosse, I made an assumption they would be American made. | ||
| Jaimec |
I love the Aerostich Combat Lite boots, and if you search, you'll find two extensive conversations on them that've already been posted. But the original poster said he was looking for boots made in the U.S.A., and the Combat line of boots are made by SIDI in Italy. | ||
| Phat_j |
wolverine.com | ||
| 46champ |
Some Danner boots are still made in the USA. The rule of thumb if it says Danner and has a sewn on sole it maybe made here if it has a molded on sole probably made in China. One other American manufacture is WESCO boots. Made in Scappoose Oregon they make engineer boots like Marlon Brando wore in the wild one. | ||
| Neurorider |
Ok, Jaimec-I must be mistaken. Must be another brand with a similar name? I'm not sure-thanks for the info! I've looked in three different Harley dealers and have only seen Chinese mfr's (ironic, isn't it?). Danner is partly made in the USA, some Chinese. You can probably email their customer support and ask about a particular model. I love the Ft. Lewis boot though it's expensive and I've never had the chance to try one on. I've heard online that the Aerostitch's regular Combat boot takes a long time to break in, though the Lite may be easier. For some reason, made in Italy sounds better to me than made in China. Maybe because Italy isn't taking over the US economy by preying on our desire for cheap stuff. (a whole other thread, I know!) I heard the 'stiches were made by Sidi-anybody confirm that? Here's a link to the Discovery: http://www.dual-star.com/index2/Rider/SIDI%20Disco very%20Boot.htm Anybody use these? all the moto boots I've ever tried on immobilized my foot and ankle better than a medical brace, so I can't imagine working brake and shifter with them on. I haven't found a pair to see in person yet to see if they're a bit softer. thanks, doc | ||
| Jaimec |
I already mentioned in an earlier response that the Aerostich boots are made for them by SIDI in Italy. Just verified that by looking at the pair on my feet...  | ||
| Neurorider |
wow, wesco looks great. That's kind of an investment for a boot, at 4-500 for a pair. But, custom fit and options available? that is really cool. I didn't know anyone still did that! why not use a firefighter boot (if you haven't visited the link, think full lace-up workboot but very heavy duty and fire resistant) as a Ulysses riding boot? Looks like a really tough boot! | ||
| Neurorider |
Jaimec, how waterproof are those Aerostitch boots, and how long did they take to break in? | ||
| Jaimec |
The Combat Lite boots took about a week of everyday wearing to break in. DON'T expect to put them on right out of the box and be able to ride... the boots will be too stiff to easily work the shifter (at least, that was the case with my two motorcycles). After a week of constant wear, they'll be loose enough. Right now, they are nicely broken in and about the most comfortable boots I've ever owned. I even wore them during my Rider Coach Prep which meant I was running around on my feet on the range more than I was wearing them seated at a desk or on a motorcycle. My feet never complained. Aerostich doesn't claim they're waterproof, however with proper treatment (Doc Bailey's, Mink oil, wax, etc.) they'll be waterproof enough to wear on the bike in the rain and keep your feet dry. I wouldn't wear them trout fishing... but they held up and kept my feet dry in the few times I got caught in the rain while wearing them. | ||
| Jaimec |
PS: The Cruiserworks boots are comfortable right out of the box and ready to go. And you CAN go trout fishing in them (just don't go into the water TOO deep or the water will pour in over the top). | ||
| 4cammer |
Jaimec, would you say the Combat Lites are low profile enough for sport shifting my 'Bolt 9R? Looks like it might be a really tight fit between the shifter rubber and foot peg. | ||
| Xcephasx |
how are the soles on the thorogoods? i have sharp pegs on my uly and have found that many of those "tactical boots" have a soft, foamy sole that gets eaten through rather quickly. thanks |
