| Author | Message | ||
     Phelan |
Looking for a good-looking set of boots that offer good protection and not too uncomfortable when walking. So far been considering the Vendramini Marathon or Gaerne GRS, but open to other options. Visible carbon fiber is also a plus to help match my bike and gear. | ||
| S1125r |
How uncomfortable is not too uncomfortable? I have a set of Gaerne GRS's and I don't much care for walking around in them. They are a race boot and the ankle support is great, but stiff and it creaks when walking. Also, the little metal heel bit clacks when walking. They are awesome for riding and I do feel like my feet are protected well. | ||
| Jramsey |
Fly Milepost, all day walking comfort. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I got a set of Joe Rocket over the calf boots for about $100... they were barely satisfactory. Protection was OK, but the kick starter on my KLR-250 ripped out chunks from the bottom of them, and the vinyl (which was listed as leather) upper covers have a few crack and chunks missing (again, probably a result of that KLR kicker... nobody builds street boots for kick starters anymore). I would say don't lean towards boots (like MX boots and I presume track boots) that immobilize the ankle. I borrowed a pair for an offroad ride, and promptly tore my ACL (tendon in the knee) standing beside the bike just trying to push it back around to go back downhill. No way to prove that because my ankle couldn't twist resulted in the extra leverage tearing my knee ACL. But that would be a reasonable conclusion, and immobilizing the ankle sure aint going to help anything... In hindsight, I would have been MUCH better off with a sprained ankle, or even a minor leg break. They would heal. The ACL tear will never heal and needs surgery and extended rehab. Interestingly, some of the best street boots I have were off the shelf for $15 in an independent cycle shop in Germany (we were visiting). No name, leather, velcro. Got them on a whim and have been using them for several years. They are over the ankle, and so protect pretty well, but if you take off the riding pants and wear them to go into a movie or something, you don't look like a goof with normal clothes and stormtrooper boots. I'd love an over the calf, heavier leather, kickstarter friendly version of them (still with lots of flexibility in the ankles). I suspect enduro boots are made this way, I haven't tried them. | ||
| Phelan |
Thanks for the input. So far it looks like I'll be searching for some Vindraminis. They are advertised as a boot that can be walked in comfortably. | ||
| Sparky |
I bought a pair of Thor 50/50 boots from the Chaparral store in San Bernardino, Ca. They're advertised as motocross boots and look like 'em but are characterized in magazine reviews as off-road and street. I wore these on our annual trek to Laguna Seca for the MotoGP weekend. Worked out great! They have two adjustable clasps, reinforcement in the sole at the peg area, aggressive tread pattern, rise just above the ankle and are comfortable to walk around in. A plus in hot weather, I guess, is that, off the bike, you can walk around in short pants with these boots and not look goofy. | ||
| Semper_1120fi |
I got a pair of Alpinestars S-MX 5 (Vented version) and I love 'em. I wouldn't buy anything else. They get a little hot when walking more than a few minutes, but if you loosen the velcro around the calf, it's not too bad. | ||
| Oldwesterncowboy |
I have a new and old pair of Alpinestars goretex touring boots. Both are very comfy for all day riding or walking. | ||
| 2008xb12scg |
I have these ALPINESTARS Ridge Waterproof Motorcycle Boots and they are pretty comfy. | ||
| Toecutter |
My Joe Rocket boots failed after 4 seasons of riding, so I decided to go with the Chippewa Rally boot. I have ridden most of this last season with them and I absolutely love them. They are not race boots, and won't immobilize the ankle, but are thick leather and can take a lot of abuse. Although the Rally boot is superb, the new Rally Euro model may be even better, and it is probably even a little more comfortable for walking. The new Rally Euro has a Dri-Lex liner, and a more modern sole design. Here is a link: http://www.chippewaboots.com/category/rally | ||
| Strato9r |
I've got a couple of different pairs of Red Wings, and I love them. For the combination of sport touring and still being able to walk around comfortably, they cant be beat. They're kind of Doc Martenish, but they're waterproof and super comfortable, which is cool because I do walk around a lot once I stop. They probably wouldn't be my first choice for a track boot, but I dont have a track around here, anyway. | ||
| Pso |
I have a pair of Chippewa boots also. I also have a set of Magnum side zip boots. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
I would love to be able to get another pair of Prexports. After 9 years and 65,000+ miles, mine have about had it. I guess they are no longer sold here... Bummer. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I have a pair of the Vendraminis (Aero) and LOVE them. I've had them for 4 years and they are very comfortable. If the Marathons are as good as the Aeros, you will love them. | ||
| Jaimec |
Aerostich Combat Lite Boots. In twenty seven years and over a half a million miles of riding, they are the best damned boots on and off the bike I've EVER owned. And under a regular pair of slacks they don't look out of place in the office if you commute to work by motorcycle too (as I do). | ||
| Froggy |
Jaimec, is it still the same pair over those 27 years? My SIDI waterproof boots are almost shot after about 2 years of constant use. | ||
| Jaimec |
Ummmm... no, Froggy. But in 27 years I've gone through a LOT of different boots and different brands and none of them compare to the Combat Lites. The Cruiserworks boots come close, but they don't offer the same secure feeling I have when I have the Combat Lite boots on. They are dressier looking, however, and work a bit better as "Office Wear." The Combat Lites don't look terribly out of place in the office, it's just the Cruiserworks look a little better. Outside the office (and everywhere else) the Combat Lite boots are the superior choice. | ||
| Fahren |
Chippewa Rally 12", or Aerostitch Combat Lites. Check 'em out, see what feels right, what has the look and features you want. | ||
| Medicbro |
You could always go down to the Army surplus and pic you out a pair of jump boots (combat boots with ankle support). They are made to be durable and you can stand to wear them for more than a while with no comfort issues. Google combat boots if you are the online orderin' type. I've used these for dirt biking for years and they definitely hold up when the fancy, shiny types fail. -M | ||
| Hogzilla |
I've been riding Cruiserworks for the last 9 years. Will soon see how they work on a 1125r. About to have them resoled for the first time. Still look great and are comfy as a sneaker. http://www.cruiserworks.com/classic.php | ||
| Cravacor |
To the Chippewa Rally wearers, how do the heels work out for you? All of the riding boots I have owned had much lower heels. I like the fact that they are US made & have a dealer near me. | ||
| Hotredjohn |
I just posted a report (brief) on Sidi Canyon Gore-Tex Boot. I love them! http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/384 2/544203.html?1267816950 | ||
| Toecutter |
Cravacor, Good question about the heel. Since I ride with my toes pointed out a bit, the inside front edge of the heels come in contact with the footpeg. This was causing the footpeg to wear an indentation into the the heel. I could see where the would eventually be problematic and could separate the layers of material on the heel. The solution for me was to take a sharp utility knife and cut about 3/8"-1/2" of material at a 45 degree angle from inside front edge of the heel. This has worked well for me and keeps the footpeg from digging into the heel. Somebody over at ADV used a file to accomplish the same thing. Alternatively, you could have them re-soled with something that you like better. Probably not something that is very cost effective, but unlike some other boots it is something that can be done. It looks like Chippewa has stopped making the more "modern" version of this boot, that I alluded to back in December. That's a shame too, because it really looked like a nice boot. The current "old" model is still a damn fine boot though. |
