| Author | Message | ||
     Jaimec |
For the past few years I've been a BIG fan of Cruiserworks boots. I have two pair now that are nearing the end of their life; they've both been resoled at least once; but now the uppers are going, and they both seem to have lost their waterproofness (is that a real word?). I tried ordering new boots from Cruiserworks, but they've recently changed hands and the new owners are having supply problems. They don't know when they'll have new product to sell. I started looking for something to replace them. Nearly every waterproof pair of motorcycle boot looks like something more appropriate for the race track or an astronaut than for everyday wear (like to the office). I decided to check the source of everything good for the serious motorcyclist (aka: The Aerostich Catalog). The Combat Lite touring boot looked like the ticket. Although not explicitly waterproof, reviews I'd seen on the web indicated it kept the wearer's feet dry even when riding all day in a driving rain. I'm very familiar with the quality and durability of the products Aerostich sells, so I figured I give them a try. My first impression when I received the boots was "if these are the 'Lite' I don't want to see the regulars!" These are HEAVY boots! The weight comes from the thickness of the leather. The catalog warned how stiff they are when new and they weren't kidding. Despite the weight and stiffness, the boots are quite comfortable when on. Putting them on is a snap, too! It uses a speed-lace system that snugs the boot around the lower part of your shin, and a quick release buckle on the foot. A thick leather velcro flap secures the top of the boot and covers up the lacing. There is also a Goretex inner membrane filling in the gap between the lacing. Just above the heel cup on the back of each boot is a Scotchlite patch which is hidden when you're standing or walking, but becomes exposed when you sit down and your pants legs ride up. Handy for when you're on the motorcycle! The first time I tried riding with these boots, the stiffness made shifting more challenging than it should be. I'm on my fourth day of wearing them all day and they are now broken in enough that shifting is no longer a problem. I also no longer feel like Frankenstein's monster when I walk in them. Although the boots look "funky" when you see them standing by themselves, when you wear them under jeans or slacks, only the foot shows, and it looks very plain and ordinary (as opposed to other riding boots with all kinds of patterns, textures and colors showing). Aerostich recommends treating them with waterproofing compounds if you plan on doing a lot of foul weather riding. Right now all I do is wipe the boot down with Neatsfoot oil at the end of the day. That not only helps soften the leather, but protects it from getting wet as well. Time will tell if more "aggressive" techniques are required. Right now, though, I'm not hesitant at all about recommending them. Worth every penny! Anyway, they appear to be a typical, high-quality Aerostich product (made for the Rider Wearhouse by SIDI) that should last a good long time. Just don't buy them and expect to do an immediate track day or tour with them... it'll take time to get them broken in properly! http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Aerostich-Comb at-Lites-Boots-p-16559.html | ||
| Court |
>>>>My first impression when I received the boots was "if these are the 'Lite' I don't want to see the regulars!" There's been a long standing joke in the touring world about Combat Touring Boots taking 100,000 miles to loosen up. I am due . . . grudingly . . . to replace my "high mileage well worn" Garnae this year. . . it'll be with Aerostich. You can't do better. | ||
| Diablobrian |
Sidi makes those boots...."nuf said | ||
| Jaimec |
Well, I got to wear them in the rain today. Mind you, we're not talking about monsoon rains, just a steady, constant rain. Rode to work, and to lunch and back and my feet remain warm and dry. Further testing, of course, is required. Maybe I'll take the long way home if it's still raining this afternoon... | ||
| Chainsaw |
Thanks for the heads-up on these boots. They've been on my radar for a long time, and I could sure use a waterproof touring boot. | ||
| Hexangler |
+1 AeroStich Combat Touring Boots Cleated Soles. My larger foot measured 12 US so I ordered 12.5 US 48 EU. With two pairs of socks they're a perfect fit. If in doubt order 1/2 size large and wear another pair of socks until broken in. Leather does shrink over time with heat and moisture. They took about two weeks to break in, I got one small blister. Now I never want to take them off! ATGATT at the office! Hex |
