Boots for the GS rider?

[knary]

I need some new boots. What I want...

1. Waterproof. I live in the Pacific Northwet.

2. Armor. It must have ankle and shin armor

3. a hint of the MX. While it isn't my natural environment, I do get off pavement from time to time. My old BMW gortex boots have too much flex in the sole for standing on the pegs for a long time. Also, while they do offer excellent protection for street riding, they're a bit too soft for off-pavement stuff. This past sunday, for example, I wacked my toe something good when a log got kicked up and hit the front of my very soft boots.

4. walkable. This will be my touring boot. I'll wear it everywhere.

5. Under $250 or so. As much as some boots like the Daytona Trans Opens are, I can't afford them.

6. IF possible: I want something that can be resoled.

I might see if, with some work, I can rehab the old BMW Gortex boots into something more rugged, but I think they're about done (80k miles, two getoffs).

[RebeccaV]

Have you checked out the Aerostitch Combat Touring Boots?

Aerostitch Store (http://www.aerostich.com/riderwearhouse.store)

[knary]

Originally posted by boxergrrlie
Have you checked out the Aerostitch Combat Touring Boots?

Aerostitch Store (http://www.aerostich.com/riderwearhouse.store)

I've thought about them and they're still on the list. But I prefer something with armor and specifically waterproof - though they are almost so. I hate wet feet. :)

[DarkCloud]

Ever consider insulated steel toed work or hiking boots? They are comfortable to walk in, cooler, and you can waterproof them. The toe is wider than a riding boot, they will drag on an RT, in the curves, but not in your GS. Jon, the Frugal Rider

[knary]

Originally posted by Dark Cloud
Ever consider insulated steel toed work or hiking boots? They are comfortable to walk in, cooler, and you can waterproof them. The toe is wider than a riding boot, they will drag on an RT, in the curves, but not in your GS. Jon, the Frugal Rider

I've ridden more than a few miles in hiking boots and know a fair number of riders that swear by them. But having had a getoff or two, I want something with armor in it. Also, steel toed boots give me the heebeejeebies. The idea of the steel toe box getting crunched down on my little piggies.... :eek

I'm looking for something a little more walkable than these...
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/photos/300/g2314.jpg

but more rugged than these (these need armor)...
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/photos/300/g2281.jpg


This points me right at these....
http://www.helimot.com/catalog/boots/transopen.jpg
or these...
http://www.bmw-riders-gear.com/Img/Icn/02_Boot_Savanna6.jpg
But I can't spend $300+ on a pair of boots.

[kbasa]

I kinda like those plasticky ones BMW is selling now, but I'll probably wind up with a pair of those Daytonas. I think I've got 6 or 7 years on my current Daytonas, so I figure buying them is money well spent.

I tend to be, well, rough on riding gear.

[SHAG]

I've been wearing Sidi Vertebra II Tepor's for a couple years on both bikes. They are a great improvement over the Rocket Rhino's I was wearing. They're not really a GS boot, but they work well for me!

[syeager]

Hey, Scott - I've got about 20,000 miles on my Combat Touring boots and have found them to be pretty damn waterproof considering they're all leather. If it looks like it'll be wet any time soon I just spend 15 minutes gobbing them up with mink oil and all's well. Part of the equation is what you wear in conjunction with your footgear - my 'stitch helps with water shedding.

[knary]

Originally posted by syeager
Hey, Scott - I've got about 20,000 miles on my Combat Touring boots and have found them to be pretty damn waterproof considering they're all leather. If it looks like it'll be wet any time soon I just spend 15 minutes gobbing them up with mink oil and all's well. Part of the equation is what you wear in conjunction with your footgear - my 'stitch helps with water shedding.

Thanks!

[fish]

How about these?

http://www.bmw-riders-gear.com/Img/Img/03-Boots-Enduro-a.jpg

$275 and they'll match your MPY bike too. :D

[syeager]

I love those things - too bad it'd be another thing for SWMBO to get mad at me over...

[knary]

Originally posted by fish
How about these?

http://www.bmw-riders-gear.com/Img/Img/03-Boots-Enduro-a.jpg

$275 and they'll match your MPY bike too. :D

would You wear those?

I'll try them on at some point. If they're a perfect comfy fit, I'll do what I can to ignore their hideousnous. But I can only do so much. Maybe they look better in person?

[RebeccaV]

Hideous? I think they're cool! And they say GS! And they're the same color as yer bike! And, and....what's MPY by the way?

[knary]

Originally posted by boxergrrlie
Hideous? I think they're cool! And they say GS! And they're the same color as yer bike! And, and....what's MPY by the way?
:D
I'll have to see them in the flesh and on my feet.

MPY = Monkey Piss Yellow
That's what more than a few blasphemers call the mandarin yellow.

[fish]

Originally posted by knary
would You wear those?

probably not.

[Rad]

Kary, how much protection do ya want?

As you know, the more protection, the less walk'n ability.

The most protective MX boot can provide comfort for all day ride'n, it's the walk'n that is the issue.

For me, I use my Sidi On Roads for just that, on road. I use my Sidi Discoveries for off road.

The reason I don't use On Roads or CTB for off road is they offer no real support if ya have to put yur foot out to catch yourself on a 600 lb. beast. My ankle just rolls over in my On Roads if I do that. In my Discoveries my ankle is supported.

A second reason is the stiff sole of the Discovery, or any off road boot, allows you to stand on the pegs in rough stuff for hours with no foot pain.

I can spend 12+ hour days in my Discoveries with no problem. I just carry sandals or tennis shoes to change into when I’m gonna be walk’n much.

[knary]

Originally posted by Rad
Kary, how much protection do ya want?

As you know, the more protection, the less walk'n ability.

The most protective MX boot can provide comfort for all day ride'n, it's the walk'n that is the issue.

For me, I use my Sidi On Roads for just that, on road. I use my Sidi Discoveries for off road.

The reason I don't use On Roads or CTB for off road is they offer no real support if ya have to put yur foot out to catch yourself on a 600 lb. beast. My ankle just rolls over in my On Roads if I do that. In my Discoveries my ankle is supported.

A second reason is the stiff sole of the Discovery, or any off road boot, allows you to stand on the pegs in rough stuff for hours with no foot pain.

I can spend 12+ hour days in my Discoveries with no problem. I just carry sandals or tennis shoes to change into when I’m gonna be walk’n much.

Rad,
Thanks for the notes. I was hoping you might chime in.

how much protection? I don't really know. I'm a street guy that's only just discovered how much fun it is to ride off-pavement and that my street boots aren't up to the task. Since my street boots are dying, and my budget is only so big, this next pair needs to split the difference. I'm certainly not going to use/abuse them like you would, but won't coddle them like Fish would either. :D

I think I want a Discovery Light.

-scott

p.s. Your idea of bringing along a pair of light walking shoes along is a bit too easy and intelligent. :)

[Rad]

Originally posted by knary
p.s. Your idea of bringing along a pair of light walking shoes along is a bit too easy and intelligent. :)



My think'n is: I always wanna have good enough walk'n/hike'n shoes and enough water to walk out of any place I've off roaded into.


Get'n new gear is always fun.

Good luck

[knary]

Originally posted by Rad
My think'n is: I always wanna have good enough walk'n/hike'n shoes and enough water to walk out of any place I've off roaded into.


Get'n new gear is always fun.

Good luck

Again, thanks.

One silly question:
How are you securing your riding boots when you're off walking around?

-scott

p.s. you should post one of those recent shots of you in the mud.

[Rad]

Originally posted by knary
I'm certainly not going to use/abuse them like you would,

Don't know what yur talk'n about:uhoh

http://patineto.smugmug.com/photos/2744889-M.jpg

[kbasa]

:dunno

I like those funky BMW boots....

But then again, look at what I ride.

[knary]

Originally posted by KBasa
:dunno

I like those funky BMW boots....

But then again, look at what I ride.
heh

Having looked like a bag of skittles (Rubber Cow's words, not mine) for some years, I'm leaning towards something a bit more tasteful and subdued. BUT given the choice between good looking boots that don't quite work the way I want, and boots of "questionable" style that work well...I'll take the ones that work well.

[dlearl476]

Knary-I have a pair of Alpinstar "Vector" boots that I love. Although they might not fit your requirements in several areas. They're a little pricey (MSRP $233 but you can find the ~$200 if you shop around) the might be more water "resistant" than proof, I've worn mine in several rainy wet rides and they held up great, the have a neoprene liner and the front is mostly plastic, but the Pacific North-Wet, I don't know. Re-Sole, I don't know. Although most MX generally, and Alpinstar specifically are, these have a molded sole so I can't say.
Armor, they got it, comfort they got it. I wore them to Baja one year and I took my flip flops out of my panniers exactly once, to go to the beach, in 10 days. All day WALKING comfort. (Athough the two mile hike to a "point-confluence" location I did the first day I had them was a bit much!:cry )
http://www.accwhse.com/photos/alp_vector_boots_bkgry.gif

[knary]

Originally posted by dlearl
Knary-I have a pair of Alpinstar "Vector" boots that I love. Although they might not fit your requirements in several areas. They're a little pricey (MSRP $233 but you can find the ~$200 if you shop around) the might be more water "resistant" than proof, I've worn mine in several rainy wet rides and they held up great, the have a neoprene liner and the front is mostly plastic, but the Pacific North-Wet, I don't know. Re-Sole, I don't know. Although most MX generally, and Alpinstar specifically are, these have a molded sole so I can't say.
Armor, they got it, comfort they got it. I wore them to Baja one year and I took my flip flops out of my panniers exactly once, to go to the beach, in 10 days. All day WALKING comfort. (Athough the two mile hike to a "point-confluence" location I did the first day I had them was a bit much!:cry )
http://www.accwhse.com/photos/alp_vector_boots_bkgry.gif

:thumb

Thanks.

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by Rad
http://patineto.smugmug.com/photos/2744889-M.jpg

ya see Knary, if you ride the GS the way Rad does, you'll never see what color the boots are.:p

[fish]

Originally posted by BradfordBenn
ya see Knary, if you ride the GS the way Rad does, you'll never see what color the boots are.:p


you can still see the KTM orange tho. :)

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by fish
you can still see the KTM orange tho. :)

If it ain't BMW I don't see it. Now anyone seen my glasses?

[Rad]

Originally posted by BradfordBenn
If it ain't BMW I don't see it. Now anyone seen my glasses?

German....Austrian...Like there's a difference :dunno

[H2bill]

Two questions....

1. How waterproof are the Discovery's (assuming the river isn't up to your knees :D )?

2. Have you looked at the BMW Savannah's? I haven't tried them on yet but they look like they'd be a good compromise between on road and off.

Has anyone owned a pair of the Savanna's and can give some feedback on them?

(Okay, I guess that was three questions, sorry ;) .

[knary]

Originally posted by Makalu
Two questions....

1. How waterproof are the Discovery's (assuming the river isn't up to your knees :D )?

2. Have you looked at the BMW Savannah's? I haven't tried them on yet but they look like they'd be a good compromise between on road and off.

Has anyone owned a pair of the Savanna's and can give some feedback on them?

(Okay, I guess that was three questions, sorry ;) .

The Discovery boots are supposed to be fantastic...but a bit on the massive/clunky side for everyday use.

The BMW offerings look like exactly what I want, but the price is simply too much. Hmmm...I a little mental calculation...20% off through Chicago BMW would put the Savannah boots right in my price range. I'm going to go try some on ASAP.

[JimVonBaden1]

Originally posted by knary
:D
I'll have to see them in the flesh and on my feet.

MPY = Monkey Piss Yellow
That's what more than a few blasphemers call the mandarin yellow.

Thanks Knary, now I have to repaint my bike!:cry

Jim

[ScottM]

Knary,

I know you mentioned the Daytona boots to be too pricey, but I looked and looked and they seemed to be the only boots I liked that were big enough for my duck feet. (14 ish)

Granted they were around $300 and I had to wait for Germany to kill enough cows to make them, I'm pretty happy overall. Helimot was terrific, even with the rotten delevery time. (seems I ordered them over December and Germany shut down?)

I use to drag a little in tight corners before, not at all since I started wearing these. Guess I'll see how they are in the heat of a CA summer.

Good luck in your search.

Scott

[knary]

Originally posted by ScottM
Knary,

I know you mentioned the Daytona boots to be too pricey, but I looked and looked and they seemed to be the only boots I liked that were big enough for my duck feet. (14 ish)

Granted they were around $300 and I had to wait for Germany to kill enough cows to make them, I'm pretty happy overall. Helimot was terrific, even with the rotten delevery time. (seems I ordered them over December and Germany shut down?)

I use to drag a little in tight corners before, not at all since I started wearing these. Guess I'll see how they are in the heat of a CA summer.

Good luck in your search.

Scott

Thanks for the recommendation. I'm heading up to Seattle some time in the next couple weeks. I seem to remember one of the shops up there carrying the Daytonas. I'll try them on.

[ian408]

Originally posted by knary
would You wear those?

I'll try them on at some point. If they're a perfect comfy fit, I'll do what I can to ignore their hideousnous. But I can only do so much. Maybe they look better in person?

Mother's Back to Black ought to take care of that :)

I just ordered some Combat Touring Boots earlier. I think they'll
be just the ticket.

Ian

[ian408]

CTB's arrived the other day and I must say they are nice
and cozy.

They're not as stiff as an mx boot but they're not as flexible
as a regular riding boot either. I liken mx boots to ski boots.
Great to ride in but you sure wouldn't want to walk in them.

CTB's are easy to walk in but I doubt you'd want to walk
any distance because your feet would end up in little puddles.
But you could. Wore them around yesterday just to break them
in. I was comfortable.

They're quick and easy to get on or off.

They do take some getting used to as well. The toe box doesn't
fit as well under the shifter (on the RT), brake side took
time to learn the feel of lever. I had a couple of panic like stops
when I misjudged the pressure on the lever :uhoh

Haven't ridden them any distance yet. Perhaps this weekend.

Ian

[LTOwner]

I use the Combat Tourers. Treated as recommended by
Sidi, they are pretty much waterproof. In touring use, have been through several downpours, and have not had a damp sock. One thing I have been told by two major boot makers is never to put anything containing animal fats on leather, as it will eventually rot the leather. Many of the recommended treatment products are beeswax/silicone mixtures.

[knary]

:thumb
Thanks for the info guys.
The CBT's are looking better and better for my needs.

I was looking at my old BMW Gortex boots yesterday. They have a few failure points: 1. the soles. 2. the stitching. The CBT's aren't made up of multiple panels like the BMW boots, and can be resoled by any decent cobbler. Sounds good to me.