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I am needing a new pair of riding boots. I have Cruiserworks boots that do a great job of keeping out the rain, but are not holding up very well. I am curious about the Aerostich Combat Touring Boots. I have no question about the build quality of the boot, but it is not advertised as water proof. Do any of you have experience in waterproofing the boots with leather treatment? Thanks for your input.
Unless you're going to be walking in water, you really don't need "waterproof" boots. Any good quality leather boot can be made water resistant with the application of the right leather treatment. My favorite riding boots are a ten-year-old pair of wellingtons that have been resoled twice, and just keep on ticking...
About twice a year I treat them with Kiwi silicone spray boot treatment, and then just keep them polished with regular Kiwi boot polish. The only time my feet get wet in the rain is when the legs of my rain pants creep up over the top of the boots and allow water to run down inside.
I did some extensive research on boots and ordered the Daytona Trans Open GTX. The GTX stands for Gortex. Hand made in Germany not machine made in China like all other boots.
[URL=http://www.daytona.de/english/boots_e/gore/2_transopengtx.html]Daytona Boots[/URL]
You can order them through the only US dealer, [url]www.Helimot.com[/url]. You can phone Helmut and he'll answer all your questions about the boots. It takes about 3 weeks for the order to get here from Germany.
I got the Combat's this spring and have put xx,xxx miles on them so far. They are built like a tank, waterproof with the use of Nikwax, and when your pant legs are tucked in, scare young children and democrats. They took a while to break in and my feet get hot if it's over 90??. Other than that, I like 'em.
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by GSAnderson [/i]
scare young children and democrats. ........[/QUOTE]
I like that! Democrats are scared of lots of stuff, though.:dunno
Alright, alright.
We're talking about boots here, kids.
:wave
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by KBasa [/i]
Alright, alright.
We're talking about boots here, kids.
:wave [/QUOTE]
my bad! (sorta illustrates my point, however):bliss
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by the Luz [/i]
my bad! (sorta illustrates my point, however):bliss [/QUOTE]
trying to keep it on topic, here Luz.
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Burnszilla [/i]
I did some extensive research on boots and ordered the Daytona Trans Open GTX. The GTX stands for Gortex. Hand made in Germany not machine made in China like all other boots.[/QUOTE] Helimot has a [i]great[/i] rep, but it would be a shame if he's spoiling it by claiming all other boots come from China. Both my last pair of BMW Goretex boots and my new pair of Oxtars are made in Italy, and both are waterproof.
From the other side of Hwy 17,
Helmut said that although Sidi's are designed in Italy, they are made in China.
[COLOR=green]I'm on the fourth year with my Daytonas, I was turned onto them by Mrs. KBasa.
I am a bit of a fit problem, I have large German calves and thick ankles.
Those boots are all day in the rain dry, and the multiple zipper and velcro adjustments mean perfect fit,
over or under pants.
My husband ran out and bought a pair also, and coming from a tightwad Yankee like him,
that's a high compliment on the boots' value.[/COLOR]
I got about 16,000 miles and 700 days on mine. Still waterproof and comfortable. For me it was worth the money as they are the most comfortable ones I have tried.
... but it depends on your needs.
They take a looooonnnnggggg time to break in because they're so heavy duty.
They are great for adventure touring/light off-road, but there are better choices for street riders.
The soles are not adequately lugged for more serious off-road.
They are not waterproof, but Totes slip right over. They can be treated with Sno-seal or other similar product and work pretty good.
Mine finally gave up the ghost after 7 years and 200,000 miles. They were *hammered* and looked pretty rough, but still worked. I ground them up while exploring lean angle limits on the K12RS... so, Combat Touring boots got Killed in Action.
If you're a dual-sport/Adventure Tourer, I would recommend them. If you ride primarily on the street, the Daytonas are a better choice., IMO.
Ian
To all who responded, thanks. Your comments and experiences have been helpful to me.
carlc
I've been happy with the Sidi On-Road sympatex. They are similar to the CTBs (also made by Sidi I believe) but with a waterproof membrane. Upside: completely waterproof, downside: warmer.
Motonation stocks them.