Boot Choice

[jnrugg]

I would like to find a pair of riding shoes that have ankle protection but won't break the bank. I keep a pair of shoes @ work for when I ride, but would like to find a pair comfortable enough to wear all day.

Any suggestions?

[greggsnider]

+1

+1 on the Sidi Canyons. Incredibly waterproof, easy on/off, soles are easily replaced by a good cobbler, very comfortable walking around. They definitely make my legs warm on hot days. I wear thin, light-weight ski/hiking socks - Smartwool or similar. They fit better than tube sox and wick moisture very well.

[jaherbst]

My SIDI Canyons are great but too hot with temps above 90*.

Jack

[rtravelbee]

A couple of you have asked about my Gasolinas'. I have been wearing them daily since I got them on Friday because I wanted to break them in. I found out they really don't need much break-in. I added a pair of Superfeet insoles. I have a small foot and the Superfeet insert locks my heel in place. Initially, the YAK zipper was really hard to pull up. A bit of candle wax and a few days of usage has made the zipper a one handed affair. I sent my calf measurement in as it actually measures. I didn't or don't plan to put my jeans or riding pants inside the top of the boot. You can let Gasolina know when you order them what you want to do with your pant's leg. Someone asked about weight. My pair of Gasolinas' weigh about what one of my Aerostich lites weigh. They are seriously light.
Today, I wore my regular office dress shoes to work. I kicked them off in the car driving home. I would wear the Gasolinas' until I was ready to go to bed. On the downside, I waited 10 weeks for my boots to arrive. After wearing them, I would have waited 6 months. I have an MSF class coming up in a couple of weeks, and I plan to wear these all weekend while I teach, both in the classroom and on the range. I will tell you how much I like my Classic Gasolina Boots...... I ordered my wife a pair last night.

Thanks
Randy

[lmo1131]

Randy, what is the heel strap/buckle for? Is the leather actually soft enough that the strap tightens the heel cup?



I've just become aware that Bates is still making "custom" boots as well; $250 price range.

[OfficerImpersonator]

Combat Lites are made by Sidi. Both Aerostich and Sidi sells replacement buckles and soles for these boots.

I'm on my 2nd pair. First pair lasted 60,000 miles, and I had them resoled once. The plastic buckles broke on both the right and left foot, approximately three years apart. Find a local cobbler and they'll love working on your fancy Italian leather motorcycle boots. A true craftsman appreciates true craftsmanship.

First thing I do is remove and ditch the yellow speed laces. The buckle and the velcro tab keep my foot plenty secure in the boot. My first pair took about a month to break in, but my second pair required very little break-in at all. Second thing I do is put in a "SuperFeet" insole.

You can scuff 'em up, get 'em dirty, and they clean up nice with a stiff brush, some leather food, and some black shoe polish. Living in Seattle, I give 'em a good coat of waterproofing wax every Fall. They've never leaked, no matter how deep the puddle.

I'm of the belief that Gore-Tex in shoes is nothing more than a marketing ploy. I camp, hike, kayak, backpack, climb mountains, ski, and bike in the Pacific Northwet, and I've come to rely on Gore-Tex in my jackets, pants, hats and gloves. I've also learned to avoid it in footwear. The best way to waterproof boots is to start with a top quality leather boot, and then waterproof it.

Gore-Tex becomes useless when the pores clog up with dirt and oil. Jackets, gloves, pants and hats can all be washed to remove the dirt and restore the breathability. You can't do that to shoes, and thus the Gore-Tex has a limited shelf-life in footwear. I don't care what the marketing materials, warranty, or salesperson says. Dirty Gore-Tex might as well be denim for the amount of waterproofing and breathability it provides.

One of the nicest things about the Combat Lites is that I can wear them into a courtroom and no one raises an eyebrow. Try doing that with your white Alpinestars plastic moon boots.

[ROCKBOTTOM]

Gore-Tex becomes useless when the pores clog up with dirt and oil. Jackets, gloves, pants and hats can all be washed to remove the dirt and restore the breathability. You can't do that to shoes, and thus the Gore-Tex has a limited shelf-life in footwear. I don't care what the marketing materials, warranty, or salesperson says. Dirty Gore-Tex might as well be denim for the amount of waterproofing and breathability it provides.

I'm confused--if the Gore-Tex is the middle of three layers, how is it getting clogged with dirt?

[rtravelbee]

The buckles on the heel actually do snug up the back of the boot. The upper leather is extremely flexible. Having slid down the pavement after hitting a deer, the parts of my other boots that were scuffed was the lower side of the boot. Nothing above the ankle was scuffed. I don't have any issues with the upper portion of the boot being as flexible as they are. They allow me to walk around all day (not stiff) and bend when I need them to bend. Both the upper and lower buckles on the Gasolinas' have a purpose. For $244 shipped, their a bargin. If you get a chance, the February (?) 2012 issue had a product evaluation of these boots. I just am really impressed with them.

Thanks
Randy

[Theo]

Curious about the safety/protection features of the Gasolinas. Toe box? Heel cup? Ankle cups? Shin guards?

TIA,

[rtravelbee]

The toe area is extremely thick. They do not have shin guards. The heel cup was added with my inserts (Superfeet) which I grew fond of while I was backbacking. I feel they will provide me with the protection I need in the event of a fall. If you are looking at them for offroad use, I would make a different selection. I wanted something I could not only ride in, but walk in as well. With my Aerostich Combats, I had to carry another pair of shoes if we decided to walk anywhere.
Thanks
Randy