What boots do you ride in? Post pics and how you like them [thumbsup]
I've been wearing Alpinestar's Web Gore Tex Boot for the past 4 months - they're super comfortable as long as you wear long socks and decently breathable for a more cold weather oriented boot.
The Good: Comfy, indescrete, good traction on pegs and ground, seem to offer good protection (never had to test em), more waterproof than my snowboard boots.
The Bad: Way too warm sometimes, chafe my calves when not wearing long socks, run a size or two larger than expected, instep wearing prematurely (the rest of the sole looks brand new, but the insteps of both are almost bald), and a little bulky - never feel like I really know the exact input I'm giving to the brake
(http://www.alpinestars.com/store/productimages/regular/233507_black.jpg)
I'm interested to check out the Puma and Dainese riding shoes. They seem like a good idea for the summer, but I don't want to shell out $170 for the Dainese and then have them wear out in a few rides - I did a bunch of research on the Dainese footwear and found mixed reviews - Anyone got some input?
I just picked up a pair of Sidi Typhoon boots. They are VERY nice: comfortable, toe, heel and ankle protection.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d147/pompino/motostrano_1999_19363007.jpg)
They are the same price as the On-Roads and appear to be an inch or two shorter. The Typhoons are replacing my worn-out Gaerne ST Dry boots:
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d147/pompino/g2354-001-04_400.jpg)
I also wear Dainese Atacamas. These are quite comfortable to walk in, but have no toe protection.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d147/pompino/e01d065048ba4220046daea83a0199c5_ro.jpg)
In slightly cooler weather I wear a pair of Diadora Express boots.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d147/pompino/image.jpg)
Finally, for sportier rides, I have the Sidi Vertigos:
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d147/pompino/98ce4316ceb27bc761625bf9c0558352_ro.jpg)
I also have a pair of Dainese Dr. Jekyl boots that are one size too big.
I'm feeling too lazy to find, host, and post pics, but I have the following boots:
Oxtar TCS sport boots (nice, light weight sport boot with decent ankle protection)
BMW Transition sport touring boots (kinda ugly, but exceptionally functional, gore-tex membrane, and excellent foot protection)
BMW Santiago Dual Sport boots (Gore-tex, toe plates, and a rigid sole make for a good double-duty boot)
Quote from: Count Desmo on June 03, 2008, 06:35:58 AM
I'm feeling too lazy to find, host, and post pics, ...
Me too. I copied my reply from another board that I frequent. :P
Icon Field Armor - good for this time of year b/c they have serious venting. I like the sole, lacing, and zipper entry. The tensioners are decent, and help keep the boot from moving around on my feet - and I have really skinny ankles. I'm not too wild about the bulky toe box and shifter-guard on the top of the boot, but I'm getting used to it. It seemed HUGE at first, but it's less noticeable now. They're also decent to walk around in - no real "ski-boot" stride when these are on.
Been down in them once (low-speed low side to the left), and they held up well - some of the paint came off a tensioner, some scuffs to the outside of the sole... no damage to the contents.
(http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/ProductImages/300/2008_Icon_Field_Armor_Boots_Black.jpg)
When it is raining or cold, or when I'm going someplace smokey and don't want my good stuff to reek, I have an old pair of Nike ACG hiking boots that I'll throw on. They're all leather with a heavy sole and pretty tall on the ankle for hikers, and the laces tuck inside so I don't hang up on a shifter or brake. They are probably wholly inadequate in terms of protection, but they're probably better then the flip-flops I saw this one tool wearing on the interstate yesterday.
Sidi Canyon boots... Awesome. I wear them all the time; for riding, work and everyday. Goretex with pretty good protection. Look like regular black boots under jeans.
(http://applewood.smugmug.com/photos/123183181_gDhQy-L.jpg)
*This is what they looked like 15k miles ago.
+1 Sidi Vertigo. Love 'em as they fit like a glove. I like the ability to open/close the side vents. They are very comfortable with no break-in needed for me.
(http://www.wearyourbeer.com/images/Simpsons_Homer_Duff_Blue_Flip_Flops.jpg)
My feet never get hot [thumbsup]
(http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads11/apparel+boots+st+sidi+men+vertebra21192824073.jpg)
For when it gets cold.
Puma Ducati Desmo and Sidi Vertigo Corsa
(http://img379.imageshack.us/img379/4316/img3489so7.jpg)
Quote from: scooby on June 03, 2008, 09:12:08 AM
Sidi Canyon boots... Awesome. I wear them all the time; for riding, work and everyday. Goretex with pretty good protection. Look like regular black boots under jeans.
(http://applewood.smugmug.com/photos/123183181_gDhQy-L.jpg)
*This is what they looked like 15k miles ago.
+1 on the Sidi Canyons. Super comfortable and stealthy under jeans. Mine look a little newer than these, though. ;D
(http://www.newenough.com/image/path/7387/small/Default.jpg?1203995617) Sidi On Roads.
Comfy and supposed to be fully waterproof. My first pair leaked and I got a brand new pair under warranty.
I have Frank Thomas boots, something like their Chloe waterproof boot.
(http://www.frank-thomas.co.uk/images/products/279x274-H2O311.jpg)
(http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/Keigwins_2007-10-07G.JPG)
They are comfortable, I have worn them all day long, and easy to shift in. They have a single zipper with a velcro closure over it. They have some reflective piping on them.
I picked them as they were the only boots I could find at the time in any of the nearby shops that came in my size. [roll] I don't like ordering shoes/boots online without knowing the fit.
They are supposed to be waterproof, and do well in light rain, but get waterlogged in heavier rainstorms or longer wet rides.
I picked up a pair of the Puma Bonnevilles last week.
(http://www.customlids.co.uk/boots/puma/boneville_mid/boneville_mid_bk_bk_lge.jpg)
I love 'em. Super confortable, gortex waterproof/breathable, plus I don't look like a stormtrooper if I drape my jeans over them. [thumbsup]
(http://www.stompersboots.com/fots_chippewa/Rally2.jpg)
Chippewa Rally. Awesome boot, very sturdy. You REALLY need to break them in though. Still working on it.
Street: Sidi Vertigo Tepor - ridden thru monsoons & socks stayed dry
(http://i27.tinypic.com/2qbrolz.jpg)
Dirt: Alpinestar Tech6
(http://i27.tinypic.com/313ognq.jpg)
(http://sportbiketrackgear2.homestead.com/Oxtar_TCS_Evo_RX_Boot_Black.jpg)
Got them for $130ish?
Not really the best for walking around in, they squeek a lot. I think they have good protection. Struck the bumper of a van in front of me with only my left foot. Broke the distal heads of the four smaller metatarsals and dislocated an ankle bone. I think that damage is the force of my foot hitting the bumper and I don't think there is much you can do in that case.
The boots held up great. There is some scuffing on the ankle protector and the Ti plate slider is bowed out on the ends from where it hit the bumper. Little blood on the inside from where something opened my shin above the bootline. Otherwise you would have no idea I wrecked in them.
Definitely would have been worse if I hadn't worn them. Most the doctors and nurses doubted that I would have had a foot if I hadn't been wearing them. Said it would probably be a shattered mess.
I like my Rev'It Fusion boots. There's a write-up at http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/revit/revit-fusion-boots.htm. Prolly not the best for Houston, but in New England they're great.
+1 on Alpinestar's Web Gore Tex Boot! Great boot! Only downside is the size, a bit bulky' But you can wear them all day, and walk around like in normal boots. Really like the look of racing boots, but do most of my riding in town, to and from school.
One of these days I'm going to get this picture posting thing figured out but for now here's what I have:
BMW ) 1 pair, Racing , Black
Alpnestars ) 6 pairs , 1 pair Supertech Red , 5 ) SMX Plus Racing , 1 pair each , / Red / Blue / Blk. / Blk. Perfed. / White
Sidi ) 1 pair , B-2 Racing , Black / Grey
Puma ) 1 pair. Desmo , Red
I've been wearing the Dainese Mig boots for the last 2 years that I got from Bimoto.be. You can see the boots in the "Bargains Moto" section. They're more of a touring boot and I use them all over town. The boot is pretty comfortable and has replaceable plastic toe sliders. I recently bought a pair of the Puma Desmo's. The Puma's look sharp, but seem a lot more bulkier than my Dainese Mig boots, especially in the toe region. Shifting isn't as smooth for me with the Desmos. I notice when my foot travels from resting on the pegs to the shift lever for upshifts, the bulkiness of the toe area hits the lever versus sliding smoothly underneath like the Dainese boots. Maybe I just need to get used to the boots. The other thing I don't like about the Puma's is the zipper. On my other boots, you zip them up and then they are covered by a large flap when you go to velcro. On the Puma's, the zipper ends where the velcro begins, leaving the zipper fully exposed. Aside from the looks of the Pumas, so far I prefer my old boots, but maybe that will change as I use them more often.
Aerostich combat lites with the flat soles. These take a long time to break in, but they look like they are made to last 20 years. I think they are made by Sidi for Aerostich.
(http://www.aerostich.com/images/detailed/d_1594.jpg)
Quote from: asado on June 04, 2008, 07:02:19 PM
Puma Ducati Desmo and Sidi Vertigo Corsa
Hi Asado,
How would you rate the desmo's? Are they the Goretex version? And how are they for walking?
Cheers!
Sidi corsa for me... [thumbsup]
Quote from: fwtcc on June 06, 2008, 11:42:44 AM
(http://sportbiketrackgear2.homestead.com/Oxtar_TCS_Evo_RX_Boot_Black.jpg)
Got them for $130ish?
Not really the best for walking around in, they squeek a lot. I think they have good protection. Struck the bumper of a van in front of me with only my left foot. Broke the distal heads of the four smaller metatarsals and dislocated an ankle bone. I think that damage is the force of my foot hitting the bumper and I don't think there is much you can do in that case.
The boots held up great. There is some scuffing on the ankle protector and the Ti plate slider is bowed out on the ends from where it hit the bumper. Little blood on the inside from where something opened my shin above the bootline. Otherwise you would have no idea I wrecked in them.
Definitely would have been worse if I hadn't worn them. Most the doctors and nurses doubted that I would have had a foot if I hadn't been wearing them. Said it would probably be a shattered mess.
Hope they didn't have to cut them off of you !
Quote from: DoubleEagle on June 13, 2008, 11:35:28 PM
Hope they didn't have to cut them off of you !
Nope, they unzipped them and my foot came right out. They took them off at the scene. Besides the scuffing they look like nothing ever happened.
I sport a pair of Women's Classic Motorcycle Advanced Engineer Biker Boot by Xelement. They are your basic boot. Good qualty leather (IMO) but no extra armor. They are very comfortable and fit my wide feet perfectly. They are true to size, which means that I finally found boot I didn't have to order 2 sizes larger to fit my calves. I'm very new to riding, and don't ride on my own yet so I figure these are a decent starter boot.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v668/kynafairge/Odds%20and%20Ends/Engineerboots.jpg)
i have an older version of these boots,
which i bought in '05...
they are holding up really well and are super comfortable [thumbsup]
(http://www.alpinestars.com/store/productimages/regular/244207_black.jpg)
Double width adjustable Velcro® straps for secure closure and fit.
Injection molded PU heel provides support and protects the heal and ankle
Internal toe counter is layered under the leather Alpinestars' exclusive vulcanized compound sole with unique side wrapping design.
Midsole follows the shape of the foot and features a structured shank reinforcement.
Waterproof inner bootie.
Instep Velcor® adjuster strap and Achilles flex zones for superior comfort.
Removable anatomic foot bed and multi-density EVA padding.
Vulcanized rubber outsole.
Rear reflective insert for nighttime visibility.
Alpinestars SMX-4, they replaced some A-Stars SMX-3's under warranty. [thumbsup]
Super comfy, as comfortable as the SMX3s, bonus is that they don't squeak!
(http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/motostrano_2005_23334859)
Sidi Crossfire SRS with the red supermoto soles, for when I feel like being overprotected (no such thing!).
The soles are replaceable via a bunch of 1/4 turn screws on the bottom. I can swap out the red soles for the stock MX soles if I ever decide to get dirty. The Sidi's are really cool, practically the entire boot is replaceable (parts available) if/when bits break off. They squeak like nothing else on earth, and the sole is pretty stiff, but I feel confident in the protection they provide.
(http://www.motonation.com/store/pc/catalog/smssupermotosole_2046_thumb.jpg) (not white like TCK!'s boots)
But black.
(http://www.motonation.com/store/pc/catalog/crossf_srs_blabla_166_general.jpg)
Any experience with the Gaerne GR-W or Sidi B-2. I am looking for buying a pair to use for longer/ sportier rides, and might still be protective enough for track days.
wife and I both wear the Sidi Doha boots. super comfortable and cool. Love em!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/2715935145_896babc801_o.jpg)
The Doha (named after the Moto GP track in Qatar) boot is a low cut Sidi engineered boot; protective features and Sidi’s renowned quality control provides for one of the very best low cut street boots available
Leather/Cordura upper
Reinforced heel and toe cups
Ankle ball protection
Toe shift/brake guard
Heel reflective stripe
Lace retention strap
Same insole as Vertigo boot; non-slip bonded sole
(http://www.captaindaves.com/shop/media/altama-5878.gif)
Altama Desert Boots
Nice and cool, and comfortable to walk around in after a few years of breaking in.
Protection is not that great.
BUT you can get them for free, all you have to do is join the Army! [cheeky]
I had a pair of Diadora boots that I crashed in, the top half of the left boot was ripped open. The boot probably saved my foot from breakage or amputation but all in all I would suggest a better quality boot than the Diadora.
Used to ride in a pair of Danner Goretex 8" boots. Found the sole to be too thick and had clearance issues with the right heel on the exaust guards (05 S2R). But the last straw came one day when I pulled into a parking lot, parked the bike, looked down at the left foot to find the stand and saw my untied laces dangling beside the sprocket guard. Didn't like the looks of that at all.
Bought A* Webs. Love 'em.
I wear the same ones around town for every day riding to and from work. I wear some heavier Teknic boots for highway riding though.
The Dohas are very lightweight and comfortable. [thumbsup]
Quote from: Duc Fever on July 30, 2008, 04:04:04 AM
wife and I both wear the Sidi Doha boots. super comfortable and cool. Love em!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/2715935145_896babc801_o.jpg)
Vertigos for track and canyon...
(http://www.motonation.com/store/pc/catalog/vertigo_blackwhite_1741_detail.jpg)
I'm looking for a street/work boot and I'm leaning towards the Sidi Dohas.
Quote from: Duc Fever on July 30, 2008, 04:04:04 AM
wife and I both wear the Sidi Doha boots. super comfortable and cool. Love em!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/2715935145_896babc801_o.jpg)
The Doha (named after the Moto GP track in Qatar) boot is a low cut Sidi engineered boot; protective features and Sidi’s renowned quality control provides for one of the very best low cut street boots available
Leather/Cordura upper
Reinforced heel and toe cups
Ankle ball protection
Toe shift/brake guard
Heel reflective stripe
Lace retention strap
Same insole as Vertigo boot; non-slip bonded sole
I read a good review of these on MCN and thought about purchasing some... may still in the future. I would be a little worried though about ankle protection.
I have the Alpinestar black label Recon boots. So far so good. I was worried about getting enough protection without being too hot in the summer and these seem to be well ventilated.