it's come to my attention that maybe i should get a pair of motorcycle boots, instead of just using my 6 hole doc martins for riding.
what should i be looking for in a riding boot and does anybody know a place online that has a clearance section or something? I wear a pretty small size shoe (6.5-7M or 38 euro)
Thanks
Mike
As a motorcyclist who wore Docs for many years and thousand of miles, I agree that you should get a pair of motorcycling boots. When I made the decision, I bought a pair of Dainese boots (I use these also for track days) and definitely feel dumb for not doing it sooner. Docs worked well, but motorcycle specific boots are far superior in every degree.
As for sites, newenough.com or motorcyclecloseouts.com come to mind. As for what to get; it depends upon what you want to do! [moto]
thanks, i'll check out those sites!
for the time being, i'm planning on just riding on the street and not going crazy. Just seems that dedicated motorcycle boots might work better overall for doing that riding thing, than docs.
probably don't even really need a nigh boot, a mid boot would probably be sufficient to that end.
thanks again :)
any opinion on this boot? the price is certainly right... and i think they even have my size...
http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/sport/motorcycle+boots/axo_primato+sport+boots+with+leather+uppers (http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/sport/motorcycle+boots/axo_primato+sport+boots+with+leather+uppers)
if you like how they look they fit right and they have your size and such and the price is right then get them.
semms like a good moderate protection for street riding.
Quote from: leungevity on October 08, 2010, 12:32:39 PM
any opinion on this boot? the price is certainly right... and i think they even have my size...
http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/sport/motorcycle+boots/axo_primato+sport+boots+with+leather+uppers (http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/sport/motorcycle+boots/axo_primato+sport+boots+with+leather+uppers)
I got a pair of those for my most frequent passenger. She likes to wear them.
They're like most other boots - well built and with a decent level of protection.
That price is really low for what you get.
I have a pair of Shift Fuel boots http://www.kneedraggers.com/product/641978/Shift-Fuel-Street-Leather-Shoes (http://www.kneedraggers.com/product/641978/Shift-Fuel-Street-Leather-Shoes) and a set of Sidi Strada's http://www.kneedraggers.com/product/651232/Sidi-Strada-Rain-Boots (http://www.kneedraggers.com/product/651232/Sidi-Strada-Rain-Boots)
Oddly enough, I really prefer the Shift boots. They are more comfortable, look nice, easier to shift with, and walking around in them is like walking around in a normal shoe. Unless it is raining hard, I wear the Shift boots, very pleasantly surprised with them as I bought them on a whim because they were on sale. Obviously they don't offer as much protection, but that is where the trade off lies.
I would be very suspicious of a leather boot that retailed for only $149.
Typically a Boot that looks like that w, the kind of quality protection and durability will retail for well over $350.
Checkout sportsbiketrackgear.com and look at their closeouts.
They have some name brand boots on closeout at pretty good savings.
I'm familiar w, I thought just about all the boot makers that were of decent quality.....never heard of AXO ?
All the decent boots that I know of are made in some EU country.
AXO...Made in China perhaps .......
Dolph
Quote from: DoubleEagle on October 08, 2010, 11:18:42 PM
I would be very suspicious of a leather boot that retailed for only $149.
Typically a Boot that looks like that w, the kind of quality protection and durability will retail for well over $350.
Checkout sportsbiketrackgear.com and look at their closeouts.
They have some name brand boots on closeout at pretty good savings.
I'm familiar w, I thought just about all the boot makers that were of decent quality.....never heard of AXO ?
All the decent boots that I know of are made in some EU country.
AXO...Made in China perhaps .......
Dolph
Pretty sure AXO's made dirt gear for quite some time
I know they've been around since at least the 90's
also pretty sure they're made in italy
Quote from: DoubleEagle on October 08, 2010, 11:18:42 PM
...............
I'm familiar w, I thought just about all the boot makers that were of decent quality.....never heard of AXO ?
...............
Italian origin, large US R&D center, Chinese made.
Primato is not a leather boot as such - synthetic upper - same as SIDI.
http://www.axo.com/ (http://www.axo.com/)
Well to my surprise, AXO is a company w, a large seletion of off-road and track racing rider's gear.
Who knew ?
Thanks Lars.
Dolph :)
I use Axo Primatos. they're an excellent boot for the money. I also have a pair of Shift Fuel shoes. Great for commuting. also a big fan of diadora boots. Have a couple pairs of those.
thanks for the replies, winter down time has me doing more research as to what boot i should get. At first I was looking at more track oriented boots (i.e. the puma 1000 v2), solely because they appear to offer more protection. (i have no plans on doing track riding).
but now i'm considering something a little less aggressive to make walking around after getting off the bike a bit easier, i.e. the puma desmo, puma roadster v3, or puma super ride. I'm drawn to the desmo solely because it has a toe slider... do i need a toe slider? doubtful. I haven't been able to really figure out much a difference between these boots otherwise though. Anybody have any opinions? are these calf height boots overkill for the street? would i be better off just getting a lower mid-high boot such as the Puma Flat V2
all boots can be seen here: http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Categories.bok?category=BOOTS%3APUMA+Boots (http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Categories.bok?category=BOOTS%3APUMA+Boots)
would those AXO primato's that i linked earlier be about the same as all of these non-race boots?
like i said earlier, even I'm thinking the 1000's are probably too much boot for my usage, which is primarily commuting to and from work and joy riding twisties on the weekend.
thanks for any info/help you can offer me :)
There are three levels of protection, as I see it.
Foot. Anything above sneaker stifness will help (it's about crushing or not)
Ancle. Typically, you would have to get race boots to prevent twisting injuries.
Shin. Most high boots will help, but the best are those with hard plates.
Like other protective gear considerations - how much are you willing to wear every day?
Puma boots are nice, but a little overpriced IMO. I would definitely go with a tall boot though. Shin protection is nice.
How about these? I have the previous generation of them and like them a lot (for street riding)...they have thousands of miles on them (and a trackday crash) and are still in good shape. Not cheap...but cheaper then the Pumas.
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/boots/sport_street_touring_boots/sidi/fusion_motorcycle_boots.html (http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/boots/sport_street_touring_boots/sidi/fusion_motorcycle_boots.html)
I don't think there is any such thing as "too much boot" for your purposes. There are boots that might *look* too flashy, but frankly, many race-oriented boots are comfortable enough to walk around in and provide a great level of protection. I've taken to wearing my high-end Daytonas for commuting. An ankle doesn't distinguish whether you crash during your commute or on the track in the middle of a race.
Don't get a lower boot. Unless you're going to be wearing them to walk around all day every day, you're buying less protection for no reason.
You don't need a toe slider, but they're nice to have. Depending on your riding experience and style, you might end up dragging your toe occasionally. It'll save your boot some wear and tear. There are some folks who drag their toes a lot. But that's cuz they're doing it wrong. ;D
On some of the more expensive boots, you'll find that there are more replaceable plastic pieces than on cheaper boots. The reason is because the boots are made to deal with multiple crashes (like if you're a racer or track rider). You can just repalce the plastic bits and move on. Some less $ boots don't have those features, and may take a bit more damage if you crash. Then again, if you crash, the fact that you might need to replace your boots is going to be one of th least of your concerns. I crashed My Sigi Vertigos a buncha times and they ended up paying for themselves. A cheaper boot would have given up the ghost much earlier and I would have had to buy at least one (or more) replacement pairs.
Quote from: leungevity on January 13, 2011, 01:19:31 PM
would i be better off just getting a lower mid-high boot such as the Puma Flat V2
I just looked at those boots in your link. As I said in my post above, I'd stay away from those kind of boots. I'm currently working on two cases where people wearing boots like that suffered significant ankle injuries. I think they were both Alpinestars. For that kind of $, you can get a real boot. [moto]
thanks Spidey! low boots are out then!
would you commute in your sidi vertigos? you're making a stronger case to opt back towards the puma 1000's
I agree with Spidey. The Sidi boot I posted is a good boot and I still wear mine in bad weather, but it was chosen due to the price range and style you were looking at in your link. I broke my ankle in them in a track crash (the boot did survive though, and kept the break as minor instead of the major break/crush it would have been).
However, get the most boot you can afford. I too commute in my Daytonas (when it isn't raining...I just can't bring myself to get boots that expensive wet with road grime :P).
Quote from: leungevity on January 14, 2011, 01:24:50 PM
would you commute in your sidi vertigos? you're making a stronger case to opt back towards the puma 1000's
Yup.
For a while, I commuted in some slightly less expensive Alpinestars that were super comfy and Goretex (Alpinestars WEB, maybe?). I also just wear them around whether I was on the bike or not b/c they were so comfy. But after a bit, I shifted to wearing Vertigos for commuting and only wearing the A*s if it was raining. If figured if I was wearing boots anyway, I might as well wear the more protective ones. Then again, the Vertigos felt decently comfy (though not as comfy as the less-protective A*). There are some boots with lots of protection that suck to walk around in.
Anyone have any experience with the Vendramini Marathon Steel boots? They are sort of pricy but look like great long life boots with good protection.http://www.trophycycleapparel.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70_82&products_id=207 (http://www.trophycycleapparel.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70_82&products_id=207)
do you guys tuck jeans into boots?
I don't wear jeans on the bike very often, but if I do, I don't tuck them in. I'm not sure why I would. Then again, I never wear jeans that are so baggy that they'd flap in the wind too much or otherwise ride up.
I don't tuck in my jeans if that's all I have on my legs (very rare). Looks stupid.
If I have jeans beneath my A'Stitch Darien overpants (which is my usual riding gear), then I do tuck them in. It is more comfortable as it causes the jeans to pull less...and it also keeps the bottoms of them dry if it happens to be raining.
ugh, i'm torn between the puma desmo and the puma 1000 v2. the 1000 has obvious benefits in case of an accident, the desmo look like a nice compromise between comfort and some protection...
choices choices choices :(
or possibly the Sidi Vertigo...
As mentioned already, the Vertigos are great boots. [thumbsup]
Originally purchased for track only boots; they have become my commuter boot as well.
They are just simply easier and less time comsumming to get on than my touring boots.
The only issue I have run into is the heel slidder makes it hard for me to put my SBK kickstand down (no issues when riding the ST.) This may be do to my lack of height though. :P
YMMV.
i'm short also, so i'm not sure how that would impact me with the vertigos, but how comfy are they to walk around in if you need to do some walking? how much support do they have laterally to protect your ankle from rolling? i haven't seen anybody say how stiff they are in their video reviews.
They are pretty comfy. Not sure i would want to walk miles in them.
The upper is fairly stiff new, but gives a bit with use.
They have really good ankle support.
Leung, try to find a way to try both (Puma and Sidi) on. I've got a pair of The 1000V2 and the Vertigo. The Pumas fit very snug across the width of the foot, and I ended up going up a size to get the correct fit, thus necessitating the addition of insoles to tighten up the heel-cup. The Sidis fit me dead on, so take that into consideration. Over all, I generally find myself reaching for the Vertigos unless it is going to be a chilly ride, as the Pumas are much warmer (i.e. don't really breathe/vent worth a damn). The Pumas do offer a bit more protection though, especially in the ankle department, so I would grab those if I'm going to hit the track. Hope at least some of that helps...
well, i appreciate all your input, unfortunately, i wasn't able to try either on, since nobody carries my small euro 39 foot size by me.
However, i just ordered the Pumas, based on increased protection factor. sizing i'm guessing will be consistent with my other multiple pumas shoes, so here's to hoping they work out :)
thanks again for all your help and input!
Well, it looks like I'm late to this party, but I'd like to throw in a good word for my Sidi B2s.
They're a race style boot, with a couple replaceable plastic slider bits. I've crashed with them on, and judging by the lack of (much) scuffing and foot pain I'm not sure I really hit anything hard with my feet, but I'm sure they didn't hurt.
Comfortable enough to walk around in off the bike, and not super-flashy. Last summer I did a pretty long tour wearing them.
They get a thumbs up from me. [thumbsup]
Quote from: zarn02 on February 23, 2011, 11:33:36 AM
Well, it looks like I'm late to this party, but I'd like to throw in a good word for my Sidi B2s....
I'm gonna jump in late as well...
B2's were my first choice, and I actually ordered a set back in Nov only to find out that they're discontinued. They now offer the B2 Gore-Tex, which are $100 more than the B2's were. My local shop has a set of Sidi Cobra's on the way for me to try on, should be here tomorrow. We shall see.
so i just got my puma V1000 v2 race boots... they're super comfy and not at all like what i had imagined (basically a leather ski boot) sizing is identical to all the other puma shoes i own.
they're comfy (although i think a dr scholls gel insert is in order) and lots of forward flexibility in the ankle for walking. the biggest hinderance to walking comfortably i think is going to be the hard heel strike of the rubber coated plastic shell heel.
everything else being equal, these are easy to get on (compared to snowboard boots) as all there is is the cinching lace in the rear and the buckle that stays set after the first time.
hoping they feel this natural on the bike :)
the ONE thing i wish these had that the Sidi Vertigo's have is the little vent in the toe area... that'd be sweeet
Thanks again to everybody who helped me make this decision
fn decisions. before finding this thread i had a pretty good idea what i wanted. i'd managed to narrow things down to a couple of alpinestars (tech 2 and the s-mx 1) and a couple of pumas (Testestretta II, Flat V2, and Desmo V2). before i continue let me stress that i'm pretty much set on Puma. i'm a label whore; say what you want.
alot of negative on the idea of a low. are there any contrary opinions? the reason i ask is that 3 of my 5 choices are lows.
Alpinestars S MX 1: http://www.revzilla.com/product/alpinestars-s-mx-1-riding-shoes (http://www.revzilla.com/product/alpinestars-s-mx-1-riding-shoes)
Puma Flat V2: http://www.motostrano.com/pumaflat2boots.html (http://www.motostrano.com/pumaflat2boots.html)
Testastretta II: http://www.motostrano.com/bonneville.html (http://www.motostrano.com/bonneville.html)
for a higher boot i've narrowed my options to these below:
Alpinestars Tech 2: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ALPINESTARS-TECH-2-BOOT-BLACK-US-9_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZalgoQ3dLVIQ26ituQ3dUCIQ26otnQ3d3Q26poQ3dLVIQ26psQ3d63Q26clkidQ3d7624054594635275459QQ_trksidZp3286Q2em7QQcategoryZ6751QQitemZ250775989782 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ALPINESTARS-TECH-2-BOOT-BLACK-US-9_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZalgoQ3dLVIQ26ituQ3dUCIQ26otnQ3d3Q26poQ3dLVIQ26psQ3d63Q26clkidQ3d7624054594635275459QQ_trksidZp3286Q2em7QQcategoryZ6751QQitemZ250775989782)
Puma Desmo V2: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/puma-desmo-boots (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/puma-desmo-boots)
for the lows i actually like the Testastretta II over the Flat V2, but i hate that it is made of synthetic leather. i'm also loving the Desmo, but have the same misgiving about the fake leather. is that even an issue? i mean, generally, i'd sooner shoot myself in the face than wear any fake leather. period. not even a watch band. but these are not street shoes and it seems like even some of the high end boots are made of make-believe leather. any ideas?
note: if i had an extra $100 the 1000 V2 would be my choice...
Quote from: Rawr01 on March 09, 2011, 03:19:38 PM
...for the lows i actually like the Testastretta II over the Flat V2, but i hate that it is made of synthetic leather. i'm also loving the Desmo, but have the same misgiving about the fake leather. is that even an issue?...
It's not fake leather like a $30 wal-mart jacket is fake leather. It's usually Lorica (or similar), which is tough as nails. I've tried on quite a few Sidi boots in the last month (which are Lorica) and they feel very heavy duty. You will most likely wear out the soles and/or hardware long before you wear out the synthetic leather on a good quality boot.
i have sidi vertigo corsa air boots, everyone i know that has purchased anything other than sidi has ended up buying sidis for a multitude of reasons.
of the 3 people i know that had Puma boots all 3 had problems with stitching at the zipper over time.
those vortice vernice boots are probably the best looking boots on the planet.
Of all the current racing boots I have:
1) Sidi Vertigo Corsa
2) Sidi B2
3) Puma Desmo
4) TCX Competione RS
5) Alpinstars Super Tech
6) Alpinestars S-MX Plus
7) BMW Racing leather & Carbon Fiber
8) BMW Sport -by TCX of Italy
I believe I like the TCXs and the BMW Sport best then followed by the Alpinestars Super Tech.
Very SERIOUS Ankle protection.
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn198/DoubleEagle_photo/DSCN0694.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn198/DoubleEagle_photo/DSCN0696.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn198/DoubleEagle_photo/DSCN0702.jpg)
See sportbiketrackgear.com for closeout prices, complete descriptions and video of the boots.
Unfortunately I bought mine last year when they were full price ..may be you can get them at a geat price !
Dolph [moto]
Dolph,
how would you describe sizing between TCX and Sidi Vertigo?
Quote from: stopintime on March 18, 2011, 12:37:49 AM
Dolph,
how would you describe sizing between TCX and Sidi Vertigo?
Hi Lars,
Kind of hard to say since the TCXs are size 49 ( 14 US ) .
I measure a 13 1/2.
My other Boots are 47 or 48 , but 49 feels good.
My BMW Racing Boots are size 48 and they are super comfortable being all leather w, Carbon Fiber Protection.
I wear liner socks which are very thin so 1) I get very good feel on the pegs, 2) they allow the most amount of space the Boots have to offer, 3) they are very cool especially when you look at the TCXs ventalation by way of the perforated Lorica and the metal vents near the tops.
I would guess in general that even though they are made in Italy, they are more on the wider side than Sidi.
My Sidi Vertigo Corsas are size 13 and they are on the narrow side.
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn198/DoubleEagle_photo/DSCN0702.jpg)
Dolph [moto]
If I understand you correctly - for a pair of TCX you go up a size, but for Sidi you go for the usual size (even if they are narrow)?
I'm just preparing for my next purchase. I need waterproof and I want some color (a combination I haven't seen yet)
Quote from: stopintime on March 18, 2011, 04:16:49 PM
If I understand you correctly - for a pair of TCX you go up a size, but for Sidi you go for the usual size (even if they are narrow)?
I'm just preparing for my next purchase. I need waterproof and I want some color (a combination I haven't seen yet)
I believe the largest size available when I bought my Sidis was a size 48, black only, I would have bought 49 if it was available. All other colors, 47 was the largest size that was available.
Wi
h the strap across the midstep or arch of the Foot on the Sidi Vertigo Corsas you can crank it down very tight.
That's one reason that the Sidis always seem more narrow to me than even the Alpinestars SM-X Plus size 48, although they have the inner bootie if you will that you pull tight w. a kevlar cord and then lock it w. a tab that velcros to a small velcro patch on the inner side of the boot.
TCX has the kevlar cords that snug the inner bootie w. tab like the A* as well.
Hope that helps Lars ,
Dolph :)
so i got out for my first ride in the pumas, they were still comfy to be in, but it's going to take some getting used to as their is definitely more limited range than the doc martins i was using.
getting the kickstand up and down is more difficult, as is getting my toe under the shifter. I think it's just a combination of the angle of the boot to the cuff as well as it needing to be broken in more. otherwise, they were excellent :)
Quote from: leungevity on March 19, 2011, 07:30:03 AM
getting the kickstand up and down is more difficult, as is getting my toe under the shifter.
I had to adjust my shifter when I switched from hiking boots to Oxtars. Only takes 2-3 minutes. Don't know what model bike you have but for my '99 M750, all I need is an 8mm and a 10mm combination wrench. Super easy.
Quote from: leungevity on March 19, 2011, 07:30:03 AM
so i got out for my first ride in the pumas, they were still comfy to be in, but it's going to take some getting used to as their is definitely more limited range than the doc martins i was using.
getting the kickstand up and down is more difficult, as is getting my toe under the shifter. I think it's just a combination of the angle of the boot to the cuff as well as it needing to be broken in more. otherwise, they were excellent :)
I have trouble putting down my kickstands with my racing Boots unless I am very diligent with the heal of my Boot and am precise with it in my attempt to deploy the kickstand.
Dolph :)
i have a monster 800 sie, what would i need to do to adjust my shifter? it really is a bit of a struggle to get my toe under the shifter at this point...
I'd pose the Question in the Tech Section.
You will get quick replys there.
Dolph [moto]
update: after another ride, kick stand is still a PITA to get up off the ground, but easier to put down (but still not as easy as with doc martins),
fitting the boot under the shifter is better now that i've adjusted it for more clearance, but now i'm mis-shifting a lot more often as well... need to keep playing with it
waiting at lights is a lot more difficult as well, not quite sure why, but i have a much harder time getting both feet on the ground. either the girth of the boot is bow legging me more around the engine/controls OR the stiffer foot bed, isn't letting me tippy toe as easy.
boots still comfy on the 1.5 hour ride i was out for yesterday... guess the real test will be riding for a while then actually having to walk any distance in them.
Sweep the kickstand with your heel... especially as any race boot with great ankle protection/support will prevent your ankle from twisting- hence you cant roll your ankle in a bit to sweep the kickstand with your toe.
Maybe your foot placement on the pegs ( riding duckfooted and not on the balls of your feet) is causing you problems...just my .02$