Over beer the other day, a friend (who's doing a whole lot more ADV style riding than me) asked me if I knew of a good boot that would work primarily as a motorcycle boot, but would stand up well to backcountry hiking duty. Nothing came to mind, but now that he put the idea in my head, I want a pair as well.

I found these Klim Transition boots at Bike Bandit http://www.bikebandit.com/klim-transition-motorcycle-boots that look like a good start:



Reading the product details, I'm not sure what makes them a moto boot, rather than just a hiking boot that happens to be sold by moto retailers.

Anyone know of other good options?

maybe these rev'it apache's?

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/rev-it/apache-boots/

not the cheapest option, but they are def a full out riding boot... and looking at the sole and some of the design, they can probably do some light hiking...  i'd hold off on any real backpacking of course, i doubt they are strong enough for you to be lugging around a 70lb pack.  if you're looking for anything more than light duty hiking, i'd just bring 2 sets of boots... something for the bike and something lightweight/waterproof you can toss into your luggage.

Having been without, a sturdy toe piece for shifter would be essential to me.

If you are comfortable with armour, anything would do.

Gotta have secure storage if you want the best two-boot option - unless you want to hike carrying moto boots?

Quote from: seevtsaab on February 02, 2011, 01:08:41 PM
Having been without, a sturdy toe piece for shifter would be essential to me.

If you are comfortable with armour, anything would do.

Gotta have secure storage if you want the best two-boot option - unless you want to hike carrying moto boots?

yeah, i figure that if they are hiking/camping/adv, they already have some kind of secure storage option... unless they are just day packing at which point those boots should be fine.

Ask DoubleEagle.....I think he is DMFs resident footwear connoisseur.

Quote from: rgramjet on February 02, 2011, 01:48:35 PM
Ask DoubleEagle.....I think he is DMFs resident footwear connoisseur.

Quote from: DRKWNG on February 02, 2011, 06:30:29 PM

Oh thank God somebody else said it...

said it, or laughed at it?

Quote from: DRKWNG on February 02, 2011, 06:46:51 PM
said it, or laughed at it?

Yes. 

I'm on my 2nd pair of Sidi Canyon boots (sold the 1st pair to a bud when I I got a screaming deal on a 2nd pair pair on on CL). These boot rock for riding, walking, slumming and shit kicking; I wear them year round and get the Vibram like soles replaced as needed...

Those Sidis remind me of the Aerostich "Combat Touring" boots:

http://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-combat-touring-boots.html

I've been wearing a pair of Merrill Phasers - they seem extremely rugged, are great for hard hiking, waterproof and have been working ok on the bike.  I don't think they would have the protection of a full race boot, but about the only area that seems underprotected would be the top of the foot.  I've walked miles and miles in them and they make my feet happy.

Quote from: DRKWNG on February 02, 2011, 06:46:51 PM
said it, or laughed at it?

?

I think I would stray more toward a motorcycle boot that can also go off road, as opposed to a hiking boot that you can ride in.  Having blown through my fair share of hiking boots/shoes, I can say that motorcycle specific boots are much much more suited for riding and walking than hiking boots are.

One major difference (this may not matter to some) is the toe height.  Hiking boots (beefy ones, at least) seem to have a much taller toe height than moto boots making it kind of a pain to shift, but that's just my personal experience.  YMMV.

I picked up a pair of like new Alpinestar SMX boots for $100......retail is $349. Be patient and keep checking your local craigslist.

AZDuc