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.

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
Puma Flat V2: http://www.motostrano.com/pumaflat2boots.html
Testastretta II: 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

Puma Desmo V2: 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

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.







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.



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