"Best" boots
 

Just finalising my preparations for my Alaska to Argentina odyssey starting in June! I need to replace my boots. Anyone got any thoughts about best/most comfortable/practical ones to take? They would need to be waterproof but as I would want to wear them on short sight seeing excursions, comfort is a key factor. Any opinion would be gratefully received!

Altberg Bootmakers - Manufacturers of walking, military, police and motorcycle boots. Richmond, North Yorkshire

These seem to get some very good reveiws, especially the 'Hog lite' models.

+1 for Altberg. It can be difficult to get hold of a pair but it's worth the effort. Generally you have to go to the factory in Richmond to get measured up correctly and then they make them up for you. As you've not been very specific about your whereabouts in Blighty, North Yorks may be a bit of a trip for you. Luckily they usually have a stand at the classic bike show at Stafford which happens to be at the end of this month. Phone them up and they'll bring some for you to try. They're a good company to deal with.

Lots of people on here swear by them.

Hi -

I had and liked the Aerostich Combat Touring boots. They were OK to walk in and waterproof-ish with treatment. The lite version might be even better to walk in, but I've never tried them. Now I use L.L. Bean Engineers boots. Basically a low, but over the ankle, workboot made by Chippewa. For waterproofing I wear Tingley boots over them.

Jay

I wear the Altberg Hoggs too.
The boots are spot on-I havn't had cold or wet feet in 2 years...
if you don't need full on enduros for your travels.

Their customer service is first class too.

The riding up in the Yorkshire Dales is wonderful-so worth a trip to see them in Richmond if you take the scenic route.

If they arn't on the shelf (unlikely) its about 28 days or so-but the boots are made for you.

Simon

TCX Infinity
 

I'm sure the Alberg's are good. I saw them at the Alberg stand at the BMF show some years ago. Bit crude but functional looking and everyone raved.

I've used several boots from TCX (formerly Oxtar). These are great boots for walking around in and offer good protection as well. They are "certified" Gore-Tex as well and really are waterproof. Best I've found.

I don't do hiking or work boots. No Tibia protection and not much of a foot box. The Italians really understand "Feet"! :thumbup1:


http://www.newenough.com/image/path/...nfinityGTX.jpg

Read about them here;
Viewing Images For TCX Infinity GTX Touring Boots :: New Enough


http://cdn.newenough.com/image/path/...atrix2_GTX.jpg
I have these now. Great walking, less money, waterproof, decent protection too.

TCX X-Five Touring Motorcycle Boots :: New Enough

Since you can't carry the ideal boots/shoes for every situation, a good pair of hiking boots is a good compromise.

I've used them on many trips and they've been fine.
dscn7710.jpg

I looked at Revit Apache

Most boots are too stiff to walk properly. Apache seemed to have that taken care of as far as possible for motorcycle boots.
But they didnt fit my feet very well. I have small/slim feet, its hard to find the right boots, let alone some nice waterproof,walking, riding, adventure boot

I tried the TCX here above. Like the locking system, no zipper to get clogged up with sand, but I find them too tall...

A very personal choice...

I always go with the safest, most protective route....

No proper bike boots are easy to walk or trek with so why compromise ???

Your ankles are VERY fragile and complicated. They are the most commonly damaged area in a motorcycle crash (true statistic).

Your trip could be over or delayed by months by damaging your ankles.

For that reason, I use full on Motocross boots. Very rigid and very protective. Take trainers/flip flops for being off the bike.

Wish I'd gone long!
 

Having just got back from the same trip I'll throw in my experience, I decided to go for a combination of waterproofing, comfort and protection and chose the Hein Gericke Tour GTX boots and something similar for Sue as pillion. The boots were and still are extremely comfortable and even with fabric panels the Goretex waterproofing worked extremely well except in Central america during the rainy season or when we were stood in two feet of water!. Under normal riding conditions the protection worked fine, unfortunately we had a few thousand miles of less than good surfaces.. sand, gravel, dirt, rocks etc. We had the misfortune to have an off riding the Dalton up to Deadhorse, no major injuries, however, something punched a hole in my calf just above the boot line. We still can't figure out what it was but Sue's thumb served as an excellent plug until we could dress the wound, I'm convinced if I'd been wearing something higher like the TCXs or the SIDI Couriers I would have got away with just a few bruises. the other thing is toe protection, if you're going to ride roads like the Carratera Austral, Ruta 40 and the like then you're toes are going to get 'rocked'. You know how sometimes you whack a finger and withdraw your hand at the pain, well I discovered you can't do that with your feet on the pegs, 9times out of ten you'll be standing on the pegs anyway and it hurts like hell! I looked at changing to something stronger on our journey south but never did! (masochist, I guess or just tight!) anyway after 36,000 miles I'm looking to trade these in for our next trip so I'm watching this thread for suggestions.
Ride safe - As in life, Stay Upright
Graham and Sue

DUE SOUTH

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...rilliant-40484


A thread from sometime back, but they leak badly, know 3 people that have them and thiers also leaked from new.
:(

Ted's idea of riding in good boots and then taking something comfortable to wear off the bike makes sense to me, and that is what I have always done. I like Keen sandals.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DCojOYSTL.jpg

Graham's point about having boots tall enough to protect is also important.
Another very common break in MC crashes is Tibia/Fibula breaks. A higher boot with a Tibia guard could save you a trip ending injury. Like Ted says, stiff, strong boots can save you.

Water proofing dirt bike boots:
Those who have ridden dirt bikes for years may know this but dirt bike boots are rarely truly waterproof. Do what Enduro racers do: Use Snow Seal on your boots. Most real dirt bike boots leak through the big seams where the soles are sewn onto the boot. If you apply Snow Seal (a product skiers or anyone that lives in snow use) about every 3 to 6 months to the seams and all leather parts of the boots, they will resist water even when submerged for a while. Works really well!


Here are my Dirt bike boots. These are simply amazing but I wouldn't do RTW in them, even though they are UNBELIEVABLY comfortable. (Expensive!)
http://www.helmetcity.com/mm5/graphi...lk%20large.jpg

I bought a pair of these sandles a few years ago and they're perfect for bike touring. However, they're not cheap, I paid £70 for mine! I have found another supplier here... Soldier of Fortune

Quite a saving at £25. It's the same sandal but in green.

There is a shop that sells Altbergs in London but unfortunately i don't know where. You will have to do some investigation.

Russ

Thanks for all the input and suggestions! I think, on balance, safety will overide extreme comfort, but I will check out the much lauded Altbergs!

Do you mean this place? On their website there are a few pairs of Altbergs. Don't think they are the cheapest place about especially for ex military gear.If anyone knows of other Altbergs stockists near London I'd like to know.

Military Clothing | Military Kit | Army Surplus | Boots | Military Surplus | Police Kit | Security | Outdoor | Motorcycle Kit > Home

Or £15 off ebay

MENS PDQ SPORTS ADVENTURE WALKING SANDALS GREY SIZE 10 on eBay (end time 20-Apr-10 12:24:57 BST)

Why has no one mentioned the Magnum boot.

Magnum Boots

Very very comfortable, and does give some support for bikers. I know it's not as safe as a proper biker boot but it's a really good compromise. And half the price of Altbergs!

used them for 3000 km around Thailand very good but no protection I guess its pay money and take choice

One consideration I was totally unaware of but learned the hard way -

While doing a lot of water and bog crossings (and I mean a lot!) the constant force of the water gradually delaminated the sole from the boot upper, starting at the toe.

My 'mates' laughed and said I was not going fast enough for that. Friends?:nono:

Next time I would consider a boot with metal clamps on the front welt - or put duct tape across the join to keep the force of the water away from the seam.

I'm thinking of getting the "Spider" ones. They cost about £100. The other ones are a little cheaper, about £70-£80. You can get them at any BLACKS camping shop, or online.

I had a goretex lined pair of road BMW boots which were fab to ride in but I couldn't walk more than a mile even after a few years.

I then went to Altberg and got measured, boots got posted but were too narrow?!? Went back (I live in Suffolk) got remeasured and new boots at no cost. These are well comfy as walking all day or riding all day boots, but leak a little bit sometimes.

I was also able to just put a toe each side down which I'd never done before. I thought this was cos of the thick walking sole, but then realised I couldn't do it in my MX boots with a similarly thick sole. Basically it was just the Altbergs allowing a great deal more ankle flex :( but if they didn't they wouldn't be such good walking boots!

A friend of mine has Sidi race boot things and reckons they're the most comfy footwear he's ever had!

Trainers and MX boots I reckon. And crocs :)

MX boots with camp shoes are the best.

Last year I wore the Alpinestars Tech6, but they are pretty well worn out now. Replaced them with the Alpinestars Scout (waterproof, more or less an update of the old HiPoint) and so far I love them! Walking comfortable out of the box, stand-in-creek waterproof, and feel like they have decent protection, plus a real lug sole for when you want to scout out the trail ahead on foot first.

http://assets0.revzilla.com/product_...ots_detail.jpg

Brought a pair of Sanuks as camp or walking around shoes.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q8HZSs79V7...k-vagabond.jpg

Hi well might as well put my 10p worth in
I use when in the UK standrad Sidis,
however have only had them 2 years now & when it rains they hold more water than a swimingpool.
When i was n the Army we got isude these big tall full grain boots ok for dry days shit for rainy days or any distance really,
Latley when i have riden overseas in warm climates I have started to use my old Army Boots Danners, which are the hight of 10 hole Dr martins,
nice an comfey for waliking or riding I also have a pair of Merrls which i use for ridin overseas.

my suggestion is
I would suggest you get lace up,so if you dont need them so tight when just riding, you can have them a bbit looser & if your going to do a bit of walking you can tighten them up.
Your boots should be past tthe ankle as a minimum requirment, if poss calf high.

Motogo 5602
 

Motogo 5602

Special reinforced film boot motorcycling and snowmobiling. Boots have secure zipper and velcro closure.
Boots are waterproof and breathable Lajatex-membrane structure. membrane lining is sewn on sock and the seams are taped.
Injected polyurethane outsole does not reach the bottom edge of the water, not detachable bonding. Outsole is lightweight, flexible and durable, resistant to oils, solvents and gasoline.
Outer layer is water resistant PU-coated leather and Cordura textiles. The rod is reinforced inside and outside of the front.
Laja PRO ® - uncompromising QUALITY

Laja PRO® job footwear is designed to modern work environment. Laja PRO® job is a shoe-sustaining working capacity and secure. It meets the standards and occupational safety directive EN345-347/SFS-EN in accordance with the requirements of ISO 20345-20347. Footwear supporting coping at work, occupational safety, and welfare of the legs and backs of the most demanding tasks. Shoes, the materials used and the solutions are in accordance with international occupational footwear standard. Footwear are CE marked.

Thees boots are waterproof I have been testing this boots so long that I can recommend this if you want travel dry.
Summer 2009 14 hour ride in constant rain on Norway Lofots and MOTOGO were still dry.

If you need any help with thees just PM to me and I can arranged.
Boot-tree is Finnish standard and fitted.



http://sites.google.com/site/fin2pam...boots/Laja.jpg

Are this kind of boots o.k. for touring?

P L A N I K A

Best regards,
Uros

These may be worth a try...I don't remember who makes them;)
myspace :: bestworkbootcommercialever video by whiterat01 - Photobucket

these look exactly like my hein gericke gore rallye boots, i wonder if they are made by the same people?
excellent boots, still waterproof after several years of allweather riding.

i really like the look of the combat tourers from aerostitch, but they are not marketed as waterproof so even with some treatment there's no guarantee

These are the best boots I've ever owned and can be resoled:

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ootsmedium.jpg

Very little protection with Combat Tours. No serious off road in these please. Definitely not waterprood. SnoSeal Beeswax does the trick. Very popular in the US among Beemer riders. More show than go IMHO.

The Hein Gericke boots are probably made in the same factory in Italy as TCX Infinity boots. TCX used to be Oxtar. Good boots but not perfect, to wit:

This past weekend my riding buddy had his DR650 fall on his Ankle. (I had to lift the frickin' bike off him! :thumbdown: ) Boots? TCX Infinity. Sadly, small broken bone. He rode out (and crashed four more times on the way down) X-Ray show small fracture. Doc's say they will cast it. Hurts to crash on already busted ankle.

On the same ride another rider had his KTM 950 fall on his leg (I got lifting duty again :frown: ) Pinned like a bug, but he wore good Sidi Crossfire boots, no damage at all ... except to the $1500 KTM gas tank. :helpsmilie: I was ride leader and "miscalculated" the route. These were both "minor" fall downs on rocky ground (rocks hurt) at just 5 to 10 mph on very steep, loose rocky scree. Not much fun without knobbies.

I always thought it was an overkill to wear such boots but for my morocco trip I got myself the Sidi Crossfires. Surprisingly comfortable with time (even wearing them all day long every day) and you even can cross rivers without getting wet feet.

Back at home I did a tour with my old tour boots but it felt very unsafe, like driving with flip flops :rolleyes2:

So I stick on my Crossfires. I wear the pants over the boots so it doesen't even look too crazy :smartass:

Diadora GT2's for me, dry as a chip!

http://www.motocorse.com/racingnews/...nta_il_GT2.jpg

I really like my SIDI Discovery Rain boots. Waterproof and comfy, light abd protective. best I've had.

ATV style boots
 

ATV style boots. These offer a good level of protection but are not too stiff or hard for walking around. I wore them for about 3 months straight, walking around cities, camping in Europe this summer just past.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...atvonezoom.jpg

Mine where exactly the same but branded Diadora (same factory i'm sure). An Ebay buy for £50 second hand. They are not rated waterproof but a quick treatment with Nikwax once and they stayed waterproof for the 3 months till we got back to Scotland.

+1 for ATV boots, I've got the same pair and they're great. They seems to have very similar layers of protection to bike boots, but the cleated sole and a teeny bit of extra flexibility make walking far easier. I figure ATV riders spend a fair bit of time on foot, scouting out routes, or pushing and shoving, so they know a bit about wanting a boot you can walk in.

+1 for me. Can wear these all day, fully waterproof and comfy

I got SIDI Adventure Rain boots. Put them to the test in Alaska/Canada recently. Nice fit, warm, waterproof and provide good protection. I prefer these over the TCX and Aerostich Combat boots. Had them both before...

http://trex63.smugmug.com/Other/My-S...42_AyLMg-L.jpg

I got a pair of the original Sidi Discovery boot, some ten years ago. A decent lightweight dual sport boot ... but far from waterproof. I Sno-Sealed mine, still not much protection compared to the new Sidi boot above. Looks great!

The amazing thing about my Crossfire's is how comfy there are compared to my former Alpinestars. But for $500, they should be! The Crossfires do not look like they would be comfortable ... being full Motocross boots. But pleasant surprize .... really good to walk in too!

How much are the Sidi Rain's above?

The going rate is $375.-

I'm off to Yorkshire this weekend to visit Altberg for a fitting, so excited!

Tight
 

I've been to Altbergs, was measured and tried on some "off the peg" boots which were much too tight for my liking, I've heard and seen on forums that Altberg seem to make their boots a tight fit, which may suit some folk, but not me. If you're being measured for boots made for you it's probably worth discussing with them, it may save time and trips....They do know their stuff and make impressive boots

+1 for sidi crossfires. Not good for wading though. Primarily got them for protection for my legs on the commute, but found them surprisingly able for walking around all day with. Only "problem" is they squeak which means you will have people staring at your feet wherever you go :)

Do let us know how it goes. I'm considering these boots too.

Geoff

Where they are great boots (look great, smell great, fit great, waterproof etc) , they offer very little ankle protection. The ones I've seen anyway. They are not very rigid around the ankle at all.

I don't know where you're riding, but if it's overseas, you don't want to risk your ankles.. Most common biking injury for breakages and even more when offroad. Think about it ! :thumbup1:

I have Sidi Flex-Force (previous version of the Crossfire) and love them. Serious protetion but the hinged ankle means you can walk in them:

Sidi Crossfire Motocross Boots - Black Motocross Gear from Dirt Bike Bitz

All day comfortable though not waterproof. Sealskins socks are the best bet:

sealskinz.com waterproof socks and gloves clothing from porvair international

Those sidi adventure rain boots do look good. If they were around when I was shopping two years ago, I think I would have got them over the crossfires.

Yes, about 8,000 miles of "all-weather-riding later, I am still very happy with them :thumbup1:

I'll put my vote in for Alt-berg hogg boots as well, I have had mine for 6 years, used most days, never leaked a drop, comfortable on a hike.

Not cheap but good
 

I like the Vendramini Desert-Alps. Waterproof and with Outlast lining.
When clean they look good enough to wear under normal pants.
Not too heavy, reasonable protection and light enough with good flexibility to wear all day even when walking around.

I visited Altberg on Saturday for a fitting so they could make a pair of Borego boots for me. The bloke in the shop shook his head and told me that wasnt going to be necessary, went upstairs and brought down a pair of size 11s, a perfect fit! There were only 2 pairs in the shop, 7 1/2 on display and 11.
OK, so I've not worn them on the bike yet, but I did wear them all the way back on the 7 hour flight, and no complaints so far! He explained that they have the same sole and armour as their other bike boots, they just use a suede leather and have a 'gussett' style tounge so the sand dosent get in. There's more fabric on the uppers for a bit more breathing.

They are certainly well made and feel great. Even better, he knocked 20 quid off the price as they were in stock. Allah akbah as they say round here!

300,000 miles one pairs of boots
 

hi
I used my Altbergs when I used to be a courier lived in them, hiked in them rode the morroco, middle east and back, criss-crossed europe more times than I can remember.
the thing with altbergs is than when wear them out, soles ,waterproof membrane send them back and they will rebuild them for a modest cost.
after alot of years I finally had a new set built, probabily the only person to wear out a set of altbergs!

cheers nobby :thumbup1:

Have been using a pair of TCX Infinity's for years. Waterproof, pretty high, and they hold up good.