Boots for Africa! Which one?
 

I am looking for good africa biking boots. The ones that feel great and provide enough support. But you will be able to walk around with, without getting blisters. As I want to carry as little as possible on my trip these will be the only pair of boots I take.
Can you please tell me what the best boot is for such a journey?

Thanks for the loads of replies!!!!!!!!!!!!!


------------------
CU under the Cu

Frank
http://www.crossing-africa.com .:. The Ultimate Travel on a Yamaha XT600Z

I just asked Altberg Ltd a similar question:
(email: enquiries@altberg.co.uk) A girl called Tara Sheehan replied saying

" Thanks for the enquiry.
It is not possible to have one boot which will satisfy all the needs you list. You will need to decide whether you want a waterproof warmer boot that may be a little hot in warm weather or if a boot without a membrane which will be better in hot weather but may let in water in very wet weather will be more suitable.

The Hogg boot is suitable for walking and for motorbiking; the Hogg all weather has a membrane and the Hogg lite is lower in the ankle and does not have a membrane.

If you would like more information on our motorbike boots please forward your address and I will send a brochure.

I hope this is of some help."

They do a really good range of boots for both hiking and bikeing (as in one boot which will do both pretty well) from what I can see but I haven't actually used them yet! Email her and request a catalogue.

Hope this helps
Chris

for africa, did you think of gore-tex socks ( waterproof) and light jungle boots??? david

I would go for some of those rubber over booties or over-gators rather than a waterproof sock .

Makes sense to keep the leather dry in the first place .

Hi

I have owned a pair of Alt-Berg Hogg Lite boots for about 6 months and they are a great boot. Dual purpose boots will always be a compromise, as you get something that is good two or more things, rather than being fantastic at one. I do a lot of hill walking and biking in them - I reckon the Hogg boots are ideal!

My right boot developed a fault behind the heel (the leather here is thin flexible, so prone to wear) - so I sent the boots back to the factory. I got a phone call from them saying that they had now redesigned the boot and would replace/repair mine at no extra charge.

I bought the Lite boots with a view of using them in Africa, and I think they are ideal (although I've not used them there yet). There are plenty of photographs on their website at http://www.altberg.co.uk/

I guess the only problem is that they will let in the water in extreme conditions (as they are not knee high and 100% waterproof)

My brother has used their Peacemaker boots in the desert/artic and probably the jungle (being a bit of an action man) and he rates them.

I'd say buy the Hogg Lites - I've used them in the UK and they can easily cope with the rain here and they are super comfy.

Alt-Berg also do repairs and put on new soles - so you can keep your boots for years.

Hope this helps.

------------------
Fuzzy Duck
(I'm quackers about bikes)

Hi Guys

I have used the Altberg All weather twice in Africa on my bike and although they are hot they we're fine, I used them to go walking in the dunes when it was well over 100degs and found them great. When I hit torrential rain in the Atlas mountains they kept me dry.

They are a nice compramise

I take a small bottle of Fabreeze with me and give them a spray each to make sure they don't pong too much.

Cheers

Julio

I can recommend the Altberg all weather Hogg.
I use them every day in all weather and whilst I haven't done north africa they are a outstanding boot that you can walk in and really live with.



------------------

Hi

The Altberg boots look great, but I can't wait for the 12 week delivery as I'm leaving shortly.

Make sure you get your orders in early!

Anybody got a pair of size 10s????

Cheers


------------------
Sean

Awww Jeeeez Sean

I only got my Hogg Lites back last week - but if you're desperate you can buy them off me... (I won't be leaving for a few months/years)

They're size 10.5....

Let me know? (boo hoo - I love these boots)

------------------
Fuzzy Duck
(I'm quackers about bikes)

Okay same problem here, I dont have 12 weeks either, any other boots that are great except those mentioned before....


------------------
CU under the Cu

Frank
http://www.crossing-africa.com .:. The Ultimate Travel on a Yamaha XT600Z

Hi Frank

Maybe we could have one of Fuzzy's each, would your prefer left or right foot?



------------------
Sean

Then I would like the left as that foot is half a size bigger a 8.5 instead of 8....

But then I would still need 3 pairs of socks! and that is a bit to warm for me.

I will have to look into another option ;-(

------------------
CU under the Cu

Frank
http://www.crossing-africa.com .:. The Ultimate Travel on a Yamaha XT600Z

You could try the Viberg Dualsport boots, I've got some and will be using these in combination with some MX knee guards for Africa. I've been using them off-road and haven't broken my foot yet in quite a few falls. They're a bit big for walking around in, but not as bulky as an MX boot. If you're crossing the Sahara then unless you're lucky or a good off road rider you'll probably have a few falls, therefore protection is a priority. Viberg are at http://www.workboot.com/biker/dualsport.html

I recently did an African trip and wore a pair of Danner Acadia boots. They're made in America, although available everywhere, and used extensively by various military special forces so therefore the build quality is excellent. The Acadia is extremely lightweight and waterproof, comfortable from day one, and although the uppers are leather the side panels are Cordura - which is very strong but also cooler, and a steel toe cap model is available if you want that extra protection. Danner make a massive range, www.danner.com , none of which is bike specific but you might find something suitable as I did - and if you do buy the Danner boot zipper as well.

Good luck
Chris

[This message has been edited by Big C (edited 15 August 2002).]

Alt berg made me a custom pair of boots for Desert Riders - sort of desert booty and light, no goretex.
Very nice they were and a whole lot lighter than overkill MX boots which I used to use - esp if you are forever getting on and off to film and an XRL is high. I had no other footwear and they did fine - would be fine for trans Af too I would guess - they'll get wet but dry off fast.

Ch

------------------
Author of Sahara Overland and the Adventure Motorcycling Handbook, among other things

http://www.sahara-overland.com