the right boots for the job

[gmanski]

Hi mates,

I will do a trip through Australia, 20.000k´s on tracks (no tar if possible).
The bike will be the Honda XR650R.
The time will be April - August.
The route is like Melbourne, Alice, Perth, Exmouth, Cape York.
All the equipment is already set, atm I am considering the right boots.

Now I have the choice between these boots:
1.) Hein Gericke T1R
2.) Hein Gericke rallye gtx 2
3.) Fox Forma Pro

Which pair of boots would you suggest?

cheers,
gmanski

[gmanski]

I already own these three boots, the question is just which are the right ones.

The "Hein Gericke T1R" are waterproof, they have ankleprotectors but no shinprotector, they are the most comfortable (I use them for streetriding on my XJR1300).
The "Hein Gericke rallye gtx 2" have a shinprotector, they are waterproof and have ankleprotectors, the bad thing about them is they dont protect from twisting the ankle.
The "Fox Forma Pro" give all the protection you can imagine, the bad thing is, they feel like "boots of steel", to walk in them is like wearing a ski boot.
They are quite comfortable, but to shift the gears up or down you´ll have to move your whole leg, because you cant use your ankle...

Maybe someone who did a similar trip can tell me his experience.

[buebo]

If you are looking for serious off road boots, I can highly recommend the Alpinstars Tec 10. Got mine in a bargain sale and I'm very pleased with them.

However don't expect them to be comfortable for walking. They do offer great protection though.

[skierd]

Of those three I'd take the Fox's. You're planning a dirt trip on a big bore dirt bike, take the dirt boots. Bring rubber overboots for rain protection.

To make your Fox boots more comfortable, ride and walk in them more so you get used to them. To really help break them in, put them on and soak them in water (my preferred way is to ride into a creek that goes over the boots ) and keep them on until they dry. SnoSeal also helps soften the leather and adds some water resistance as well. Both of these helped break in my Alpinestars Tech6's, it took about 1000 miles of riding to get them feeling natural on my foot. I took a 6300 mile trip this summer that was half dirt and half pavement, they were comfortable over the miles and saved my ankles at least twice when I crashed and had my leg pinned under my bags.

[gmanski]

@ Skierd: Thank you for the hints!