I’m actually heading down to check out some new AlpineStars today. With anything you need to get use to them but you have to think they will only be of advantage in the long run when it comes to safety, comfort, etc. Like mentioned before it’s all relative to the rider.

Sidi Couriers are Sidi Discoveries in the US and get very high marks from most who've used them. Similar to the Aerostitch Combat boot (made for Aerostitch by Sidi). The Aerostitch Combat is a bit less garish, without any of the logos, etc. Still, those might be just the thing if you are riding through Zimbabwe or something. I'm looking at both the Combat and the Sidi Disco's to protect legs injured in moto accident last April. The lack of feel for shifting is a concern but most say that you just need to spend time breaking in the boots and that you get used to the shifting.
--Doug

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Doug Moench
'02 BMW R1150GS
'01 BMW F650GS
'04 BMW R1150R - R.I.P. April 29, 2007

I use my O'neail MX boots, Waterproofing can be done by using boot polish on them, lots of coats may be needed bit it works a treat, dont forget to do the side of the soles as well, Rain can only come in through the stitching if you dont polish and seal the stitches. Everywhere else on my boots is protected, oh don't forget to do the bits where the wet suit material meets the boot.

Cold erm use two pair of socks that's why the buckles are adjustable and remember to wriggle your tows every 5 minutes or so to keep the circulation going, which you should be doing anyway to minimise DVT, if you have very cold feet use boot warmers.

As for the weight of them you get used to it, I tent to walk around alot if it's a full days walking then I switch boots for hikers but for an hour or so you don't notice the difference. I've climbed up Notre Dame (right to the top) stood inline for hours at the Eiffel tower, stomped around Angkor Wat in them and the only time I've known that I had them on was when I had to take them off to enter temples as it took me longer then the other pople I was with.

But for protection as I fall off alot and slide down roads alot, I will keep with my MX boots tried tested and reliable, also good when dogs chase your bike trying to give you Rabies.

But I do like the look of those couriers

Recently got hold of a pair of Axo Boxer boots and so far I'm pleased with them!. Never owned a "proper" pair of MX boots before so cant compare to those I'm afraid, but so far I've found them to be very comfortable, quick to break in and loosen up and surprisingly easy to walk about in. Just spent a fortnight in France and Spain messing about in the mountains, and that included getting off the bike and scrabbling up hills and across dry lake beds etc........ No problems or aches. On the downside, They squeek!(do all MX boots do this?) and are not waterproof. Also I took the metal sole guard thingy off as I found walking about on hard, damp surfaces such as pavements and Tesco aisles to be damn near lethal. Other than that, a very comfortable boot.
Tim.

I have had a pair of Sidi CrossFire boots for 12 months now, and they did take a while to get used too. But know i wouldnt be with out them now

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i have ali panniers and go off road so a definate must ,saved my limbs quite a few times

I took just a pair of hein gericke Taureg boots on my overland trip. Very uncomfortable for walking about in, but had the bike land on my leg a few times and was always fine. Very hard to change gear at first but you get used to it (plus the only other thing I have ever worn on my feet are trainers, very good for feeling that gear shift but glad I never fell off!). You can do anything in an MX boot that you could in any other footwear, but other options might not save your leg in the middle of nowhere!

i had the same dilema when i was planning for my 6 month trans africa. I went for full motorcross boots in the end (alpinstar tech 4) and would do the same again if i was doing that kind of trip. falling is inevitable on such bad roads/tracks.

I never understood people saying they are too bulky to pack? when ever i was travelling i was wearing them therefore never had to pack them. I carried flip flops and walking trainers for wearing off the bike.

and as said previously......those wild crazy dogs never look so menacing when your whole lower leg is protected.

But, why why why are they so damn unwaterproof? I bought some sealskinz waterproof socks to wear underneath which worked well.

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www.onabikeinafrica.blogspot.com

Well I can't say I have gone around the world (yet) but I did Alaska this summer and wore my BMW GS2 boots for 7 weeks and 14K miles. I also wear Asterisk knee braces, a combination which last year saved my right leg when I dumped my GS on it (single tracking the beast). Not even a bruise to show for it!
Whatever brand boot you may pick, make sure it is comfy as well as protective. I also have the waterproof socks as these boots aren't waterproof either......
The trick using these MX type boots long term, is to try to dry them out at night if possible. This way the stink can be avoided a little longer. A bit of baking soda and water will clean them up if you have to.

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Ride Safe!!

I used Alpinestars Vectors for a trip to Morocco last year, and again to Spain this summer, and currently another 4000 miles around the western USA too... they are fantastically comfy, and offer the same sort of support as a stiffer MX boot, just with a little more fore/aft ankle flex which means they are nicer to walk in...

However, I've just seen (and bought) a pair of Alpinestar Tech 2's - which are basically a cut-down 2/3 height version of their Tech 3 boot - great ankle protection, but without the welly boot feel when walking. Build quality looks top notch, and it means I can leave the (now) stinky Vectors at my digs and pick them up when I fly home...

I reckon the Tech 2's will make an excellent off road biased 'touring' boot?

Jenny (fresh socks) Mo xxx

Hi. I use HAIX chainsaw boots myself (about£135). They are strong, waterproof, good for walking, no vat and they last ages.

Hi Mitch,

I also wear the same BMW boots. A few weeks ago they saved my left leg, after I was hit by a Honda Accord. My left foot was forced into the gear lever, bending it under my bike and forcing the choke lever out of it's housing.

Thank you Mr BMW! The ambulance crew were well impressed with the kit.They should have been as they saw the accident itself!



(I've been wearing the BMW Savanahs or whatever with e metal te caps for the last 20K KMs or so, all conditions (wet, very wet, impossibly wet, and Baja desert 42 degrees C) with no complaints)

hi,you can get some alpinestars with an enduro sole with a bit more grip than the mx flat sole,for wet weather i use a cheap elasticated nylon overboot at about £10 a set

loz

Might be worth looking at these;
Altberg Bootmakers - Richmond, North Yorkshire
they do a range of ankle length motorcycle boots that are pretty tough and durable.

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safe riding and hope to see you out on the road. .. John..