Aerostich Combat Touring Boots
 

Does anyone have any experience with Aerostich Combat Touring Boots made by Sidi in Italy? I'd like to hear what you think. Any ideas why these boots apparently aren't available on Sidi's website? I live in France...

guiraud

I used them for my trip, because I wanted some protective boots without gore tex (hate that stuff) and without plastic protection plates which would fit under my trouser.

They were exactly what I was looking for. Plus comfortable (I sometimes would not bother changing boots for sightseeing) and amazingly waterproof: You can actually ride a whole day in rain without your feet getting wet. (The second day is another issue, though. And of course they will dry only slowly after that long rainy first day).

Downsides: They are very expensive for us Europeans because if you order them from Aerostitch, you'll have to pay customs and VAT. Secondly: since they come without that protective plastic stuff, they won't protect as good as real offroad boots. I had my right box on my ankle once.

So for my next trip I will buy those ugly offroad boots with plastic plates.

Aerostich Combat boots
 

Many thanks for your reply. But if we order in dollars and our account is debited in euros it would be 50% cheaper I think. How did the final price work out with shipping and duty in Germany? What do you think? How did you find them as to "breaking in" and walking about off the bike?

Ride safe and ride often....

Douglas

Sorry, cannot remember how much the boot cost me in the end, but if you just order the boot, the shipment will not be cheap either compared to just buying a boot in Europe.

Why do you want exactly this boot?

snip...How did you find them as to "breaking in" and walking about off the bike?...snip

Mine are around 10 years old, 150,000 miles... They took some time to break in, including a bit of walking when new. The leather is thicker and stiffer than normal leather boots. Once broken in, they are very comfortable for walking around in conjunction with motorcycle travel. Not a hiking boot for really long hikes. The boot is wide, which is critical to my comfort. Generally they are all I have with me on short or long trips-3 week trip duration and less. Mine are 50% plus worn out, and I'll buy another set again.

LD Hack: How long did your soles last? Mine were pretty much gone after about 50000 miles (And I had to glue them to the boot two times either).

Where do I get new soles in Europe? I do not really want to have to import them from the US...

Lars

Mine are about 10 yrs old and still fine.
I've replaced the velcro a couple of times and the soul is wearing out but they are great boots, maybe the best all around.
Just wear thick socks for the first several weeks, it takes a long time to break them in.