I'm thinking of getting some new boots for my big trip. Can anyone recommend trials boots for a long trip away? The things which draw me to them is the comfort and grip which they have, but the drawbacks are that do not appear to be as sturdy as full on Motocross boots. However I'll obviously be spending quite a bit of time wandering around in them as they will be one of my few pairs of footwear for four months (boy, are they gonna smell!). So has anyone ever used them for rough tough stuff other than jumping around on oil drums and doing stoppies? Basically its a choice between some Gaerne Trials boots and some Alpine Star M4's. Let me know of your experiences...

For my trip I'm using re-soled Gaerne boots I bought in 1983 - as good as new. If I didn't have them I'd probably get some enduro/mx boots and have them re-soled with a cleated commando style sole.

Dave,
Full on MX boots are very tough but definitely not made for walking around in. They are usually very stiff. I have a pair of BMW Kalahari boots which are big and strong but also flexible and waterpoof (which is nice). Expensive tho.

And just to throw the cat among the pigeons - we wear very lightweight road boots, with a thin sole, almost like a shoe. Worked fine on four continents thank you. Just don't put your feet down - didn't mama tell you your feet belong on the footpegs?!

In the end it really comes down to what kind of riding you're doing, and you didn't tell us. If you're on a serious off-road bike with knobby tires, and use it like it should be used, mx boots for sure.

Most important of all is that they aren't too hot and stiff to walk around in for a few hours.

A pair of running shoes in a handy spot at the top of your saddlebags, and room to put your heavy boots away is a good solution. We use nylon stuff sacks, one per shoe/boot, back and forth between boots/shoes to keep the rest of the gear clean. And we used one pair of runners and one pair of boots each to go around the world, and will do the same again. Any more than that is a waste, you just don't have the space.

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Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Hi dave,

Why not using mountainwalking shoes?
We always used mountainwalkingshoes on our trips. They have good grip, good fit and proctection up to your ancle. With a goretex layer they are also waterproof.

Udo




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I've seen ordinary hiking boots used together with a knee length nylon gaitor. a Good compromise (with good stashability) and they actually look boot like.

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Tim ('91 R100GS-PD)

I've seen an alpinestars Riding boot Goretex above ankle with reinforced shifter area in the denniskirk.com But for my money I think that the Trials Boots are probably good enough if you don't plan on competing in the Overland Super-X.