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Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia




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  #1  
Old 1 Apr 2010
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"Best" boots
Just finalising my preparations for my Alaska to Argentina odyssey starting in June! I need to replace my boots. Anyone got any thoughts about best/most comfortable/practical ones to take? They would need to be waterproof but as I would want to wear them on short sight seeing excursions, comfort is a key factor. Any opinion would be gratefully received!
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  #2  
Old 1 Apr 2010
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Altberg Bootmakers - Manufacturers of walking, military, police and motorcycle boots. Richmond, North Yorkshire

These seem to get some very good reveiws, especially the 'Hog lite' models.
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  #3  
Old 1 Apr 2010
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+1 for Altberg. It can be difficult to get hold of a pair but it's worth the effort. Generally you have to go to the factory in Richmond to get measured up correctly and then they make them up for you. As you've not been very specific about your whereabouts in Blighty, North Yorks may be a bit of a trip for you. Luckily they usually have a stand at the classic bike show at Stafford which happens to be at the end of this month. Phone them up and they'll bring some for you to try. They're a good company to deal with.

Lots of people on here swear by them.
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Old 1 Apr 2010
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Hi -

I had and liked the Aerostich Combat Touring boots. They were OK to walk in and waterproof-ish with treatment. The lite version might be even better to walk in, but I've never tried them. Now I use L.L. Bean Engineers boots. Basically a low, but over the ankle, workboot made by Chippewa. For waterproofing I wear Tingley boots over them.

Jay
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  #5  
Old 1 Apr 2010
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I wear the Altberg Hoggs too.
The boots are spot on-I havn't had cold or wet feet in 2 years...
if you don't need full on enduros for your travels.

Their customer service is first class too.

The riding up in the Yorkshire Dales is wonderful-so worth a trip to see them in Richmond if you take the scenic route.

If they arn't on the shelf (unlikely) its about 28 days or so-but the boots are made for you.

Simon
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Old 1 Apr 2010
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TCX Infinity
I'm sure the Alberg's are good. I saw them at the Alberg stand at the BMF show some years ago. Bit crude but functional looking and everyone raved.

I've used several boots from TCX (formerly Oxtar). These are great boots for walking around in and offer good protection as well. They are "certified" Gore-Tex as well and really are waterproof. Best I've found.

I don't do hiking or work boots. No Tibia protection and not much of a foot box. The Italians really understand "Feet"!




Read about them here;
Viewing Images For TCX Infinity GTX Touring Boots :: New Enough



I have these now. Great walking, less money, waterproof, decent protection too.

TCX X-Five Touring Motorcycle Boots :: New Enough
Last edited by Mickey D; 21 Apr 2010 at 04:23.
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Old 1 Apr 2010
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Since you can't carry the ideal boots/shoes for every situation, a good pair of hiking boots is a good compromise.

I've used them on many trips and they've been fine.
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Old 1 Apr 2010
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I looked at Revit Apache

Most boots are too stiff to walk properly. Apache seemed to have that taken care of as far as possible for motorcycle boots.
But they didnt fit my feet very well. I have small/slim feet, its hard to find the right boots, let alone some nice waterproof,walking, riding, adventure boot

I tried the TCX here above. Like the locking system, no zipper to get clogged up with sand, but I find them too tall...
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Old 16 Apr 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mickey D View Post
these look exactly like my hein gericke gore rallye boots, i wonder if they are made by the same people?
excellent boots, still waterproof after several years of allweather riding.

i really like the look of the combat tourers from aerostitch, but they are not marketed as waterproof so even with some treatment there's no guarantee
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Old 17 Apr 2010
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Originally Posted by DAVSATO View Post
these look exactly like my hein gericke gore rallye boots, i wonder if they are made by the same people?
excellent boots, still waterproof after several years of allweather riding.

i really like the look of the combat tourers from aerostitch, but they are not marketed as waterproof so even with some treatment there's no guarantee
Very little protection with Combat Tours. No serious off road in these please. Definitely not waterprood. SnoSeal Beeswax does the trick. Very popular in the US among Beemer riders. More show than go IMHO.

The Hein Gericke boots are probably made in the same factory in Italy as TCX Infinity boots. TCX used to be Oxtar. Good boots but not perfect, to wit:

This past weekend my riding buddy had his DR650 fall on his Ankle. (I had to lift the frickin' bike off him! ) Boots? TCX Infinity. Sadly, small broken bone. He rode out (and crashed four more times on the way down) X-Ray show small fracture. Doc's say they will cast it. Hurts to crash on already busted ankle.

On the same ride another rider had his KTM 950 fall on his leg (I got lifting duty again ) Pinned like a bug, but he wore good Sidi Crossfire boots, no damage at all ... except to the $1500 KTM gas tank. I was ride leader and "miscalculated" the route. These were both "minor" fall downs on rocky ground (rocks hurt) at just 5 to 10 mph on very steep, loose rocky scree. Not much fun without knobbies.
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Old 14 Jul 2010
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+1 for me. Can wear these all day, fully waterproof and comfy
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Old 14 Jul 2010
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I got SIDI Adventure Rain boots. Put them to the test in Alaska/Canada recently. Nice fit, warm, waterproof and provide good protection. I prefer these over the TCX and Aerostich Combat boots. Had them both before...

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Old 18 Jul 2010
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I'll put my vote in for Alt-berg hogg boots as well, I have had mine for 6 years, used most days, never leaked a drop, comfortable on a hike.
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  #14  
Old 18 Jul 2010
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Not cheap but good
I like the Vendramini Desert-Alps. Waterproof and with Outlast lining.
When clean they look good enough to wear under normal pants.
Not too heavy, reasonable protection and light enough with good flexibility to wear all day even when walking around.
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  #15  
Old 20 Jul 2010
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I visited Altberg on Saturday for a fitting so they could make a pair of Borego boots for me. The bloke in the shop shook his head and told me that wasnt going to be necessary, went upstairs and brought down a pair of size 11s, a perfect fit! There were only 2 pairs in the shop, 7 1/2 on display and 11.
OK, so I've not worn them on the bike yet, but I did wear them all the way back on the 7 hour flight, and no complaints so far! He explained that they have the same sole and armour as their other bike boots, they just use a suede leather and have a 'gussett' style tounge so the sand dosent get in. There's more fabric on the uppers for a bit more breathing.

They are certainly well made and feel great. Even better, he knocked 20 quid off the price as they were in stock. Allah akbah as they say round here!
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