Motorcycle boots for RTW trip
 

Hi all!

I know that this has been talked about many times but I had problems finding something more up to date with what the market offers now as far as the boots are concerned.

We're leaving with my wife for a RTW trip (2 years) next year. We plan to go through the warmer climate zones mainly therefore the compromise between waterproofing and ventilation comes into play as usual for these kind of trips. We would lean more towards something breathable and deal with the rain when it comes. Unless of course there are boots out there that are cool enough and still waterproof. We plan to keep to the roads and minimum offroad therefore I think good road boots would be preferable rather than MX boots.

After doing some research the three makes that sound appealing to us are:

1. SIDI
2. Daytona
3. Alpinestar

All of these provide a wide range of boots for touring. Could anyone recommend something - make model? Should we go for a boot that goes up significantly above the ankle or something little higher or lower? Something with vents or without? I guess it should be something simple e.g. one zipper and no bloody strings and turning wheels like some of the SIDI collection.

I guess that the boot should be comfortable enough for you to walk in it for a couple of hours and be able to feel your legs after... Then on the other hand you might just take them off as soon as you get off the bike for camping and put your walking shoes on.

If someone could put a couple of words together of what they've used or are using regardless of make we would appreciate it.

I think that we want something with sufficient protection but motorcycle related rather than some sort of construction boots with steel toe cap etc.

Thanks a lot in advance!

Stay safe!
Gosia and Andy

Altberg Bootmakers - Richmond, North Yorkshire

I'd take a look at the Albergs (Original, Microlite or Bandog) if you want to avoid carrying two pairs of boots, ie for riding and walking etc. I used HG Tuaregs for my Americas trip which were fine & waterproof but not that comfy when you're marching around a town looking accommodation. I also had to carry a pair of lightweight walking boots for off the bike. The stitching on the Tuaregs eventually gave up after 1 year and I then bought a pair of Army boots in Australia for the ride back to the UK which doubled as my walking boots off the bike (plus I carried a pair of sandals for the hot places etc). I'd also recommend carrying some kind of shoe/foot spray as whatever you wear will really start to honk eventually...

Hi Mike!

Thanks for the info. I'll check these out - I'm only worried (after briefly looking at these) that we'll fry in the warmer pats of the trip. We will carry another pair of walking shoes therefore we need something for riding.

Thanks for a quick response!

Stay safe!
Gosia and Andy!

In the warmer parts, you'll fry in anything.... I barely wore my jacket till I hit Europe.

...hehehehehe...:)

I think you're right...

Back to the drawing board...:scooter:

Andy

I used to have Heine Gericke boots which were fine and wonderfully waterproof, though lacked any decent ankle protection. Doesn't sound like an issue for you if you're road riding.

Not been round the world yet, but I have some Sidi Flexforce boots I intend to use when I do. They are like full on motorcross boots, but with a hunged ankle so you can walk in them more comfortably.

I wear them on my K1200RS, and aside from almost no feel at the gear lever, are fantastic. So much protection, and have been waterproof so far too. Love them!

They're superceeded by the Sidi Crossfire now, which seem to retail at over £200 - I was lucky and paid £100 from Ebay for mine (and they were brand new!)

The other Sidi boot I nearly bought was the Courier, which has some great magazine write ups. Not enough support for me though, as I have an old racing injury to my ankle...

Ok -here's an against the grain response.

I wouldnt use moto boots, I'd take a pair of walking boots, not expensive. Or ex para boots. Why? because you can't walk far in moto boots, and you'll have to take other footwear anyway, for walking around cities etc. So you increase weight and space taken etc. With these boots and a pair of sandals, you're set up.

As for rain with walking boots - use the overboots such as Spada sell(about £10) - light, pack small and better than so called waterproof boots,where your feet will sweat and suffocate.

Usually people wont do this, because it's been drummed into them to buy this and that. At eye watering prices.

:smartass::Beach::mchappy:

I won't wear walking boots as I have first hand experience of falling off with the right gear and STILL getting injured. Reckon my foot would have snapped / ground off if I'd been in walking boots - it got trapped under the bike as I slid along.

You wear what ya like, I'll stick to heavy duty protective stuff, even if it is way less convenient!

This last seems right to me, given how common foot and ankle injuries are in any sort of bike drop. I've concluded that more protection is better than less, regardless of the fried feeling, pickled skin and incredible stench inherent in motocross boots. It's not pleasant, but you get used to it. The first thing I do after securing lodging is change my boots for running shoes or flip flops.

The ones I've been using (Alpinestars) are not comfortable to walk in, although I can do it if strongly motivated. I recently came off the bike (in my hometown at 5 miles per hour, no more) and tweaked my ankle; had I not been wearing boots, my lower leg would have been broken and maybe worse. This was as mild and forgiving an accident as you could ever imagine, yet the consequences could've been quite serious. You're never more than a split second from a broken leg riding a bike.

I was glad to have been wearing armored jacket and pants, too, but that's for a different thread.

enjoy,

Mark

Caminando makes a good point there regarding how much stuff people tend to carry...

Perhaps a good compromise is what I've used the past couple of years - Alpinestar Tech 2s, which are basically cut down 'shorty' versions of their Tech 3 MX boots... (although some other manufacturers also produce something similar).

They are usefully lighter than full length MX boots, but still offer excellent ankle and foot protection - and are comfortable to walk around in off the bike too (especially Alpinestars, straight out of the box). You can also wear them under jeans/regular riding trousers, so you don't look too storm-troopery...

Mine have lasted tens of thousands of miles, although I did treat myself to a new pair earlier this year...

As Caminando suggests, teamed up with a pair of sandals (I like the 'action sandal' style, as the buckles/straps mean you can wear them on the bike if needs be*) and that is really all you need?

xxx

* don't go all preachy on me, I was popping down the road/to the beach and had completed a thorough risk-assessment beforehand x

Well it's interesting the Sidi Crossfires have had a mention - that's what I wear now. With the articulated ankle, I wore them when off the bike for a month in West Africa. Lots of walking - and they were heavy - but no real problem. Them and flipflops did me fine. *BUT* You're on road not offroad, hence I'm not sure that MX is for you anyway.

Hi All!!!

Thank you for all the responses. We want to stick to the roads (whatever that may be) as much as possible but that doesn't necessary mean that the risk of injury is a lot lower? I wouldn't maybe go as far as MX boots but would really like to have something with suficient protection.

http://www.alpinestars.com/store/pro...lar/201807.jpg
These look quite nice and I think that the protection might be good enough. Although I'm thinking that maybe the best way to go would be to buy something totally air ventilated with very good protection and live with the discomfort - at the end of the day we'll be carrying walking shoes (goretex hillwalking shoes) and sandals for when it's really hot so the minute we get off the bike to camp we will change into the relevant ones. As far as getting of the bike whilst looking for a place to stay and stuff I hope we won't have to walk miles to do that so moto boots should be fine :) Back to the point: so if we bought good protection highly ventilated boots and added goetex waterproof sox with gaiters and goretex overboots for the rainy bits we should be fine?? As long as you put the waterproofing on soon enough you should be fine I think.

Let me know what your thuoghts are. Maybe this would be a way to go?

Stay safe!
Gosia and Andy

Andy - those are exactly the boots I'm talking about above!

They are slightly stiffer than a typical road boot, but you'll probably appreciate that if you are going anywhere other than smooth tarmac...

As I say, the sole/foot area is exactly the same as their Tech 3 (which just comes higher up the shin) so they offer great protection - the are quite stiff, but very supportive, and most of all dead comfy straight out of the box. The shorter length means they are far more comfortable to walk in too - like sturdy walking boots...

The do offer quite good weather protection too (especially as your trousers sit over the boot) but are not technically 'waterproof', so for really crappy weather, waterproof socks might be a good idea - or even over-booties as someone else suggested?

Try a pair on if you can, I think you'll be impressed...

xxx

Hi JMo,

I'll definitely try a pair. The only thing that I'm concerned about are the parts of the trip where the roads might be a "little bad".

Route is: Europe through Iran - Pakistan and India all the way through thailand, malaysia and OZ to South america - Central America and US. Some of these parts do not provide "smooth tarmac" and therefore my concern is these boots simply won't do the job:(

I'll try a pair and see maybe after putting them on I'll have my mind made up:) We just don't want to overdo it. I don't want to buy offroad MX boots and then be stuck with them through the US or OZ knowing that the roads weren't that bad. This is our first trip so don't know what to expect really.

My list of priorities would be:

1. Protection
2. Protection
3. Reliability
4. Weather performance - cool in the hot, dry in the wet (that's where my idea of air ventilated boots with waterproof overboots come from)
5. Comfort

Above all these the boots would have to come in sizes suitable for the missus as well SIZE 37 and SIZE 45 for me which sometimes narrows it down a little to what you can choose from. I would like for my wife to have the same gear I have so she's equally protected in any case.

What are your recommendations?

Stay safe!
Andy

I wholeheartedly recommend Daytona. Seriously, these are the nicest boots I have ever had. In terms of protection, I guess no boot on the planet equals their Evo line, but they are out for long distance touring. Their touring models also have an extremely good reputation for protection (just look at the boot scheme/components on their website), but they are superbly comfortable. I couldn't understand what the rave with Daytona was until I bought mine. I forgot the precise name, I think they are Touring Star GTX or Travel Star GTX. Fully waterproof, breathable and very comfortable. I can hike around in these all day, and they have even made a short appearance in a village disco ;-)

If you think the GTX models might be too hot, then look at the waterproof XCR models. These are very light, even more comfortable than the regular boots, still waterproof and safe, and even a bit cheaper.

Re protection, I would definately get a boot that covers your shins too, and has at least adequate ankle protection on both sides, anything else is a little silly imho.

Hi Andy - I think you misunderstood? - I meant because these boots are stiff, they will offer more protection than regular road/touring boots.

I can appreciate what Sirakor is saying regarding shin protection, but the reality (I've found) is that these Tech 2s offer more than enough protection for the sort of journey you're undertaking - you're not going to be riding full-on off-road race speed/terrain on your trip I imagine - and the comfort on long road stretches and off the bike will be far more appreciated I expect?

I recently wore these every day for 23,000 miles across the USA and back these last six months - desert, snow, rain, sun, mud, slickrock (in Moab), even the Rubicon trail - unless you were very unlucky, I'd say you've got more than enough protection... of course you might be unlucky, but then if you were worried about every eventuality, you'd probably be staying at home anyway...?

I know most Alpinestars are available in US size 6 (UK 5), but if your other half is only a UK 4 (37), she might want to try a pair, or even consider their Youth range of boots?

I'm not saying they are perfect, I'm just saying they were perfect for me - and I imagine would suit your trip very well too...

xxx

Such subjectivity dealing with gear! But, we have worn Frey Daytonas for about 15 years now. Never kept a boot that long. Mine: Trans Open (46), wife's Traveler (36). Both Gore-Tex. We have been in mud, rain, snow, high heat, beyond cold and never an issue anytime, and the boots still look great, leather is in unreal (almost like new) condition. 22-days of rain to Prudhoe Bay, AK, 14-Days in Patagonia (and snow) and never a leak. Comfortable to ride or walk in.
HOWEVER, we each have broken a foot in them. In a China sandwash I flipped a GS1150 on her foot, and in the high dirt passes in Colorado I dropped a Dakar Elefant on mine. The only thing that would have survived either crash would have been MX boots which are all but impossible for me to walk in on big trips. SO it is a compromise, anyway you go.
Good luck with your process.
Allen.

When you place "protection" in the top two positions on your priority list, I think you're describing motocross boots, not any variety of shorter road boots. The distinction between on and off road is sometimes an illusion anyway---and this is true in North America as elsewhere (although there are far more options here, so you're not generally stuck with hundreds of miles of bad roads unless as a result of choices you've made deliberately).

On the other hand, I don't own road boots, so I haven't dropped anything on them no matter what the quality of "road." I have had the opportunity to compare the sensation of a dual sport dropped gently on a hiking (trekking) boot with the same bike dropped in the same manner on a motocross boot, and one is distinctly less painful--and damaging--than the other.

Apparently there do exist waterproof boots, but I haven't experienced this either. Mine collect water very efficiently, and hold it bucket-like until I stop and pour it out. The answer is overboots. Skip the goretex socks, since they don't really add anything (in my view). If desperate to make your feet feel even more shriveled, clammy and/or smelly, use plastic bags over your socks (old mountaineering trick).

Hope that helps.

Mark

I was also thinking about the Daytona Boots as I've heard a lot of good things about them. As far as the MX boots are concerned I don't know if they won't be a little over the top in our case. I'm sure we won't be able tp stay on tarmac all of the time but then again when we don't we will take it slow and easy. I'm concerned that if we go for the MX boots we'll realize at some stage that we don't really need them that much. We want to take our time and take it easy most of the time on the trip.

I think that we'll try soem MX, Daytonas and Alpines Tech 2 boots and see what best fits and feels.

If the MX are comfy enough maybe we'l lgo for them.

A lot of trying on ahead of us I guess :):)

Thanks for advice!
Stay Safe!
Gosia and Andy

Quad/ATV boots
 

I've been riding for the last couple of months in THOR Quadrant ATV boots


for the last couple of months and I reckon they're a pretty good touring boot. As you can see they've got a proper walking boot sole, and they're that bit more flexible for walking in. I can't say what the protection's like because touch wood I've not needed it yet, but I do find them very comfy, and I can just about get my cargo pants over the top too if I want to blend in a bit.

I have been using Oxtar (TCX) Infinity boots for a while. They are really nice motorcycle boots and they are very comfortable while walking and riding.

My husband had the Altberg Hogg all weather for our last trip in South America and he was very hot in warm countries. (what I had was so poor in quality it is not worth mentioning!)

However Altberg does the Hogg light and Hogg Microlite version. It's got no waterproof membrane which makes it much cooler.

Also they can be used as hiking boots as has been mentioned so very convenient. At under 150 pounds, and top notch quality it is a no brainer. When I came back from SA I snatched a pair.



http://www.altberg.co.uk/Web/images/hoggawmicro-b.jpg

Here comes the weekend!! :):)

We've got some trying on to do and hopefully we'll be able to get our heads round the subject a little.

Stay safe!
Gosia and Andy!!

Some say you cannot walk in bike boots for long, let alone all day. I have never had this problem. It helps that my legs and feet do not feel hot easily, but I have worn boots all day, day in day out, so it is possible.

I had Hein Gericke GTX boots for our trip; dropped the bike in some sand (a GS) which made an attempt to insert its foot peg into my calf. I was protected by my trousers but the boots were just a bit too short. Result was bloody sore and a pledge to buy MX boots on my return. the calf returned to normal size and I bought some Alpinestars Tech 3s.

VERY comfortable. Down side is that loo paper is more waterproof, and wet feet the next day is not nice. I also bought some Daytona Trans Open GTX. Also slipper-comfort on request.

Personally, if you do not suffer in the heat much, I say got for proper boots:Afterall they are there to protect you if you bin it, not to look good, so you'll be glad you had them if you do. If not, trip comesto an abrupt, premature halt, if you're unlucky. Once broken in, I'm lucky that I forget I'm wearing them!

Seems these people don't think they're good to walk in:

Alpinestars Tech 2 Boots - Read Reviews and Buy at KneeDraggers.com

I have the Bandog all weather. Similar to the Hogg but the sole has a softer layer in the midsole. I would happily use them to walk up a mountain as they are even more comfortable than my hiking boots. On a bike trip this means one less bulky thing to carry.

I have used them for commuting, every day since september, and on a trip down through France to Spain at Easter, taking in some mild off-road when we got there. I did not take any other footwear and this proved a good decision, although if it was summer I would take a pair of sandals as well. They have never leaked and the protection is at least as good as any road or psuedo off-road boot.

For full on dirt I stick to motocross boots but have never found a motocross boot that keeps my feet remotely dry or is comfortable off the bike.

Boots
 

If you have money , and want excellent safety, waterproofness, and climate control, try Vendramini Desert Alp Elephant boots , also magic to walk in , you get what you pay for!

Sealskinz socks are very good for keeping your feet dry...

sealskinz.com waterproof socks and gloves clothing from porvair international

boots for protection
 

i would suggest that for a rtw trip you would have to decide straight away if you are looking at wearing the best protection(motorcross boots) on your feet in the event of an off. rtw by its very nature will mean driving in all sorts of conditions on all sorts of surfaces for which its best to be prepared.from my own experience thankfully, crashes, collisions,fall offs can be survivable because of the gear you wear .i learned very quickly what my priorities were and now suit up accordingly right down to my sidi crossfires.i get hot and melt in the hot weather but hell thats why bars were invented so hot and bothered bikers could cool down.ps sandals and flip-flops are for wearing in the bar.cheers

RTW boots
 

We're all different ... go with your own feelings. I have ridden approx 50 countries without ever using specialised motorcycle boots. I personally feel the compromise is too much when it comes to living off the bike. I like to enjoy walking around markets and towns or hiking in the hills. Maybe I'd have a different opinion if I'd had an ankle injury from a crash. Life (and motorcycling) is dangerous and we all manage (and accept) those risks differently. I am about to replace my hiking boots that I rode in from China to Holland in (via Mongolia, Russia, several 'stans, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey etc) and a USA crossing. They were fairly hi-tec and now I am going to replace with leather hiking boots so I can keep adding dressing to keep supple and reasonably waterproof. I'll be using the same boots for a circumlocation of our South Island in Dec with wife for my 60th birthday as I'll use to walk the 5 day Heaphy Track. Motorbike boots for me ... never!
Desw Molloy
Golden Bay
New Zealand
A Classic Motorcycle Odyssey - from Beijing to Arnhem 2005

Its always a compromise when space or money is tight.

Personally I figure my feet and ankles are about the most important parts to protect. Knacker them and the whole trip is lost I suspect...:(

Well judging by the ecletic opinions appearing above, it doens't seem to really matter.

Last year on my Vietnam to Italy ride I used a pair of Alpine Star leather road racing boots. The beauty of these boots was that they were comforabel and stylish enough to be used as dress/walking boot for any occasion. They were the same boots I purchased in 1982 and used to ride from Alaska to Argentina with back in 1984 - along with many other rides in the interim years. I guess that made them 26 years old at the time of last year's travel, but they were more than suitable for the task of hand. :) I ended up disposing of them in a rubbish bin in Rome because I had finally destroyed a zip and was sick and tired of the right boot unzipping itself, and they had been superseded by newer technologies.

In my view, boots are boots - get a decent quality pair and they should last for life, fashions will come and go but you will also mature and understand that there are more important elements to life than wearing the latest fashion.

Right now I'm due for another pair of boots which will hopefully see me through to the end of my riding days, so the suggestions put forward by other posters on this thread are much appreciated. :)

+1 On Des's comment...but Des failed to mention how the 70th B-day party turned out...splendid adventure Des!

One of the factors in protection is fit. Having discussed this with professionals in the field we came to the conclusion that one of the biggest problems is boots (and gloves) that simply fly off at the critical moment. We suspected people leave space for an extra pair of socks for the winter which can't help. Heavier boots fly further. There is no point having 6mm of leather, a steel shank and impact resistant plastic bits if it's (I kid you not) about 100 yards away and up a tree when your foot hits the road. You want boots you'll stay in IMHO.

I wear ex-East German army jackboots. They are fur lined which is useful for where I ride and designed for a traditional sole/heal repair. I can walk in them all day and the ankle strap would keep them on if someone picked me up by them. Abrasive protection is good, impact/crush less so. Probably not suitable for warm places.

Andy

ive always stuck with Sidi, Always seemed the most comfortable and the most waterproof!!

I use Oxtar Infinity PRO.
They have a lot of protective areas (for ankle , fingers or heel) yet quite comfortable when you walk. And most important thing is Gore-tex.
They are similar to BMW Santiago boots

Regs.

I use the biggest, strongest, toughest MX boots I could find..

Alpinestars Tech 10 !! Very expensive but worth it..

A few of my good friends have permanant limps due to not wearing proper boots on the bike..

Met a fair few people on the road with crushed or broken ankles due to having insufficient protection on your ankles.. Their trips were either over or delayed for 3 months or more.

Your ankles are one of the most fragile, complicated joints you have and also the most likely to be damaged in an accident or drop. Why wouldnt you give them the best protection ?????????

People who ride in trainers or walking boots are idiots IMO !!

My boots have saved me more times than I care to remember. I'm not saying you have to buy the most expensive on the market, but at least get quality MX boots for overlanding.

I agree with you Ted. you can ride with broken ribs, fingers, maybe even a broken arm, but breaking an ankel is definately a show stopper! I used to wear Sidi road boots, which were awesome, but a little painfum when walking or hiking. I then got a special deal on a pair of demo BMW Savanahs in Reno a few years ago. Absolutely perfect boots! Superior water proofness and comfort. After four years of motorcycle touring the stiching is finally starting to come apart, i replaced them with another pair i got used for $200. Money well spent! Sure, your feet get hot... Wahhhhhh! When your paddling through the sand and wedge your foot under that stupid and severely over priced aluminum box you bolted onto your bike, or when you drop the 500lb bike onto yourself and roll down into a ditch that seems bottomless in Labrador (don't ask me how i know) and your foot is wedged between a rock and a Fastway footpeg, you sure are thankful you decided to wear your hot, stinky, sweaty motorcycle boots that day! Shit happens Man, and we're all pretty exposed, so you may as well be prepared. Want to wear walking boots, well, good luck with that. You may as well leave the jacket, pants and gloves at home to IMHO. And you won't need that helmet, what can happen? Or maybe you can be like the squids we see here on their sport bikes driving like lunatics with their severely stupid girlfriends wearing bikini shorts on the back.... ouch!
http://www.psndealer.com/powersports...-7-665-398.jpg

Ouch!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-IHi...rom=PL&index=4

ATV Boots
 

+1 for the ATV style boots. These offer a good level of protection but are not too stiff or hard for walking around. I wore them for about 3 months straight, walking around cities, camping in Europe this summer just past.

Attachment 2681

Mine where exactly the same but branded Diadora (same factory i'm sure). An Ebay buy for £50 second hand. They are not rated waterproof but a quick treatment with Nikwax once and they stayed waterproof till Scotland.

Holey F**K !!

That pretty much sums it up !! Yeah, he was acting the tool but you will do worse overlanding.

Balanced Oiled most comfortable boot I've ever had--and waterproof:

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ootsmedium.jpg

I really like those boots! I was going to get a pair before i stumbled upon another pair of hardly used Savannahs, which have always been my favorites, but i would still love to try the Balanced with Goretex.

Looking at the video, i figure he might of come down on the curb. This could happen to anyone weather your being an idiot like that guy (doggin' it with NO GEAR!) or if some cage driving soccer mom on her cell phone wipes you out. Couldn't say if a pair of boots would of saved his ankle, but i would guess the damage might of been less severe.

I totally endorse this. I've got a set of Altbergs that I've ridden in almost daily for the last 8 years (commuting and touring not RTW, but probably 120k miles total) and they've been bombproof, waterproof, totally excellent. The single zip is still going strong, and the velcro is only just getting a little tired. I don't really look after them that well either. Only criticism is that they are a bit clumpy for a road/sports bike. Miles better than my full on MX boots though, and fine for most eg old Guzzi, Triumph or XT600. It's true that they do get a bit warm but I've worn them fine in Morocco, S Spain in the summer etc. They've got a 'proper' Vibram sole too, and are ok for walking about in.

I bought a pair of Sidi Black Rain as a 'summer boot' a couple of years ago, but they feel like slippers after the Altbergs, and one of the zips broke after 2 months - back to the Altbergs!

Sidi Boots
 

Yeah, I couldn't agree more :thumbup1:
I ride in a pair of Sidi Discovery boots, a 3/4 MX style of boot which to me, is the best of both worlds - flexibility and protection.

I dont do a heap of off-road, but when you are travelling RTW as you intend to do, who knows when you are going to hit a 100km stretch of unpaved, washed out, potholed dirt road!!

For me, you need the protection, just in case. They may be a bit hot, and a bit bulky, but then so is a cast when you have your ankle in plaster for 3 months! :thumbdown:

Any 3/4 MX style boots froma reputable manufacturer should be fine (ATV style boots are exactly the same) which will allow you a high degree of ankle and shin protection, while at the same time allowing you to walk around and not look like a stormtrooper. I have walked for hours through markets and towns in my Discovery's, and I think they are very comfortable.

They are waterproof to boot - cold wet feet, yuck!!

My $0.02

Cheers,
Tricky