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...

__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...

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.

__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...

...hehehehehe...

I think you're right...

Back to the drawing board...

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.

__________________
http://bigben.to/ London to....? The big bike annual rally.
http://www.mongolbikers.com 125cc London -> Mongolia.

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!