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Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon




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  #1  
Old 5 May 2015
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Recent trip in rain, sleet and snow...... Boot question please?

Have asked this question on two other forums so I guess I am asking in the hope that you good folk can advise.....

The prolonged trip to Applecross in the somewhat inclement weather - rain and snow then slush, has highlighted a rather serious problem for me. Sustained chemotherapy has left me with severe neuropathy in my feet. Not realising that my boots were no longer waterproof, well - you understand?!?!

So what boots to buy?
TCX Infinity GTX were highly recommended, except that they are no longer available - superseded by the Infinity Evo. The TCX Track Evo looks good too
Daytona (which?) Goretex is another popular option.
Alt-Berg - definitely....
Sidi Adventures......but too butch?

Suggestions/advice....comments
Many thanks
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  #2  
Old 6 May 2015
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Pretty sure the TCX are rebadged as BMW (I have a pair) Adventure boots.

Not cheap, but great quality.
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  #3  
Old 6 May 2015
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My feet are sensitive to cold due to previous frost bite damage. Extreme pain when near or below freezing.

Your list of boots is quite good. I recently bought the TCX Track Evo boots and previously owned the TCX (was Oxtar) GTX Infinity Gore-Tex. TCX do a really nice job on their Gore-Tex boots. Expensive, yes but it bloody well works!

The "new" Evo version is probably even better.

I bought the TCX Track Evo because I wanted more off road protection than the Infinity offers. The Infinity is a "softer" boot, and as comfortable as a good Italian loafer.

My latest Track Evo boots are also very comfortable, most comfortable off road boot I've tried ... ever. But these are a budget boot in some ways ($239 USD) ... so no Gore-Tex liner. They use a non breathable waterproof liner instead, I've not tested them in rain yet.
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street...oof_boots.html

Gore Tex is definitely A GO!

SIDI are quite popular, but I've read several bad reviews on them lately. Also very high priced.

If you're not doing off road I'd go for the TCX Infinity GTX Gore Tex EVO.
Expensive but well made boots. I saw Altberg boots while visiting UK, at a big bike show. Met an Alberg rep. They look pretty good, never wore them.
They are very popular in UK ... but I really wonder about comfort?

The Infinity boot you can wear all day walking. It really is versatile and if I was riding ONLY on road, that'd be my boot. But I'm very happy with the Track Evo boots so far. Only complaint on those is they get a bit warm
(not breathable) But for me that's fine as I struggle to keep my feet from freezing!

Good luck, try them on if you can!

Last edited by mollydog; 6 May 2015 at 05:03.
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  #4  
Old 6 May 2015
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Forma Adventure is waterproof- not just pretty good, but actually waterproof. I've been riding in some hard rains this past week and these boots keep my feet absolutely dry. This is my third season with them.

Dry socks! Even under the left shifter pad.

Comfortable boot for both on road and off road. Not a motocross boot though.



.......................shu
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  #5  
Old 6 May 2015
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Mollydog......and Shu.....

Many thanks Guys. Both your suggestions noted and will be acted upon. And thanks too Mollyd because I had thought that the Track Evo's WERE Goretex! Had thought they would be fine.

The Forma ones' look great but can I buy them in the UK?
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  #6  
Old 6 May 2015
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Altbergs, I have used Altbergs Hoggs in preference to almost every other boot i have tried, They may not offer as much protection as some boots but hey ho and certainly less for off road stuff which i have also used them for (limited and gentle /slow green lanes and gravel tracks etc) but as a general everyday boot and touring boot they are simply excellent.
Go to the factory in Richmond they will make them to measure if there is any problem with your fitting.
My boots lasted 6 years of hard use into Arctic Norway and Russia, touring into southern and eastern Europe as well as being used almost daily as a general bike boot. They are very comfortable off the bike and i have used them often as winter hill walking boots.
A boot that does everything.

Once they were worn out i sent them back to Altberg who dismantled them, relined and rebuilt them to as new with some extra large leather protection on the areas where it was obvious i had excess wear from gear lever etc they came back like new for only £80.

I now wear them as they are my only bike boots for everything and they will see me back upto Archangel next year with whatever weather that throws at me - they have never leaked in all the years i have worn them. In cold countries or very wet weather i do wear walking boot gaitors to stop ingress from over the top of the boot.

Sorry i couldn't make Applecross family stuff come up.
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  #7  
Old 7 May 2015
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I started my trip with Sidi Adventure boots. They lasted only 6 months and most of the time they were annoyingly noisy.
After this I used only Alpinestars Toucan boots. Quality is not as good as I got used to when using Tech-series boots.
Toucan boots were really warm, no problems even in freezing temperatures.

Remember always use dry socks and if it´s getting really cold, few socks at the same time.
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  #8  
Old 8 May 2015
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Regarding the TCX Infinity's......

Ordered a pair of the TCX Infinity's from MotoCentral.
The website listed them as "available".....
Paid for them and waited on confirmation of shipping only to hear that "the standard Infinity boots are discontinued, replaced by Infinity Evo's"
If still wanted, they would sell them for the same price.....

Anyone else wanting new TCX Infinity Evo's????
£209.00??!!
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  #9  
Old 8 May 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWnHOG View Post
Ordered a pair of the TCX Infinity's from MotoCentral.
The website listed them as "available".....
Paid for them and waited on confirmation of shipping only to hear that "the standard Infinity boots are discontinued, replaced by Infinity Evo's"
If still wanted, they would sell them for the same price.....

Anyone else wanting new TCX Infinity Evo's????
£209.00??!!
Good choice!
But here in USA, the previous model Infinity was the same price as NEW Evo model. To illustrate how popular these boots have been ... I've never seen them marked down or go on sale ... until the NEW Evo came out, then some dealers offered discounts on original Infinity boot .... all sold out in about 5 minutes!
Bottom line, they rarely are discounted, but IMO, still good value.
Good luck with them!
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  #10  
Old 12 May 2015
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Another vote for the Alt Bergs

Well made. Great service. And costs less than your Germanic sounding boot that's made in China
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  #11  
Old 12 May 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shu... View Post
Forma Adventure is waterproof- not just pretty good, but actually waterproof. I've been riding in some hard rains this past week and these boots keep my feet absolutely dry. This is my third season with them.

Dry socks! Even under the left shifter pad.

Comfortable boot for both on road and off road. Not a motocross boot though.



.......................shu
Is the sizing correct or do you need to order bigger or smaller size?
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  #12  
Old 13 May 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by martintheclark View Post
Another vote for the Alt Bergs

Well made. Great service. And costs less than your Germanic sounding boot that's made in China
Can you post a couple pics of Altberg's latest offerings? I've not seen a pair anywhere in years ...
(even in Brit bike mags) Not since '03.

BTW, I believe the Forma boot is made in Italy, my TCX Track Evo boot is made in Romania. Well, you were close anyway ...
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  #13  
Old 13 May 2015
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Recent trip in rain, sleet and snow...... Boot awnser

Gortex, easy really
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  #14  
Old 13 May 2015
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A friend, ex army swears by...

http://www.altberg.co.uk/product/sneeker-aqua-black/

For use on and off the bike. Especially if the bike is a cut down Fireblade

http://www.altberg.co.uk/product/clubmanroadster/

I've put about 12 000m on the clubman. Amazingly comfortable though not what you would call stylish.

I've been along to the "factory" more cottage industry really. Military and walking boots mostly but the boss man is a motorcyclist. Their USP is that the boots are comfortable to double as walking boots
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  #15  
Old 13 May 2015
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Looks nice and comfy! Great hiking boot, probably fine for most street riding too and just general wear.

But I want a bit more stiffness and protection if riding off road. Both the Forma and TCX Track Evo use stiffer, thicker, less supple leather, especially in the upper. They also feature more reinforcement in critical areas:

Both those boots have built in armor at the Malleolus, Tibia and reinforced toe and heal box. Just no comparison in protection.

If you've ever had your foot trapped between a rock and foot peg or frame on a trail ... then you may know the importance of good protection.

Or ... if your bike has ever landed on your foot, ankle or lower leg area ... foot peg first ... then you probably know that a slightly tougher boot can save you.

I'm sure the Alberg is the better walking boot, better All Day boot, but I'm just amazed at the comfort of my TCX Track Evo Boots. Very nice so far! Pleasantly surprised!

For riding round town, shopping, commuting, errands and such the Altberg is ideal, it's more versatile and blends in with non riding clothing, where the dirt bike boots stick out and jeans won't slip over the top of them.



But for a true dual sport travel boot, I'd go another way.

Everyone has their own comfort level. After all, Nate the Postman covered half the world riding his 100cc Postie bike wearing worn out Red Converse Trainers! Go Nate!

I've Ti plates in both legs, lots of screws ... so must take care not to tear things up again.
Ride Safe!
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