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Which boots for the Silk Road? Which boots for the Silk Road?
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Photo by Stephan Hahnel, Kradwanderer, in Northern Argentina

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


Photo by Stephan Hahnel,
www.krad-wanderer.de,
in Northern Argentina




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  #1  
Old 4 Dec 2009
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Which boots for the Silk Road?
OK, the next big adventure is 2-3 months from Europe to Mongolia along a lot of the Silk Road, and I'm trying to work out what boots to wear.

To date I've tended to wear either good hiking boots on the largely paved roads in Europe, which work really well when exploring, or road boots as I did a month in the Himalayas recently, largely on dirt. Again pretty good for walking around exploring the sights.

But should I go for proper motorcross style boots with high coverage of the shins and sacrifice walking comfort.

You seasoned world travellers, what do you think?
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  #2  
Old 12 Dec 2009
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Hi,

I rode through southern Iran, Pakistan and China along the old silk route via Kashgar, Turpan, Xi'an to Beijing in July this year. 80% of the way was tarmac, the rest was rough/gravelly road. My Timberland boots were perfect, dealt with the road conditions, very comfortable for walking around in, and were well ventilated so didn't smell.

regards
H A
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  #3  
Old 4 Jan 2010
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Silk Road Boots
Hi MM,

I am planning on doing a very similar trip next year - basically UK to Hong Kong, via Russia, Mongolia and then China.
I have read a lot of posts regarding boots and what to wear and what not to wear, and the advice I can give you from personal experience is dont scrimp on safety. Get the best support for your ankles and shins you can, while still being able to walk in the boot and not look like Robocop! One good off and the trip of a lifetime turns into a trip from hell!

I would recommend the following boots, based on thier design intent:
> Gaerne Balance Oil boot
> Alpine Stars Scout WP
> Oxtar/TCX infinity Touring boot
> Sidi Adventure rain boot
> Sidi Discovery rain boot

Of these I have the Sidi Discovery boots and they are, IMHO, the dukz gutz. They are a 3/4 style MX boot - nearly all the protection of a full-on MX boot but with the added ability to be able to walk in them for hours - they really are that comfortable.

I hope this helps,
Cheers,
Tricky
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  #4  
Old 4 Jan 2010
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I went for these: Altberg High Bandogs

Found they worked really well in the deserts, Himalayas, tarmac and walking.
I used NikWax to waterproof them.

Still using them, 3 years on.

John
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Old 11 Jan 2010
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Much appreciated all!
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