avoid alpinestars - they really are cheap tat.

I've said it before and will say it now. Gaerne SG10's.

Hinged, requires no breaking in, very protective and a very good fit.

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I've read your recommendation of Gaerne before and I'm interested in them for next time if they are good. Currently, I wear a pair of Alpinestars Tech 5 which have lasted me 7 years of regular use. I've had to re-glue the soles a couple of times but I think 'cheap tat' is a little unfair.

To answer Joe's question, have a look at Ralf & Eva's website. They've been all around the world over the last few years using MX boots in conjunction with cheap sandals. The photo below comes from their web site and shows their boots.

It's also a very useful web site for travelers as they provide lots of useful accommodation details such as waypoints, prices and short reviews.
Stephan

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Here's the problem - kit, bikes, routes, it's all subjective. What works for some, fails for others...

Seems Nomadic had problems with his, but I'm with Stephano - I used the same pair of Alpine Stars (Tech 8s) across Africa then across the Americas, and loved them, though boy, did they hum after 4 years. Finally dumped in Bolivia, not because they were finished, but because I just couldn't shift the stench of rotting roadkill.

Yes, they loosen up, yes, you get used to the clumsy gearchanges and braking (much easier with fat dirt bike controls, not so easy on delicate flower road bikes), and yes, you should get white ones...

And yep, another vote for the 'mx boots and flip flops' solution.

Suerte, Dan Walsh

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Que el cielo exista, aunque mi lugar sea el infierno...

Well I have worn MX boots from day 1 (I travel to work everyday with them on)and I have to admit I don't feel right without them. I have BMW GS2 MX boots, I'm sure there are better ones out there and I will look for a new pair. So to cut along story short get a pair once worn in they are great.

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Both my old Alpinestar's soles came off more or less at the same time after almost 2 weeks of standing on the serrated metal pegs of my Africa Twin and twisting the soles while moving my weight from side to side in temps of 40c plus on a recent loooooong North Africa trip. ...but i think in such harsh conditions that might happen to any boot.I gafa taped them both until i could get them repaired by "Gordito" in Zagora......A few days earlier the bike flipped and my ankle got trapped by the pannier frame(pannier in support vehicle) ....the strong ankle protection on the boot stopped any serious damage....only slight bruising...i wouldn't wanna be trapped again with any other cheap tat other than Alpinestars. Lovely old boots

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Dean

AlpineStar boots "Cheap Tat"? Yea, right.

Alpinestar boots are the most popular boot in the USA. But SIDI are actually rated higher by most of the dirt magazines. Gaerne are good boots but to me, SIDI are currently making the best boot on the market. My personal boots at the moment are Alpinestar Tech 7's. In the last five years modern boots have taken a quantum leap in all areas...they are much better than ever before.

Most of the high end new boots now have an inner booty that offers better
protection to foot an ankle. (like you need it! ) but they do work. For comfort I always go a size larger with a good quality sock and change them every day....this avoids ruining them with stink...which WILL happen riding barefoot or using dirty socks.

I won't be traveling with MX boots however. I want something I can walk in and that doesn't instantly identify me as a Motoquero, and I'm not riding an enduro either. Also, getting into and and out of MotoCross boots is a pain.

My Gore-Tex Oxtar's work just fine thanks. Low key, feel like
Italian loafers and very tough, good shin & Tibia protection. Super easy on/off. I wear custom knee pad that covers the area from the top of the boot to my knee with a hard shell/super good foam backing.

The one draw back to MX boots in a fall is that they can put more stress on your knee if you fall a certain way. This is why so many MX riders now
wear knee braces. Talk to any Orthopedic surgeon who does knees and ankles
and have him explain about this. Bottom line is: Sumpthin' gotta give!

On all my desert rides or Sierra trail rides or Dual Sport rides I always and only wear my Alpinestars. But on a long, multicountry ride, they are just not needed, IMO. They are big, heavy and hard to pack as well.

YMMV, IMO yada yada.

Patrick

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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

We've bought some Viberg dual sport boots for our trip down to Argentina. With the idea of having a pair of boots for use on and off the bike. We are riding two up so I'm planning (?) to ride minimal off road (well that's the theory). If you are doing a lot of off road travel MX boots would give more protection in the event of a crash (and it's more likely to happen?) it depends on what sort of trip you are doing

The Vibergs are very, very solid, not goretex lined but I'm hoping some waterproofing polish will help take care of that. We rode the other day for about 6 hours in driving rain and we came out ok.

We'll report back on how they go

Ian J

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Try Sno-Seal, a Bee's Wax based waterproofer. I've used this since the 70's. You slather it on and put your boots in a very low oven to "cook". The wax melts and penetrates into leather and especially big seams, which is where most water gets in. Needs to be re-applied about every six months to a year depending on how much water your into.

I own the Oxtar Matrix 1 (now discontinued for the Matrix 2). I really like the look of the Oxtar Infinity, it will be my next road/dual sport/tour boot.
Check them out here:

Oxtar Boots :: New Enough Motorcycle Apparel

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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

I've been wearing the BMW Savanahs or whatever with e metal te caps for the last 20K KMs or so, all conditions (wet, very wet, impossibly wet, and Baja desert 42 degrees C) with no complaints. I don't expect any boot to be very waterproof AND very breathable, but these boots have done an admirable job. I could always use more protection in a get-off, mind. I'll let you know in 14 more months or so of RTW'ing how they go.

Mitch

Hi Mitch,

I also wear the same BMW boots. A few weeks ago they saved my left leg, after I was hit by a Honda Accord. My left foot was forced into the gear lever, bending it under my bike and forcing the choke lever out of it's housing.

Thank you Mr BMW! The ambulance crew were well impressed with the kit.They should have been as they saw the accident itself!



(I've been wearing the BMW Savanahs or whatever with e metal te caps for the last 20K KMs or so, all conditions (wet, very wet, impossibly wet, and Baja desert 42 degrees C) with no complaints)