Boots you can walk in?
 

Altberg Bootmakers - Richmond, North Yorkshire

Found these on the net. Anyone every used them? I want a all purpose boot so I can walk off the bike too, but still have the ankle protection of real bike boots. What do you all rekon?

They're fine for street use but not very good for off road. That's where you need the plastic reinforced boots like MX boots which after some use become just as easy to walk in.

For travel I cable them to the bike if I'm planning hours away from the bike (very rare) and put on some light boat shoes or flip flops. Most travel is in hot climates, so no shoes there.

It all becomes a ritual like taking off your jacket.

Daytona. You'll never look elsewhere ...

For overlanding the Travel Star (GTX) or Touring Star (GTX) work well. Best protection across the board of all classical bike boots, and so comfortable that you won't believe it until you try. I've hiked up montains in Nepal in them, and rocked the village disco in Kyrgyzstan. And the Gore-Tex actually works as advertised. And no, they don't pay me, I really think they are that great.

Otherwise, I think MX boots + cabling them (and anything else) to the bike is a very good idea. I've had some rings fitted to my Daytonas, so I can take a thin steel cable (like they use on boats). The cable goes through my helmet, jacket sleeves, boots, + whatever else needs fixing, and off I go (swim for example, even Daytonas don't fair well then).

Depends on how paranoid you are about ankle protection. I'm no longer satisfied with that type of boot and so now use MX boots (Sidi Crossfire TA). They are good for walking an hour or two, but very heavy so I use sandals a lot. To me, the nuisance is outweighed by the increased protection.

Sidi Adventure is a lighter version of the Crossfire MX designed specifically for dual-sport riding. It has strong ankle protection but is still walkable. Worth trying out.

The European version of the Adventure has a Goretex liner and is completely water-proof. The US version uses a rain liner which is "water-resistant" but not 100% water-proof.

Be certain to try those before buying. I found the ankle protection inadequate, the construction "cheap", and they dug painfully into my foot where the leather creased at the end of the ankle protection plastic. The Crossfire was far easier to walk in, in spite of being heaver. Worth the expense to me.

Those Adventures look interesting. Still have that plastic hinge around the ankle which is what you want for offroad. No side ways flex. Although the crossfire has 2 which does make walking in them easy.

I love my crossfires. Had a low side with standard boots before and ended up in crutches for 6 weeks. The old boots wore pretty poorly as well on the trip, whereas the Sidi's still look like newish after a trip.

Banditderek

You've opend a can of worms here! I've bought a pair of Altbergs but as I don't actually start my trip until Saturday I can't swear by then yet. They are certainly comfy, good for walking/hiking and give some protection. I suppose they are a compromise - they aren't the BEST hiking boots or the BEST bike protection boots, but they are probably the best at both if you see what I mean. Lots of people have them and I'm yet to hear from someone who has Altbergs and says they are no good.

If you go up to Yorkshire they will fit some for you. Iw as lucky and they ahd my size in the show room but you'd better get them a few months before you leave as they make them to order and it can take a while. (The shop was full of hikers and walkers buying boots - a good sign.)

I like my Altberg boots but they're only ankle high, great for lightweight summer use.
My main boots are Daytona's (don't do off-roading) which are in fact, more comfortable than the (off the shelf) Altbergs.
If you want to have them made to fit, expect a very long waiting list as Lonesome indicated.

I would say my Altberg Hoggs are very comfy UK walking boots with a little more padding and leather for some bike specific protection. ie more biased to walking than riding. I've yet to find a pair of riding boots I can walk any distance in, or like (all?) MX boots to have a decent grippy sole for walking. But they are thick leather, so if you went somewhere hot they'd be too heavy and hot for walking anyway.
I also have a pair of their desert boots, the Desert Mountain I think, which are much lighter but zero riding related padding. V comfy tho.

I did actually go there and get measured since I have quite wide feet, they then posted them 2 months later. The fitter said I was between sizes, so would give me the smaller ones which would stretch to fit perfectly. They didn't. Drove back again, different fitter, 2 months later 2nd pair posted which are lovely.


So INHO MX boots with venting for hot riding, goretex socks for cold riding (+MX boots of course!), fabric walking boots for hot walking and those with goretex socks for cold walking! Crocs flip flops for being lazy!

Any hiking boot is as good as each other for bikes so long as they cover the ankle. But laces aren't great for bikes. And they won't give the protection as good quality boots like Daytona for the ankle.

Personally I've had good walking experiences with German boots like Meindl and Hanwag. Italian hiking boots are also top.

Still a compromise more towards walking than riding. You'll have to workout for yourself where your compromise leans. For me it depends on how much more time I spend doing either activity.

I can recommend Daytona - Trans Open GTX.
Not too heavy, waterproof and good protection and you can walk arround with them. I have it now for many years and 2 accidents.
Only the price ... is a little bit :rolleyes: ... may be the reason is, they are not made in china.

love em
 

13 months on the "road" in africa, 38,000 km dirt and bittumen riding, and wearing them every day, wwe have done 5 day hikes, and many day hikes, lots of city walking, . I have to say i love em. They are starting to show that resuts of thier hard life. I would recomend Altberg Hoglite boots with out hesitation.
No they are not sutible for motocross but for travel they are perfect.

Cheers mate
Xander and MrsX

For adventure riding Revit has the Apache
Rev'it Apache Boots - webBikeWorld

Their no MX boots, but adventure touring.
I fitted them, but they didnt fit my feet unfortunatly.
They walked and feeled very comfortable for walking. Nothing like the Alpinestars boots I have. But then again, my alpinestars have Goretex and fit like a glove. But they are too hot and uncomfortable for walking in.

Havent found a good boot yet. Will look at Daytona's as people here seem to be enthusiastic about them

Totally second that. Bought mine in 2005 and they're the best boots I've ever had. 100% waterproof, drove through days of nonstop rain (Hello Scotland! Dzien dobry Polska!) and my feet stayed completely dry and comfortably warm. Great for walking, very comfortable. Quite expensive but worth every cent.

Altberg Borego, top boot for protection and comfort.

I have the bandog all weather. It is a special order now but the hogg all weather is pretty similar. I use them for commuting every day, all year round. They have also done 2 trips riding to the pyrenees, off-road over the pyrenees and back again. For the HUMM this year I did not take any other footwear. I like to travel light :biggrin3:

For off-road trips I add a pair of mx knee and shin guards. Not as protective as a pair of off-road boots but on a long adventure trip I'm not riding like I do on the lanes round here, then I use MX boots.

So far they have done 2 years and 25k miles, and never leaked a drop of water. In September I sent them back to the factory for a £70 refurb. 5 weeks later they arrived back on my doorstep; new soles, waterproof lining replaced, gearchange pad replaced and all stitching renewed. Pretty much brand new boots for 1/2 the price, ready for the next 25k miles.

Altbergs
 

We can echo Xander. Our Altbergs, bought in 2005, did 22000 km round South America, lots of gravel, and lots of walking including 12 hours at Macchu Picchu - including Waynu Picchu (the big pointy mountain at the back of all the photos of the site). Several offs at low speed on dirt - we don't go fast. Comfortable from the moment we put them on.

Worn all round Europe from 2006-2009 on our normal road bikes. Resoled and heeled and new laces end 2009 just before we set off on our current RTW.

Boots still brilliant. Cannot recommend highly enough. Our RTW bikes have done 70,000 kms total since 2005, so that means the boots have as well + unknown mileage on our road bikes at home. And should anybody care about this sort of thing they still look like new when polished - we only do this for leather care and to help with waterproofing I hasten to add :-). We did not buy the goretex lining on the basis they would probably be too hot with it in.

+1 for Altbergs
 

Agree with those Altberg lovers above. My wife and I are both wearing them on our RTW and can't praise them highly enough. They're incredibly comfy and have been put through a fair bit of abuse (rain, watercrossings, desert and the KKH) and still look new.
We opted to not have the waterproof layer inserted as they'd be cooler in the heat and as promised by the guys at the factory the build quality alone has kept our feet 100% dry.
Yes, they do'nt have as much protection as a motocross boot but we CAN walk in them all day as they're basically high quality hiking boots that have been adapted for the rider. Having the Altbergs means we don't have to carry much in the footwear department saving us an awful lot of space.

Boots like so much on an overland trip are about finding a happy compromise. We're very happy with ours.

Altberg boots.. yeah any time again.... thinking about to get a spare set just in case..

did order a pair of HOGG ALL WEATHER MICROLITE bike boots in spring, ware them every day, on bike off bike and love them.
wasn't able to try this on a longer trip so far, regarding that they arrived just two weeks after my trip.. well I did order them two month beforehand but the Altberg factory must have been very busy so I had them later... anyway the best boots I had for a very long time, they are a treat and perfect for our needs for travelling light, no problems riding in the wet and cold of this autumn so far.
Standing up riding on the pegs is as good as I'm used to my Trail boots so no issue there.

Yes, for bashing along on a trail at weekendes without loaded with my kit, MX boots would be the better choice, but for travelling rides it's always better to avoiding risky aggressive style off-road riding anyway... so the Altber's are perfect.
give them a double ++

TCX Pro2 are excellent. They are articulated MX boots, so perfect for trail and adventure. I have just bought my 2nd pair (previous ones lasted 7 years), from topgearsupermarket for an unbelievable £129.

TCX Competizione gore-tex. They never let me down in two years everyday use. I can ride for 10 hours in serious rain without getting my feet wet.

Boots with good protection, watertight membrane, and confy for walking are SIDI Adventure.

In Our country they cost 300€ full price.

Altberg boots
 

Agree with all of the previous on Altberg.

I have a pair of Bandog s(from memory). Great boots-as said not huge protection, but good toe/heel/ankle.
Due to a wrong size being dispatched (my fault) Altberg turned me a pair out in less than 5 days as I was on a 3 week bike trip was the following week-so great service too.
A good hybrid in my view where space limited and not straying off road too much.

Simon

These are mines. Fantastic in cold and hot weather and good enough to walk around.

Halvarssons Cruiser

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/9...svanitatis.jpg

I've just stopped wearing motocross style boots (Sidi Courier and some by Diadora). I found that they were causing serious pain in my legs and feet. But i've got a great alternative. I have a pair of BMW Summer 2 trousers and BMW All Round boots. The boots are comfortable enough to wear all day and walk around in. In fact sometimes I wear them to work and don't change them, even during meetings with a suit on.

The Summer 2 trousers are the big win. They have knee armour that stretches all the way down my shins, about 6 cm beyond the top of the boots.

I can also recommend the BMW All Round boots as I find them light and comfy :D

Sidi 'On road' boots

Don't let the name fool you.
A review here and plenty of pictures:

Sidi On Road Gore-Tex Boots - webBikeWorld

Rode in these boots from the Arctic Circle to TDF and then around the world thru Russia , Mongolia, Gobi Desert, stood in Lake Baikal, walked in trout streams...they do not leak and they are comfortable right out of the box.

Several severe crashes but no foot injuries.

The best and surprisingly light.
Only a damn fool wears hiking boots or boots without a waterproof lining on a motorcycle, IMHO.
bill

Hiking boots + shinpads + gaiters
 

Ahoy,
I haven't done much riding but have chosen not to take riding boots due to the extra weight and discomfort for walking shoes. I've read a few reports from other riders citing this too.

My alternative is to use my Hi-tec Altitude Ultra lightweight hiking shoes, which cover above the ankle, along with my soccer shinguards for shin protection (maybe) and gaiters for extra waterproofing (and hiking).

I will let you know how this goes, but I'm happy so far.

Cheers,
Rossy.

This little dilemma appears again and again. Personally, after clouting my foot on a rock 10 years ago in the middle of nowhere in Morocco and my heel slamming in to the swing arm, I would not deviate from my current choice. I always wear motocross/enduro boots (with long sealskinz socks if raining). Then a pair of approach shoes (think off road trainers) for off the bike, why would you want to traipse around in your dirty bike boots when you finally get of the beast for the day? A pair of trainers hardly takes much room,
You could go totally hardcore like some blokes I met in Morocco once, 7 guys on africa twins, no support van, one 15-20 litre drybag each, which apparently contained shared spares/tools, jeans-t shirt-pants, toothbrush and finally - bungied on top for easy access- a pair of flip flops.

sidi black rains
 

i had a pair of sidi black rains,bit knackered now after 2 yrs of abuse but they were really comfortable.i even wore them for 3 days straight when i went to see metallica play in london and use to wear them out clubbing, if you pull your jeans down over them they look like fancy black shoes :clap:

Another vote for flip-flops and MX boots. 'Comfortable to walk in' normally means some sort of compromise on the protection front.

thor 50/50?
Thor Motocross

I use a pair of Gortex combat Pro boots, very comfortable, very waterproof and very protective around the foot area, big thick Vibram tread, thick leather and a thick padded interior around ankle and foot. I would sooner have my foot stuck under my bike in these than some of the cheaper carpet slipper motorbike boots ive had in the past....Allas ankle protection isn't ideal but they are wonderfull to walk in so if thats your priority, also as others have mentioned take a look at Altberg stuff, they do a high leg version of there Hogg boots which i am quite tempted by, has anyone tried a pair of these ?

Yes, I use the high leg Altberg Hogg style boot, and they are brilliant. The lacing all the way up the shin, holds the boot to your foot and leg with zero shifting up or down. Not tight spots, no hard corners. I can wear them all day, and walking around in them feels good. But I still want something, like a pair of sandals for walking in in hot weather.

Thanks for the reply, could you tell me if there is padding in them where the leg goes up high or is it just leather, what are they like to get on and off, is it a fiddly process ? all the best, Rich

They have ankle padding, and the folds of the gusset up the front of the boot, do contribute some protection, the rest of the leg has some padding, not just leather, but nothing like a trial or MX boot.
The laces take a bit of getting used to. You don't have to undso them all. The top 4 or 5 lacings are on hooks and below those, the laces loosen and tighten easily enough for taking on & off.

Allll Bert
 

I have worn my Altberg Classic high leg boots for 6 yrs, no need for plastic sweat boxes for 99% of all terrain use. They remain waterproof, all day boots I have worn for biking and walking. Bonus Altberg will repair ANY part of the boot in the future. ANY PART no matter what is required. ONE issue, do not buy the buckle up versions, unless you can touch your toes with the rest of your gear on. GREAT boots, I love em. My up and coming @road2manchester (Twitter), 16k mile Tour I will be buying a new pair of velcro versions. (fat belly):nono:

Right, thanks for the info on the Altbergs, im currently in the market for a new pair of boots so will deffinately consider these :thumbup1:

I got away with Salomon Hiking boots for my trip to Argentina. Im size 15 so taking riding boots and hiking boots for the volcanos and the andes was just way too much room. I came off at 100kmh on asphalt in Peru and my boots did wonders. Each to their own...

I have been considering heading up to Darlington for an Altberg try-on for a while now. Theyre tough enough to protect your foot/shin caught underneath a bike?

I'm like a broken record on this subject but i'll say it again..

Your ankles are the most vulnerable and most likely to be broken/sprained body part while riding a motorbike.

They are also one of the most complicated to fix and cause you a great deal of immovability.

Travelling in the third world makes good ankle protection even MORE important with bad roads and sometimes shocking health care... Do you want a back street clinic setting your broken ankle up ? Potentially leaving it fused and badly set.

Get good, solid MX boots and suck it up !! You get used to walking with them and how often do you actually do a trek in your bike gear anyway ???

I'd rather struggle a little bit walking up a flight of hotel steps than have a crushed or twisted ankle in the middle of a trip .


The Alpine Star Tech 3 looks like a good option if you want to compromise a little without having "skiboots" like my Tech 10's ...

Altbergs make GREAT boots but they have very little protection. I'd use them for commuting only.

But like everything..... The risk is yours and "each to their own" when it comes to gear and safety.

http://www.binbin.net/photos/generic...oots-black.jpg

Totally agree. Last thing I'd do is walk a lot in riding great. Sidi cross fire for me. Double hinged makes them very easy to walk in but they start off stiff so just wear them a lot. They are a great fit straight out of the box though. No wearing in required for riding. Just for walking. I used to wear road boots but came off once and ended up on crutches for a few weeks. Wasn't even a big stack. Had heaps of stacks since but my ankles haven't been injured since.

Thanks, Ted. Something tells me I will be tapping your reservoir of knowledge a lot in the coming months. :-)

Thor Quadrant ATV boots for me. They're much the same as their MX boots, but have better soles and to me anyway just a little bit more give.

http://motorcycleridergear.com/wp-co...Mens-Boots.jpg

When you look at what ATV riders do these days you can see they're after the same levels of protection, but because they spend longer off their quads swearing in the mud they want good grip, and slightly easier walking.

That said I've also been using my Karrimor Snow Boots recently.

http://images.sportsdirect.com/image...18325305_l.jpg

There's a lot of padding there which offers some protection, they're fully waterproof, and very snug. Wouldn't want to wear them on a hot day though.

Altberg
 

We both bought Altberg continental tourers for a trip across Africa, they are absoloutely excellent. So much so that I tend to leave them on until I remember to take them off. Brilliant on and off the bike.

biker boots
 

there is one make i can't recommend and it's Prexport,the soles parted from the uppers,and i have only had them two years and probably walked about five miles in them.
The suppliers didn't want to know and the manufacturers and importers also didn't answer my e mails.
I will never buy them again.

cheers melv

I've been hearing nothing but good things about the Sidi Adventure boots...

Well, apart from the price !! EEEEEEK £280

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload...nture_gore.jpg

[QUOTE=*Touring Ted*;336428]I've been hearing nothing but good things about the Sidi Adventure boots...

Well, apart from the price !! EEEEEEK £280

Sidi Adventures last couple of days :thumbdown:
Ride as standing on he pegs and soles where gone after three days f... :censored:

[QUOTE=Capo Sakke;336443]WHAAAAAAAAAAT ?? Well, I was reading the rider reviews on UKGSER.. The carpets at Starbucks must be a lot kinder to the soles !:innocent:

Sticking with my MX boots then.......

Gaerne Trials Boot
 

I'm gobsmacked, just gone through this whole thread because it's very relevant and not one mention of the Gaerne Trials boot. Check them out, I believe I've found the boot that I so desperately need....!!!! :cool4:

The dogs danglies........!!!
 

I have a pair of Salomon's for day use and use them on the Beamer for local riding. THEE most comfortable boot ever to have graced my feet but at the end of the day Touring Ted is right and you need the protection...!!!

I posted this a couple of years ago.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...688#post268562

Gaerne boots
 

.......so you did, anyway's I have just bought a pair tonight of ebay for £75.00, Bargain....!!!!!! Will post here later with a rating factor.

ATV Boots
 

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.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...atvonezoom.jpg

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 for the 3 months till we got back to Scotland.

ummmm, shoe dilemas. I have a pair of oxtar goretex boots, nice but not comfy to walk for more than 1/2 mile in.

Next month I wnat to go on a glacier safari in Norway, but have to wear walking boots. My salomen walking boots are the most comfy thing for my feet, but they only just cover my ankle bone, and although healthcare is good, I don't want to ruin my trip with a buggered ankle!

Altberg now in Taunton
 

Getting up t'ut north (Yorkshire) just for a boot fitting is/was always going to be difficult for us soft southerners. BUT the problem is now apparently resolved .. :)

I just received the following self-explanatory auto e-meassage from Altberg:

--------------------------------------------

Thank you for your interest in Alt-berg
Dear E-Member,

We’re pleased to be able to tell you that Taunton Leisure are our new Premier Retailer for Altberg width fitting walking boots in the South West!!!

Taunton Leisure are now stocking Alt-Berg walking boots in four width fittings, in the Taunton Shop. Their experienced, well-informed staff have been trained at the Alt-Berg factory in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to fit Alt-Berg boots using our tried and tested width fitting system.

Started over 30 years ago by the Clark family, Taunton Leisure have been selling outdoor equipment and clothing for over 25 years from the same store in East Reach, Taunton, and they have built a strong reputation for customer service, excellent products and great prices.

Contact the shop on 01823 332987, or visit them at Taunton Leisure, 40, East Reach, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3ES – Camping Equipment, Outdoor Clothing & Gear, Taunton Leisure

Best wishes,

Alt-Berg

--------------------------------------------

This info is worth knowing. I think I'll drop by Tauton Leisure next time I'm in the market for a new pair of boots.


.

Me and the missus both got the AltBerg All Weather Originals and have been on the road with them as our only shoes for 3 months. Off road riding, camping, partying at a night club, they've done it all. Real sh*t kickers. Recommended. :thumbup1:

I've just got some Sidi Courier boots. They rock, comfy as and pretty good ankle support/protection.

For my money they're the best compromise between an MX boot and something you can walk in. They're a true 'all day long' boot.

I finally threw my HG Tuaregs in the bin after 5 years of faithful service. A bunch of the buckles have gone, all the toe protectors have ripped out and the sole has holes in - but probably not the boots fault!

I've used the same Frank Thomas boots for about 16 years now!! Cheap from the BMF show( hey...this weekend in Lincolnshire!)....Soles finally parted company with the uppers.The local cobbler said....Don't use your right foot to stand on the heel of your left boot when you pull the boots off...and they'd have lasted a lot longer !! Value or what!

Just retirned from 12,000 km in 28 days and love my Altberg Boregos, they are hardly marked, still clean (I washed any grease off them with soap and water) and they were so comfortable, they are good!

I ordered a pair of Altberg Hoggs back in August. After a wait until the end of October for the boots to be produced, the boots being lost in the mail, a second pair gone in to production after a refund from the shipping company, the second pair of boots then not passing Altbergs quality control it's been nearly six months since I originally ordered my boots.

They've now closed down for Christmas and mentioned that I could possibly be getting my boots by mid January by when I hope to be halfway around Australia.

I have had a pair of Sidi couriers for about four years,a lot of walking in them and find them ok.

I use my couriers for all sorts now - including walking the dogs, they're as comfy as my ten year old walking boots.

They do however allow a lot of foot movement - that's why they're so comfy. I broke my ankle a few months ago and as I'm off to the Sahara in two weeks decided to upgrade to something with a hinged ankle - the Adventure Gore, which is ace.

If you're off-roading or crash-happy then I'd say put up with uncomfortable walking if the protection is better - walking with a broken ankle is uncomfortable and green-laning with a fresh break is eye-watering!

The W2 Adventure boots have had some great reviews. They've got a vibram sole too so should be quite comfy.

I left home in a pair of Daytona Trans open. Lovely boot but didn't stop me hurting my ankle on the TAT. If I was starting again I would use full on motox boots.

I had a pair of Daytona road boots for my 6 months trip to mongolia, and I can tell, they are expensive, but really worth it!

Never had I cold feet
Never had I wet feet
Never any pain even after a 2-3 hours walk in the cities

Of your when it's hot... well your feet gets hot!