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21 Mar 2014
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R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
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Where are you based NOW? USA is cheap for boots. If me, I'd have sent BOTH those failed boots back ... I'd bet you'd have got a free pair out of it. SIDI, especially, respond well to product failure. Alpinestar, IMHO,
are crap boots.
Believe it or not, there are now several unknown brands (some made in China) which aren't half bad.
I bought these for $50 usd off ADV Rider. A disillusioned BMW rider who just HAD to have a known brand! 
MSR is "malcolm smith racing" Made in China.
Surprisingly comfortable to walk in, very good protection. New, about $150.
For $50 usd, a fantastic boot.
Lots of bargains out there. see below:
Check out Forma, Gaerne, TCX
Gaerne G-Adventure Boots by Atomic Moto
TCX Track EVO WP Boots - RevZilla
Some good deals on this site. TCX are quite good (formerly Oxtar)
Most of the boots above are not full Moto Cross boots, but rather dual sport, for more comfort.
My dirt bike boots are SIDI Crossfires ($550 new), and IMO, they are the best in the world. I've had them about 3 years, excellent.
But would I take them traveling? Nope! Need something I can walk in.
It's all about compromises! Do the best you can!
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21 Mar 2014
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Contributing Member
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: RTW
Posts: 517
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
Where are you based NOW? USA is cheap for boots. If me, I'd have sent BOTH those failed boots back ... I'd bet you'd have got a free pair out of it. SIDI, especially, respond well to product failure. Alpinestar, IMHO,
are crap boots.
Believe it or not, there are now several unknown brands (some made in China) which aren't half bad.
I bought these for $50 usd off ADV Rider. A disillusioned BMW rider who just HAD to have a known brand!
MSR is "malcolm smith racing" Made in China.
Surprisingly comfortable to walk in, very good protection. New, about $150.
For $50 usd, a fantastic boot.
Lots of bargains out there. see below:
Check out Forma, Gaerne, TCX
Gaerne G-Adventure Boots by Atomic Moto
TCX Track EVO WP Boots - RevZilla
Some good deals on this site. TCX are quite good (formerly Oxtar)
Most of the boots above are not full Moto Cross boots, but rather dual sport, for more comfort.
My dirt bike boots are SIDI Crossfires ($550 new), and IMO, they are the best in the world. I've had them about 3 years, excellent.
But would I take them traveling? Nope! Need something I can walk in.
It's all about compromises! Do the best you can! |
I am at the moment in Louisiana and will travel US, Canada and Alaska now for 6 months.
I have sent feedback to Alpinestars and still waiting their response.
I definitely need to get new boots quite soon (before heading to Alaska).
I am just worried if next boots will fail again in 1 year, because at that time I will be somewhere in Central- or South-America...
I loved Alpinestars Toucan boots, really comfortable and decent to walk around. Only bad thing is that they failed after 1 year of usage... Of course, my usage is quite extreme, because I wear them every day and use them in quite an extreme climates.
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21 Mar 2014
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Registered User
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 377
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Hein Gericke Rallye lll Gortex.
Simply the best pair of boots I've ever owned! All day (and night at times) every day for 6 months straight, warm, comfortable, rouged and waterproof!
Hein Gericke Rallye III GORE-TEX® Stiefel - Stiefel
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22 Mar 2014
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Contributing Member
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: RTW
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Drwnite
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Are Hein-Gericke boots available in US?
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22 Mar 2014
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Registered User
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 377
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hemuli
Are Hein-Gericke boots available in US?
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Seems not, I did a bit of a search and nada! However...........
The TCX Infinity GTX Boot is almost exactly the same, available in the USA and they have very good reviews :-)
https://www.facebook.com/TCXBoots
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22 Mar 2014
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R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Drwnite
Seems not, I did a bit of a search and nada! However...........
The TCX Infinity GTX Boot is almost exactly the same, available in the USA and they have very good reviews :-)
https://www.facebook.com/TCXBoots |
The TCX Infinity are a great looking boot ... and SUPER comfortable. But protection is not that good at all if going off road.
It's a very soft, supple boot. (for comfort)
Really a "Lite Duty" dual sport or road boot at best. Two riding buddies own them. They use them as a road boot only ... not off road. But to me the biggest negative is the price. ($380 usd)
Hein Gericke products have not been sold in US for over 10 years.
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23 Mar 2014
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Registered User
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 377
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
The TCX Infinity protection is not that good at all if going off road. It's a very soft, supple boot. (for comfort) Really a "Lite Duty" dual sport or road boot at best. Two riding buddies own them. They use them as a road boot only ... not off road. But to me the biggest negative is the price. ($380 usd)
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My Hein Gericke Rallye lll's were $345, not having laid eyes or hands on the TXC's I've heard they're all but identical. I have no trouble going bush with the HG's they're sturdy off road, water proof and comfortable to walk in all day, for my money the perfect all round boot!
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27 Mar 2014
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Contributing Member
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: RTW
Posts: 517
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Thanks for all the replies! 
Just got reply from Alpinestars (after I included Alpinestars Italy in my email).
They said that I need to take my boots to the dealer where I bought them (I bought them from Germany) and then they can send them to Italy for inspection... So not an option for me...
I am at the moment close to Orlando and tomorrow I will ride to Birmingham to see Barber museum Barber : Home
Does anyone know a good place in Birmingham, Alabama to buy new boots?
I really need to compare and try these boots in the store.
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2 Apr 2014
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Registered Users
HUBB regular
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Wales
Posts: 48
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I also preach Alt-Berg Hogg all weather.  Although at first they seemed uncomfortable, after a little while I got used to them and now they are good for riding and walking for miles (almost like hiking shoes).
When it comes to providing protection, it's a compromise, but still Alt-Bergs seem better then my previous RST riding boots, which also broke only after about 4 months of using.
Here's a short review I've done on my page:
http://www.nomadsatheart.com/motorcy...g-all-weather/
Good luck with your choice.
Last edited by jacekklimko; 11 Jul 2014 at 22:31.
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2 Apr 2014
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Registered Users
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Hessen, Germany
Posts: 187
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
The TCX Infinity are a great looking boot ... and SUPER comfortable. But protection is not that good at all if going off road.
It's a very soft, supple boot. (for comfort)
Really a "Lite Duty" dual sport or road boot at best. Two riding buddies own them. They use them as a road boot only ... not off road. But to me the biggest negative is the price. ($380 usd)
Hein Gericke products have not been sold in US for over 10 years.
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I have TCX Infinity boots, and yes they are comfy. But I would not say that it's a long lasting boot. I'm on my 3rd pair in approx 6 years (~160-170kkm), they tend to fail miserable, like the a sowing (last year), suddenly start leaking(1th pair).
The sole is too soft for standing up for long periods.
I'm currently also looking for something else, but tooooo many choices.
Casper
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13 May 2014
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Registered Users
HUBB regular
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 83
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I have the waterproof Gaerne trials boots. Mine are at least 10 years old and just broken in.
I don't find them on the net, but they look like these
Gaerne Balance Pro-Tech Boots by Atomic Moto
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5 Jun 2014
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Registered Users
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 1
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Yup, TCX Infinity, not very good for offroad
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16 Jun 2014
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Gold Member
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 658
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Next time I go to London I will get myself a pair of Altbergs as I have drooled over them for years.
I've got some sturdy Alpha hiking boots with Goretex that I like to use, but also have various motorcycle boots, including Enduro boots from BMW (can't rememeber the name). Motorcycle boots are better for riding... but not for walking. Two pairs of boots simply take up too much space. What I end up wearing depends on the type of trip I embark on. My last trip on Iceland it was motorcycle boots all the way, and some compact sneakers for once i arrived at my destination. It was all riding without stop all day.
On my african trips I've preferred the hilimng boots as my day's ride would often include some stops which envolved walking or hanging about. One problem with hiking boots are that they offer poor protection. I've dropped a bike on my foot parked, and I was limping for a week. With a proper boot I would have been much better off.
One thing to keep in mind, as I just saw it happen to someone a few days ago. Tuck your shoelaces inside the boot as they can snag on the bike. Poor fellow got a shoelace snagged on his footrest or something, coming to a stop. He leaned to put is foot down coming to a stand still, but ended up tipping over as he struggled getting his foot firmly planted in time to hold the bike up.
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22 Mar 2014
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R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hemuli
I am at the moment in Louisiana and will travel US, Canada and Alaska now for 6 months.
I have sent feedback to Alpinestars and still waiting their response.
I definitely need to get new boots quite soon (before heading to Alaska).
I am just worried if next boots will fail again in 1 year, because at that time I will be somewhere in Central- or South-America...
I loved Alpinestars Toucan boots, really comfortable and decent to walk around. Only bad thing is that they failed after 1 year of usage... Of course, my usage is quite extreme, because I wear them every day and use them in quite an extreme climates.
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I would be calling the national distributor ... forget email. CALL.
For SIDI you want to call Motonation:
Motonation 10225 Prospect Avenue | Santee, CA 92071 |
Phone: 619.401.4100. Casuals. Gloves. Helmets. Race Suits. Spare Parts. Tony. 4 5 5 5 7 8.
I've never dealt with Alpinestar ... Google is your friend!
Hard to imagine what you are doing to get them to fail so early? :confused1:
Are you standing up on jagged foot pegs a lot? Hiking miles in them? (Moto boots are for riding, not walking!)
Or dragging your toes everywhere?  Constantly wet?
I carry a pair of Keen sandals for walking off the bike, or sometimes tennis shoes. Soon as I stop .. boots off!
One thing that can rot internal seams quickly is moisture. Wet interiors will come apart. I use Sno-Seal Bee's Wax on my boots. Especially good on the BIG white stitching along the sole. (see pic) The boots shown are not treated yet. Stops water entrance.
I also apply Sno Seal to all leather on the boot. Amazing stuff ... really helps keep feet dry. Find it at any outdoor supply/camping store. Apply then bake in oven at about 120F (very low heat) for about 15 min. Should help keep your feet dry.
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22 Mar 2014
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: RTW
Posts: 517
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
I would be calling the national distributor ... forget email. CALL.
For SIDI you want to call Motonation:
Motonation 10225 Prospect Avenue | Santee, CA 92071 |
Phone: 619.401.4100. Casuals. Gloves. Helmets. Race Suits. Spare Parts. Tony. 4 5 5 5 7 8.
I've never dealt with Alpinestar ... Google is your friend!
Hard to imagine what you are doing to get them to fail so early? :confused1:
Are you standing up on jagged foot pegs a lot? Hiking miles in them? (Moto boots are for riding, not walking!)
Or dragging your toes everywhere? Constantly wet?
I carry a pair of Keen sandals for walking off the bike, or sometimes tennis shoes. Soon as I stop .. boots off!
One thing that can rot internal seams quickly is moisture. Wet interiors will come apart. I use Sno-Seal Bee's Wax on my boots. Especially good on the BIG white stitching along the sole. (see pic) The boots shown are not treated yet. Stops water entrance.
I also apply Sno Seal to all leather on the boot. Amazing stuff ... really helps keep feet dry. Find it at any outdoor supply/camping store. Apply then bake in oven at about 120F (very low heat) for about 15 min. Should help keep your feet dry. |
Hi mollydog,
Yes, I think I need to call Alpinestars to get any answer from them.
I am truly amazed why they have failed so fast :confused1:
I have been riding now through europe, central-, Se-Asia, Australia and NZ. Temperature and humidity have been quite high.
I use big Pivotpegz-footpegs. I do not drag my legs and do not do any hiking (max 15 mins walk from the bike, or else I use my running shoes).
Shoes have been wet many times from stream and river crossings, but this is just a normal use 
Interiors are ok, only seams from outer layers have failed.
-Hemuli
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
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