These boots are made for walking ...

[shomani]

Hi all,
I understand that adventure riding is filled with a world of compromises. I'm wondering what are your thoughts on boots. I've been trying to find a pair of boots that would offer reasonable protection while riding and could also double as a good pair of hiking boots.
My criteria are:
- Good foot, ankle and shin protection
- Gortex, waterproof
- Sole stiff enough for off-road upright riding, but supple enough to hike several kilometers.
Klim offer the Outlander GTX Boots, but they seem to be too short for my taste. If they were at least 8 or 9 inches high, I would consider trying them.
What are your thoughts on this subject?

[mark manley]

Altberg Hogg, I have used them for the last 20 years, that is two pairs in that time, a good compromise between protection and other uses.

https://www.altberg.co.uk/boots/p/ho...ather-original

[Jay_Benson]

Another vote for Alt Berg - I have never seen a bad word about them. Also if you need to they can resolve them so the value for money gets better over time.

They have a range to choose from with varying heights:

https://www.altberg.co.uk/boots/c/motorcycle-boots16

[shomani]

Thanks for the links guys, I'll certainly give these a good look over.

[tremens]

I've been using Sidi Adventure Goretex and TCX Desert Goretex boots for years
and they do indeed work as hiking boots as well, very comfortable. For adventure riding they're good enough providing you don't do anything crazy.

None of such boots though will offer protection you get from proper MX boots like Sidi Crossfire, Alpinestars Tech10 or Gaerne SG12.

[Flipflop]

IMHO Altberg’s offer the same amount of protection as Forma Adv boots on the bike (I have both) but are a true hiking boot - if I was going on a month long hike in the Himalayas I would take my Altberg’s.

[shomani]

Originally Posted by tremens

I've been using Sidi Adventure Goretex and TCX Desert Goretex boots for years
and they do indeed work as hiking boots as well, very comfortable. For adventure riding they're good enough providing you don't do anything crazy.

None of such boots though will offer protection you get from proper MX boots like Sidi Crossfire, Alpinestars Tech10 or Gaerne SG12.

I also have the Sidi ADV boots. I can't walk a mile in these and can't stand the squeaking noise they make when walking.

[Tomkat]

Originally Posted by tremens

I've been using Sidi Adventure Goretex and TCX Desert Goretex boots for years
and they do indeed work as hiking boots as well, very comfortable. For adventure riding they're good enough providing you don't do anything crazy.

None of such boots though will offer protection you get from proper MX boots like Sidi Crossfire, Alpinestars Tech10 or Gaerne SG12.

I don't think the difference in protection is that great. My Sidi Adventures are as supportive as MX boots to above the ankle, and on the calf it doesn't really matter. In case of twisting injury I've seen MX riders with spiral fractures of the tib and fib because the boots were so rigid they just transmitted the force to above the boot.

I'm seriously considering Altbergs for my Asia trip this year, partly for the ease of walking, and partly because the Adventures are so damn squeaky!

www.facebook.com/motosunburn

[AnTyx]

Originally Posted by shomani

I've been trying to find a pair of boots that would offer reasonable protection while riding and could also double as a good pair of hiking boots.

Even if you find ones that are sufficiently comfortable - do you really want to wear out your $300 Goretex moto boots on hikes, sweat in them, cover them in mud? When you could use $80 hiking boots that will be much better at the job?

I've done brief hikes off the bike in my Dainese Fulcrums, and they were fine. But I always have a pair of proper mid-height hiking boots with me for serious outings.

[shomani]

Originally Posted by AnTyx

Even if you find ones that are sufficiently comfortable - do you really want to wear out your $300 Goretex moto boots on hikes, sweat in them, cover them in mud? When you could use $80 hiking boots that will be much better at the job?

I've done brief hikes off the bike in my Dainese Fulcrums, and they were fine. But I always have a pair of proper mid-height hiking boots with me for serious outings.

I agree that having both pairs of boots is the answer, but I'm trying to have at least 2 functions for every piece of equipment. Also, I would be wary of leaving my riding boots beside the bike while I go on a prolonged hike.

[Flipflop]

Altberg’s are both motorcycle boots and hiking boots in one and (if you look after them) they will last you for at least 20 years doing both on a regular basis.

[AnTyx]

Originally Posted by Flipflop

Altberg’s are both motorcycle boots and hiking boots in one and (if you look after them) they will last you for at least 20 years doing both on a regular basis.

I'm sure they are very nice boots, but:

1) Lacing is an absolute deal-breaker for me. I have a pair of beautiful Vitesse Hunt boots I bought but never wear, among other things because laces get caught on shift/brake levers and rearsets, and it's a serious hazard.

2) By definition, any boot that allows enough ankle flex to be comfortable for hiking, does not protect sufficiently against overextension. I've messed up my ankles before, that damage is cumulative, and I am not going to take chances.

Also, I would be wary of leaving my riding boots beside the bike while I go on a prolonged hike.

I've seen people drill a hole in the top back of the boot, just below the edge, to run a cable through, and lock the boots to the bike.

[Flipflop]

Originally Posted by AnTyx

I'm sure they are very nice boots, but:

1) Lacing is an absolute deal-breaker for me. I have a pair of beautiful Vitesse Hunt boots I bought but never wear, among other things because laces get caught on shift/brake levers and rearsets, and it's a serious hazard.

2) By definition, any boot that allows enough ankle flex to be comfortable for hiking, does not protect sufficiently against overextension. I've messed up my ankles before, that damage is cumulative, and I am not going to take chances.



I've seen people drill a hole in the top back of the boot, just below the edge, to run a cable through, and lock the boots to the bike.

My recommendation was for Shomany not for you and Altberg’s fulfil his requirements. However, Altberg clubmans are not lace up and still very comfortable to walk-in. My wife has a pair and they have been her only motorcycle boots for 20 years.

[abbeyman]

As a regular fell walker I'm not a convinced that a a boot that a good bike boot would be adequate for walking and vice-versa

[PeteDuke]

Altberg every time for me. I have a pair of Clubman Roadster boots. So comfy that easily do some walking in. I had mine back to factory for repair, and they fully refurbed them, new lining and sole. I have never looked for another boot and these ones of mine are 25 yrs old.