These boots are made for walking ...
 

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?

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

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

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

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.

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.

I have Altberg Hogg Lites and I would buy them again.

I also have BMW Gravel boots which have been great, but I haven't tested these as hiking boots.

I've also had the Forma boots and loved them, but after a few years they seemed to lose their firmness.

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.

For riding all kinds of roads on a triumph tiger 800XC I use Alpinestars toucan. Offers good protection on the bike, good ankle and shin protection. Possible to walk a couple of km.

For cruising in Europe on my motoguzzi norge I use Meindl hiking boots type B,C excellent ankle protection and you can walk all day.

Like you say everything is a compromise... :scooter::D

Have fun

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

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.

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.

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.