Boot Reviews and Opinions

[vince in San Diego]

My old USMC boots have seen better days. Now that I've gotten a decent riding jacket that I love, (Dainese Trax), I need to get serious about foot protection. I've looked online at Vendramini boots out of Italy and they look gorgeous - handmade with 2.4 mm thick leather (about 1/8 inch). They list for between 200 and 300 dollars which seems like a lot of money. Any opinions on the Vendramini brand? Also, a british boot company named Alt-Berg seems to make quality footware. Over to you... :)

[QBOTU]

I've been through Sidis and a couple of "no name" brands and have finally found a comfortable/safe/well fitting boot...I wear the BMW Contour Plus and they're excellent.

[keithrj]

being USMC i'm sure you know about Bates...
They make a great, light boot...more for warm weather though...i dont know the model number, but they're insanely light compared to general issue boots and they come in standard and side zip.

[GGRJR]

I have been wearing Gaerne and SIDI for several years, now and have been very happpy with both. However teh SIDI s appear to be holding up better. New enough leathers currently has several of last years on close out, for a decen t price.
http://www.newenough.com/

Thank you for your suggestions - I'll check them all out and get back with my opinions.

Vince

[Thumpercrazee]

Hi all,

I have to say that I have the Combat Lites from Aerostich, and I am truely impressed. Having raced in my younger years and worn a pair of Moto-X boots from Hi-Point, these boots are really great. Good for all day wear and then some!! I even wore them to work for nine hours, (walking and office combined) and found them comfortable and with great traction.
They do need a bit of break-in, but considering the boots I normally buy and wear, they are not really problematic.
Here in Montana we measure a walk by the number of miles you put in so....
They are not cheap however, and if price is a major factor, you might want to look elsewhere. I put about 12,000 miles on my Strom this year and so they get a lot of wear. I have had these about half of those miles so time will tell, but I am very satisfied.
Hope this helps

TC :D :D

[TheTwins]

I have the AlpineStar touring boots. Waterproof, leather, all black, and respectable enough to wear at work with Dockers and a polo shirt. I really like them. I paid about $160, but I have seen them online for as low as $125. I've used them in temps from +95F to +28F so far and I'm happy.

[Imagine]

I have a set of Oxtar Matrix boots that I bought from newenough.com. They are really good boots.

-They are comfortable, I wear them at work all day long.
-They are waterproof, haven't gotten wet toes yet.
-They are fairly warm, I've ridden in mid 30's with them with just a plain pair of tube socks. My toes get chilly, but nothing bad.
- They feel pretty supportive. Not anything like race boots, but I wear them all day so I need a little movement.
-They grip really well. They don't slip like some other boots I've worn.

So far I've been really happy with them.

[tinman]

I am with Imagine: the Oxtar Matrix boots are very good. I would not suggest that they are particularly good for lots of walking. The sole is not padded and they could get uncomfortable during a long walk. But they are well made, suitable as footwear during the day, and have protection for the toes, heels, shins, and ankles. As Imagine says, the tread is very grippy - not likely you will slip on anything. They get better as you continue to use them.

[spongebob218]

I have 2 sets of boots I use primarily for riding:Bates Enforcers and Cortech Solution waterproof boots.

The Bates are extremely comfortable for riding, especially if going offroad because they have a lug sole. The toe is also short enough you can fit it between the lever and the footpeg without contorting you leg in some unnatural angle. Plus I can walk all day in them and my feet feel fine. They only have one downfall though:the ones I have aren't waterproof. But, you can get them in waterproof styles.

The Cortech Solution waterproof riding boots are comfortable for riding, waterproof, and warm enough down to about 35F. However, they are for riding only, as they are quite uncomfortable to walk in. I picked mine up from a local retailer for $110, but here is one link to see them. http://www.derbycycles.com/cgi-bin/eShop/index.cgi?pid=3146

[MATTMAN]

I like my Oxtar matrix boots as well.

[BBurton "BigB"]

I am not a fan of any slip on motorcycle boot. I am a Red Wing boot man. I wear a pair of steel toe work boots, that are heavily oiled. VERY comfortable, and my feet stay cool in the summer, and warm in cool weather with a pair of winter socks. I have been caught in the rain several times, without my feet getting wet. My last pair of Red Wing boots survived for about 10 years. :)

[bear7858]

i am wearing some boots i bought for work. i deliver to restaraunts kitchens where the floors are always coated with oil and grease. they are made by a company called "shoes for crews" and they have "0" slip. made of a cordura type material. i can personally testify that u can push a hand truck loaded with 500-600 lbs of beef thru a kitchen obstacle course at a trot and never slip. aint sure they r water proof but my feet have never been wet. been caught in the rain a couple times since getting my bike and no wet feet then either.
they r ankle + high and VERY tuff. u can get them higher and lower and dozens of different styles including leather. the best thing about them is their price. i payed less than $50 for the style i am wearing. they may not last decades like well made well cared for leather will but hey...i can buy alot of them. they r comfortable to boot. i weigh 250 lbs and walk and trot what seems like several miles a day under a heavy load and they also have excellent ankle support and protection.
www.shoesforcrews.com if non slip is your thing

[technojerry]

AlpineStar SMX-3 are a very comfortable book. I like lace up boots, but these fit snug for a slip on with a side zipper. They have the ugly toe drag stuff, but have been very comfortable, on and off the bike. I have riden in temps from only 50 to 90 degrees so far here in the high desert in CA. Only downside is that they are expensive (over $220).

DL1000 VSTROM '05
w/ lots of MO-TECH parts
and Givi bags

[mike183]

The Cortech Solution waterproof riding boots are comfortable for riding, waterproof, and warm enough down to about 35F.

My riding buddy got a pair of these and they leaked like crazy after one hour. His waterproof jacket and pants failed also. Froze his butt off. He was pissed like hell and sent everything back. My 2 1/2 year old Alpinestars Web Gortex held up well. Over 25,000 miles on those suckers. They look like hell but they work. I applied a leather waterproofing compund to them and that helps the leather from getting soaked very quickly. When it does get soaked the waterpoof membrane works for quite a few hours. After about 6 hours of soaking rain the water starts to penetrate slightly. From what I see that is better than most of the other boots that are out there.
I have a two piece First Gear rain suit and that works great. Only thing that will keep the rain out. All the riding jackets that claim to be waterpoof are just not.

[seat_boy]

I have some Sidi Discoverys that I like quite a bit. They're almost like a light MX boot, with the metal toe cap and buckles. They're heavy duty and don't fit under jeans, but after wearing these regular street boots feel like bedroom slippers. They're also waterproof.

Eric

[spongebob218]

My riding buddy got a pair of these and they leaked like crazy after one hour.

I haven't had 1 problem with mine yet. The longest I've ridden with them in the rain is about 2 hrs, and my feet were as dry at the end as they were when I started. I'm sure there are much better riding boots than the Cortechs, but for the price I don't think they can be beaten.

[GGRJR]

Ok. everyone has made my life difficult. After a 6 hour ride in a 39 degree rain storm, extremely wet and cold feet, wearing SIDI vert 2s, I am looking at some water proof versions. Had planned on getting the Vert Tepors, but now I hav been looking at teh OXTAR Matrixs as well. The regular Verts have held up well including several track days, so I know teh verts will hold up. What is evryone's experienc with OXTAR waterproof and not?

[prof]

I have the Alpinestars Ridge boots. Waterproof and comfortable to walk around in, and not too pricey.
prof

I, like so many others, was in the same boat. I settled on a pair of SIDI Discovery boots. I believe they are about $250.00 in the US. They are a cross between a MX boot and a trials boot. A 3 buckle style with half the weight and stiffness of a MXer. Gore Tex lined and 100% waterproof. First day touring was 40F and 9 hours of rain-dry feet! These are more of an adventure touring boot. Love 'em.

[JRShaw]

8)
For what it is worth, I have a pair of Red Wing lace up model 914 boots. Gore-Tex and water resistant leather. Northern Illinois to mid-state Mississippi last year Monday after Thanksgiving in rain and snow most all of the way. Feet stayed dry and toasty all the way. Same holds true for the rest of me with my Roadcrafter and Gerbings jacket liner. The boots are the best I've ever used. Good to walk in also. Check them out at:
http://www.redwingshoe.com/shoe-zoom.cfm?style=914
:P

[Albie]

I have a pair of Red Wing "Frat" slip on boots that I wear for commuting. Comfortable and I can wear them at work. I've had this pair for 22 years! Of course I hope I'm never wearing them when I go down cause they have NO armour. They'll be good for abrasion, but that's about it. For serious riding I have SIDI's. For canyon carving I wear the Vertebra's, for long distance riding, the Sympatek's, and for off roading, the Discovery's.

Oh yeah, stay away from any kind of lace up boot. Laces and bikes do not mix. Ask anyone whos hung up a lace on a shifter or got it caught in a chain.

[BBurton "BigB"]

Oh yeah, stay away from any kind of lace up boot. Laces and bikes do not mix. Ask anyone whos hung up a lace on a shifter or got it caught in a chain.

I normally agree with this statement 100%, for most laced shoes. But.... my Redwing boot laces are short and located too high up, to get caught on anything!! :wink:

[GGRJR]

I finally made a decision and ordered the Matrix from New Enough. I will post my impressions once I get them and wear them a few times.

[keithrj]

just bought some Magnum Stealth 2 boots. figured i'd add to this discussion :P
review:
very nice so far...very light and comfortable for wearing on and off the bike.
they're all leather to about the height of the ankle, then are some sort of nylon. the zipper is also backed by leather to keep out water/wind.
they also have a very high traction outer sole that is slip & oil resistant.
they do a better job than my Bates do as far as keeping wind out
price: $80 +tax

[revel22]

I have Aerostich Combat Touring Boots. The non-lite version. Should last a lifetime easily. Not a wimpy boot whatsoever. Custom made in Italy by SIDI for Aerostitch. You will not hurt your foot, ankle or shin if you go down in these things. Booyah.

[805gregg]

I am not a fan of any slip on motorcycle boot. I am a Red Wing boot man. I wear a pair of steel toe work boots, that are heavily oiled. VERY comfortable, and my feet stay cool in the summer, and warm in cool weather with a pair of winter socks. I have been caught in the rain several times, without my feet getting wet. My last pair of Red Wing boots survived for about 10 years. :)

I've got some pictures of regular boats after they were skidded across the road, the boats didn't make it neither did the wearer's ankle, took the ankle bone down quite a bit, makes me noxious to look at them, can't imagine what is felt like, only top quality motorcycle boots for me,have combat lites also and love them.

[catneck]

Old post, but my 2 cents
I bought from Cycle Gear. Their Frank Thomas brand Aqua Pro Vent. Great boots, so far this winter has been unusually wet (for California) and have been trouble free and dry. 4000 miles so far..... :D
I had just decided to buy the Gaerne ST Dry Touring boots , but the CG store was on my way...
Was able to pick 'em up at the local store during a 1/2 off sale for $99.00-wow. Saved big over the $225 Gaerne's.
You just gotta get used to having "Frank Thomas" in your footprint!!

[auger6890]

i just ordered diadora hurricane boots for 99.00 .hope they fit well.they are full leather.look great in pics. at new enough.com ill report on them after i recieve them.

[Vstromper]

I've been wearing these Dr. Marten's for the last 18k miles while looking for something better:

http://www.supercasuals.com/images/dr_martens/2239_blg_L.jpg

They are great as far as comfort goes and I can walk as well as ride in them all day. They are water resistent but not water proof and that's my only complaint. I did experience a low side about 5k miles ago while wearing them and they held up great. I have ridden in temps as low as 14F and as high as 102F and stayed comfortable. I could probabaly mink oil them and improve the water resistence but it doesn't rain that often and I'm lazy.

The best part is since they are steel-toed, my company pays half! So i get them for around $50.00.