Footgear

[lewellen]

There's a snake in my boot!

Just kidding. But I was wondering, what do you folks generally do for footgear?

For some time I've been wearing a black "jungle boot" from Altama. Reasonably cool temp-wise, good for walking, decent ankle support, etc. Problem is, the soles are delaminating from the boots and I've worn most of the soles away anyway. So ... it's time for new boots.

The local selection is, to put it bluntly, poor. So I'm likely going to mail-order a new pair.

What do you wear? What's your favorite brand? Do you wear "dedicated" riding boots, or just boots that work well for riding?

Good roads,

- Lewellen

[boxermoose]

I love my Combat lites - 30k miles and still going strong

They are on the second set of soles, which are easily replaceable

Pretty waterproof if maintained - without the swamp of a gore-tex booty

[boxerpaul]

I wear Alpinestars Web Gore-tex Boots. They've been great, and they're the only footgear I use while on the bike. They're fairly good in the rain and they're very comfortable. Protection seems good too, though I've never tested them.

[ka5ysy]

Hot weather boot is the Sidi Slash. Great ventilation and looks good enough to go to work in. Very comfortable too.

Wet/Cold/touring boot is the Oxtar Matrix (Now named TCX!). Very comfortable and pretty dry in very heavy rains.

[deilenberger]

My year round boot (30F-100F) is the BMW "Allround" boot. Totally waterproof, comfortable to walk in, has moto specific protection in it, seems to be holding up well (have about 15,000 miles on it so far..) Cost is $239 retail, you might be able to snag one a bit cheaper if a dealer has an open house or something. They come in Euro sizes, so it's helpful if you know your Euro size (mine is 43..)

I'd suggest that ANY boot is better then sneakers, but a moto boot is really worth the $$. The extra protection a decent one provides can save you a lot of agony later on, and the BMW Gortex ones really are all-day-waterproof (even in downpours of biblical proportions..)

[AncientMariner]

Sidi "On Road" comfortable, warm in winter, cool enough in summer, depending upon thickness of socks. Waterproof and high enough so that when you go through some deep standing water, your bow wave doesn't splash over the top. Velcro fasteners make them a breeze to put on and take off.

Although they were good for walking in, I've added some Super Feet and now they are great for walking in.

I got them for $245 in 2001 and they are still going strong. Hmm, I wonder if they still sell this model.

Bruce

PS

I just found them at http://motorcycle.motorcycle-superstore ... di+On+Road
for $325. They are worth every bit of the price.

[Peter1200r]

+1 on the BMW Allround boots. My feet are completely dry after a full day of riding in the rain, and I have no comfort issues. I also have a pair of Alpinestar Web boots. They are a bit softter than the BMWs, and are easier to walk in. The right one is as waterproof as the BMWs, and the left one leaks after a few minutes of heavy rain...

[thepeacebullgrunt]

Vendramini marathon steel.... and important detail....with a boot dryer for the night.
I bought 2 pair then struggle for months to get a few original parts, rubber soles and even the original glue from Italy. Those boots are great, comfortable, leather is excellent & will last for ever if you boot dry them at night & nourish them eventually with Angelus products. http://www.angelusshoepolish.com/history.html Mine also shine nicely but I heard they have irregularity in their production, "tutto facto mano" as they say in Italy. http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&q=Ma ... =N&tab=wi
Gloves, Boots, Leather insoles and even socks found their place on and around the boot dryer at night, all seasons...

[spoonyfork]

I looked into a milspec athletic boot but couldn't find anything that met my needs locally to try on. I have wide feet so I can't order without knowing. Keen makes wide sole urban boots that fit me like a glove. I'm currently wearing their Kelowna boot which is water resistant and very sturdy. They are also comfortable enough to walk a mile or two without blisters and such. While not motorcycle specific they work well on the bike and I'm not interested in bringing multiple footwear on trips. Someone else in family has that trait covered already.

[websterize]

I like the BMW Pro Touring boots. I commute year-round in them, and they're as comfortable as Eccos — they make the most comfortable shoes on the planet.

[fastdogs2]

+3 on the BMW Allaround Boot. These are relatively light weight and waterproof. I have found them to be comfortable for walking around. They are my preferred boot for Touring.

My preferred boot for around town or short comuter rides is the TCX Jupiter 2. This is a waterproof, lace-up boot of three quarter length. They look like stylized hiking boots. They are most comfortable, out of the box and are very comfortable for extended walks.

Bill

[waynemathews]

My daily rider boots are TCX Airtech Gore Tex. They work well until the temp drops below about 45 F and have good protection. For colder weather I wear Alpinestars Gore-Tex Boots. Their lack of shin protection may have resulted in a broken leg (left leg caught the edge of the fender well) a few years back when I was ambushed by a left hand turner (I didn't see you!) when I was on my R50US. Thankfully, I was only going 15mph. The boot probably saved the fracture from being open despite the lack of shin protector. Both pairs of boots keep feet dry in the rain. I also have a pair of Sidi Blade boots for around town hot weather use.

[ErikM]

Plus one for BMW Pro Touring boots.. not cheap, but they very well made, comfortable, and 100% waterproof..

[r12gecko]

SIDIs for most riding.

Once in a while when the weather is perfect I "go Harley" and wear a pair of comfy Old Gringos - my feet love me on those days... it's like they never have to get out of bed with the rest of me.

[Bill Stevenson]

Plus whatever for BMW boots (any and all styles are great). I use the ventilated mesh ones most of the year here in S. Florida, and have a pair of the GoreTex lined touring boots for colder riding. These boots are well designed, well made, and support my favorite dealer who gets as much of my business as I can give. I also use the BMW ventilated jacket and gloves in the hot months and they are great too.

Bill

[hjsbmw]

I like the BMW Pro Touring boots. I commute year-round in them, and they're as comfortable as Eccos — they make the most comfortable shoes on the planet.

I have and like these too. I only wear them in winter though. I couldn't wear a touring boot all year, Goretex or not, with summer temperatures frequently in the upper 90s and lower 100s around here.

My preferred boot for around town or short comuter rides is the TCX Jupiter 2. This is a waterproof, lace-up boot of three quarter length. They look like stylized hiking boots. They are most comfortable, out of the box and are very comfortable for extended walks.

Keyword 'hiking boots'. Are there riding boots that work as true hiking boots also? I currently have sneaker style Oxtar summer boots. They work for hiking, but are too loose for uneven terrain. I hike a lot, 10+ mile trails when I am on the BRP.

[vroomr]

I use BMW's mesh ventilated boots in my warm dry climate. The joke on me is that those jugs keep my feet warm unless I turn my ankles just so.

[AllanCook]

I wear the BMW AirFlow boots in the summer, and the BMW ProTouring boots the other two months of the year.

[Liam]

+1 on the BMW Allround boots. Best bike boot I've come across. The only thing I'd add is I had to replace the insole with an orthotic. The original insole looks like they expected everyone to toss them out so they didn't bother with more than a sole-shaped piece of cardboard.

With the orthotic in place, its comfortable, well made, waterproof, convenient to put on and wear all day. Like hjsbmw said, same class of comfort as Ecco shoes.

Liam

[thepeacebullgrunt]

And by the way...
if anybody is looking for a relatively elegant, urban and good quality "sort of old fashion" motorcycle touring jacket good to wear at work. I just posted a nice one for sale on the Buy&Sale forum...

I'll prefer to sale it to a local in Los Angeles area...so he can try it and see by himself.

Cheers !

PS: Jacket has been worn maybe just 10 hours.