Boots...what to do?

[Hailwood]

Thought I would use the collective knowledge here (pfft) to get some opinions....its time for the old boots to be hung up and retired and I am looking to replace them....soemthing that can be worn all day on and off the bike ideally, waterproof (as much as possible)...doesn't need the toe sliders and all that stuff, just a very comfortable dry boot suitable for crusing, price rnage up to $400?....any sensible thoughts would be appreciated as I haven't yet seen anything I like....thanks all

[Jonty]

I picked up some of those italian jobs at Sawyers a while back. They are not designed for racing at all but they provide good support and look fine with jeans over the top (comfy too). So far they have survived the recent deluges in Wellington and have no leaks. I can't think of the name off the top of my head but it starts with s =). And the best bit is they cost $180:yes:

[Cajun]

i know that sister in law as a set of harley boots, she wears, had them long time, seam to be good kit, and handled everything she thrown at them,

And it match ya bike

[magicfairy]

I picked up some of those italian jobs at Sawyers a while back. They are not designed for racing at all but they provide good support and look fine with jeans over the top (comfy too). So far they have survived the recent deluges in Wellington and have no leaks. I can't think of the name off the top of my head but it starts with s =). And the best bit is they cost $180:yes:
StylMartin?

[Ixion]

,, ideally, waterproof (as much as possible)...,,

Waterproof boots? No such thing, it's a delusion.

What you need is GAITERS. From your friendly neighbourhood Army Surplus place (the one in Dorkland has a billboard of a whackworthy great set of bristols opposite. You may not be so lucky)

[Dadpole]

GAITERS, BLOODY GAITERS!!

I knew Ixion would not let me down. :yes:

[crashe]

Cruiser riders wear Harley Davidson boots.


Contact Lou as he works at AMPs on Kyber Pass.
He should be able to get you a nice pair of HD boots for you.

[James Deuce]

StylMartin?

Dead right. I wear the City ones for commuting, and they have been absolutely brilliant. They're ankle high boots though, and that can put some people off.

StylMartin have a great range of boots, including waterproof ones styled for the "cruiser" rider.

[Motu]

Traffic Cop boots,that's what you need.Laces high,straps and buckles,and a touch of sheepskin at the top.And big built in steel heel and toe plates - so you could put your foot down in corners at night and send up showers of sparks.Best not complete the outfit with jodpers,that's seriously ghey.

[justsomeguy]

I've got a pair of Sidi Waterproof Sport Touring boots, they set me back $400 from Motomail.

They are very waterproof - did the Coro Loop in the soaking wet at :shutup: speeds and they performed excellently.

[Macktheknife]

I have had 2 pairs of Johnny Rebs in the last 12 years and I swear by them. They are hard wearing, comfortable and if kept well coated in dubbin, snoseal or similar are about as waterproof as you can ask for, I also have a sheepskin inner for comfort. My first pair lasted over 7 years of daily wearing and the second pair are nearly 4 and still look good. Short or long, your choice, but all round great boots.

[T.W.R]

Used a pair of Doc Ms for many years until I wore the outside edges past the point of being repairable. Then a pair of Hitec Magnums (military style boots), both were as weather proof as possible with snoseal. Got a pair of Stylmartin that I hardly use, as most of my riding at the present time I wear a pair of Asolo Tramping boots which are totally warm, pretty much 100% water proof (on one trip rode for 6hrs in heavy rain & my feet stayed dry :yes: )

[Flatcap]

This is one of the joys of riding a scooter - you can ride for hours with your feet toasty behind the legshield.....

....the problem is when you stop and put your foot in a puddle.

I wear a pair of farmers workboots - 100% waterproof for ever

[The_Dover]

Cruiser riders should invest in a good pair of fuck-me boots and a miniskirt.

I hear Hannahs have a good range and Supre for the skirts.

[silverado]

I've got a pair of Sidi Waterproof Sport Touring boots, they set me back $400 from Motomail.

They are very waterproof - did the Coro Loop in the soaking wet at :shutup: speeds and they performed excellently.


I got a pair from Motomail. Cost me $499.00. 3-4 rides later it split across the top of my foot.:angry2: :violin: :oi-grr:

[Scouse]

Stylmartin Stylsafe are their top of the range touring Boot Water proof and warm and made of real leathet none of this multi coloured plastic shit $449 so you will have to pay a bit more than $400

[aiki]

I wear StyleMartin waterproof with Sympatex all weather lining. Been waterproof on my cruiser but can leak a bit in the flexible seam at the back. I wear them all day and work standing up for 9 hrs so comfort wise they are great. I think i paid $300.
See Kerry at Sawyers in Wgtn for a good deal and good product back up if something isn't right. Believe me he knows the problem I've had with leaks and he always sees me right.

[Clivoris]

I've had nothing but excellent performance from my gortex lined Oxtars. Also have to put in a vote for Kerry too. His willingness to back up what he sells is legendary.:yes:

[MacD]

I can vouch for StylMartin touring boots too. The waterproof ones (note not all claim to be waterproof) really do seem to be waterproof! Also comfortable enough to wear around during the day. Mine are most like the current Tourneo model.

[pritch]

For your purposes maybe you could check out the Red Wing motorcycle boot range. Definitely more "Harley" than racer. No pretense at being waterproof though. There is a pair with my name on winging their way here from the States right about now.

A local company Taranaki Rubber import Red Wing boots but haven't been doing the biker boots but the guy is definitely interested. I have his email at work pm me if you can't find it otherwise...

[WINJA]

i got 2 pairs of diadora which were good , 2 pairs of alpinestars which fall to bits and 2 pairs of sidis which look good and crash well, id get the sidis again any day

[Hailwood]

Thanks to everyone for your help apart from one idiot reply this is the most helpful I have found the site for a long time.....will go and chat to Kerry at Saywers first to look at the Stylmartin boots and also have a look at the Rebs as well.

Thanks again folks

[Lou Girardin]

I sell Stylmartins and customers are very pleased with them. I have a pair of Oxtars which are also very good.
I've heard too many bad things about Sidi though.

[Troll]

surprisingly you could actually try HD

got a set of their boots which are 100% waterproof, traditional style ie have laces, are of gortex construction with leather trim around the sole so they look like normal boots

comfortable waterproof and they look like a proper boot

price at your local stealership too bloody much but picked them up at a discount store for around 25% of the ticket price, probably last years fashion range

[Lord Derosso]

There's also a guy on Trade Me whom imports heaps of boots and saddlebags etc which are handmade in Pakistan and of good workmenship at a good price. I got my boots from him for $160 with sliders. They use good leather and the boots are very comfortable with two zips and come in various styles with some up to about $230 from last sight. No doubt a few members have brought his stuff.

[WINJA]

There's also a guy on Trade Me whom imports heaps of boots and saddlebags etc which are handmade in Pakistan and of good workmenship at a good price. I got my boots from him for $160 with sliders. They use good leather and the boots are very comfortable with two zips and come in various styles with some up to about $230 from last sight. No doubt a few members have brought his stuff.
IM NOT SAYING ITS DEFINEATLY RUBBISH BUT YOU GOTTA BE CAREFULL OF SOME UNBRANDED STUFF IT MAY LOOK WELL MADE BUT QUITE OFTEN DONT HOLD UP IN A CRASH , THERES A LOT TO BE GAINED FROM R AND D LIKE RACING AND ABRAISION TESTING , I NOTED SOME OF THE LOW END STUFF HAD THE STICHING WRONG SO WHEN IT RUBBED THE STICHING ON THE GROUND IN A CRASH THE LEATHER WOULD FALL APART LEAVING SKIN EXPOSED , SOMETIMES CHEAP IS JUST PLAIN CHEAP AND I HEARD SKIN GRAFTS HURT AND TIME OFF WORK ISNT CHEAP

[Lord Derosso]

Yes totally agreed. I checked out the feedback for some time on this product before buying and they are fully armoured and double sewn. They will do for my current needs but you can never spend too much on protection. Really need some decent leg gear before touring next summer. I want something thats waterproof, armoured, wearable and comes in a comfortable fit like jym pants. Stretchly fitting.

[Lord Derosso]

Yes yes yes... for the fat old farters like me.

[Lou Girardin]

surprisingly you could actually try HD

got a set of their boots which are 100% waterproof, traditional style ie have laces, are of gortex construction with leather trim around the sole so they look like normal boots

comfortable waterproof and they look like a proper boot

price at your local stealership too bloody much but picked them up at a discount store for around 25% of the ticket price, probably last years fashion range


I forgot those, FXRG, great boots at a good price.

[Clivoris]

Looking forward to hearing what you get. Does that make me weird? Why am I asking you'se fullahs, weirdos.

[Insanity_rules]

I find my technic defenders pretty waterproof and comfortable. Kerry from Sawyers gives good service and top advice on gear.

[Hailwood]

well tried on some Johnny Reb boots...took so bloody long to get them on the ride would be over before I was ready, same with the HD mega conductor boots..maybe its my feet? Went and saw Kerry and tried a pair of Stylsafes one size too small but good enough for me to order the next size up (12)...will be here in about 6 weeks as distributors out of stock..thats ok like I am going riding in this weather......once again thanks for the help everyone

[Lou Girardin]

We've got a set of size 46's at AMPS now.

[Hailwood]

Lou How much are they? and how much to get them to Wgtn?

[Lou Girardin]

Lou How much are they? and how much to get them to Wgtn?

$404.10 inc for a KB'er plus $8.00 freight.

[Hailwood]

Cheers Lou the boots arrived this morning...damn fine they are too..now if only this weather would ease enough to have a good ride.....well soon I hope....:rockon:

[Lou Girardin]

Cheers Lou the boots arrived this morning...damn fine they are too..now if only this weather would ease enough to have a good ride.....well soon I hope....:rockon:

With those WATERPROOF boots, you don't need to wait for good weather.
Quicker than tying gaitors to your feet too!
C'mon Ixion :wait:

[HenryDorsetCase]

I would like a pair of red wing boots but they arent imported here. The PB guys (well one of them) swears by them. Ebay might be your friend though

[Wolf]

I've got a pair of waterproof Sidi touring boots with full length gusset up the inside of the zip.

I find them bloody comfortable for all day wear - I often wear them at work rather than change into work shoes. Pull your jeans down over them and they look fairly respectable.

Only problems I've had with them are: the Velcro (none of this "hook and loop" euthemism, here) has come unstitched down the side and both zip tabs have snapped off. One I removed the remaining bit of metal and put a tiny split ring on it with a short length of light chain attached, the other I just get my finger nail under the stub of the zip to release it.

I've had them around 5 years and they're definitely nearing replacement time. The lining has worn through at the back of the heel and they're loosing all their tread pattern. They still seem quite waterproof in a small amount of rain but they no longer withstand full-on storms.

I had a look at the Dririder waterproof touring boots - they look very similar to my Sidis, look quite comfortable and they have a hard ankle cover on the inside of the foot as well as the outside (presumeably to protect your ankle should the bike land on it.)

The other boots that caught my attention, but I've never seen one IRL, were the Gaerne "Explorers". They look good and the specs sound promising but I haven't had a chance to try a pair on.

[Insanity_rules]

Well tried out the technic's in that rain storm last week and can report they were as tight as a ducks butt. Warm and dry even after 43 Km's in what was quite like riding under a cold hose turned on full.

[Wolf]

Well tried out the technic's in that rain storm last week and can report they were as tight as a ducks butt. Warm and dry even after 43 Km's in what was quite like riding under a cold hose turned on full.
Question for you: Do you ride with your leggings over the outside of your boots or with your leggings tucked into your boots?

Should ask the same of Ixion as well.

The only part of my boots that leak (now that they're getting old) is around the exposed upper front of the foot - the leather soaks through and the aging waterproof lining lets it through.

I wear my leggings over my boots so the shank of the boot never gets wet - I have no complaints with my Dririder gear (the main advantage of the full-length gusset in the boots is if I ever put my foot down in a seriously deep puddle, never had to try it out yet). The only part of the boot exposed to water is the foot itself and the brunt is taken on the upper (fortunately, as the waterproofing is worn right through at the back of the heel).

I wear my jacket cuffs inside my gloves but only because I've mostly ridden tourers, road/trail and a cruiser so my forearms are either level or slightly angled down from wrist to elbow.

[Ixion]

I wear trousers tucked into boots leggings/waterproofs outside boots.

But I find that in heavy weather spray and wash off the road can still work its way UP between legging and boot (exacerbated by the tendency for leggings to ride up , and the shortness of boots, I have not had success in finding knee length ones).

Then , given long enough, this up thrown wash works DOWN again into the boot. The same thing happens if the boots are submerged for any length of time , there sould be a membrane where you leg goes into the boot.

The solution to these problems is (drum roll please) GAITERS. From the friendly Army Surplus place in K Rd opposite the bonkable bristols.

PS: Yes, I DID try puttees. They sort of worked, but not as well as the gaiters.

[Wolf]

I wear trousers tucked into boots leggings/waterproofs outside boots.

But I find that in heavy weather spray and wash off the road can still work its way UP between legging and boot (exacerbated by the tendency for leggings to ride up , and the shortness of boots, I have not had success in finding knee length ones).

Then , given long enough, this up thrown wash works DOWN again into the boot. The same thing happens if the boots are submerged for any length of time , there sould be a membrane where you leg goes into the boot.
Can't say I've ever experienced it with my current gear. My boots are mid-calf in length and my dririder leggings do not seem to ride up too much when I'm seated on the bike. When the legging cuffs are clipped in place they are fairly snug against the shank of the boots and the legs are preshaped to a semi-flexed posture so they don't ride up too high when I do flex my legs and they don't seem to want to slide down under the heel when I straighten my legs. The cuff normally stays snugly covering the ankle protector.

The only water issue inside my leggings (aside from sweat in the summer) was when the waterproofing on the seams (predominently around the crotch) started to go after around 3 years but a liberal spraying with waterproofing spray along the seams cured that - nothing seems to have gotten up inside the cuffs high enough to get over the tops of my boots.

[Ixion]

I think it is standing up while riding that causes the riding up.

The wash thrown up inside the leggings is worst when riding on roads with heavy surface water , rain itself, no matter how heavy , does not seem a problem. But surface water , or deep puddles taken at speed and it will blow up (puddles are worst because they are usually muddy as well.)

[Lou Girardin]

I wear trousers tucked into boots leggings/waterproofs outside boots.


It's no wonder they leak Ixion. The water's going down the big hole in the top.

If you come into AMPS one day, I'll fit you out with good WATERPROOF gear.
(I might even show you how to wear it)

[Quasievil]

It's no wonder they leak Ixion. The water's going down the big hole in the top.

If you come into AMPS one day, I'll fit you out with good WATERPROOF gear.
(I might even show you how to wear it)

He Said waterproofs are outside his boots, his boots leak

[vifferman]

It's probably a bit late for this, but I bought a pair of StylMartin StylSafe boots from Kerry at Motohaus last Saturday, to replace my StylMartin Stradas that I'd had for years.
The StylSafe boots really rock! They have a sorta 'boot within a boot' thing going on. The leather (not plastic!) outer boot has the usual ankle cups both sides, velcro-fastening flaps both sides, etc, and a cool carbon-fibre shin guard. The inner 'boot' has shaped carbon fibre leg guards and ankle cups both sides and is made of some high-tech padded breathable and waterproof material. There's a decent rubber sole, and removable activated carbon insoles that keep the boot from whiffing (even after years of smelly feet!)
Like the Stradas, these boots are comfy right from the start, and can be worn all day, even for tramping (yes, I've tested them). I crash-tested the Stradas a couple of times, and these are even better.

[Lou Girardin]

He Said waterproofs are outside his boots, his boots leak

Good point, as I saw when I read it properly. You can't multi-task when the World Cup is on.

[Insanity_rules]

Pants inside boots and waterproof dri-rider overtrou over the boots. Foot bit is only bit exposed and even with run off coming down my leg and splash up my technic's were still dry and toastie.
When not in full wets I wear my armourtechs over the boots and they still remain dry unless its a howling downpoar.

[Quasievil]

Good point, as I saw when I read it properly. You can't multi-task when the World Cup is on.

Well for whats its worth (no Quasi ad) I love my OXtars, waterproof and sporty.

[Wolf]

Pants inside boots and waterproof dri-rider overtrou over the boots. Foot bit is only bit exposed and even with run off coming down my leg and splash up my technic's were still dry and toastie.
I was thinking on this and what Ixion said, especially about when treading in deep puddles.

My Dririder Alpine trou have waterproof fabric up the inside of the cuff - for about 30cm - and then you get to the soft warm liner. It wouldn't help with water spraying up when hitting a puddle at speed but it means that if I tread in a puddle I've got around 30cm of grace from the bottom of my cuff before the liner starts acting like a wick and absorbing water.

I just checked and that waterproof inner cuff actually extends up past the top of the boot when worn so if I submerged my foot to the point where the liner was getting saturated, the water would already be pouring into the top of the boot.

In theory, I should be able to stand in around 30cm of water wearing boots and over trousers and still have dry feet as the distance from the heel to the top of the boots is greater than that and the lower cuff of the trou should not absorb water. That is, if my lining were still waterproof.

I need to Sno-Seal my boots, which will kill their breathability but as the waterproof lining is failing and I'm getting wet tootsies it's the best I can do until I can afford a couple of hundred for some more Sidis or some Dririders.

[Insanity_rules]

I was thinking on this and what Ixion said, especially about when treading in deep puddles.

My Dririder Alpine trou have waterproof fabric up the inside of the cuff - for about 30cm - and then you get to the soft warm liner. It wouldn't help with water spraying up when hitting a puddle at speed but it means that if I tread in a puddle I've got around 30cm of grace from the bottom of my cuff before the liner starts acting like a wick and absorbing water.

I just checked and that waterproof inner cuff actually extends up past the top of the boot when worn so if I submerged my foot to the point where the liner was getting saturated, the water would already be pouring into the top of the boot.

In theory, I should be able to stand in around 30cm of water wearing boots and over trousers and still have dry feet as the distance from the heel to the top of the boots is greater than that and the lower cuff of the trou should not absorb water. That is, if my lining were still waterproof.

I need to Sno-Seal my boots, which will kill their breathability but as the waterproof lining is failing and I'm getting wet tootsies it's the best I can do until I can afford a couple of hundred for some more Sidis or some Dririders.

Well though out.