Boots for adventure?

[Mikkel]

Hi guys,

It didn't take long after my first gravel adventure on wet roads to realise that road racing boots are ill suited to the rigours of the rural roads.

Have anyone got any good suggestions for some good boots that will be comfortable, waterproof and suited for both gravel and tarmac riding?
I value my mobility so something with good ankle support would be a bonus - on the other hand I don't want to loose too much feel.

My road boots are a pair of Sidis and I've found their fit very comfortable, if that helps.

Cheers
Mikkel

[jim.cox]

I like the standard issue NZ army combat boots for pretty much everything from biking through to tramping

Kiwi Disposals, that Army surplus place on Columbo St has a good range of sturdy boots at a fair prices

[NordieBoy]

Apart from the waterproof bit (bread bags are good) Fly Stinger ATV boots are only $189 new.
Workboot type sole and flexible

[clint640]

I've got a pair of Stylmartin Active Trail boots, they've got as much protection as you'll get in a waterproof boot & are good to walk around in. A few of the boys use Forma ('Mud' IIRC) boots that are similar, as are the Sidi Discoveries.

Cheers
Clint

[cooneyr]

Have a look at the Oxtar Infinity (very similar to the BMW Savanna - comparison here (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69649)). The Oxtar Infinitys are around $500 but are probably about what you are after - waterproof, reasonably supportive yet not as rigid as motocross boots.

Cheers R

[helenoftroy]

There were some awesome looking Forma Adventure boots at DAS when I took the DR in on Wednesday....

I have road boots (Old Daytonas)but use my adventure boots on both bikes.Dont like the lack of grip on the road boot soles and adventure boots offer way more protection around the ankle and shin....just my veiw......:doctor:

[PLUG]

spent some time resurching this myself & went with Oxtar Infinity ... there are very few true WP boots out there ... next time a sales person tells you it WP, tell them to go get a bucket of water as you intend to put the boot on & stand in the bucket ...

[Quasievil]

I got some Diadora boots, cost me about $200, they are 100% waterproof and they are robust enough for adventure riding yet supple enough for around town, I love them, no issues at all.
Recommeded!!:cool:

[upshift]

spent some time researching this myself & went with Oxtar Infinity ...

Ditto.....

[Mikkel]

Right-O.

Oxtar Infinity
Sidi Discovery
Diadora (sounds like korean for "about-turn" DAMHIK)
Forma Adventure

Sounds like I have to look around and see if I can try some on :yes:

As for army boots - I have a pair and I wouldn't want to wear them on a bike... No ankel support whatsoever, the laces are a hassle and they don't have much grip on wet and muddy surfaces. I'd be more inclined to use my firefighter gumboots to be honest.

[Motu]

I use Gaerne Balance trials boots (handy for trials too) They are supple but supportive and the sole is real grippy too.I dress them with Gaerne water proofing gell if doing a trial in a stream.

[James Deuce]

These look like adventurous boots!

<img src=http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c116/piratessayyar/proctor-p_rocket-boots.jpg>

[Ocean1]

Get real adventurous, retain the boots and the engine and delete the bike…

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/17/business/worldbusiness/17gazshoes.html?_r=3&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

.

[awayatc]

Oxtar infinity...very comfy indeed.
BTW Oxtar is called TCX now.....still sell the same infinity boot though.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Helmets-clothing-footwear/Boots/auction-166953819.htm

[zeRax]

Stylmartin Quad boots, liked them very much so far, walk in creeks fine ;D

[NordieBoy]

Oxtar infinity...very comfy indeed.
BTW Oxtar is called TCX now.....still sell the same infinity boot though.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Helmets-clothing-footwear/Boots/auction-166953819.htm

Does look to be a nice boot.

[MVnut]

Go the Sidis mate:headbang:

[CrazyFrog]

Who needs all these fancy MX boots...what's wrong with a good pair of Redband gummies....and they keep ya feet dry! But seriously, I'd recommend Diadora Mud boots, or the Sylmartin Active Trail, both good support but comfortable enough to walk around in. How much money you got to spend?

[MXNUT]

Apart from the waterproof bit (bread bags are good) Fly Stinger ATV boots are only $189 new.
Workboot type sole and flexible
I use the same Fly ATV boots myself, ( local honda shop sold them new for $169 )advantage with atv boots is that they are a lot shorter than full length off road boots but still offer the same foot and ankle protection.I also have a pair of alpine star tech 8 boots which i use on my motorcross bike, tried them once on an adventure ride but started to get cramp in my legs after 5 hours with them on due to them being so long and not being able to move your lower leg much

[Mikkel]

I use Gaerne Balance trials boots (handy for trials too) They are supple but supportive and the sole is real grippy too.I dress them with Gaerne water proofing gell if doing a trial in a stream.

Sounds interesting! :niceone:


These look like adventurous boots!

Well yes, but I have a pair of those already. Problem is that my knees get sore when I try to balance the nozzle on the footpegs.

Mine are sexy orange in colour though! :Punk:


Stylmartin Quad boots, liked them very much so far, walk in creeks fine ;D

Sounds waterproof to me :D


Okay seriously now, I'd recommend Diadora Mud boots, or the Sylmartin Active Trail, both good support but comfortable enough to walk around in. How much money you got to spend?

How much to spend? Depends on how "persuasive" I can be with the CEO :bleh:

I've seen the Diadora boots in town today - wasn't my size though, but they look nice.

Tried the Forma ATV boots - about the right size, but the leather crunches up and puts localised pressure on the side of my ankel while walking -> very uncomfortable.

Tried the Sidi Canyons on - but the boot shaft (or what's the correct term - leg?) wasn't long enough and they looked like too much of a road boot.

Got them to get a pair of Sidi Discoveries and Crossfires in so I can try them on. The crossfires are very expensive, but if the pivot system works as well as it does in the Vertigo Corsas then I might just have to own a pair :D

I still haven't managed to find a pair of Oxtars to check out though - I'd really like to since they look bloody good. At the end of the day I just have to try on a lot of different boots to find the ones I like the most... :yes:

[awayatc]

What size boots are you after?....You can try on my Oxtars if you want...they are 43

[warewolf]

Waterproof boots don't work very well when you are up to your waist in running water! :lol:

Rubber overboots are the best bet. Cheap, 100% waterproof, help to keep out the wind, and if you drag them on the ground you just get out your puncture repair kit. :2thumbsup

[Mikkel]

What size boots are you after?....You can try on my Oxtars if you want...they are 43

I would like to check them out at least - I'm a size 44-45 though, but still.
When would suit?


Waterproof boots don't work very well when you are up to your waist in running water! :lol:

Rubber overboots are the best bet. Cheap, 100% waterproof, help to keep out the wind, and if you drag them on the ground you just get out your puncture repair kit. :2thumbsup

I don't see myself being up to my waist in water considering that the 610SM's intake is at about the level of my knee. It's a supermoto anyway and I don't see myself taking it any further off the beaten path than the gravel roads and the odd paddock. :)

[Transalper]

Reckon you'd enjoy Lees Valley when it drys out a bit.

[awayatc]

I would like to check them out at least - I'm a size 44-45 though, but still.
When would suit?





PM send.......

[Skinny_Birdman]

Stylmartin Quad boots, liked them very much so far, walk in creeks fine ;D
I got a pair of these in 2004 for road riding, they were fine until I got them seriously off-road wet (adventure turned trail, December 2006). The soles then began to part with the body of the boot, and the seam near the gear shift pad rapidly crapped out. TA's Quads show exactly the same damage, nothing that a cobbler couldn't.. um.. cobble up, but annoying all the same. They didn't seem especially waterproof, even before the 'oles appeared. I was a bit disappointed, to be honest. I expected a bit better for $450.

[XF650]

I'm also looking for decent (waterproof) adventure riding boots but I don't want to give up the strength & safety of the motox type that I currently use.
Basically my boots have to be able to take impact from rocks or clipping a bank, be (laterally) rigid to stop the ankle twisting in a fall plus be strong enough to take the weight of the bike when it's lying on my leg - all learnt from personal experience!!
So can anyone recconmend a motox type boot that is also waterproof?

[Mikkel]

Tried on the Sidi Discovery (http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Photos/Sidi_Discovery_Rain_Boots.jpg) and the Sidi Crossfire (http://www.dailyroost.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/sidi_crosfire.jpg) today.

Both are bloody nice boots and I'm pretty sure I'll go Sidi - just something about the way they feel when you get them on...

Anyway, the Crossfire is a fully blown MX boot with all the stability/stiffness that goes with the territory. However, the ankle pivot seems to be working well and they are not uncomfortable for walking. A fair bit heavier than the discoveries - but they are supposedly not at all waterproof. Dunno what can be achieved with liberal application of wax to seems and leather though...

The Discoveries are very nice. While not nearly as rigid as the Crossfire it still provides good ankle support - I can't see you rolling your ankle in these, however a crash at a decent speed would obviously be different.
They call them Discovery Rain and they have one of these "flaps" that goes all the way up to the top of the leg of the boot. So I am guessing they would be fairly waterproof. All in all a very nice looking and fitting boot.

Considering the difference in price and what I am going to use them for right now there's no doubt the Discoveries would be the sensible buy. That said, the added protection of the Crossfires and the clever Sole Replacement System could sway the decision... Time to think, sleep, think, sleep and then I'll make my mind up.

[clint640]

So can anyone recconmend a motox type boot that is also waterproof?

I think the Stylmartin Active Trail boots that I have are probably the most solid waterproof boot available. Still not as rigid as most MX boots though.



Considering the difference in price and what I am going to use them for right now there's no doubt the Discoveries would be the sensible buy. That said, the added protection of the Crossfires and the clever Sole Replacement System could sway the decision... Time to think, sleep, think, sleep and then I'll make my mind up.

I know a couple of people with very well worn Discoveries that swear by them. They last & stay waterproof really nicely apparently. How much are they now?

Cheers
Clint

[Mikkel]

I know a couple of people with very well worn Discoveries that swear by them. They last & stay waterproof really nicely apparently. How much are they now?

I think they are about $520...

[SDU]

Garnae have an adventure boot, I have had the old version for a few years & they are comfy but the new models look better & are waterproof except when the water is running in over the top at force (river crossings can be fun:eek5:) condoms for boots might help with that. They are like a pull over gumboot.
I got my Garnae boots from Don at cycletreads for a really reasonable price.

[Mikkel]

I got the Sidi Discoveries - and they are lovely!

Went for a bit of a ride (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=Tunnel+Rd+%40-43.585120,+172.706300&daddr=Purau+Port+Levy+Rd+%40-43.670040,+172.787633+to:Pa+Rd+%40-43.652722,+172.835117+to:Middle+Rd+%40-43.737887,+172.896187+to:Summit+Rd+%40-43.718890,+172.955040+to:Little+Akaloa+Rd+%40-43.680443,+172.979171+to:Chorlton+Rd+%40-43.672332,+173.047829+to:Chorlton+Rd+%40-43.705894,+173.048197+to:Goat+Rock+Rd+%40-43.719072,+173.093638+to:Lavericks+Rd+%40-43.722759,+173.091990+to:Long+Bay+Rd+%40-43.797542,+172.993050+to:Beach+Rd+%40-43.808705,+172.962702+to:Wainui+Main+Rd+%40-43.811305,+172.912789+to:Bossu+Rd+%40-43.850735,+172.882979+to:Western+Valley+Rd+%40-43.708340,+172.781646+to:-43.66961,172.772026+to:Tunnel+Rd+%40-43.585636,+172.706586&hl=da&geocode=14128814457862671592,-43.585120,172.706300%3B10495216764060236117,-43.670040,172.787633%3B18359422383554859252,-43.652722,172.835117%3B9981104275323173715,-43.737887,172.896187%3B7906719201963102909,-43.718890,172.955040%3B14337031456093955830,-43.680443,172.979171%3B3970188434253377240,-43.672332,173.047829%3B7367482240779152941,-43.705894,173.048197%3B1858680437906466913,-43.719072,173.093638%3B618639885955623207,-43.722759,173.091990%3B14164369337233705451,-43.797542,172.993050%3B18443716279662760811,-43.808705,172.962702%3B16382239708528595988,-43.811305,172.912789%3B2808567237268242304,-43.850735,172.882979%3B297113181037317159,-43.708340,172.781646%3B10702818425690162981,-43.585636,172.706586&mra=dpe&mrcr=3&mrsp=15&sz=14&via=1,2,3,4,5,6,7,10,12,13,14,15&sll=-43.672155,172.800779&sspn=0.058543,0.131836&ie=UTF8&ll=-43.751257,172.955704&spn=0.467728,1.054687&z=11) today to try them out.

Must say I am very pleased - my boots saved me from dropping the bike on at least 3 occassions... The roads were quite dodgy after all the recent rain. Washouts, foilage, wood chips and rocks all over the B-roads - not to mention tons and tons of grit. Add a low-hanging winter sun and you had to be pretty awake all the time. Awesome day! Been waiting for a nice day like this for a long time now.

I can confirm that the boots are water tight. They are very comfortable and have plenty of grip - both in the mud (unlike the Pilot Powers :whistle:) and on the footpegs. I am very pleased with my purchase :yes:

[Transalper]

Judging by that map you would have had a good day out.
It's always good when you find yourself happy with your gear. :woohoo:
Take care out on those out of the way roads alone because unlike the highways if you fall there might not be anyone along to find you for quite some time.:doctor:

[Mikkel]

Judging by that map you would have had a good day out.
It's always good when you find yourself happy with your gear. :woohoo:
Take care out on those out of the way roads alone because unlike the highways if you fall there might not be anyone along to find you for quite some time.:doctor:

I didn't - and I wouldn't - go out there alone. :no:

Not much traffic and help is far away...

[cooneyr]

I didn't - and I wouldn't - go out there alone. :no:

Not much traffic and help is far away...

Let me rephase TA's post for you in a not so subtle way


Judging by that map you would have had a good day out.

"I like those roads"


Take care out on those out of the way roads alone because unlike the highways if you fall there might not be anyone along to find you for quite some time.:doctor:

"Feel free to invite me along next time"

Roads like those are what we often do and I think TA is getting a bit riding withdrawal at the moment. Disclamer - this is entirely my interpretation :D

For better or worse, if you had put a post up saying you were going to do this ride you would probably have had about 5 or more adventurers turn up.

Cheers R

[Transalper]

Let me rephase TA's post for you in a not so subtle way
"I like those roads"
"Feel free to invite me along next time"
.....
Ahhh, yep, that was kind of in my mind although I did do some non bike related stuff yesterday I would have put that off for a ride such as that.
I also know that sometimes we just want to go with one or two mates and don't want a whole group turning up too so don't always advertise what we're up to either.
Glad to hear you already had company Mikkel.
Weathers not so nice today but I might just have to stretch my legs with Shrek who looks like he's going to Port Levy about lunch time today (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=78985) anyway.:rockon:

[Mikkel]

For better or worse, if you had put a post up saying you were going to do this ride you would probably have had about 5 or more adventurers turn up.

Yep, I realise that...

However, this is only my third time ride on gravel and I'm riding a motard with sports tyres on it.

As such, I am rather slow compared to experienced guys with knobblies.

While I don't really submit to peer pressure I really fucking hate keeping other people waiting - and would prefer not having that on my mind while trying to find my gravel zen. :)

Give me a few more trips to build some experience and confidence and then I shall be happy to go out with a larger group of people... :yes:

[cooneyr]

Yep, I realise that...

However, this is only my third time ride on gravel and I'm riding a motard with sports tyres on it.

As such, I am rather slow compared to experienced guys with knobblies.

While I don't really submit to peer pressure I really fucking hate keeping other people waiting - and would prefer not having that on my mind while trying to find my gravel zen. :)

Give me a few more trips to build some experience and confidence and then I shall be happy to go out with a larger group of people... :yes:

Fair call, I understand but most adventures don't bite and we are more than happy to wait/help out/etc. Besides you would likely show us a thing or two on the seal :D

Those in the know recon tyre compound is just about more important than knobs for good gravel (not deep gravel) roads.

Have fun getting your gravel "mojo". Mind you you've only got about a month cause come the end of August there will hopefully be a few venture rides organised around canty again.

Cheers R

[helenoftroy]

I didn't - and I wouldn't - go out there alone. :no:

Not much traffic and help is far away...
The nurse is pleased to hear that:doctor:.....Tho I am guilty of, in the past having done all these roads on my own:Oops:now the Western Valley is the only one I do solo during the week

Yep, I realise that...

However, this is only my third time ride on gravel and I'm riding a motard with sports tyres on it.

As such, I am rather slow compared to experienced guys with knobblies.

While I don't really submit to peer pressure I really fucking hate keeping other people waiting - and would prefer not having that on my mind while trying to find my gravel zen. :)

Give me a few more trips to build some experience and confidence and then I shall be happy to go out with a larger group of people... :yes:
From what you've said and I've heard you are getting the hang of it all very well.You've got the right attitude:niceone:

Fair call, I understand but most adventures don't bite and we are more than happy to wait/help out/etc. Besides you would likely show us a thing or two on the seal :D

Those in the know recon tyre compound is just about more important than knobs for good gravel (not deep gravel) roads.

Have fun getting your gravel "mojo". Mind you you've only got about a month cause come the end of August there will hopefully be a few venture rides organised around canty again.

Cheers R

These guys rock Mikkel -they are an awesome bunch.Always willing to help,wait ,help pick up Beamers and DRs when they lie down......:Oops:

[Mikkel]

The nurse is pleased to hear that:doctor:.....Tho I am guilty of, in the past having done all these roads on my own:Oops:now the Western Valley is the only one I do solo during the week

Well, I'm sure you have quite a bit more experience doing the entire motorcycle thing than I have :yes: In summer (no grit on the roads) and with a bit more experience under my belt I'd be happy to do the less remote roads by myself... But I'd make sure someone knew where I was going!

How was the Mt. Hutt access road btw? Did you have fun? Shame on you if you didn't go riding after all!


From what you've said and I've heard you are getting the hang of it all very well.You've got the right attitude:niceone:

It's a lot of fun that is for sure! I'll try and have my fun without being too stupid about it... whether it be gravel or tarmac. Sometimes the road bites back though :(


These guys rock Mikkel -they are an awesome bunch.Always willing to help,wait ,help pick up Beamers and DRs when they lie down......:Oops:

... if you're a lady I suppose :p Still, picking up beemers is a valiant deed, indeed! :D

One good thing about crashing my Husky is that I know for certain I can pick it up by myself unless I'm in a condition where I shouldn't ride on anyway.

But it sounds good - and I'm looking forward to more gravel adventure. If the weather is decent and I haven't got any FIRM plans then I can always be convinced to go riding (gravel or tarmac - both are good). Maybe we should make a Canterbury Adventure riding group or thread - a thread might be better since you can subscribe to it.

[cooneyr]

....These guys rock Mikkel -they are an awesome bunch.Always willing to help,wait ,help pick up Beamers and DRs when they lie down......:Oops:

You forgot the ride beamers and give them punctures bit :doh:

Cheers R

[Mikkel]

Beemers are pretty heavy - no surprise if they need to lie down and have a rest every now and again :chase:

[helenoftroy]

You forgot the ride beamers and give them punctures bit :doh:

Cheers R


Beemers are pretty heavy - no surprise if they need to lie down and have a rest every now and again :chase:

:laugh:I was SOO over dropping the big beast on that ride(1000ccGS)!! literally threw her at you at Ryan, when you said you wouldnt mind a ride:calm:

And I got to ride your mighty DR.......:love:done deal!! was like riding my old XL500(and no kickstart phew!!)

bye bye beamer hello DR:banana: and you did a very impressive job with the puncture on the side of a ridge in the midst of stunning scenery:Punk::Punk:

[helenoftroy]

How was the Mt. Hutt access road btw? Did you have fun? Shame on you if you didn't go riding after all!


Yeah did get out yesterday,didnt do the access road after all but got very dirty playing in the riverbed,tho would have preferred to be on a smaller bike:devil2:

Was just so good to be out on the bike after this weather:banana:,I get cabin fever...

[Mikkel]

Yeah did get out yesterday,didnt do the access road after all but got very dirty playing in the riverbed,tho would have preferred to be on a smaller bike:devil2:

Was just so good to be out on the bike after this weather:banana:,I get cabin fever...

I know just what you mean! :yes:

It's been a few weeks now...

[awayatc]

I know just what you mean! :yes:

It's been a few weeks now...


Cabin fever....?

Welcome to my world.....

[Mikkel]

Cabin fever....?

Welcome to my world.....

Well, at least you got a lot of fresh air and open scenery about :)

How was the storm for you guys? Or perhaps you weren't even in the area when it hit...

[XF650]

Just to clarify waterproofness - I'm not expecting anything like waders for adv riding. It's mainly to stop rain & the splashes of "shallow" water crossings that I'm looking for, especially for winter rides.
I have checked out some of the trails / atv boots mentioned in this topic & most are waterproof, suitable for road & gravel & OK even for walking a fair distance. But my priority is strength & rigidity in an off (MX type) with benifit of being waterproof, or am I asking too much?
So I'm still looking (more suggestions please) but in the meantime will just keep on wearing plastic bags inside my MX boots.

[NordieBoy]

Plastic bags are very under-rated.

[XF650]

Plastic bags are very under-rated.

Thankyou Biggles (hint to style of Fran's new goggles)
Is your DR legal yet? (hint to bits falling off his bike)

[NordieBoy]

$8.80 it cost to get legal!

I'm shocked. Shocked I say.



By "legal" I mean carrying the new number plate and reg around in my jacket pocket today.

[Motu]

Just to clarify waterproofness - I'm not expecting anything like waders for adv riding.
So I'm still looking (more suggestions please) but in the meantime will just keep on wearing plastic bags inside my MX boots.

From the trials riders perspective,again - these are the guys who spend more time in water than any other motorcyclist,walking a section means walking where the bike will go...usually through any water available.They gave up on waterproof a long time ago...water resistant,but never waterproof.As I mentioned - I use Gaerne waterproofing cream on my boots before riding in the wet....and again the next time I need to use them in water....and next time,I water proof them again.

Or use plastic bags.