SympaTex boots?

**Oakie** · 19th July 2005, 14:42

Been looking for bike boots within my budget since the start of winter and yesterday scored a pair of SympaTex boots from 'Cash Converters'. Second hand obviously but they're in bloody good nick, comfy as hell and best of all, only cost me $79. (Oh, and they kept my feet warm and dry in the rain last night and this morning). But did I do good? I don't know much about them other than I think they're made by Sidi. (They've got made in Italy stamped on them).
Could someone wiser than I tell me if I got a good deal or if I'm just a dumb-ass. (Oops, sorry Hitcher, dumb-arse)

**Paul in NZ** · 19th July 2005, 15:09

Didn't that pommie guy have some simtex boots on an airliner? They would certainly keep your feet warm...

**Oakie** · 19th July 2005, 15:17

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

Didn't that pommie guy have some simtex boots on an airliner? They would certainly keep your feet warm...

Ummm, oh yeah ... semtex. Wouldnt' need a bike to get from point A to point B in those (as well as points C,D,E,F and G ...all at the same time.)

Now c'mon, concentrate ... SympaTex boots.

**Paul in NZ** · 19th July 2005, 15:53

Originally Posted by Oakie

Ummm, oh yeah ... semtex. Wouldnt' need a bike to get from point A to point B in those (as well as points C,D,E,F and G ...all at the same time.)

Now c'mon, concentrate ... SympaTex boots.

Whats that you say? Boots that feel sorry for cowboys? I dunno, you young fellas with your modern ideas...

**vifferman** · 19th July 2005, 16:10

Originally Posted by Oakie

But did I do good? I don't know much about them other than I think they're made by Sidi. (They've got made in Italy stamped on them).
Could someone wiser than I tell me if I got a good deal or if I'm just a dumb-ass. (Oops, sorry Hitcher, dumb-arse)

You don't need us to tell you anything, but yes, you did well. You won't find boots better than that for that sort of money, and it's better than wearing sneakers or whatever. If you want to reassure yourself, check out the features.
Ideally, they'll have some or all of the following:

Non-slip sole (rubber, rather than plastic that dissolves when walking in spilt petrol on service station forecourts).
Waterproofing of some sort.
Warmth / padding.
Heel, toe, shin, and ankle protection (usually via plastic inserts / cups between the outer boot and lining).
Protector on top of the boot to stop the gearlever eating the boot.
Firm closure/fastening of some sort, to stop the boots coming off if you crash.
Reasonably good construction, to stop them coming apart through normal use or in a crash. (Sidis are usually very good, whereas as some AlpineStars' soles come away from the boot very readily).
Good fit (more to do with size than manufacture).
Comfort (on the bike at least, although being able to walk in them is a bonus).
If it's a sport boot, replaceable sliders.
Reflectors.
Style (for posing).

My StylMartin Stradas have all the above, except style and sliders (they're a touring boot), but they cost $329, not $79, and I did a LOT of shopping around to find summat that would fit my ugly feet.