What boots?

**What?** · 29th March 2007, 07:26

Years ago I had a pair of Rossi leather motorcycle boots. No fancy materials, just plain leather uppers. No great claims made about their capabilities either, but these boots were bloody comfortable both for riding and walking, and, even after riding for 6 hours in pissing rain, never let a drop of water in. They lasted well, too, but all things must pass...
Now I have a pair of StylMartin boots that are claimed to be "water resistant", but which are actually about as water resistant as Jandals. I have another pair of StylMartin boots which, thus far, have kept my pinkies dry, but comfortable for walking in they are not.

Is it possible to buy boots that keep the tootsies dry in the rain, warm in the frost, cool in the sun and don't make you want to take them off to go for a walk?

**Ivan** · 29th March 2007, 07:34

yip Sidi Vertigo Corsa's

**Devil** · 29th March 2007, 07:55

A very timely thread.
I've just arrived at work, bone dry (thanks dririder)... down to the ankles. I think there's a visible high-water mark there. Feet were soaked!

Any recommendations on a Touring/Commuting/KeepMyFeetDryPlease type of boot under $300? I already have Sidi Vertigo's for hooning in. Just want good day to day comfy ones.
Current ones are Gaerne drytec or something. They've lasted for 3 years and are bloody comfy, but they just dont cut the mustard as far as keeping the water out goes anymore.

**vifferman** · 29th March 2007, 08:50

Originally Posted by What?

Now I have a pair of StylMartin boots that are claimed to be "water resistant", but which are actually about as water resistant as Jandals. I have another pair of StylMartin boots which, thus far, have kept my pinkies dry, but comfortable for walking in they are not.

Yeah, try StylMartins.
I've got two pairs: the Strada (now no longer available) and the StylSafe.
Both are very comfortable to walk in (did some tramping last Easter in the Stradas) and have never let in the slightest hint of moisture. The Stradas are now in semi-retirement due to a missing tooth on one zip, and tired velcro. But it's only to be expected: I did commute in them nearly every day for nearly 4 years.
The StylSafe are probably the most comfy footwear I have, apart from one slightly crooked carbon fibre panel that is a little annoying on one ankle.

**Hitcher** · 29th March 2007, 08:52

The words you need to focus on are Gore Tex. Accept no imitations.

**Hailwood** · 29th March 2007, 09:08

I have a pair of Stylsafe boots and they are brilliant..kept my feet dry even standing in ankle deep rain from a "shower" in Auckland on HOG rally in Feb. Comfortable to walk in as well...totally recommend them.

**vifferman** · 29th March 2007, 09:13

Originally Posted by Hitcher

The words you need to focus on are Gore Tex. Accept no imitations.

The "breathable waterproof membrane" in StylSafe boots is an imitation. I accept it - it works. As does the waterproofed leather.

**Macktheknife** · 29th March 2007, 10:55

GPB's, never a problem!

**JimO** · 29th March 2007, 11:57

what are alpine stars like

**vifferman** · 29th March 2007, 12:02

Originally Posted by jimjim

what are alpine stars like

The new ones are supposedly OK (dunno about waterproofness) but untiol recently, they had a habit of the soles peeling off.

**Dave Lobster** · 30th March 2007, 11:21

I use a pair of american army boots - Matterhorns - for riding in the winter. I assume they're comfortable for walking in, but I don't in mine. No idea on price, I pinched mine..

I've used them for several winters of commuting 50km each way. Never had wet or cold feet.

**Horney1** · 30th March 2007, 15:41

Yes, I have the same question in mind. I'm riding with my $500 Meindl tramping boots. They're comfy, waterproof and ALL leather (except the Vibram sole). I'd continue wearing them if they weren't nearing 10 yrs old with soles that I'm struggling to keep on them.

Waterproofness (is that a word?) - bear in mind that even if the material itself is 100% waterproof the boot will still be limited by the stitching. Nothing like a few good applications of bees wax on a warm day to help keep water on the outside of leather. It also gets into the stitching and helps to stop leaks there.

Does anyone know of anyone that makes good custom leather boots?

**yod** · 9th April 2007, 02:02

Last Footwear Co in Chch used to make awesome boots - dont know if they still exist but they were made to measure and were the real deal

i had a pair that i paid $230 for (in 1988 i think?) easily lasted me 10+ years with a resole...that was riding, partying, everythinging....

i think i still have them lying around somewhere