Boots: Cheap Vs Expensive

[TygerTung]

Is it worth it to get some expensive Sidi touring type boots or am I beter to just get some cheap RJ's or something?

I would prefer to get some kind of boots with replaceable soles etc.

I got some new RJ's about 4 or 5 years ago, but the zip has now broken and the soles have worn out- there is a hole in the right one from the kickstarter. It's not really worth trying to repair them.

Do the expensive ones actually last any longer then the cheaper ones? I am happy with the RJ's other than the longevity.

Is there any New Zealand manufacturers making motorcycle boots?

Any ideas, thoughts etc would be great,

Sam

[onearmedbandit]

Like most things, there will be 100 different opinions out there, none of them 'right' as such. For myself, I go with the best gear for things like feet and hands. Lots of small bones to break. I wear A*'s Super Tech R's, separate internal booty to keep your ankle and foot isolated from heavy blows, which are absorbed by the outer hard shell. Not cheap at $800 but considering how much I use my feet, and how much I rely on them, it's a very small price to pay.,

[pritch]

I had a pair of StyleMartin "Sympatex" but wasn't happy with the waterproofing and eventually plumped for Sidi Canyon Gore-Tex. So far so good.

Only minor complaint is that the fastening system is a bit fiddly. If you're less comfortably upholstered than me that might be less of a problem?

Sad experienced suggests though that it's no good wearing waterproof boots if you aren't wearing waterproof trousers and jacket.

If you went for waterproof boots the lining would likely be past its best by the time the soles needed replacing.

[Grizzo]

I forked out $300 for some skelerup schoen forestry boots.
Badass as hell and can handle all kinds of abuse.
Plus, the soles are easily replaceable.

Takes a little bit to get used to shifting with the steel caps but!

[caspernz]

Boots can be like helmets, anything from $150 to $1050 may suit, depending on your choice.

I've got three pairs of boots, Revit, Gaerne and a pair from 1tonne. Nothing wrong with the pair from 1tonne in my view, about $200 if I recall correctly and just as comfy as the other two brand names. Not crash tested, but wearing well.

I doubt many boots these days are used to the kickstart on a two smoker?

[1tonne]

Currently we are we are rather low on some boots. We have another shipment due in about 3 weeks.

[AllanB]

All purchases of this nature are driven buy what I can afford. Consequently the best fitting, best featured gear at that point in time is without a doubt the best gear for me. But if I wont Lotto .........

[vifferman]

My StylMartyn 'StylSafe' boots (third pair of StylMartins) recently blew out both zips after 7 years. I was bummed because I narrowly missed out on replacing these for $250 with another pair (they're $450 retail). I toyed with getting the zips replaced for around $200-$250, till I read that boots should be replaced at 5 years. Shame, as these are still good apart from the zips, and comfy as slippers.
So... I decided to go in another direction, and bought some Forma Cape Horn boots, because they felt like they had better ankle protection (probably not, as the StylSafe has 7 CF plates in each boot). So far, they feel great on the bike, but are terribly uncomfortable for walking in: very stiff, and tight. But they're waterproof, warm, and have no zips (velcro, and two buckles/straps on each boot, which can be readily replaced.)

[tigertim20]

my experience over the last few years has been this.
I bought gear while low on funds. I got some boots for around $100 new, CNELL brand. Knew they were cheap but it was better than nothing.
Had those boots for about three and a half years. Alot of that time they were used for daily commuting, and regular (2-3 times a week) longer rides as well after work and in weekends. Used them for regular multi day rides/touring, and a few trackdays.
I did over that time have a few spills, including one fast one at the track. Through it all the boots were always comfortable, and felt like they provided decent support. None of the abuse caused any real damage to them, and they saved me from injury more than once.
eventually though they were in need of replacement.

I ended up getting some better ones this time, from 1tonne. now I was never unhappy with the old boots, but compared side by side, the old ones simply cant stack up in terms of value, qaulity, comfort and support.

I would recommend based on my personal experience that you go for something that costs a little more. there is a point whre you are paying extra for a brand, but do your research, and great gear can be found for reasonable prices

[TygerTung]

I don't really mid paying a bit more - as long as I know they are actually going to last longer.

The cheap boots these days seem to be reasonably well made, are the posh boots actually much better?

Maybe it is best just to get some high leg combat boots and put in some lace in zips? As long as they are stiff enough they should do the job and not wear out like motorbike boots.

Something like this might work http://www.kiwidisposals.co.nz/footw...h-combat-boots

Any thoughts?

[rapid van cleef]

Its a lot of cash but Alpinestars supertech R are the best and most comfy boots you can get in my opinion. Ive tried on lots when i was just back in the uk sidi, tcx etc.

I paid 600 bucks for them in the uk. You can also get them from fc moto in germany for the same price plus about 20 bucks for shipping

[nallac]

Maybe it is best just to get some high leg combat boots and put in some lace in zips? As long as they are stiff enough they should do the job and not wear out like motorbike boots.

Something like this might work http://www.kiwidisposals.co.nz/footw...h-combat-boots

Any thoughts?

Unfortunately they offer next to no ankle support, very easy to twist(or do worse to) your ankle...

I know, Work boots are all i've used up until this week. It made for a Hard and sore ride back from the Cold kiwi last year. 500k's of not being able to change gear with out extreme pain is not fun.

I just picked up a pair of second hand Preexport boots off T/me for that reason....

[1tonne]

I used to use (about 17 years ago) work boots until my leg went between my bike and the front bumper of a car. (Then I went over the corner of the bonnet)
Scared the living daylights out of me. Could have lost my leg.
Luckily I came off without any major damage and was even able to walk with a limp afterwards. But now I don't take the chance and always wear good boots with proper armour.

[Big Dave]

I can relate - my bike boots were worn out from dragging on the deck. Again.

I bought some sturdy new safety boots from K-mart yesterday - $49.95. They will do me just fine for riding.

Water proofing is more of an issue in NZ though.

[unstuck]

Find a traffic cop, and nick their boots.