I am SO over motorbike boots

[STOLLI R1]

I've got a pair of Sidi Flex Force MX boots. They arent exactly slippers to wander about in but they started work in 2001 doing 2 full seasons of MX and countless trail rides and now do my road work They are still water proof and completely functional. Retail at time of purchase was $600.00 but when it comes to fending off traffic and the road in general they excel. I like the way they don't allow the foot to be crushed under the bike, they are hinged to allow up and down pivioting but very little sideways movement to give a high level of ankle support. Sadly I think that may lead to the next weak point to give out, the knee joint but if your wearing knee braces as many MXers do there isn't a problem. I use US jungle boots if I know I'll be doing a whole heap of walking and not alot of high speed riding. They look a heap less road warrior too.

[Swoop]

One zip is a bit sticky in the middle but I'll sew a new zip in.

Have you tried rubbing a candle on the length of zip, then running the glide up and down a few times? The parrafin does wonders and helps a little bit with waterproofing.

[Happybug]

but they knew how to make things in the good old days. I've been looking at getting new ones... but nothing appeals. Finally updated my jacket - and warmth is so nice!

[WierNixie]

I bought my brother these boots which he wears to ride and work, he says they are the best riding bookts he has ever had http://www.cozyboots.com/ugg-boot.shtml?group=197

[surfer]

The whole four years of couriering in London I wore a pair of quick lace German Army boots. I'd have worn them as slippers if I'd been allowed.

Yep, second that. I've still got got a pair I bought in the 80s second hand from an army surplus store. They still work and provided they are polished with water proof stuff they don't let the wet in.

[Dean]

Scored mine for $11 from the disposals sale...two years ago. No dramas whatsoever.

i badly need boots but i cant afford the 300 dolla ones has any one got any boots going really cheap old ones or whateva just aslong as their boots really cheap maybe not 11dollas but 60 dollars pleeezzzz

[limbimtimwim]

i badly need boots but i cant afford the 300 dolla ones has any one got any boots going really cheap old ones or whateva just aslong as their boots really cheap maybe not 11dollas but 60 dollars pleeezzzz

If you don't mind them not being waterproof and one needing a new zip: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=195406304

[k14]

From my point of view (racing) its either alpinestars or sidi that are the only choice. I have owned a pair of each and would have to say that the alpinestars are the better of the two. But in saying that in two crashes last year I swear that my sidi corsa vertigo's ($700) stopped me having a broken ankle. Yeah maybe I am just sucked in with the marketing dribble but I'm convinced.

So depends on what price you put on a broken ankle. To me that means the best protection possible. Its quite an easy choice, I don't want a broken ankle and its as simple as that

[Ixion]

Well a visit to the friendly surplus store produced the goods. A pair of new unused UK paratroopers boots. Calf length, ring fasteners (not hooks), solid leather as solid as a solid leather thing. Bellows tongue and a proper bovver boy sole. And I reckon if they're up to jumping out aeroplanes without breaking your ankles motorbikes should be a doddle. Only downside is they're awfully stiff so I'll have to break them in. But once broken in they should be good, I mean paratroops have to walk a long way . $169. I've gone right off all the magical membranes and such stuff. I reckon the only way to waterproofness is to keep the water out. Solid leather and lots of dubbiny dubbin and Nuggety Kiwi polish.

There were a number of other models, I could have got a nice pair, new, not as heavy but more padded like for $125, but they didn't have my size. They have new Danish Army boots laceup, but I liked the toughness of the paratroop boots. If you don't need waterproof they have very nice leather and Cordura boots for (I think ) $129.

Having said all that I stopped by at the local Warewhare. They still have good solid boots for $34.99 ! Mine are five years old and still going OK. As far as value goes, that has to be tops.

[Macros]

picked up a nice set of steel capped work boots from the red shed today. 70 bucks but look like they're decent and will last.

[rocketman1]

I have a Pair of Oxtar zip up boots, had them 3 years, not falling part at all, and they have a WATERPROOF sign on the side. (what bullswool)
They leak like a sieve, may as well wear jandals,

[1tonne]

I've been just wearing leather shoes, but my ankles felt very unprotected, especially now as I go on the motorway. So I bought some motorbike boots from 1tonne. They are cheap, leather, and armoured. They were about $135 or something?
Anyway, wearing them for the first time on the bike today, along with the armoured cordura trousers I bought. It feels really weird, with the boots. I don't have the same feel that I had before, I can't feel the brake pedal or gear lever very well through the boots, and I used to move my ankle to brake or shift, but now I'm having to more move my whole leg up and down. I guess i'll get used to it. I just feel more... distant from the bike. It's hard to explain. Anyway, I feel much more protected now, armoured jacket, trousers, gloves, and boots. Feels safer on the motorway, that's for sure.
I've already spent over a month in a hospital bed as a result of a motorbike crash, and it's not fun, and I don't want to go through that again!

Hi. As the boots wear in you will find that you will have more feeling. The leather is just new. Cheers.

[sunhuntin]

I hear you, man. I have some "Forma" brand boots I got from TSS. A year old at most. One zip has gone already and been replaced, the other zip has just gone. They used to be marginally comfortable to walk in (should I, y'know, be going somewhere) but now do an excellent job of eating through the backs of my ankles. Bastard things. Expensive bastard things, too.

Dave

i got a pair of old steel cap cowboy boots that an ex gave me 5 years ago. perfect for on the bike, but the backs are like yours, which means i cant walk any great distance [no good for say cemetary circuit] i dont wear them anymore, but used to every day. when i got hit by that car, im almost certain they saved my ankle. now i wear a pair of horrid boots from an old job that are also steel cap.

[mazz1972]

Don't know wot yer on about. I bought some cheap (OK, $200) Dririders and they a) don't leak and b) only one zip tag has broken off on them. Zips, velcro, etc all good. That after 2ish years of commutering most every day.

Always buy not the cheapest, but next one up!

Glad yours are ok. We've got Dririder Nordics which are now 2½ years old. After a year both pairs leaked, then the soles started to come away at the sides, and now the surface of the "leather"? is ripping away where it's glued to the soles. Hubbys pair have cracks appearing in the "leather" in a couple of places. Mine now leak so bad I might as well be wearing sandals - I can tip water out of my boots after only a marginal amount of rain, and end up with socks and feet stained with black dye.

They are so crap I complained to the distributor after about 18 months. They were adamant the boots should not leak but it was too late to return them anyway. We aren't hard on our boots - we only ride when we can, no commuting etc so I reckon they should have lasted way longer than a year before starting to crap out.

I've just ordered a pair of Alpinestars Web Gortex at $400. If they don't last long I'll be fuming

[Finn]

I'm with Ixion on this. $400 worth of boots will not even last a season and I've tried many brands.

Recently, I reverted to sneakers. Well not sneakers like Jerry Seinfeld, more like Diesels.