Touring boot choices?

[Gezza]

Hi all
Have just been sniffing around the web for touring boots and see there is a huge range available pricing from $199ish up to $600.One that caught my eye was Oxtar for around $350 and was wondering if anyone wears these and can recommend them.Secondly,is there a dealer in NZ??.Do most of you guys have two pairs,summer and winter or do you just have say your winter pair for both summer and winter.I have a fairly wide foot so i'd be wise to try before buy.If you think there are any other boots i should look at please advise.
Thanks
Gezza

[dudeone]

Hi Gezza,

I can recommend a number of boots, Dainese Gortex where great for me, awesome fit, very comfy and waterproof, not sure how easy they are to get in NZ.

Oxtar are available from Cycletreads in Takapuna or online at http://www.cycletreads.co.nz/content/catalogue.aspx I had some Oxtar race boots that where very good and close to being on par with the Sidi vertebrae (if ive spelt it right), also recommend Alpinestars touring boots but can’t remember the model of them.

I am wearing Gaerne touring boots at the mo and they are good, can’t comment about waterproof as try to avoid the wet and not been caught out yet, found that if you wear the pants outside/over the boots then there is some Velcro that rubs against your calf and after a few hrs it gets sore.

Hope this helps

[Gezza]

Thanks Dudeone.Some great info there.Would you use your winter boots in summer to??
Gezza

[Radar]

.I have a fairly wide foot so i'd be wise to try before buy.If you think there are any other boots i should look at please advise.
Thanks
Gezza

Gezza, I have a pair of 1Tonne touring boots. At $135 the price is unbeatable and they are comfortable, well-made and waterproof. I bought one size larger than I normally take since I also have a wide foot and I wanted there to be room for heavy winter socks; the extra room also makes them more comfortable in hot weather. 1Tonne has a good return policy in case your boots don't fit. BTW, I rode in a torrential downpour for 2 hours, a really bad storm that made national news, and the boots did leak a little bit from the top flexi-joint but I have now applied waterproofing and doubt if they will leak again. Normal rain is no problem.

[dudeone]

Hi Gezza,

TBH I haven’t really rode in the winter for such a long time, this is my first years riding in NZ and the North island doesn’t seem to get that cold just wet, I try and dodge the wet being a fair weather weekend warrior.

Back in the UK when I was young’n I used to suffer the snow, frost and icy days when it got below the minus figures and that was a case of toughen up or get a tin top, a good tip was wearing plastic bags inside the boots they kept the feet dry and warmish.

Cheers Dave

[vifferman]

Gezza - I too have wide (and flat feet) and have found StylMartin boots to be very comfortable, even when brand new. No need to buy them a size too big!
I wear them all year round, as unlike some other boots, they are leather, so don't get too hot and sweaty. I bought my first pair (Strada) because unlike the Sidis, they have ankle cups on both sides. The StylSafe I've got now do too, and also have an inner boot with 7 carbon-fibre panels for ankle protection. They're 100% waterproof, and have velcro fastenings on both side of the boot, so it's easy to get a good fit. They're not cheap though - $449, I think.

[Hailwood]

+1 for them have ridden in mine now for a couple of years in summer and winter..so comfortable, waterproof and easy to walk in when off the bike. When they finally wear out I will be getting anothe rpair but right now they are still in great condition....

Buy Stylsafe boots

[CRM]

I got some Forma boots that I've worn on my NZ tour over last three weeks and they have been fantastic and were quite cheap (under $200). Been through all sorts of weather and they performed perfectly - no leaks, warm, light and comfortable. They were the only casual shoes I took and I even went jogging in them a couple of times - in fact I'm sitting in my office at the moment with them on! Highly recommended (and my feet are wide and they fitted well). I got them from a local dealer.

[Grant`]

I got some Forma boots that I've worn on my NZ tour over last three weeks and they have been fantastic and were quite cheap (under $200). Been through all sorts of weather and they performed perfectly - no leaks, warm, light and comfortable. They were the only casual shoes I took and I even went jogging in them a couple of times - in fact I'm sitting in my office at the moment with them on! Highly recommended (and my feet are wide and they fitted well). I got them from a local dealer.

I also have a set of Forma boots and have had 0 leakages in the years i have been riding with them. Comfortable and versatile and not over priced.

[Owl]

+2

One of the nicest pair of touring boots I've ever seen. I was completely bummed out that I couldn't get them done up (large calves). I ended up buying the Sidi Vertigo Mega at extra cost (they fit), but I much preferred the Stylsafe!

[Karl@Alpha]

Don't forget to check out our website too... we are able to mailorder gear down to you and answer any questions you might have about boots and sizing.
regards,
jacqui
Alpha Motorcyles & accessories.