Author Topic: Boots-Recommendations? (Read 5039 times)

Dave48 · « **on:** 06 March 2014, 11:47:25 am »

I need to replace my old boots & wondered what other foccers recommend. Im not interested in "flashy" fashion items just want something waterproof,comfortable,durable and with sufficient "feel" for the pedals combined with ankle protection. Took a walk round my local JT store and was overwhelmed by the range of styles,priceranges,designs. So over to you guys......

richfzs · « **Reply #1 on:** 06 March 2014, 11:52:24 am »

Altberg..... Nuff said

Dunno where you are, but if anywhere north-ish (like not on the south coast) get yourself a long to the factory. You won't do better, with that set of requirements

dcurzon · « **Reply #2 on:** 06 March 2014, 11:53:48 am »

I highsided at Brands Hatch, Paddock Hill, a few years back. It was lap 1 and i was at the front end but all bikes closely bunched. Luckily, most of them missed me! One bike went straight over my foot/ankle.
I suffered a sprained ankle only.
I was wearing Sidi Vertebra.

Mattsplat · « **Reply #3 on:** 06 March 2014, 11:57:08 am »

Sidi Canyons.

So good, I'll just buy another pair when these die.

richfzs · « **Reply #4 on:** 06 March 2014, 11:58:49 am »

There you go, three answers, all different. Have we helped?

Dave48 · « **Reply #5 on:** 06 March 2014, 12:02:38 pm »

Will try some Sidis next time in shop. Thanks!

Frosties · « **Reply #6 on:** 06 March 2014, 12:03:38 pm »

Quote from: richfzs on 06 March 2014, 11:58:49 am

There you go, three answers, all different. Have we helped?

Going to make it worse Rich -

TCX Infinity all the way - nuff said

They won the last boot debate, linky below

http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php/topic,11041.0.html

fazersharp · « **Reply #7 on:** 06 March 2014, 12:03:52 pm »

Quote from: dcurzon on 06 March 2014, 11:53:48 am

I highsided at Brands Hatch, Paddock Hill, a few years back. It was lap 1 and i was at the front end but all bikes closely bunched. Luckily, most of them missed me! One bike went straight over my foot/ankle.
I suffered a sprained ankle only.
I was wearing Sidi Vertebra.

Thats the sort of info/ review I want and not the BS the makers give out

Arfa · « **Reply #8 on:** 06 March 2014, 12:10:18 pm »

I picked up some second hand Alpinestars SMX-4's in good nick off ebay for £45. Really like them, comfy, water proof, solid with loads of protection. Only had one low speed off in them, when bike slid down and landed on foot, just hand minor bruise on ankle for a couple of days. Only downside is the soles aren't as grippy as I'd like, occasionally my foot will slip on the ground, if it's wet or there's loose gravel.

mr self destruct · « **Reply #9 on:** 06 March 2014, 12:35:24 pm »

I was looking for waterproof boots a couple of months back, and thanks to here decided on either Daytona Roadstars or TCX Infinitys. I tried both but they didn't feel like they had the protection I wanted. Yes, they're nice and flexible, but after my little kiss with a BMW last year I decided comfort was definitely a second priority behind protection.
I went for TCX S-Speed WPs in the end as they were much better armoured than the others. They're not waterproof despite their claims but I don't care, I just carry an extra pair of socks to work.

DryRob · « **Reply #10 on:** 06 March 2014, 12:59:59 pm »

I've just got a pair of Sidi B2 goretex recently, comfy and waterproof so far. Hopefully I won't be finding out about crash protection anytime soon but they seem fairly solid

Chris · « **Reply #11 on:** 06 March 2014, 01:28:38 pm »

I really like my sidi rain evo boots. not too flashy but totally waterproof and all day comfortable.

http://www.ghostbikes.com/products/1282-sidi-black-rain-evo-motorcycle-boots.html?gclid=CPmB-dqB_rwCFSMYwwodhiAAPg

Chris

Simon.Pieman · « **Reply #12 on:** 06 March 2014, 02:04:29 pm »

Quote from: Frosties on 06 March 2014, 12:03:38 pm

TCX Infinity all the way - nuff said

http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php/topic,11041.0.html

Not quite, just try and get them re-soled, can't be done. Not good.
I'm pretty hard on boot tread and the TCX's would be toast within a year.
If you want a boot that offers great protection, comfort, ease of putting on/off (has no zips to bust) and will last for years and years get a pair of Gaerne G-Midland boots, you have to import them from Italy but they are the tops. Check out the adventure bike forums where people know how to test/destroy boots.

Lawrence · « **Reply #13 on:** 06 March 2014, 02:22:02 pm »

I've got Nitro NB-11 boots. Not too pricey and they're completely waterproof.

stevierst · « **Reply #14 on:** 06 March 2014, 04:27:51 pm »

Altbergs, a boot for life! Worth every penny several times over.

dcurzon · « **Reply #15 on:** 06 March 2014, 04:44:57 pm »

Quote from: fazersharp on 06 March 2014, 12:03:52 pm

Quote from: dcurzon on 06 March 2014, 11:53:48 am
I highsided at Brands Hatch, Paddock Hill, a few years back. It was lap 1 and i was at the front end but all bikes closely bunched. Luckily, most of them missed me! One bike went straight over my foot/ankle.
I suffered a sprained ankle only.
I was wearing Sidi Vertebra.
Thats the sort of info/ review I want and not the BS the makers give out

That highside, was quoted by one of the marshalls as being possibly the highest highside he'd ever seen at that corner! Quite frankly, i value protection over waterproof. A broken arm or wrist is inconvenient, but you can mostly continue normal day to day stuff. A broken ankle or foot takes a LOOONG time to heal and incapacitates your ability to even get around, let alone work. No work, no pay.
My next set of boots were also Sidi Vertebra. Still use that pair now. They did 4 more race seasons (including 2 seasons of endurance racing) and daily commuting over that time. They look a bit worse for wear, but i still use them.
Note: definitely not waterproof. In the recent heavy rains, i took to putting a carrier bag over my foot before putting foot into boot.

Devic · « **Reply #16 on:** 06 March 2014, 07:53:31 pm »

I have trouble with boots, short story left leg from the knee down was chewed up and spat out in an accident so now my ankles and part of my leg are different sizes and can't get any of the flash sports boots that would fit unless I brought two sets in different sizes. I'm currently using a set of Richa touring boots and had to ride 50 miles back home in the recent storms and flooding and my feet remained completely dry.

noggythenog · « **Reply #17 on:** 06 March 2014, 07:59:03 pm »

Quote from: stevierst on 06 March 2014, 04:27:51 pm

Altbergs, a boot for life! Worth every penny several times over.

I used to be right next to the alt berg factory....but i didnt have a bike then

Are there off the shelf fits good enough without going down the custom boot route?...& is there a particularly good boot?

stevierst · « **Reply #18 on:** 06 March 2014, 09:38:20 pm »

Been using altberg field and fell boots for about 7 years and they're off the shelf. Some of the comfiest boots going.
I believe the clubman boots are the do it all bike boots. I know a lot of guys swear by them.

noggythenog · « **Reply #19 on:** 06 March 2014, 09:42:28 pm »

Quote from: stevierst on 06 March 2014, 09:38:20 pm

Been using altberg field and fell boots for about 7 years and they're off the shelf. Some of the comfiest boots going.
I believe the clubman boots are the do it all bike boots. I know a lot of guys swear by them.

Cheers Stevie, clubmans eh...time for a googly googly moment.

I think i should plan a stop off in Richmond on my way up to Scotland this summer.

My RST trachtech boots are far too chavvy & the sole on the toe is starting to come off after a good road kicking.

stevierst · « **Reply #20 on:** 06 March 2014, 09:45:51 pm »

Altbergs take a bit of breaking in, but once they're supple, you'll never look back. And when they wear out in about 8 or 9 years, you just send them back and get them rebuilt. New boots again!

Andy FZS · « **Reply #21 on:** 06 March 2014, 10:11:43 pm »

What sort of price are the altbergs they sound good.

stevierst · « **Reply #22 on:** 06 March 2014, 10:28:59 pm »

You'll have to look them up. Last I saw they were about £130 ish.

The Rocketeer · « **Reply #23 on:** 08 March 2014, 05:41:47 pm »

Get down to Aldi on sunday......

Beeblebrox2nd · « **Reply #24 on:** 09 March 2014, 11:53:29 pm »

I also wear Altberg Clubmans.
Best damned boots I've ever worn on or off a bike. Got a used pair off Ebay(£110) about 3 years ago and they show no sign of wearing out/leaking/undoing stitching. I could easily sell them again and get my money back, if not a touch more.
Tough wearing, yet bloody comfy they are!