Boots - suggestions?

[Ironhand]

I'm in need of some new boots. My Alpinestars Webs are worn out. I'm looking for something with a bit more protection without going to a full-on MX boot. So far, I have narrowed down the choices to the Astars Toucan, Sidi Adventure, or the Gaerne G-adventure. I don't mind paying for a quality boot, but I'll admit to a little sticker shock with the first two. The Gaerne looks like a relative bargain. Does anyone have any of these or input on something similiar?

For a little background, temps here during the riding season range from the 20s to humid 90s with no shortage of rain. I come from am MX background, so spend a decent amount of time standing when riding on back roads or during any real off-roading.

 

[Karson]

I can't comment on the Gaerne or Alpinestar's but I've got the Sidi Adventure Rain (non goretex, but "supposedly" waterproof). They are a great boot once broken in. However, the hinging mechanism so the foot/ankle can flex comfortably does require mink oil from time to time as to not squeak as you walk. If you're not concerned about it, let 'em squeak, but don't expect to walk in a quiet restaurant without people looking at ya funny ::008::

The goretex sidi's are spendy as hell though...

 

[OkState]

I've been doing similar research, also had criteria of wanting something I can spend some hours off the bike and not feel like I'm wearing a full MX boot. Revzilla recommended the TCX Infinity GTX, I have a pair on order. You might check them out.

 

[Dallara]

~


Gaerne Oiled Balance boots here. Best boots I've ever owned. Real leather through and through. Waterproof. Warm in the winter, cool in the summer (and I live in South Texas where it gets plenty *HOT* and humid). Comfortable to ride in all day as well as walk in just as long. Great traction from the sole. Easy, easy to take care of, too... Just some mink oil from time to time and they look new. Had this pair over a year and over 24,000 miles without any issues. They look like they could go 500,000 miles or more.

They're sold primarily as a "Trials" boot... Not so stiff (or has high) as a full-blown MX boot, not as low and flimsy as a street boot. Better, IMHO, than any "dual-purpose" or "adventure" boot I've seen or worn.

Yes, they're a bit pricey, but I think they're worth it. Best boots I've owned in over 40 years of riding, and 20+ of those racing on- and off-pavement.

http://www.atomic-moto.com/Gaerne-Balance-Oiled-Dual-Sport-Boots_p_79.html

And BTW, they have that lovely brown look in the picture right out of the box, but after a few of the recommended mink oil treatments they turn all but black... A nice, super-dark, matte cordovan brown that borders on charcoal. I wear 'em most of the time with Diamond Gusset "Defender" kevlar-lined jeans (http://store.americangusset.com/defenders.html), and one of the best things about 'em is that they don't even look like like motorsicle boots!

I give 'em ::008:: ::008:: ::008:: ::008:: ::008::

Dallara



~

 

[burnoil]

~


Gaerne Oiled Balance boots here. Best boots I've ever owned. Real leather through and through. Waterproof. Warm in the winter, cool in the summer (and I live in South Texas where it gets plenty *HOT* and humid). Comfortable to ride in all day as well as walk in just as long. Great traction from the sole. Easy, easy to take care of, too... Just some mink oil from time to time and they look new. Had this pair over a year and over 24,000 miles without any issues. They look like they could go 500,000 miles or more.

They're sold primarily as a "Trials" boot... Not so stiff (or has high) as a full-blown MX boot, not as low and flimsy as a street boot. Better, IMHO, than any "dual-purpose" or "adventure" boot I've seen or worn.

Yes, they're a bit pricey, but I think they're worth it. Best boots I've owned in over 40 years of riding, and 20+ of those racing on- and off-pavement.

http://www.atomic-moto.com/Gaerne-Balance-Oiled-Dual-Sport-Boots_p_79.html

And BTW, they have that lovely brown look in the picture right out of the box, but after a few of the recommended mink oil treatments they turn all but black... A nice, super-dark, matte cordovan brown that borders on charcoal. I wear 'em most of the time with Diamond Gusset "Defender" kevlar-lined jeans (http://store.americangusset.com/defenders.html), and one of the best things about 'em is that they don't even look like like motorsicle boots!

I give 'em ::008:: ::008:: ::008:: ::008:: ::008::

Dallara



~

I also wear these and like them a lot. I wish they had a bit more ankle protection, but aside form that they are very, very comfortable.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

I can't comment on the Gaerne or Alpinestar's but I've got the Sidi Adventure Rain (non goretex, but "supposedly" waterproof). They are a great boot once broken in. However, the hinging mechanism so the foot/ankle can flex comfortably does require mink oil from time to time as to not squeak as you walk. If you're not concerned about it, let 'em squeak, but don't expect to walk in a quiet restaurant without people looking at ya funny ::008::

The goretex sidi's are spendy as hell though...

Just got the Sidi Adventure Gore-Tex. Only $320 + $50 shipping from a company in Germany via eBay. Very comfortable boots, but the squeak is insane. I knew I was going to be walking around at a dealership tonight so I left the Sidi boots at home and wore something else. The squeak is very attention grabbing.

 

[bloodline]

I have the g adventure. They suck. Not waterproof, minimal support. Glorified tennis shoes. I also have sg10s. Love them. 2 completely different ends of the spectrum.

I'm looking for something in between for the s10.

 

[NittanyXT]

Gaerne Midland, available thru AtomicMoto. No affiliation, just a happy customer. These boots felt like and old pair of slippers at first wearing. Tall, more protection than a street or trials boot, less than an MX boot. Easy to walk in as well. Have waded through creeks and not a drop inside.

 

[EricV]

I also have the Garnae G-Midland and am pleased with them. I have several thousand miles on them and they are waterproof and comfortable to walk in. Taller than the TCX X-fives I use for street riding, but much more support, better protection and a lug sole that can be replaced when worn out, unlike most of the molded on soles. I got mine from Atomic Moto in Bend, OR and the service was excellent. I believe they are also available out of Germany and smaller sizes are available, but warranty is a pain. My wife got some form Germany and they are not waterproof, so we're going to send them back, but duties offset any savings. Our problem was Atomic couldn't get her smaller size in a timely manner. We had a trip, so took the chance.

 

[Karson]

Just got the Sidi Adventure Gore-Tex. Only $320 + $50 shipping from a company in Germany via eBay. Very comfortable boots, but the squeak is insane. I knew I was going to be walking around at a dealership tonight so I left the Sidi boots at home and wore something else. The squeak is very attention grabbing.

Yeah you're right - maybe I played it down a bit much that they squeak. I'm going to try a few things before riding season starts that are listed here:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=636675&page=1

 

[Firefight911]

You need to look at the Forma Adventure Boot. It's available through Atomic Moto.

It is fantastic!!! I came off of the Alpinestar Scout which was a good boot. The Forma is better still.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk which means there are more than likely spelling errors!

 

[talonboy]

I have the astar scouts and love them. Comfy enough for a day, waterproof, decent for walking or standing around for hours.

 

[sail2xxs]

~


Gaerne Oiled Balance boots here. Best boots I've ever owned. Real leather through and through. Waterproof. Warm in the winter, cool in the summer (and I live in South Texas where it gets plenty *HOT* and humid). Comfortable to ride in all day as well as walk in just as long. Great traction from the sole. Easy, easy to take care of, too... Just some mink oil from time to time and they look new. Had this pair over a year and over 24,000 miles without any issues. They look like they could go 500,000 miles or more.

They're sold primarily as a "Trials" boot... Not so stiff (or has high) as a full-blown MX boot, not as low and flimsy as a street boot. Better, IMHO, than any "dual-purpose" or "adventure" boot I've seen or worn.

Yes, they're a bit pricey, but I think they're worth it. Best boots I've owned in over 40 years of riding, and 20+ of those racing on- and off-pavement.

http://www.atomic-moto.com/Gaerne-Balance-Oiled-Dual-Sport-Boots_p_79.html

And BTW, they have that lovely brown look in the picture right out of the box, but after a few of the recommended mink oil treatments they turn all but black... A nice, super-dark, matte cordovan brown that borders on charcoal. I wear 'em most of the time with Diamond Gusset "Defender" kevlar-lined jeans (http://store.americangusset.com/defenders.html), and one of the best things about 'em is that they don't even look like like motorsicle boots!

I give 'em ::008:: ::008:: ::008:: ::008:: ::008::

Dallara



~

::026::

My first pair of these lasted me over 130K miles. They were comfortable straight out of the box, worked great on the TransLab and a bunch of other off pavement trips, and for daily commuting to DC in temps from the low single digits to 105. I recently retired them from "active duty" and replaced them with another pair. One thing I did find is that the waterproof liner starts to wear out after about 2 years ~ 60k miles. A $20 set of raincovers took care of that issue. I had Alpine Stars in the past, and couldn't get more than a year out of them before the sole started separating from the boot. The Gaerne soles wear like iron, but are flexible enough to be used for comfortable walking/hiking. Longer periods (30 min+) of continuous standing on the pegs (Fastway F5) will start to bother you a bit.

Chris

 

[Dallara]

::026::

My first pair of these lasted me over 130K miles. They were comfortable straight out of the box, worked great on the TransLab and a bunch of other off pavement trips, and for daily commuting to DC in temps from the low single digits to 105. I recently retired them from "active duty" and replaced them with another pair. One thing I did find is that the waterproof liner starts to wear out after about 2 years ~ 60k miles. A $20 set of raincovers took care of that issue. I had Alpine Stars in the past, and couldn't get more than a year out of them before the sole started separating from the boot. The Gaerne soles wear like iron, but are flexible enough to be used for comfortable walking/hiking. Longer periods (30 min+) of continuous standing on the pegs (Fastway F5) will start to bother you a bit.

Chris

Amen to that, Chris!

The Alpinestars I've had experienced much the same issues... And not just the soles separating, but also any of the plastic protection pieces getting brittle and cracking or separating from the boot. I used to be a huge Alpinestars fan. Began wearing their stuff as MX boots back when they we called "Hi-Point" back in the early 1970's, and on through the '90's. In those days they wore better than Full Bore's (which is what Sidi was called in those days, and I owned several pair of those, too), and you could get all the replacement pieces for them... Buckles, soles, etc., and any boot shop could repair them. However, in my experience both Sidi and Alpinestars took a downward turn in quality after the turn of the century, and have now just become expensive one-year *throwaways*.

The Gaerne's, OTOH, have been wonderful, and like you I have found that the soles wear just like "iron". I know if these Oiled Balance boots ever wear out the first thing I'll do is buy another pair!

And BTW, did I mention that I have a W-I-D-E foot, and that these Gaerne Oiled Balance boots have the widest toe-box and best fit of any motorcycle boots I've ever found in that regard... ::008::

Dallara




~

 

[cadcamkenny]

I have been real happy with Icon Super Duty 4 Boots. Very high quality and they are also highly rated at Revzilla.
They help me reach the ground with my 30" inseam.
Only issue is i had to adjust the shifter up a notch to get comfortable shifts.
They were $90 when I bought them last year, now $120!

 

[WRW9751]

I've been wearing AeroStitch Combat Lites. They where a little stiff breaking in, but are the best money I've spent for a while.

 

[jajpko]

And one more vote for the astars scout boot. Really waterproof and very comfortable. The soles are lug and are sewn on.

 

[OkState]

I always strike out because of my large diameter legs above the ankle. Calves are about 21" circumference which isn't gigantic, but I'm also large between ankle and calf - legs like tree trunks. Feet are 10.5 to 11 E, not grande compared to my legs. SO, with all the love for the Gaerne boots - how much room is in the upper shaft of the boot? Only thing I've tried that has fit are my Astars Tech 3 MX boots which are great for a few hours in the woods but wouldn't want to wear them touring.

Just tried a SIDI on road gore, and TCX Infinity GTX - both nice boots but too small in the calf. Both returned.

 

[Dallara]

I always strike out because of my large diameter legs above the ankle. Calves are about 21" circumference which isn't gigantic, but I'm also large between ankle and calf - legs like tree trunks. Feet are 10.5 to 11 E, not grande compared to my legs. SO, with all the love for the Gaerne boots - how much room is in the upper shaft of the boot? Only thing I've tried that has fit are my Astars Tech 3 MX boots which are great for a few hours in the woods but wouldn't want to wear them touring.

Just tried a SIDI on road gore, and TCX Infinity GTX - both nice boots but too small in the calf. Both returned.

You and I are in the same, exact boat... My calves are 21 to 22" (my friends used to call them "cows", not calves), big and thick ankles, and a size 11 W (meaning usually a E to EEE in things like hiking boots). Had such hell with the big calves when I was MX racing that often the tops of my boots were held closed by duct tape!

I can't speak for any other Gaerne boots, but the Gaerne Oiled Balance boots are great in this regard. Plenty of width and room in the toe-box, nice high instep (another issue I have), good (but not great) arch support, plenty of room in the ankle, lots of adjustment on the buckle straps... And enough room at the top to not only get the buckles/straps done, but even for the velcro closure at the very top to get some good. solid purchase so the top of the boot seals properly.

That said, I am talking about wearing the boots *UNDER* my riding pants, not over. No way I could get 'em closed at the top if I wore them on the outside, over my riding pants.

Hope this helps!

Dallara


~

 

[EricV]

I always strike out because of my large diameter legs above the ankle. Calves are about 21" circumference which isn't gigantic, but I'm also large between ankle and calf - legs like tree trunks. Feet are 10.5 to 11 E, not grande compared to my legs. SO, with all the love for the Gaerne boots - how much room is in the upper shaft of the boot? Only thing I've tried that has fit are my Astars Tech 3 MX boots which are great for a few hours in the woods but wouldn't want to wear them touring.

Just tried a SIDI on road gore, and TCX Infinity GTX - both nice boots but too small in the calf. Both returned.

I sometimes have this issue. I've lost some weight and don't have as big of calves as I used to, but a picture is probably the easiest way to show this. Gaerne G-Midlands, 18" calf. The first pic is showing the boot held open, with the two clamp straps open. The second pic shows the straps closed and only an inch of the velcro secured, with a large gap still there. I do not have the straps anywhere near the most open they can go. Your 21" calves should be just fine in these boots. I wear a 47, or 11 1/2 to 12 e boot normally.