Suggestions for an affordable, protective boot

[crispiegee1]

So you may recall that I got a pair of Sidi boots on closeout. Great looking, but - unfortunately - too bloody narrow for my D-width foot.

Can anyone suggest any $200-or-less boots that provide good protection?

I've been looking for another pair of AlpineStars, but can't find a decent sale price. Who's got the deals?

[GvG]

I've always found TCX (formerly Oxtar) to be a lot of value for money. Their s-sportour model is around $200,  but I don't know the width.

[RBEmerson]

Aerostich Combat Lite Boots do it for me.  The docs say C or D width (somewhat loose on this point because of how the buckle system works).  They're not the cheapest boot made, but they do hold up and they are comfortable once you've worn them for a while to loosen them up.  

[sagerat]

+1 on the Aerostitch Combat Lites.  I've had mine for several years and they are still doing fine.  I had Oxtars before that and they were a good, solid boot.

[crispiegee1]

I found the Aerostitch, though $250-300 was higher than I wanted and didn't have the sport features (reinforcement) I had hoped to get.

I have been leaning in favor of the TCX S-Sportour waterproof boot ($239), which is still more expensive than I wanted, but seems to have a good price/performance ratio. It's touring oriented, but still has reinforcement all around the boot.

Another one that I found on clearance is the TCX S-Zero (waterproof), which is their entry level track boot. I found it for $188 on closeout, which is a $40 savings over the S-Sportour.  On the other hand, I'm not sure if it's a bit too stiff to walk around in.  After all, when you tour, you tend to stop for sightseeing, so I wouldn't want to sacrifice comfort.

I wish cash wasn't such a scarcity lately.

[RBEmerson]

What reinforcement is a problem?  Once CTB's and CLB's are cinched up and laced up, you're in there.  

Look at these boots as an investment.  Other boots may cost less up front but how long do they last?  So, two sets of low end boots or one set of forever boots?  I'm just sayin'...

[crispiegee1]

What reinforcement is a problem?  Once CTB's and CLB's are cinched up and laced up, you're in there.  

Look at these boots as an investment.  Other boots may cost less up front but how long do they last?  So, two sets of low end boots or one set of forever boots?  I'm just sayin'...

That's a fair question about value, and I guess my answer is that I don't perceive the value of the more expensive boots. I paid $200 for my Alpinestars, and they've lasted for 11 years. So if I paid $300 and gotten 15 years out of something else, would I feel better about myself? Perhaps, but after 11 years, I think I want something fresh on my feet.

That's my preference.

By the way, I'm anti-acronym, so please feel free to elaborate on what CTB's and CLB's are.  

[sagerat]

CTB = Combat Tour Boots (full length boot)
CTL = Combat Touring Lites (calf length boot)

[crispiegee1]

Just broke some toes on my right foot a few minutes ago, so I may put the purchase off for a few more weeks.  

[bomber]

When I needed to replace an adged pair of boots used mostly for commuting (ease of putting on and removal is important here, for me), I went to NewEnough, er, Motorcycle Gear dot com  and called up boots --

I had many choices in a huge range of prices, and found some Alpinstars that suited my requirements down to the ground . . . . .

Great folks, outstanding service and many choices . . . .

[ConPilot1]

Aerostich Combat Lite Boots do it for me.  The docs say C or D width (somewhat loose on this point because of how the buckle system works).  They're not the cheapest boot made, but they do hold up and they are comfortable once you've worn them for a while to loosen them up.  

Best boots I've ever had. +1.

Wear them damn near daily for 3 years now. Extraordinarily comfy once broken in well.

I may go for the tall ones next time.

[sagerat]

Just broke some toes on my right foot a few minutes ago, so I may put the purchase off for a few more weeks.  

Let's hope it's not from a motorcycle crash.  Heal fast in all events.

[RBEmerson]

Just broke some toes on my right foot a few minutes ago, so I may put the purchase off for a few more weeks.  

Sorry to hear that (not as sorry you, though, I guess).   Can I interest you in a line of steel-toed safety boots?  

[Mr.Black]

Also, BILT has some nice stuff and it might be worth cruising by the closest CycleGear store to check them out.

The BILT line of boot from Cycle Gear has been discussed. It is very inexpensive, seems to be decent BUT it is an odd fit. I tried them on and they were very tight. If you have a certain type foot they could be a possibility for you.

[squeezer]

Just broke some toes on my right foot a few minutes ago, so I may put the purchase off for a few more weeks.   

Oh, man, that sucks. Broken toes hurt like hell. And instead of sympathy, people laugh at you.

Stay off them as much as you can and heal well. You have sympathy from me.

[crispiegee1]

Oh, man, that sucks. Broken toes hurt like hell. And instead of sympathy, people laugh at you.

Stay off them as much as you can and heal well. You have sympathy from me.

I appreciate the sympathy immensely, though if you knew me, you'd probably be laughing like the others. (It sometimes is the best medicine, after all!)

I was splitting a log this afternoon to throw in the fireplace. It was about 14 inches in diameter and I should have used the log splitter, but I thought, "The axe will be faster and if I hit it hard enough, I will probably bust it apart in one or two swings."

And that's exactly what happened. Unfortunately, one half flew off the chopping block extremely fast and hard (and heavy), striking my (STUPIDLY!) sneaker clad foot. I was afraid my neighbor across the street might have been looking out his window at that moment, so I stifled my usually f-bomb laden tirade, and tried to hobble to the garage to exhale heavily.  

If you aren't laughing at me yet, it gets better, because I had to take my motorcycle to my parents for dinner, before heading up to church for music practice. Why didn't I take the car? Well, the other day, I was on the highway and saw a large piece of road debris (it was actually a piece off a tow truck) too late to avoid it. I ran over it and mangled my front valence panel, which is now dangling under the car. (Since I have a home office, I haven't needed to fix it.)

You know, the motorcycling was actually pretty easy, except for a couple times in corners where I curled my toes. (Never realized I did that!)  The pain just about sent me into orbit.  Oh, and a couple times I lightly touched my right foot to the ground when I was stopped. YOWWWW!!  

I'm back home now and I won't be leaving the house at all tomorrow.

[ConPilot1]

Dude that sucks but I'm glad you're OK. That must've hurt like a MF.

At least it didn't hit you in the face, I worked with an old deaf guy years ago who was splitting logs with a maul and wedge, he whacked it, and the wedge flew up in his face and hit him smack between the eyes.
He looked like a raccoon for weeks. 2 black eyes and he said he thought his nose might be broken.

It was. So toes is the better choice.

That wedge could have killed Scotty.    I felt bad for him, but this dude was accident prone. He came in one night with his thumb all bandaged up, I asked me what the hell he did this time, and told me he put an 1/8 drill bit through his thumbnail with a power drill. Right through the whole top of his thumb.

I saw it.  

[Papa Lazarou]

Just broke some toes on my right foot a few minutes ago, so I may put the purchase off for a few more weeks.  

ouch.

But TCX Infinity boots are good.

[crispiegee1]

Dude that sucks but I'm glad you're OK. That must've hurt like a MF.

At least it didn't hit you in the face, I worked with an old deaf guy years ago who was splitting logs with a maul and wedge, he whacked it, and the wedge flew up in his face and hit him smack between the eyes.
He looked like a raccoon for weeks. 2 black eyes and he said he thought his nose might be broken.

It was. So toes is the better choice.

Thanks for the story, Con. It's actually a good reminder that I should be really careful about my face too! I usually wear safety glasses when using the axe, but maybe I should put on an old motorcycle helmet!    (I can only imagine what the neighbors would think then.)  

But seriously, in light of what COULD happen, I'll take my toes over an injury to my face or even hands.

That wedge could have killed Scotty.    I felt bad for him, but this dude was accident prone. He came in one night with his thumb all bandaged up, I asked me what the hell he did this time, and told me he put an 1/8 drill bit through his thumbnail with a power drill. Right through the whole top of his thumb.

I saw it.  

Oh yuck! Yuck yuck yuck!!  

[Rincewind]

An often overlooked option is Triumph boots.  I have two different pairs - one for commuting/day-use, one for touring.  My touring ones have lasted quite a long time.  If you find the older model boots, they are often on sale compared to the newer Alipinestar/Triumph ones.

Here is a link.  These are very similar to my touring boots.  $160 on sale.  - http://www.british-customs.com/triumph-tri-tex-waterproof-riding-boots.html