Suggestions for an affordable, protective boot

[FJRmgm]

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.

I bought a pair of the BILT boots back in December and they were tight at first but now they are very comfortable.  

I replaced a pair of Oxtar Matrix with the BILT and so far have been very happy with them.  Probably have about 1.5 k riding in them now.

[Mr.Black]

I bought a pair of the BILT boots back in December and they were tight at first but now they are very comfortable.  

I replaced a pair of Oxtar Matrix with the BILT and so far have been very happy with them.  Probably have about 1.5 k riding in them now.

How long was the break in?

[sagerat]

Now that you've broken your toes, I guess you'll just ride in sandals, eh?  

I am impressed you rode with busted toes; you are a hardier fellow than I.    

[ConPilot1]

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

My buddy bought a pair for his wife. The leather cracked promptly. Took them back to Hermes and got a new pair. I wasn't impressed. I like Sidi boots myself.  

[crispiegee1]

My buddy bought a pair for his wife. The leather cracked promptly. Took them back to Hermes and got a new pair. I wasn't impressed. I like Sidi boots myself.  

I just gave away a new pair of Sidi boots because they were too bloody narrow. Yes, I could have returned them, but I was lazy (and would have had to pay return shipping) and they fit my pal Tim perfectly. (We've been friends for over 20 years though, so he's done me many favors along the way.)

I think the Triumph boots look an awful lot like the Tourmaster Solution 2.0 boots for $107. I was pondering whether I should just get some ordinary boots like that (what are the REAL chances I'm really going to end up needing all the armor protection of expensive models?), but then I think about how long I've had my Alpinestars and how much more reassured I am by putting my foot into something that feels really sturdy.

I'm really digging the TCX S-Sportour WP, though it's more than I wanted to spend, at $240. I found the TCX S-Zero waterproof race boot on sale for a lot cheaper, but I'm not sure if it will only work at the shifting angle on my sport bike. (My Guzzi puts me in a sit-up-and-beg seating position.)

Chris

[Reddog*]

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

Alpine star Scouts for $211, free shipping

http://www.chrome-addiction.com/g-alpinestars-scout-waterproof-boots-32751.php

I bought a set earlier this year from Chrome addiction service was good for me.

[jsanford]

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'...

It's not always a linear ratio, though.  My Sidi Vertebras went through three zippers in under 2 years and stopped being waterproof around half that time.  I had the soles replaced last year anyway, and with Sidi waterproofing goop (probably mink oil) they are water resistent.  If you need waterproof, don't settle for less than Gore-tex.

[Meemuh]

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.




Oh yuck! Yuck yuck yuck!!  

Don't go the open face route.

[crispiegee1]

Alpine star Scouts for $211, free shipping

http://www.chrome-addiction.com/g-alpinestars-scout-waterproof-boots-32751.php

I bought a set earlier this year from Chrome addiction service was good for me.

I'm leaning toward the Alpinestars Hydro Sport Drystar boots. They seem like the successor to my 2001 SM-X boots, which I've really liked, and are the same price at $211.

[crispiegee1]

I guess it's not really the successor to the SM-X, because they still make that one.

I ordered from Revzilla in size 44, which is the same size as my old Alpinestars. I hope that fits, because I'm really only a size 9, but I notice that the European boots run smaller than advertised. I tried on a 42 in a different model of Alpinestars boot and it was way, way too small.

They arrive tomorrow (Good Friday), so I'll let you know how I fared.

[jadziadax8]

Late to the party, but I'll chime in.  I love my Tourmaster Solution boots.  I've had mine for 5 years now and they are great.  They are comfy from cold to hot weather, are still waterproof and are great for walking around all day once you hit your destination.  I have even forgotten regular shoes from time to time at work and have worn them under my slacks.  No one has ever noticed.  Mine have crashed twice and still look new.  The best part?  They are on sale for $108 right now.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/36/35780/ITEM/Tour-Master-Solution-WP-2-0-Road-Boots.aspx

[crispiegee1]

Thanks Jadziadax!

I had looked at the Tourmaster Solution, though a couple of reviews gave it middling marks, so I was only lukewarm on that model.

I ended up purchasing the Alpinestars Hyrdo Drystar at the price advertised at Chrome Addiction. However, in looking up Chrome Addiction's customer reviews, I found a number of people who were angry about slow shipping or unresponsive customer service, so I called them to ask them about their return policy (in case the size was wrong).

They said that there would be 20% restocking fee, even to exchange, because "All Alpinestars boots are special order" or some crap like that. That gave me enough uncertainty to skip them altogether.

Next, I called Revzilla to ask if they'd match the price, which they did. So I got the boots from them instead, since they - as I understand - don't charge a restock fee.

The ONE thing I wish I had realized is that unlike the SMX-5, there's no toe slider. I'm not a road racer, but every once in a while I get a bit sloppy and scrape the edge of my boot if I'm low in a turn and have my foot ready for an upshift. Bad habit.

Other than that, they're quite comfy and the size 44 fits my size 9 foot perfectly. NOTE: According to the size chart a 42 should fit me, but I went with 44, since that's what my old A-stars were. Good thing I did.

I'll do a full review when I've had a little time in them to see how waterproof they are and how they break in.

[ConPilot1]

I think some of those Forma boots look pretty damn good and very reasonably priced. Somebody posted something about them and I went to check them out.

A couple of the boot models look suspiciously just like some of TCX, which are very good boots from what I understand.

http://www.formaboots.com/site/scheda_prodotto.php?categoria=touring&id=133

[DrD]

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.  

Six years and counting on mine!  

[Chef675]

Late to the party, but I'll chime in.  I love my Tourmaster Solution boots.  I've had mine for 5 years now and they are great.  They are comfy from cold to hot weather, are still waterproof and are great for walking around all day once you hit your destination.  I have even forgotten regular shoes from time to time at work and have worn them under my slacks.  No one has ever noticed.  Mine have crashed twice and still look new.  The best part?  They are on sale for $108 right now.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/36/35780/ITEM/Tour-Master-Solution-WP-2-0-Road-Boots.aspx

The Tourmaster solution 2.0 water proof are the ones I will be asking for Fathers Day
Seems 90% of all the reviews are great including yours. They break in right away & very comfy. Lot of boot for the money
Could of used them on the trip to Boyer WV in early May  

[vfrrwb]

Probably going to get these
http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=11351
according to the reviews they have really good ankle protection at this price point...

[JeffM]

I'll never wear a boot with anything less than full shin armor in it again. I recently took the corner of a steel caution sign to the shin at maybe 25mph. Fortunately I was wearing my Sidi Stradas - it made a lot of noise and left a good mark on my Vanson textile pants, but I hardly felt a thing as the impact was right on the front armor plate. Go Sidi!

[ConPilot1]

Thought I'd add some pertinent goodness to the thread. Speaking of good shin protection, I always wanted a pair of Hi-Points. Plus they just have a touch of extra badass-ness.  

[crispiegee1]

This thread just got significantly better!  

Thought I'd add some pertinent goodness to the thread. Speaking of good shin protection, I always wanted a pair of Hi-Points. Plus they just have a touch of extra badass-ness.  

[bomber]

I'll never wear a boot with anything less than full shin armor in it again. I recently took the corner of a steel caution sign to the shin at maybe 25mph. Fortunately I was wearing my Sidi Stradas - it made a lot of noise and left a good mark on my Vanson textile pants, but I hardly felt a thing as the impact was right on the front armor plate. Go Sidi!

I am trying to envision the position in which you oufnd yourself hitting a Caution sign with your shin . . . .all I get is you, doing a Jackie Chan-like flying kick at the poor sign, which had somehow angered you.

Glad you're OK, though!