Hello, all! I am ideally looking for something comfortable for long rides, flexible at the ankle for sportier riding, a pair of high-quality boots. There are so many choices, it is a little daunting to separate the good from the bad. I have heard Red Wing boots are good... Thank you all for your help in advance!
Red Wing boots - as in the American leather boots? I was looking at those for 'casual' boots, and feel they are exceptionally expensive - although granted I'll likely never have to buy a pair of casual boots again! So, maybe not that expensive after all. (Bear in mind my wife usually buys me casual boots from TK MAX sale)! Do you want dedicated riding boots? Do you want riding boots that you can wear "around the office all day" as well? I went for casual looking, but dedicated motorcycling boots. I do not like the look of "motorcycling boots" and also wouldn't want to wear them all day long (if not on the bike). Of course, then there will be compromise on a "slip on boot" vs normal boot for water proofness. And I assume(?) stiffness and therefore protection in an off... A pair of timberlands will be better than a pair of trainers. A pair of safety boots will be better than a pair of timberlands... and so on. Only you can decide where you want to get on (or off) of this scale. I went with "Revit Royale H2O" boots (https://g.co/kgs/KuCH7X) As they were the casual look I wanted, but with the riding specification I wanted waterproof - which they are. And offer toe, ankle, and heel protection. Whilst they are comfortable enough to wear all day/walk around in, I believe that they offer decent (but not the best) protection. And a step up (protection wise) from 'casual' (Red Wing) boots. Bang vs buck vs look vs comfort...
For serious long distance stuff on the Z I still use a pair of Alpine Stars I bought around 15 yers ago and still going strong, very good quality. For general hooning around on the Scrambler I just use a pair of safety workboots with steel toe cap, sewn in tongue and padded ankle and find them very comfortable and easy to ride in.
Whew! For what Rev'It and Altberg want for a pair of boots, I could by a second set of feet! Nice, but my goodness...
Lots of people buy bikes and gear, ride a few times till they shite their pants, and sell the gear at 10% of the cost. Have bought almost all of my riding gear this way. Boots, Jackets, gloves, pants, tank and tail bags. Got this jacket last week
I was going to stomach the price of a pair of daytonas, but the same shop also had TCX boots, they are a blatant copy of the daytonas but thats what I went for. Had them 2 years or more and they have been superb! Comfy, properly waterproof (goretex) and are wearing very well. Probably have 15-20k miles on them now.
The thing with motorbike boots is no matter how good the quality is you need a pair that is comfortable. Therefore as everyone's feet are different you need to try several pairs on to find a good fit. I've always found alpine stars well made and comfortable. Mrs FZR likes TCX. Good luck in finding a good fitting pair.
Alpinestars for me. You can only buy what you feel right with but i tried a few before settling on these errr blimey 20 years ago...no wonder they stink a bit
I've got a friend who has had his Daytona boots for 20 years,they still look great...mind you he only does 500 miles a year
I've had a pair of TCX Infinity GTX boots for a few years now, they've done really well. I've heard you can get good waterproof leather lace up boots with a steel toe cap from Army Surplus stores. Also Ride magazine recommended stuff.... https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_cat/1351/(2;product_rating;DESC;0-0;all)
I know I ride a Tigger but being short I wanted some big girlie heels (and soles) to add a little more height (and confidence). Hardly-Davidson did some boots that like these: https://www.harley-davidsonfootwear.com/US/en/boxbury/27142M.html They have served me well. Comfy and supporting. They have laces but also a zip to make it easy for lazy folks to ingress and egress. I use the zip all the time. The only problem was the leather wore out on the left toecap area from too many gear changes. This was repaired with a patch of tough rubber and locktite 406. Been fine since.
They are £350 though - sale price. It would of course be cheaper to nail a 4x2 plank to the bottom of my wellies but would have to live without the M Star style.
I've got these and can highly recommend https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/230545
Altbergs are worth it though, I've had mine for over 15 years and they are still going strong. They are British made and altberg also have a good repair service.
Daytona Roadstars. I’ve had a pair for 10 years & they’re still going strong. Waterproof and comfortable. You can also get them in a wide fitting if need be. Well worth the money. Hamish.
