Need a new pair of riding boots

[Fritz The Cat]

I've wore out the soles of my all time favorite pair of riding boots and they're the kind that can't be repaired or replaced -

http://www.jafrum.com/Motorcycle-Boots/Vega-Motorcycle-Boots-Mens-Vega-Touring-Motorcycle-Boots

These things are seriously comfortable, they feel more like house shoes on your feet than boots. But alas, they have one major flaw. They wear out too quick. I'll order another pair if I can't find some similar that lasts longer.

  Now for what I don't want. I have a pair of Red Wing riding boots that are as stiff and comfortable as wooden clogs. People have told me that they get softer with time but it ain't happening, I've had them for over 2 years now and they're still as stiff as a corpse and hurt my feet something awful. If I had to walk any distance in them I'd be in serious trouble.

  The Vega boots are very soft and pliable and no doubt this is why they wear out so quick. But I'd settle for a stiffer sole to get longer life.

What do you guys like and why?   

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

I've had dingo harness for about 5 years now and they are reasonably priced and comfortable to walk in. YMMV

[BigChris99]

If those Vegas are as comfortable as you say, buy another pair. Those boots look like a steal at that price. I'd buy two pair and put one away, or rotate between the two. I bookmarked the link and will buy a pair next payday, thanks.

[NITRO]

I've used a pair of Sidi's cheaper boots (forget the name now) for the last three+ seasons. They were water proof through heavy rain and walking across a flooded road, but this year started leaking badly while riding in a storm. They are comfortable, come on and off quickly, and were around $100.

I'm thinking of going with Aerostich's combat touring lite boots next. They're expensive but, if they're anything else like Aero's other products, they'll last forever.

[sandy]

I just got a pair of Alpinestars. Retail is $130: Forgot the model name. A bit too stiff at first but they're getting broken in with over a week of use. Like 'em.

[rmrc51]

http://www.jafrum.com/Motorcycle-Boots/Vega-Motorcycle-Boots-Mens-Vega-Touring-Motorcycle-Boots

These things are seriously comfortable, they feel more like house shoes on your feet than boots. But alas, they have one major flaw. They wear out too quick. I'll order another pair if I can't find some similar that lasts longer.

  Now for what I don't want. I have a pair of Red Wing riding boots that are as stiff and comfortable as wooden clogs. People have told me that they get softer with time but it ain't happening, I've had them for over 2 years now and they're still as stiff as a corpse and hurt my feet something awful. If I had to walk any distance in them I'd be in serious trouble.

  The Vega boots are very soft and pliable and no doubt this is why they wear out so quick. But I'd settle for a stiffer sole to get longer life.

What do you guys like and why?   

I have the same boots and I agree with you 100%. Those Vega boots are extremely comfortable!!!

A year ago, I was given some brand new Harley boots (not sure which model) as a gift and wore them only once. Talk about heavy and stiff as hell!!

After reading this post, I think I'm going to order another set of the Vegas as a backup before they're not available any more.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

http://www.jafrum.com/Motorcycle-Boots/Vega-Motorcycle-Boots-Mens-Vega-Touring-Motorcycle-Boots

These things are seriously comfortable, they feel more like house shoes on your feet than boots. But alas, they have one major flaw. They wear out too quick. I'll order another pair if I can't find some similar that lasts longer.

  Now for what I don't want. I have a pair of Red Wing riding boots that are as stiff and comfortable as wooden clogs. People have told me that they get softer with time but it ain't happening, I've had them for over 2 years now and they're still as stiff as a corpse and hurt my feet something awful. If I had to walk any distance in them I'd be in serious trouble.

  The Vega boots are very soft and pliable and no doubt this is why they wear out so quick. But I'd settle for a stiffer sole to get longer life.

What do you guys like and why?  

I have the same boots and I agree with you 100%. Those Vega boots are extremely comfortable!!!

A year ago, I was given some brand new Harley boots (not sure which model) as a gift and wore them only once. Talk about heavy and stiff as hell!!

After reading this post, I think I'm going to order another set of the Vegas as a backup before they're not available any more.

How are these for those of us with extra wide feet ??

Dave (with duck feet)

[bg]

been wearing alpinestars for the last 8 years and love them.
comfortable and waterproof.
they are very similar to the vegas.

[BigChris99]

Hey Fritz, How long did the soles last on your Vegas? A year, two years? Do you commute every day or just go on weekend  rides? I'll use mine for a combination of the two. Also, the reviews say they run on the small side and to order one size bigger than what you normaly wear, is this true? Thanks.

[BF]

I'm with misunderstood here......and asking the same question. 

I didn't see an option for half sizes and for wide or extra wide (4E) feet.  I'm an 11.5 extra wide (4E).  Would these work for folks with extra wide feet.......and which size to buy?

[The Anvil]

It's easy to make a cheap, comfortable boot. It's virtually impossible to make a cheap, comfortable booth that lasts. Basically in that regard you get what you pay for.

I have a pair of Double H harness boots that are 15 years old and I see no reason why they can't last another 15. I've re-soled them three times. They're so comfortable they're like a second pair of feet.



I also have a pair of racetrack oriented Alpinestars SM-X booth that are really well made but due to all of the armor they absolutely SUCK to walk in.

I've had my eye on a pair of these for a while though:

http://store.walterdyer.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=127

[ChromeDome]

I would suggest going to Wal-Mart and checkout Herman's Survivors. Been wearing them for sometime and they last, take a beating, not bad for walking, motorcycle friendly and they are cheap.

[Casper96]

I.ve been wearing a pair of Double H engineer style boots for about 10 years now, and the uppers look like those pictured but the shoe part is looking pretty bad. I could use some new ones but I just can't

[Fritz The Cat]

Hey Fritz, How long did the soles last on your Vegas? A year, two years? Do you commute every day or just go on weekend  rides? I'll use mine for a combination of the two. Also, the reviews say they run on the small side and to order one size bigger than what you normaly wear, is this true? Thanks.

They lasted a couple of years but I wore them strictly for riding and never walked any great distance in them. I was surprised that they wore out as fast as they did given the light use they received.

 

[mario]

i have 2 pair of milwaukee boots that are fine and comfy.  no breakin period was necessary.

[Farther]

I like these:  http://www.chippewaboots.com/boots/engineer/25290

[Promagnaman]

Tourmaster  Solution  Boots  

[Jack]

I wear a pair of US Army issued Desert Sand colored boots.  Wore a pair of the black US Army boots before that.  Feel like walking in heavy tennis shoes.  Was a gift so wouldn't know what they cost.  I'll bet they may be available at surplus stores now or soon.

[Gear Jammer]

I'm with misunderstood here......and asking the same question. 

I didn't see an option for half sizes and for wide or extra wide (4E) feet.  I'm an 11.5 extra wide (4E).  Would these work for folks with extra wide feet.......and which size to buy?

I got Sidi Mega Way Rain boots for my duck feets.  Not inexpensive, but my comfort isn't to be taken too lightly 

[BigChris99]

Hey Fritz, How long did the soles last on your Vegas? A year, two years? Do you commute every day or just go on weekend  rides? I'll use mine for a combination of the two. Also, the reviews say they run on the small side and to order one size bigger than what you normaly wear, is this true? Thanks.

They lasted a couple of years but I wore them strictly for riding and never walked any great distance in them. I was surprised that they wore out as fast as they did given the light use they received.

 

Ouch. Maybe I'll pass on the Vegas. I wear black 6" Redwings to work everyday. Very comfortable boots. Resoleable too. Every year the company pays 100 dollars toward a new pair. I'm thinking I'll stick with my 'Wings. That, and I'm a big guy, I'd go through the Vegas in no time.

[highcountry]

I have two pair of TCX boots that are very comfortable on and off the bike.  A little more pricey than the Vegas but seem to wear well.  Check newenough.com for styles and prices.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

http://store.walterdyer.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=127

Thems purtty, me likee 

[The Anvil]

http://store.walterdyer.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=127

Thems purtty, me likee 

They remind me oh Hi-Points without the metal shin plate (which I'd still love to find a pair of).

[Walküre]

Hey Fritz, How long did the soles last on your Vegas? A year, two years? Do you commute every day or just go on weekend  rides? I'll use mine for a combination of the two. Also, the reviews say they run on the small side and to order one size bigger than what you normaly wear, is this true? Thanks.

They lasted a couple of years but I wore them strictly for riding and never walked any great distance in them. I was surprised that they wore out as fast as they did given the light use they received.

 

Gotta lift your feet, when you ride! That motor's big enough to pull you along, don't need to "push"...