Riding Boots

[Hook#3287]

After riding in the rain at Oss's Columbus Day Ride, I realize my almost 30 year old logger's boots will no longer cut it as all weather boots.

They've served me well over the years, first as work boots for the few times I did tree work or heavy exterior work, then,  they sat most time, till I bought my first Valk in 1999 and since have been exclusively used as riding boots.

I keep them relatively polished and have had them resoled twice.  They're well broke in (obviously) and are very comfortable.  I wouldn't want to go hiking in them, but I don't go hiking, so...  They also show a scar on one of the steel toes from a chain saw slip. 

But, unfortunately, they do not keep my feet dry in the rain and cold, wet feet will ruin my ride more than most other problems.

So I'm looking at getting a pair of weather proof riding boots and thought I'd ask for suggestions here.

What's on your feet?

[doubletee]

Rocky duty boots. Comfortable right out of the box, insulated, waterproof.

http://www.rockyboots.com/rocky-mens-boots/rocky-fort-hood-waterproof-duty-boot/FQ0002049.html?dwvar_FQ0002049_color=01#pmin=0&sz=12&start=13

[Hooter]

I wear Rocky's also. I still water proof them every once in a while.

[jim@98valkyrie.com]

I was always resistant to wearing "riding boots" as I don't find them overly attractive.... I did acquire a pair of Bilt (house brand of CycleGear) in a lot of Valk parts that I bought recently. Wore them for the first time on Oss's weekend rides. Pretty comfortable and except for the occasional rain drip that made it way down from my pants to the inside of my boots, they remained totally dry during that deluge I rode home in on Sunday from Oss'. Here is a link to the current ones they carry.
https://www.cyclegear.com/gear/bilt-pro-tourer-waterproof-boots

I think mine are a vinyl upper, as some of the "skin" near the toe is peeling. I think once these wear out, I will stay with a riding boot.

[cookiedough]

I have bought items, including my bilt helmet,  from local cyclegear store nearby.  Not super great quality, but for the price is reasonable and although their items will not outlast better quality (and pricier) purchases,  for the price paid is worth it to me.  I bought a cheap 30 dollar small  strap on the seat bag and the seamed ripped within the 1 year warranty and took it back to store, no questions asked they gave me a new one for free, but did say they cannot keep doing this year after year after year forever. 

I like these boots better since do not like zippers that could break and not as tall:  https://www.cyclegear.com/gear/bilt-shadow-waterproof-boots

Not as high cut, but I think either one will work fine.  One thing I have to be very careful on is to make sure the boots are not too thick (more like a tennis shoe) so I can easily shift gears getting my left foot under the front shifter lever.  Most heavier duty boots not flexible wll not fit under the shifter.  I bought a pair of nice heavy duty work boots and not even close to fitting my foot/boot under the left front shift lever. 

[old2soon]

Whatever boot you go with make SURE there is Support above the ankle. Do NOT wanna ponder what might have happened had I been wearing a low quarter shoe when I went down. Might also consider yer new ones with steel toes. F Y I-Survivors from wally wurld wuz what I had on when I went down. Treated with mink oil and Very water resistant! Oh and they are insulated. RIDE SAFE.

[jim@98valkyrie.com]

  Most heavier duty boots not flexible wll not fit under the shifter.  I bought a pair of nice heavy duty work boots and not even close to fitting my foot/boot under the left front shift lever. 

What size Meats, er, feet do you have Cookiedough????
I had been using a pair of Red Wings that came above my ankle. Very heavy duty and has a steel toe. I wear 13's, and still have room to shift. Even make the occasional missed 1st-2nd shift......But I think I will resort to the riding boots. Although they are appealing, they do fit the bill. I walked quite a bit in them over the Columbus Day w/e ride and they were pretty comfortable.

[The emperor has no clothes]

After riding in the rain at Oss's Columbus Day Ride, I realize my almost 30 year old logger's boots will no longer cut it as all weather boots.

They've served me well over the years, first as work boots for the few times I did tree work or heavy exterior work, then,  they sat most time, till I bought my first Valk in 1999 and since have been exclusively used as riding boots.

I keep them relatively polished and have had them resoled twice.  They're well broke in (obviously) and are very comfortable.  I wouldn't want to go hiking in them, but I don't go hiking, so...  They also show a scar on one of the steel toes from a chain saw slip. 

But, unfortunately, they do not keep my feet dry in the rain and cold, wet feet will ruin my ride more than most other problems.

So I'm looking at getting a pair of weather proof riding boots and thought I'd ask for suggestions here.

What's on your feet?

Holy crap Bill  30 years ? I think you got you money's worth out of them babies.  I wish I could help with the boots. It never rains here, so I just have regular boots. I've wondered though if those rubber galoshes that we but over our shoes as kids are still around ?

[Rams]

My rain gear goes all the way down to the top of my foot and only the heel, lower part of the boot and toe is showing.   Basically, only the lower inch or so is exposed to the wet weather.   If you're not wearing good rain gear in wet weather, you're going to get wet.  

I have ridden through some storms that water soaked through the foot wear I had on but, can't remember ever getting wet above that inch or so unless I put a foot down in deep water.

[Hook#3287]

Whatever boot you go with make SURE there is Support above the ankle. Do NOT wanna ponder what might have happened had I been wearing a low quarter shoe when I went down. Might also consider yer new ones with steel toes. F Y I-Survivors from wally wurld wuz what I had on when I went down. Treated with mink oil and Very water resistant! Oh and they are insulated. RIDE SAFE.

OTS, Always above ankle boots, even when it's hot out.  Steel toe is a must.

Holy crap Bill  Shocked 30 years ? I think you got you money's worth out of them babies.   I've wondered though if those rubber galoshes that we but over our shoes as kids are still around ?

Yeah, well, I did have em resoled, twice.  They've held up good.  Ain't dealing with those things.

Rocky duty boots. Comfortable right out of the box, insulated, waterproof.

http://www.rockyboots.com/rocky-mens-boots/rocky-fort-hood-waterproof-duty-boot/FQ0002049.html?dwvar_FQ0002049_color=01#pmin=0&sz=12&start=13

  Those are interesting

My rain gear goes all the way down to the top of my foot and only the heel, lower part of the boot and toe is showing.   Basically, only the lower inch or so is exposed to the wet weather.   If you're not wearing good rain gear in wet weather, you're going to get wet.   

I have ridded through some storms that water soaked through the foot wear I had on but, can't remember ever getting wet above that inch or so unless I put a foot down in deep water.

My rain gear works great and I have some boot covers, just didn't take the time to stop and put them on till it was too late.   Ifin I get waterproof, I won't have to stop and put them things on.

I was always resistant to wearing "riding boots" as I don't find them overly attractive....

Yeah, I agree.  Thinking another pair of Logger style.

[Willow]

I wear military surplus boots with steel toes and quick laces.  I like the support provided by lace up boots.  Mink oil will help enhance the water shedding.

The steel toe on the left has a dent from when my big toe was broken.  It reminds me that it does it's job.   

[Pappy!]

I have Alpinestars boots. Also have a wide foot and these fit. They are waterproof and well tested as being waterproof (Florida) on a regular basis. They are zippered and velcro flap closure style. They have padding on the shin area and around the ankles for when it may be needed. They are not expensive and are comfortable to walk in.
Another boot you may want to check out is the Forma Adventure. More like a modified Logger style boot. Again, protection added where it needs to be. More expensive but the long term reviews I have read are all positive.

Edit - Alpinestars also makes a perforated leather boot for Summer riding. They definitely work but anything but waterproof.
Forgot about the Sidi boots. Expensive but worth it. Forma and Sidi are very close in design.

[Beardo]

You guys who wear steel toed boots must have small feet or your shifter moved way up. I have worn steel toed boots a few times and they sucked. I wear size 12's and have a hard time up-shifting with them on. So I wear a full length boot with ankle protection, but no steel toes. I like the ones with the zipper on the inside so I don't have to tie/untie them to put them on. With my bad back, tying boots is difficult.

[Jess from VA]

I much prefer to ride in my military style swat boots, waterproof and non waterproof.  They have much better sole traction and I can walk around in them all day.  But I found out long ago that all lacers, waterproof or not, allow cold air in the tongues and get wet with enough rain.  

So I finally went out and bought me some bike specific boots (Sidi and Alpinstars), and in the wet and cold, they cannot be beat by any lacers on the planet, period.  But these boots are not made for walking or even standing around, and I have to get out of them if off the bike or hiking, so I must carry some tennies in the bags for that.  My feet get sore just standing around in them.  

Neither of these (or any I have ever found) bike specific boots comes with any amount of insulation added (thinsulate (mediocre)-primaloft/thermolite (synthetic down and way better than thinsulate), yet both pair are warmer with good sox, than even my 400 thinsualte lacer, all-leather hunting boots.  It is not the insulation that counts, it is keeping all the wind and rain out (and good sox) that keeps your feet warm and dry.

I also found out that no matter what, when I take off on bike trips, I will absolutely end up riding in the rain, for hours and hours or even days and days.  So I only wear my bike specific boots on all trips (I have not got room for two pair of big boots on trips).  And my lacers are all 8" boots, but my bike specific boots are 18 and 20" tall, and that also keeps the wind out.  But the main thing about bike specific boots is they do not have any opening in front like lacers, they virtually all have a side velcro entry, with a fully covered front, and they also mostly have steel ankle protection and armor that no lacers have at all.

YMMV

Alpinstars Alpha boots. (not sure if still offered, but these are Alpinstars' (always expensive stuff) entry level boots) (man made synthetic leather, and hot in hot weather)


SiDi On Road Gore Tex boots (leather, very expensive, and I got them half off at a bike shop closeout, or I would not have got them)


Also, since these are my cold and wet weather boots, I went up a half size in each, so I can get two pair of sox, or extra heavy sox in them comfortably.  The extra half size does not contribute to them not being good for walking around, that's a given even with a perfect fit.

[Oss]

about 14 yrs ago I found these boots at Americade


They were greyhounds (either 11 or 13" high) made by some german company Hochenheim paid 200 for my size 12 3xwide feet  Liked em so much the next yr I bought another pair and they are my only riding boots all these years no Steel toe but ankle and shin protection, Never found comfortable steel toe shoes for the bike yet

on a dare at Chrome's Powwow ride I walked into Lake Huron with them on and they did not leak a drop
in fact on the way to Johnson City one year my feet were bone dry and Gman had to buy new boots it poured so damn hard   nothing like comfortable boots  They are not insulated thats what toe warmers are for on day long winter rides

I walk a mile or more in them every day I take the bike to Court had them re soled a few times with Vibram goodyear soles  rub oil in the seams since the re soleing

[cookiedough]

You guys who wear steel toed boots must have small feet or your shifter moved way up. I have worn steel toed boots a few times and they sucked. I wear size 12's and have a hard time up-shifting with them on. So I wear a full length boot with ankle protection, but no steel toes. I like the ones with the zipper on the inside so I don't have to tie/untie them to put them on. With my bad back, tying boots is difficult.

agree,  I am only size 11 shoes/boots and with bigger boots such as with steel toed no way can get my foot under the shifter, not even close.  Then again,  I have cobra flat floorboards as well limiting me to be able to point my toes downward first to get my front of the boots down below the shifter.  I assume with the OEM stock drivers pegs,  I could do it though, but still a tight fit. 

Only way to remedy this is a heel/toe shifter.

[Misfit]

Sidi Way Rain boots. First rate. Motorcyclegear.com. 

[RDKLL]

Red Wing 970 Engineer boots like these but with the lower buckle removed...just got them rebuilt from the folks that built them. And they look great in the office too, wear them all day

[Crackerborn]

Sorry I can't tell what is out there since I have been wearing the same well oiled Frye engineers style boots for the last 35+ years. The only water that touches my feet comes in over the top. They have been resoled at least 5 times. I have used horseshoes and plates over the years but find steel on the bottom of the boot only good for a light show at night. The Goodyear soles are some of the best I have used, much better than the original leather soles. When I say oiled, I mean hole in the crankcase pouring hot oil on my foot oiled the first time I wore them on a bike test drive. I've used Neatsfoot compound ever since that incident.

[fudgie]

Milwaukee

[Oldfishguy]

I picked up a "new, old stock" pair of US Army boots a few years ago on eBay.  They are stamp dated a few years after I got out but pretty nice find.  They are not as warm as new generation boots but have great ankle support and are incredibley nostalgic. 

[shortleg]

After riding in the rain at Oss's Columbus Day Ride, I realize my almost 30 year old logger's boots will no longer cut it as all weather boots.

They've served me well over the years, first as work boots for the few times I did tree work or heavy exterior work, then,  they sat most time, till I bought my first Valk in 1999 and since have been exclusively used as riding boots.

I keep them relatively polished and have had them resoled twice.  They're well broke in (obviously) and are very comfortable.  I wouldn't want to go hiking in them, but I don't go hiking, so...  They also show a scar on one of the steel toes from a chain saw slip. 

But, unfortunately, they do not keep my feet dry in the rain and cold, wet feet will ruin my ride more than most other problems.

So I'm looking at getting a pair of weather proof riding boots and thought I'd ask for suggestions here.

What's on your feet?

 I have gotten a pair of Red wing boots that seem to do it all.
 Hoping to keep wearing them

[Rams]

I'm told that if one wears what my "spousal unit" calls flip flops or thongs, then the feet dry out faster.

No, never tried it but, that's what I'm told.   

[baldo]

I'm told that if one wears what my "spousal unit" calls flip flops or thongs, then the feet dry out faster.

No, never tried it but, that's what I'm told.   

Thongs... ....please, for the love of all that is holy. Don't do it.....

[Jersey mike]

Last year I bought a pair of ICON El Bajo over the ankle boot. very nice, haven't worn them in the rain though.

http://www.jafrum.com/shop-by-brand/icon/icon-1000-el-bajo-boot

I've been thinking of a higher boot also and like what I see from other selections in the ICON line especially the Elsinore (old school style motocross look) and the Icon 1000 Prep Waterproof Boots;

http://www.jafrum.com/motorcycle-boots/boots/icon-1000-prep-waterproof-boots

[Lyle Laun]

Been wearing the BMW Motorad boots for years. Inside zipper, comfortable, and can run the shifter easily.

[Rams]

I'm told that if one wears what my "spousal unit" calls flip flops or thongs, then the feet dry out faster.

No, never tried it but, that's what I'm told.   

Thongs... ....please, for the love of all that is holy. Don't do it.....

It would appear the definition of thongs has changed over the years.

BTW, how do you do that, take a selfie while walking away?   

[The emperor has no clothes]

I'm told that if one wears what my "spousal unit" calls flip flops or thongs, then the feet dry out faster.

No, never tried it but, that's what I'm told.   

Thongs... ....please, for the love of all that is holy. Don't do it.....

It would appear the definition of thongs has changed over the years.

BTW, how do you do that, take a selfie while walking away?   

I think Bob isn't really an aircraft mechanic but a paid model. 

[dinosnake]

Alpinstars Alpha boots. (not sure if still offered, but these are Alpinstars' (always expensive stuff) entry level boots) (man made synthetic leather, and hot in hot weather)


SiDi On Road Gore Tex boots (leather, very expensive, and I got them half off at a bike shop closeout, or I would not have got them)


Also, since these are my cold and wet weather boots, I went up a half size in each, so I can get two pair of sox, or extra heavy sox in them comfortably.  The extra half size does not contribute to them not being good for walking around, that's a given even with a perfect fit.

How do you like the Sidi's?  I've been looking at On Road's for years but not quite sure about them, I haven't been able to try a pair on.

[Gryphon Rider]

Most of my riding is to and from work, so most of the time I'm wearing one of two pairs of Red Wing Shoes steel-toed boots, which are comfortable and sturdy and last and last. When on a "ride" I want waterproof, sturdy, and ankle armour, so I bought Alpinestars Scout boots, as shown below. They're a little hot and stiff for hiking, but at during Asheville Inzane I hiked up Chimney Rock in them, though I wished I had runners to wear instead. My feet were hot, but not sore. These boots are definitely waterproof, as I have stood in ankle-deep water in them and stayed dry. The other selling feature for me is they can be re-soled by any good cobbler.

[Jess from VA]

How do you like the Sidi's?  I've been looking at On Road's for years but not quite sure about them, I haven't been able to try a pair on.

They are my best boots, but I have not worn them much; been wearing the Alpinstar Alphas for trips and wet, and my Danner Goretex GTX Strikers for daily wear.  My earlier comments about making my feet sore really only applies to the no-heel Alpinstars, these are fine to walk in.  There was a pretty comprehensive article on a number of top boots a few years ago, and the On Roads outscored them all (I looked and cannot find it).  They left them all in water for several days, and they were the only ones that stayed completely dry... even though they are leather.  At some point, I seem to recall the lining was changed from Gore-tex (US) to Sympatex (EU) which I think is the same thing, but used in Europe for patent/copyright reasons.  When I got mine, they were only in EU sizes (40-41-42) so I would have had to use a conversion chart if they were not there in the store to try on.  I have multiple coats of Kiwi black and mink oil on them. 

I think Sidi may make the best riding boots there are.  But they are really spendy and best found on discount or closeout.  MSRP a few years ago was around $350, and I just walked in and found one of three pair left that fit me on closeout at a store for like $200.  Most I ever paid for boots, but I walked out telling myself I saved money.....

[dinosnake]

Thanks!  My usual wear pair are Chipewa steel-toed insulated loggers, and they've done really well with the exception of weighing an absolute ton which is not doing my knees any favors.  My 'stupid protection-level' pair are Oxtar Infinitys, but like I said they are stupid-level and not too flexible (OK, but just that).

Maybe the Sidis are too close to the Oxtars, I don't know.

Wish I could get the protection and average day-looks of the Chipewas in a less weighty form.

[J.Mencalice]

After riding in the rain at Oss's Columbus Day Ride, I realize my almost 30 year old logger's boots will no longer cut it as all weather boots.

They've served me well over the years, first as work boots for the few times I did tree work or heavy exterior work, then,  they sat most time, till I bought my first Valk in 1999 and since have been exclusively used as riding boots.

I keep them relatively polished and have had them resoled twice.  They're well broke in (obviously) and are very comfortable.  I wouldn't want to go hiking in them, but I don't go hiking, so...  They also show a scar on one of the steel toes from a chain saw slip. 

But, unfortunately, they do not keep my feet dry in the rain and cold, wet feet will ruin my ride more than most other problems.

So I'm looking at getting a pair of weather proof riding boots and thought I'd ask for suggestions here.

What's on your feet?

Ever try Huberd's Shoe Grease?  I usually warm up the leather work boots in front of the fireplace insert overnight and then apply a coat of it liberally to the boots and let them sit in front of the insert again overnight.  Every fall they get the treatment; they are dry and toasty on the inside.  Water and snow just roll off and the grease penetrates to keep the leather soft and flexible.