http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/Alpinestars_SMX_PLUS_Racing_Boots--34-A512.html

 

+1

I love these boots now that they are broken in.

 

No laces, side zip+velcro. Waterproof, made in Italy. Costed me $100. I'm so used to walking in them, that I usually don't bring extra footwear w/ me.

 

A-Stars SMX-4. Love them. Were a bit stiff at first but now broken in are really comfortable. Wear them everywhere, don't take extra shoes. Won't ride in anything less.

 

+1 in blue.

 

Puma Testastretta, Dainese Managua. So comfy, stylin, non-attention-grabbing. Both excellent riding shoes, if you're not in the mood for a full boot.

 

ghetto joe rocket hard drive boots:

and BMW Savannah boots:

 

 

+2 as in two pairs. Loved the first pair so much I bought another pair for when the originals give up the ghost.

 

I have problems with my toes hurting (popped them out of socket after getting them caught in a lane line doing a flip turn) so I have a hard time finding a motorcycle boot that doesn't cause me agonizing pain. Right now I'm using rodeo cowboy boots that have a shank and non-slip soles. As a bonus I don't have to bother changing them when I get whereever I'm going.

 

SEARCH there are three MAJOR riding shoe threads on here in the last year....

 

Alpinestars Ridge Waterproof

Waterproof (obviously).
Mid-height and dual velcro flaps with zipper on inside flap, so it's very easy to get on and off.
Looks good under pants legs -- looks like a regular chunky boot.
Comfy to walk around in.
Good protection. Maybe not the best, but a good compromise for an everyday street boot.
Good value -- about $100.

Also, a good and easy move up from your Timberlands, unless you're looking to go to a race boot.

 

I debated for a while between these and the Tour Master Response SC. I went with the Tour Master simply because it was a liitle more comfy, less bulky, & is less noticeable as riding boots (visually). They are laced boots with a velcro closure that completely hides the laces & the closure works so well & pulls tight enough that I removed the laces & only use the velcro which makes it super easy to put on & off.

 

Wow, apparently everyone here likes A* alot.

I cant find a picture, but I have a pair of Sid race boots, f ing love em.

 

I like Sidi, too. My next boot purchase will be a perforated racing style boot; probably the Sidi Vertigo Air or Evo Air. I like then better than the A* SMX line, and they seem to fit me better, too.

 

I personally like my Oxtars tons. My fore foot is pretty wide in proportion to my mid and heel and they leave me plenty of room in that respect while being appropriate lengthwise. Very comfortable to boot(hehe) without any break in time

 

i got oxtars also; the sunray women's boots. they are very comfortable. new enough had them on sale, so i got a decent price. while surfing ebay i saw them for $239. were they joking? new enough had them for $83. ;D i'm very happy with them.

 

I wear my Vans for playing around and running around town. I know they dont offer much protection, but I came to love the feel, grip and feedback you get through them from freeride mountain biking... I would like to find a good pair of real riding boots for track days though...

 

It would be a lie to say I don't do my commute in my sneakers. I do. Spirited riding is all Oxtar though.

 

 

 

Hey guys, for the vented boots, are they useless in the rain? I'm in SoCal, so I'm not expecting tons of rain, but if I get caught in it I don't want to have soaked feet.

 

Generally, if the vents (or perforations, or both) let in air, they also let in water. Less of a problem for short trips/light rain/fully-faired bike. More of a problem for longer trips/heavy rain/naked bike.

There are a few companies that have tried to get around this, with limited success.

Sidi makes a non-perforated boot (Vertigo) with a side air vent that you can close manually. (You can see it on the side of the right boot, below.) It comes in both regular and waterproof (Tepor) versions. It's probably hotter than the perfed version of the same boot, but at least, it's something.

Oxtar (now TCX), makes a touring boot that's supposedly both waterprooof and lets air through -- the Air Tech XCR. It uses a lot of fabric, with a breatheable waterproof membrane behind it. No idea how well it works, but it got a good write-up at newenough.com

For SoCal, however, I'd probably go with a perforated boot and suffer through the rare downpour. If you can afford two pair, supplement that with a waterproof touring boot for rainy days.

 

my A*s are perforated - while I would not use them as a rain boot they are OK for a short run in the rain.

 

Superduty

 

These are the boots I where everyday

You guys seriously need to re-think your choises before you bust an ankle.

 

These are the boots I where everyday

Use these for trackdays/spirited runs

 

Sidi... somethingorothers... Got them from 214Hibiscus after someone stole mine. They were used, but they are the most comfortable boot I've ever worn in my entire life. Nothing fancy, but I can keep them on all day at the office, don't look like a robot, and still be comfortable. :thumbsup:

Unfortunately, the bottom of the boot has become sepparated, and I tried using rubber cement to hold it back together. No such luck... so... Duct-tape!

 

Sidi... somethingorothers...

Unfortunately, the bottom of the boot has become sepparated, and I tried using rubber cement to hold it back together. No such luck... so... Duct-tape!

You need Shoe Goop. If you can't find it, try Plumbing Goop at Home Depot (basically the same thing).

 

Yeah, not saying people need to buy a full-blown race boot for everyday use, but at least have SOMETHING with ankle protection.

 

Remember, unless you are willing to wear a full height Sidi Motocross Crossfire boot (stiff sole/plastic shell all around), you are not getting any real protection even from full blown road race boots. They are for abrasion protection at best. Nothing for Road/street will stop your ankle from getting crushed or your foot broken. This holds true for all moto-street gear really. Its focused on saving your skin, not your structure. I think SIDI, in thier designs, approaches real protection more than any other brand.

These are as close as youll get for maximum protection.

Or RR version:

 

Remember, unless you are willing to wear a full height Sidi Motocross Crossfire boot (stiff sole/plastic shell all around), you are not getting any real protection even from full blown road race boots. They are for abrasion protection at best. Nothing for Road/street will stop your ankle from getting crushed or your foot broken. This holds true for all moto-street gear really. Its focused on saving your skin, not your structure. I think SIDI, in thier designs, approaches real protection more than any other brand.

I don't really think this is absolutely true.
Race boots do offer a good degree of protection from impact type injuries as well as abrasion. Better Sidi, A*s, etc. boots provide a good bit of impact protection on the shins, calfs, ankles, toes, heels and sole of your foot.
Like all gear they are compromise between motion and protection. Articulated ankles like on an MX boot pose a problem on a road bike since you have to have quite a bit more freedom of movement in the ankle area when moving on and off the bike, same goes for overall boot height.
I doubt any road race boot will protect from serious twisting forces on the ankle but they certainly offer quite a bit more than just abrasion protection as a whole.
I’ve always been a big Sidi fan – both my road bike and mtn bike shoes are Sidi, interestingly enough their motorcycle boots do not fit me as well as A*s.

 

Those look expensive... like... $50. ;D

That being said... they do look like they'd match my bike. :rock:

 

maybe there should be a separate BOOT section...........



(the older model, not these exactly)

and

 

I'm wearing Joe Rocket Super Street boots.

I wanted somethng between a race style boot with over ankle protection but with sneaker style comfort.

These are quite comfortable, I dont mind walking in them when I'm off the bike. I like the clamp-clasp around tha ankle. Vents pull air through the side of the boot and exits the rear, reinforced shifting pad over toes and replaceable toe sliders too.

 

Good to know... I'll look for it on my way home today. :thumbsup: