I have been wearing Alpinestars motorcycle boots the past few years and this summer decided to try the Tourmaster boots. I bought the TourMaster Response SC motorcycle boot in June of this year. I got the boots online and when I received them they fit well and were confortable. The boots are waterproof but they are not full length so some water can get in from the top of the boot. I actually like the lace-up with the leather velco covering. The only bad thing I have to say about the TourMaster Response SC boot is they wear out really fast. They are a good quality boot with a lousy cheap sole. I am not mad but I am only buying Alpinestar boots in the future. I had a pair of Alpinestars Effex Gore-Tex WaterProof full length boots (paid 159.00 for them at Bob's Cycle - not they are over $200.00 at Bob's cycle ummmm), and they lasted a year and a half which includes winter riding. I have also had the Alpinestars S-MX4 boot and they are really a great track/street boot. I ordred the Alpinestars Ridge Waterproof boots today and found them online at RIDGE WATERPROOF BOOT: Alpinestars Boots for $109.95 . I am gonna need some full length boots, but right now the prices are just not good at all. It looks like the Motorcycle suppliers are keeping prices high for some reason and sales are not on the stuff you may really want. I want to get another pair of Alpinestarx Effex Gore-Tex Waterproof boots and another pair of the Alpinestars S-MX4 boots (I know the S-MX5 boots are available now and they are the newer boots from Alpinestars). Anyone know of any sales on Alpinestars boots let me know Thanks
I tried a pair of the Alpinestars boots pictured in your post but found them to be very stiff. Keep us informed on how long the break in period is for these boots. I recently picked up a pair of Icon Superduty III and they have been really nice. My only complaint is the height of the boot. I have to agree with you on the quality of A-stars equipment though. Everything I've bought from them has been top notch.
if you like the Tourmasters, you should look at whether a cobbler can put a new sole on for you. Many boots and shoes are made to be resoled periodically. Without seeing the boots myself, I couldn't tell you. But they may have put a softer sole on for greater comfort, with the idea that the sole could be replaced. Rather than a harder sole that may last longer but transmit more vibration and such while riding, and be less comfortable to walk around in. I have a pair of Timberland work boots that I have had resoled twice, and a pair of expensive dress shoes I got resoled as well. The ability to resole, is what can make expensive, quality footwear the a more competative choice than cheaper throw away footwear. ie $125 Timby boots, with 2 resolings (Vibrams) is 3 wearings for like a $160, versus 3 pairs of cheap $50 - $75 boots. The hardest part is finding a good cobbler.
I am also in the market for a new pair of boots. And Alpenstars were high on my list. "Were" I am curioius. In this 1 1/2 years of life on your boots, how many miles would you have ridden? I have a pair of Joe Rockets that are over three years old. Last year I also bought a more winter suitable boot...Alpenstars. But only wore them for a few months, the rest in the Joe Rockets. So I have worn them for the better pasrt of 50,000 miles and since August of 2006. The Alpenstars are still great for the winter, but I need a new pair for Spring Summer and fall. But if all I am going to get out of them is 1 1/2 years, I will keep looking. Set me straight Emon. All my subjects in the UFRR need to know.
I will place a vote for SIDI boots right here..:thumbsup: ihave had 2 pairs of boots in the last 22 years of riding, both SIDI. my first pair were freddie spencer reps purchased in 1986 and i wore them till they plain wore the sole out around 97/98. these were the most stylish and comfortable boots ever. i replaced them with a set of the then latest design SIDI's with the new Vertebra spine. the current designs look much similar now, if not a little more armoured. i have done a lot of walking in these boots and they are the most reliable and comfortable foot wear i have and still own them today. my understanding is that SIDI only make footwear, as i have also seen their cyclist shoes...and are not to be confused with the other italian clothing maker ' SPIDI'.
Sorry cant help you with a good website for boots but I have the Alpinestars Gortex ( the ones you have pictured in your post) and Ill swear by them. Water proof and the breath really well in hot weather. Good luck in your search.
