what boots to get

I have been looking for some new boots for the upcoming riding season and just can't decide.
I want to have great protection but I would also like them to be both comfortable while riding and possibly be able to walk in them without feeling like im wearing a ski boot. I don't need to walk much in them just for during stops while on trips or to the store etc...
I have been thinking about the Alpinestar SMX +, from what im told they will provide great protection but my question is how practical will they be for touring and for riding arround in the city. I will never be on a track, all I do is weekend trips short rides in the city and sunday 100-200km rides.

Any recomendations would be greatly appreciated, and much like buying a helmet the comfort and protection factor will be outwaying the cost.

Thanks.

 

oxtar makes some great boots.either the goretex or there racing boots work well.if u opt for there racing boots use soapy water to lube the ce ankle supprots. ive had the misfortune of testing there race boots i know they work.all i had to do is replace the metal sliders and there good to go.

 

I've got the Sidi B-Two boots and love them. Fine for walking around in and not too flashy.

http://www.motonation.com/item.asp?cid=3&scid=198&pid=402&rdir=1

 

I have a pair of Frank Thomas boots that I wear all day and find them very comfortable. I have been looking at these (http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=3&L2=16&L3=&L4=&item=FTL_H20012BZ7_G) based on past experiences with FT boots. Not race boots but offer good protection.

 

I've been happy with Oxtar Matrix Goretex boots, 4 yrs old now, wearing well, never have had wet feet, comfortable all day long. derbycycles.com has the Matrix 2 cheaper than newenough.com

 

Sidi Canyon Sympatex. I love them and couldn't be happier. They are comfy for the long haul and just as comfy walking around in. I hiked several trails in NC & TN wearing them and came away with no complaints. Just make sure you understand this: Sidi's run SMALL. I had to get a full size larger to get them fit correctly. Every single Sidi model I tried was the same.

KC-10 FE out...
lane:

 

These are all great boots. And, this is the time to be looking ... cold weather makes for great sales. I just picked up some Sidi panter boots for touring (more of an engineer boot or cruiser style) and they're great for walking. Check out your local dealers for close-outs. Sidi is changing from sympatix to gortex; this should make for some good deals. Got mine for $39 .... I will suggest you try them on and sit on a VFR. I really liked the oxtar matrix, but found the toe box too big. I had difficulty getting my foot around for shifting. Also note, you can change the position of the shift lever to help out when needed. I lowered my one notch for the sidi panter ... not for the up-shift, but for the ease of down-shifting. (or maybe I'm just a flutz .

 

I never wear full race boots to avoid the Batman factor, but the models I've chosen have never been that comfortable walking either. Sidi Strada now, couldn't be happier, figure when feet hurt...time to ride again!:yo:

 

I was also considering the Astars SMX Plus, but I think they are a bit impractical if you plan to do much walking around. They have a very thin sole that looks like it would wear out in no time. If you plan to just wear them when actually riding, they look great in terms of protection and style.
You might consider the SMX-4 which is a little less "racy" and has more of a walking type sole. I ordered a pair of SMX-3's from Cycle Gear - http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=ALP_SMX3-BLK-36_G on discount for $159.
I've also hear great things about Oxtar and Sidi, as the others mentioned.

 

Due to recent poverty, I have worn out Joe Rocket Blasters that are a good cheap boot and Harley lace -ups, due to the fact that I get dealer cost. I hope my wife gets me SMX -3 s for our anniversary (30th) / Father's day!
:biggrin:

 

I Have now 3 pair, the all purpose is new as it's a blend between a high top athletic shoe and a sportbike boot, made by Sidi called the Doha now where that post?

 

ah,, here it is http://vfrworld.com/forums/gear-accessories/6431-sidi-doha-boots.html

 

I am a crusier convert and still wear Red Wing and Durango boots. I have looked at a few places for sportier boots locally and had problems finding my size and was very confused with the Eruo sizing (got fustrated). I have heard a lot of good things about Oxtar and also read about a good BMW Boot. Anyone know what size a US 11 1/2 EEE would be in a Euro size? I want to do a couple of track days and need to get some good racing boots too.

 

11.5 EEE ... is that like a snow board :smile: I wear a 9.5 double E and found the oxtar matrix (43) toebox roomy. For Sidi, it fits if I go a size up (they say they run narrow ... although, in the panter I wear a 43). From what I have found, sizing depends on the boot maker and the boot the boot maker makes and the year he makes it (like a tonque twister, huh). From the box, 11.5 US in a Sidi says its a 46. Now all this changes for the British and the Japanese ... :tongue: can anyone say, scorecard!

Hey, all kidding aside ... I was born and raised in Queens ... Elmhurst (I left there in 1960 ... which makes me as old as sin; but hey, I feel a kinship with the hometown neighborhood

 

I have had a 4 year old set of Alpinestars Vortex Gortex that I have been extremely happy with all day comfort 100% waterproof even after 6 hours of torrential rain they breath well on hot summer's rides and still wearing them even after I road tested them in a slide late 2004.

They look to have been replaced with Alpinestars Effex Goretex Boots and well worth a look.

http://www.alpinestars.com/Effex_Goretex_Boot/pd/np/110/p/233005.html

 

newenough.com has a good sizing chart for oxtar us sizes.

 

lol MrDe :smile: - I grew up in St Albans and shared an apartment with my sister in Elmhurst when I came back to NYC after a stint in the Army. I did try a couple of size 46 boots in the store and some did fit, but were not wide enough - may they need breaking in?. I sure do not want to make a mistake with boots - foot pain can drive you crazy. Anyway just curious if there is any particulr brand of boot that runs kinda wide. My Red Wings do not offer the protection that a Sport boot offers, but they are the most comfortable boots I have ever worn (I can actually run in Red Wing boots like I was wearing sneakers). Too bad Red Wing does not make Sport Boots.

 

Here's a site that will tell you more than you ever wanted to know about boots ... they'll even tailor make you a pair for work or riding ... though a might pricey ....

http://www.boot.com/bsoles.htm

 

I scored some Alpinestar GPS-3 boots on clearance from Dennis Kirk. I find that they are very comfortable and have worn them a numebr of times all day, including doing some walking around. Also, an alternative to Sidi boots are the Set-Up brand. They are made by Sidi. I wanted a pair for myself but cannot give any opinion as to comfort or wear.

 

I have Rider Warehouse Combat Touring boots that are 12 years old and look like they've been out of the box a year or two. One exception is the poly laminate over the cloth bits, like the tounge and roll at the calf, which is delaminating and flaking off. I'd opt for lighter boots replacing them, but they are tough as nails. BTW they are made by Sidi and look like old school motocross boots without the steel caps. I've only scratched the surface looking at replacements and started with the Sidi B2. The B2 looks like a good value at around $200.