I have decided to go to Track Day here in Las Vegas. I need to get all the gear and do not know much about the Boots. It will be my first time on a track. So, what boots do you use and why do you like/dislike them. All advice greatly appreciated.
I use these motocross boots. Made by Sidi, very strong, come up to the knee for extra protection. The only downside is that they are not waterproof.
(http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww116/FJ111200/001-11.jpg)
Sidi made for large human beings.
The Sidi Way Mega Rain Boots. At the time they were the only wide boot they made.
Sidi
get a boot that provides a lot of ankle bone protection, as well as one that provides a lot of support for the ankle joint. ankle injuries are one of the most common in motorcycling accidents.
I couldn't agree more about ankle protection, but on a road bike you do need some movement in the ankle for gear changing and braking. I can't ride a road bike in dirt bike boots, too heavy, too stiff, which affects control and is why you rarely see them on road bikes. Also consider that a day out riding might involve some walking. Try doing hundreds, if not thousands of gear changes in a day in stiff boots! There is a style of boot generally considered to be a "raod/touring" boot that everyone makes. Your local bike shop will no doubt point you in the right direction. You need to compromise between absolute protection and useability.
Noel
"
Quote from: ribbert on September 04, 2011, 09:38:01 PM
Also consider that a day out riding might involve some walking. Try doing hundreds, if not thousands of gear changes in a day in stiff boots!
I spent the best part of 13 years as a London despatch rider and never had a problem. So yeah, hundreds if not thousands of gear changes in a day made no difference, plus the odd little jaunt where bikes can't go in pedestrian areas, and up flights of stairs when the escalator was slow/out of action/full.
It became quite the fashion in London to use motocross boots, so much so to the point that Sidi actually caught on to the fact and made a boot called the Courier based on the style. And yes i used an FJ1200 then an 1100 at one point.
Anyway, horses for courses as they say.
the next day and days, i wondered why my ankle was sore (but no injury/treatment needed)... ( :
(http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/mst3kguy/KEN_1933.jpg)
Wow, 3Kguy, did that power slide end with both wheels on the ground?
For the street I prefer a minimalist street boot similar to the TCX SS sport. Good support, light and comfortable. They provide good support and protection without being too bulky or awkward when off the bike. For track riding you really need to be able to move around on the bike and I feel a MX boot is too restrictive. Fine for the street but a bit much for the track.
(http://www.tcxboots.com/image.php/_files/immagini/2011/04/bhnqub.jpg?resize(700x700))
The track is a little different. I prefer to wear a more substantial boot in an environment where I will be pushing hard and riding at my limits. Support and crash protection outweigh fashion and comfort and up until recently I have worn a Gaerne full race boot which had excellent ankle and impact protection. They finally wore enough that I decided to replace them and after shopping around I went with a pair of Alpinestar Supertech R boots. These things offer great protection and feel more like a favorite pair of sneakers than a serious race boot (At that price they better...)
(http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/images/InitialSet/alpinestars_2011_supertech_R_boots_black_vented_detail_1_400.jpg)
I purchased mine from STG who sponsors our AMA supersport team and they seem to have very good pricing. As an added bonus Brians video reviews are very helpful when looking at new gear and they have a great return policy.
Fit wise I have a very wide foot. I tried sidi boots and they were way too narrow, Gaerne fit a bit snug (similar to normal shoe width) and the TCX felt very good. The Alpinestars simply felt better. Plus our rider has been wearing them for 3 years now and they crash very well....
The fit of the A star SMX boot was also very nice and they offered good protection but The Supertechs really are that good and I got a killer price...
I have a pair of these .. very comfortable for street and tours. Again ... Cycle Gear .. they are putting out some very good stuff for the price. I think for the track I would get something with more protection because you are not walking around as much... agree with the last post. These look very similar to the minimalist version in one of the posts but you can get these on sale for 80 bones -- regular price is 150 but it you can wait they go on sale a lot. The only thing I didnt like was the insoles -- but that was easy to change.
http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product/trackstar_leather_motorcycle_boots/web1001106 (http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product/trackstar_leather_motorcycle_boots/web1001106)
Stevecc
I wear these when touring:
(http://images.motorcycle-superstore.com/ProductImages/OG/2008_TCX_Matrix_2_GTX_Boots.jpg)
They are super comfy and fit my 12EE feet perfectly.
Only thing I don't like about them is the "space invader" look...
Thinking of getting the Aerostitch Combat Boots next time. But the price tag... ouch.
Beam me up, Scotty!
Quote from: FJ111200 on September 04, 2011, 03:23:57 AM
I use these motocross boots. Made by Sidi, very strong, come up to the knee for extra protection. The only downside is that they are not waterproof.
(http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww116/FJ111200/001-11.jpg)
I want to see a pic of THOSE on your feet....... :sarcastic:
I recently got a pair of Cycle Gears "Bilt" Hurricane street boots. They're comfortable and appear pretty well made, and they were on sale for $60US, IIRC.
(http://www.cyclegear.com/_static/webUpload/730/2_web1008361_2.jpg)
:pardon: WTF? How did that happen?
Anyway, i said they are not waterproof. :lol:
They look awfully coiled. ;)
I have a pair of the BiLT models as well -- very good boot for the money -- if interested wait for the sale --they always go on sale ( I actually think they are now for the month of May) --they go on sale all the time for roughly half of the list price.
I found the inner sole to be the only drawback ...not much for comfort --- easily fixed I just bought one those inner comfy soles you can buy and the drug store etc... turned it into a very comfortable boot.
I have a pair of Sidi 'On The Road' model street/touring boots. I absolutely love them. They are comfortable enough to walk all day in them and they are 100% waterproof. Sadly, recently Sidi has changed the design slightly and stopped using the SympaTex waterproof lining and are now using GoreTex.
(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/aviationfred/DCP_2008.jpg)
I`ve had these about a year (in white) and they are nicely waterproof. They aren`t sidi by any means but they are a lot cheaper . I`m going to be replacing them with sidi next year .
(http://www.championmotouk.com/avactis-images/u/Category%20Descriptions/Alt_Blytz_Race_Boot_All.jpg)
SP1 boots
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff458/potkev/1984%20Yamaha%20FJ1100/IMG_2167.jpg)(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff458/potkev/1984%20Yamaha%20FJ1100/IMG_2168.jpg)
Alpinestars Web Gore-Tex
(http://cdn.alpinestars.com/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/756x756/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/4/7/4743_black_1_1.jpg)
I'm currently on my second pair. The previous pair were purchased around 2006 and lasted about 6 years. I wore them year round, and my feet never got wet, or too hot or cold. Unfortunately nothing lasts forever, and the the soles pulled away from the bottom of the boots back in October (surprisingly both at the same time). So, off to Cycle Gear I went. The only negative I found with the old pair, is that I have a wide foot, and they fit on the snug side. Though they did eventually break in, my right foot would still occasionally get a hot spot on the out side of my foot. A shifting of my foot on the peg would relieve the pressure and I would be good to go. When I picked up the new pair, I was pleasantly surprised how much more comfortable they were. Definitely a lot more roomier and better fitting.
I just scored a set of those Alpinestars Web Gore-Tex off fleabay almost new for 57.78 plus 15 bucks shipping. Hope they fit.... But for the price and condition they would be easy to resell. From what the owner said and test reports it looks good. He got them as a gift and they were to big for him. My foot is about 1/2 size larger than his. Guess I will find out in a few days. In over 40 years these are the first pair of motorcycle rated boots that I have ever owned......
I'm on my second pair of Alpinestars Web Gore-Tex. The first pair lasted about 10 years before the left boot started to leak, and only in a heavy downpour. Bought the second pair last spring from Iron Pony Motorsports at a great price - not as good as yours, though. Great boots. If they fit you won't be disappointed!
Quote from: movenon on January 24, 2013, 09:51:55 AM
I just scored a set of those Alpinestars Web Gore-Tex off fleabay almost new for 57.78 plus 15 bucks shipping. Hope they fit.... But for the price and condition they would be easy to resell. From what the owner said and test reports it looks good. He got them as a gift and they were to big for him. My foot is about 1/2 size larger than his. Guess I will find out in a few days. In over 40 years these are the first pair of motorcycle rated boots that I have ever owned......
I hope they fit also. If they don't then I can sell them for what I got into them locally. They are almost in new condition. The owner only had them on 2 times. I also got a Tour Master 3/4 Tech jacket for 52.00 delivered that is in new condition. The owner got it as a gift then sold his bike and put the jacket it up on e bay. Not a HI Viz color but for the price it will work. Anyhow good deals I guess because its winter here and as much interest in motorcycling.
www.ebay.com/itm/Tour-Master-TECH-Motorcycle-Jacket-XL-Dual-Sport-Enduro-Adventure-coat-/330858337216?ssPageName=ADME%3AB%3AEOIBSA%3AUS%3A3160&nma=true&si=mNhrM8vaoN3UuPQ%252BPpwGNIxAY8Q%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tour-Master-TECH-Motorcycle-Jacket-XL-Dual-Sport-Enduro-Adventure-coat-/330858337216?ssPageName=ADME%3AB%3AEOIBSA%3AUS%3A3160&nma=true&si=mNhrM8vaoN3UuPQ%252BPpwGNIxAY8Q%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557)
www.ebay.com/itm/Alpinestars-Gore-Tex-Boots-Size-46-12-12-1-2-/121055340673?item=121055340673&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME%3AB%3AEOIBSA%3AUS%3A3160&vxp=mtr&nma=true&si=mNhrM8vaoN3UuPQ%252BPpwGNIxAY8Q%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alpinestars-Gore-Tex-Boots-Size-46-12-12-1-2-/121055340673?item=121055340673&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME%3AB%3AEOIBSA%3AUS%3A3160&vxp=mtr&nma=true&si=mNhrM8vaoN3UuPQ%252BPpwGNIxAY8Q%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557)
Does anyone know where to get bigger size boots? I wear a 15-16...I have a pair for Oniel mx boots I got for $40 from cycle gear. They are ok for the street but I have hammered the brake a couple times without meaning to
This may be an option, Inexpensive and I have read quite a few good reports on this boot.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tourmaster-Solution-2-0-Waterproof-Mens-Size-15-Motorcycle-Riding-Boots-/130856194776?pt=Apparel_Merchandise&hash=item1e77a312d8&vxp=mtr (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tourmaster-Solution-2-0-Waterproof-Mens-Size-15-Motorcycle-Riding-Boots-/130856194776?pt=Apparel_Merchandise&hash=item1e77a312d8&vxp=mtr)
Hartless - what aviationfred said. Rider magazine had a boot comparo in the Feb issue. They really liked the Tour Master boots. They took on a little water in the dunk test, but almost all the other boots did, too. They submerge them in a bucket of water almost to the top of the gusset and keep them submerged for two minutes. A couple comments made by the writer...."From the first time I put them on, the Solution boots seemed to fit me perfectly and offered a great deal of comfort," "What I liked about the Tour Master Solutions is that everything just flat worked, which I cannot say about most other boots here," and "...when you consider the low price, these boots are a real winner." They tested boots in the price range of $80 to $350. I would recommend that if buying on line you go somewhere that you can try some on before ordering to make sure you get the right size. I've found that sizes vary by manufacturer.
GT
I was about to get a set of Tour Master's before I got the good deal on the Alpinestar Gore Tex Boots off flebay, which turned out great and I highly recommend them. But at retail cost the Tour Masters are what I would buy if I had to pay full price. They, like the Alpinestar Gore Tex boots are excellent all around riding boots for general purpose riding IMO. Get boots that breath a little other wise you will not want to wear them during the summer. As far as water is concerned I treat the leather parts with a good water proofing and polish and call it good enough. I have worn mine on occasion all day long to run around town in.
I will mention that the Tour Masters come in half sizes which is helpful.
Early on when I was looking I checked out the boots at Cycle Gear and wasn't to impressed. They were more like rubber boots.... Hard to beat the price point of the Tour Masters for the quality you get IMO. Now if you want to spend above 200.00 there some nice boots there also. :).
George
a pair of old rossi boots from the 70's courtesy of a pawnbrokers for 80 bucks. had them for 2 years ..
thanks guys. once I get a little extra cash ill have to check them out. they look nice at least to, something I could wear around if I ride somewhere.
For a inexpensive boot look at some of the heavier hiking boots. Sporting goods box store put them on sale all the time. They make some real heavy ones if you shop around, not the light walking boots. Not that is any savings but Wellingtion boots will work (cop boots). They are not riding boots but better than tennis shoes :)..
The Tour Masters are at a very good price point at under 125.00 a pair for GP riding around or touring.
George
Quote from: movenon on March 22, 2013, 10:47:24 PM
For a inexpensive boot look at some of the heavier hiking boots. Sporting goods box store put them on sale all the time. They make some real heavy ones if you shop around, not the light walking boots. Not that is any savings but Wellingtion boots will work (cop boots). They are not riding boots but better than tennis shoes :)..
The Tour Masters are at a very good price point at under 125.00 a pair for GP riding around or touring.
George
I would have better luck finding riding boots than finding regular hiking books in my size on a sale rack!!! haha but I follow :nyam1: thanks
Quote from: cyclenutk75 on March 13, 2013, 10:04:59 PM
Hartless - what aviationfred said. Rider magazine had a boot comparo in the Feb issue. They really liked the Tour Master boots. They took on a little water in the dunk test, but almost all the other boots did, too. They submerge them in a bucket of water almost to the top of the gusset and keep them submerged for two minutes. A couple comments made by the writer...."From the first time I put them on, the Solution boots seemed to fit me perfectly and offered a great deal of comfort," "What I liked about the Tour Master Solutions is that everything just flat worked, which I cannot say about most other boots here," and "...when you consider the low price, these boots are a real winner." They tested boots in the price range of $80 to $350. I would recommend that if buying on line you go somewhere that you can try some on before ordering to make sure you get the right size. I've found that sizes vary by manufacturer.
GT
I just got these they come in wide sizes so I got 11wide. Wow are they comfortable. It's almost like putting on a pair of slippers. And super light. Haven't gotten to ride with them yet (high yesterday 18deg I think ) But if they hold up to I think they will probably be the best for the buck
In 2011 at the WCR I forgot to pack my regular riding boots (took the bike in my truck), Wallmart moon boots did the trick. Kept my feet warm but I felt like my feet were naked. Not a shining moment for me. :dash2: :dash2: :dash2:
Good thing Henry was not at an angle to document my periwinkle rear tire at the same time. :blush:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3180/5803391908_d70aac40ce_b.jpg)
Monkey,
Here's a newly cropped photo for use as your new avatar:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/4/medium_1822_23_03_13_9_06_44.jpeg)
"Awesome boots, man! :good2:" - Lloyd Christmas
Steve
I guess its time to get a new picture up, now that I posted it, it reminds me every time I see it. It is a lession leaned, I will probably never forget my boots again...
Quote from: Steve_in_Florida on March 23, 2013, 10:09:51 AM
Monkey,
Here's a newly cropped photo for use as your new avatar:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/4/medium_1822_23_03_13_9_06_44.jpeg)
"Awesome boots, man! :good2:" - Lloyd Christmas
Steve
Always thought the The 'Red Power Ranger' nickname came solely from your riding suit. Now we all know the real story..... It was the boots... Who Knew... :pardon: