Looking for durable practical motorcycle type boots

[Bustanut joker]

I've a pair of tour masters too, probably the same as Carver.. Mine are nice to walk about in but I think they kinda lack protection wise.

That being said, they would protect better than tennis shoes the squids find so cool.

:jester:

 

[wfooshee]

I've crashed my Tour Master Solutions, hyperextended my foot when the toe caught the pavement on the way down. I can't compare to another boot, of course, but with plain shoes I'd have lost the shoe, lost a lot of the top of my foot, and maybe broken my ankle. I did get a good sprain on that ankle. This was April '08, and I'm still wearing the boot daily, it's still waterproof, and it's still walking-all-day comfortable. I was wearing them as I climbed through the battleship Alabama some weeks ago.

 

[doctorJ]

Oxtar Matrix II now sold by TCX as Type V or something. Great boots-waterproof and comfy too.

doctorj

Ditto on the TCX. They've kept my feet dry while riding through tropical storms and they are comfortable enough for walking short distances.

These are what I'm getting..

I have a pair of these too and are very comfy. I use them mainly in warm weather since they do vent some air as advertised so switch to the OXtar matrix or my other Oxtar Infinity boots (awesome but bulky).

doctorj

 

[Neil San Diego]

These are what I'm getting..

These are my daily riding boots. I've been wearing those TCX/Oxtar Airtechs for about a year now. I don't do alot of walking in them, but when I do, they are pretty comfotable. I wouldn't hike the Pacific Crest Trail in them, but 1/4 mile of parking lot wouldn't bother me.

As far as durability, after a year of daily commuting, they are still holding up very well. Looks like they should go several more years.

 

[Old Michael]

If I could respectfully submit -

wfooshee, I had a pair of these same Tourmasters a few years back. (And if Mom sees your boot up on that couch, she'll box your ears!)

I found that big, velcro-covered flap on the inner side of the boot to be a pain.

It never closed flat, and occasionally got hung on my peg - which can suck.

And, as dcarver noted, they felt sorta too soft, especially on top of my shifter toe.

I often worried about how well they'd protect.

Comfy though. And mostly waterproof, I think.

I've fallen in love with these.

Chippewa Motorcycle Rally

Exceptionally well-made. (Hey. They're Chippewas.)

Just plain old premium cowhide, so you've got to polish them and apply treatment to make them waterproof.

(Simon. You live in friggin' SoCal. :blink: It's not like you ever ride in the rain.)

Surprisingly cool in summer. Warm (w/woolly socks) in winter.

Great support, excellent protection, and incredibly comfortable.

...And people will ask you, "Hey mister. Are you a cowboy or somethin'?"

Happy Birthday, John Lennon.

 

[wfooshee]

I found that big, velcro-covered flap on the inner side of the boot to be a pain.

It never closed flat, and occasionally got hung on my peg - which can suck.

And, as dcarver noted, they felt sorta too soft, especially on top of my shifter toe.

I often worried about how well they'd protect.

Comfy though. And mostly waterproof, I think.

Never had a problem with the flap, and I've not once caught it on anything. I've read where some (maybe you) found it an annoyance, but apparently your feet are built crooked or something.

Just to clarify, the Velcro doesn't fasten the boot, it just holds the flap that covers the zipper. My previous boots were Teknic which the Velcro was how the boots fastened, didin't really care for them, and they were toast in 6 months, anyway; soles coming loose and something broken in the sole at the centerstand push point.

 

[FJRBluesman]

OK. I feel I need to slightly edit this to add more info.

First I want to thank everyone for their input, great stuff… even from Barry. The guy cares so much, he found me my favorite color boots, with hearts.

I like the shorty buckle boots but I want more protection in weather. I also like many of the other motorcycle style boots TM, Oxtar Matrix II, etc, but I don't believe the soles will last. I do like the Cabela's boots and other work type boots, but the nearest Cabela's is in Reno, NV, to try them on.

I know I'm asking for the perfect boot and it probably doesn't exist… yet. I currently use Alpinestars SMX for non-commuting ride days, etc.

I want to wear my commuting boots everyday, walk my 1/2 mile round trip in them. I remove them at work and put on work shoes (I don't wear them at home). I want to be able to use these year round, rain or shine (Michael it rained most of last week and I rode in it with my old harness boots, but you're right, it shouldn't rain. ), and I don't want to buy a new pair every year.

 

[DELETE-PLEASE]

Converse C8874 in black. Lace 'em up good, and then just use the sidezipper to get in and out. VERY comfortable (I would and have worn them all day to deliver with UPS in a mall which is a LOT of walking). Pretty good protection too.

Also, they make a lower version (this is a relatively tall boot) with a zipper, but I don't know the number off the top of my head. The C8874 is my alltime favorite work boot that is easy on/off AND super comfortable.

Alexi

 

[user 213]

I also like many of the other motorcycle style boots TM, Oxtar Matrix II, etc, but I don't believe the soles will last.

I put 140k on my first pair of Oxtar Matrix, (now TCX X5) boots. With a lot of walking in less than ideal conditions and surfaces. You won't wear out the sole in a year walking 1/2 a mile over parking lots each day. Yes, the down side is that the sole is bonded on and most places will not repair/re-sole it. I have read reports of it being done though.

I often wore them all day off the bike. Walking hiking trails to bonus locations that were sometimes more than 1/4 mile, (much, much more), and just times where I rode someplace and spent several hours walking around before riding on to the hotel. Traveling, it's the boots and a pair of sandals, so the boots get worn any time the sandals are inappropriate. I really don't think you can wear them out with your little daily walk in less than 3 years unless you drag your heels.

There is another issue, the TCX X5 boots are not for the large calf riders. Normally not an issue for me, but my lower legs swell in hot weather and I can't get the zipper up with the TCX boots. I can still velcro the top flap over, but it's far from ideal. Now I'm looking for a boot that offers more calf room so I can close the boot and feel retention is maintained if a get off occurs.

 

[Big-D]

I worry a bit about boots with laces, being if they were to come untied, they could get wrapped around the rear wheel.

 

[Brodie]

I looked at every boot mentioned on this thread and still could not find a size 16 AAA. I hope the gentleman that started this thread is having better luck with his feet.

Brodie

 

[fljab]

<snip> but the nearest Cabela's is in Reno, NV, to try them on.

I posted about the Cabela's and wanted to say, if you absolutely need to try on ANY of the suggestions that have been offered here, then I hope you live in an area where all of this is available locally. I don't, butt I do know my foot size and many mail order places including Cabelas, have great exchange policies as long as you don't in anyway damage the packaging/tags/etc; another words they want to be able to put them back on the shelf and sell them as new.

Something to consider regardless of which boot suggested here is your pick........

 

[redtail]

I've been wearing the Icon Tarmac boots for over a year, almost two. I'm sure that the more expensive boots can provide better protection, but these are so comfortable that I never ride without them. Comfortable to walk around in off the bike and yet perform well on the bike. So, protection features with the flexability to make effortless gear changes!

 

[sporto]

Sidi On-Road is what I wear, nice comfortable boot, good protection, easy on-off, waterproof and not too gawdy.

https://www.sidibootstore.com/onroadgoretex.html

 

[user 213]

Sidi On-Road is what I wear, nice comfortable boot, good protection, easy on-off, waterproof and not too gawdy.

https://www.sidibootstore.com/onroadgoretex.html

Always liked the Sidi On-Road.... except the price! May go try on a pair to see how the calf fits.

 

[Neil San Diego]

OK. I feel I need to slightly edit this to add more info.

I do like the Cabela's boots and other work type boots, but the nearest Cabela's is in Reno, NV, to try them on.

Road Trip!

BTW, there's a Calelas in Glendale AZ that's a bit closer. Theres also a Bass Pro store in Rancho Cucomonga. I think they have prettymuch all the same boots as Cabelas. FYI

 

[VTFJR13]

OK. I feel I need to slightly edit this to add more info.

First I want to thank everyone for their input, great stuff… even from Barry. The guy cares so much, he found me my favorite color boots, with hearts.

I like the shorty buckle boots but I want more protection in weather. I also like many of the other motorcycle style boots TM, Oxtar Matrix II, etc, but I don't believe the soles will last. I do like the Cabela's boots and other work type boots, but the nearest Cabela's is in Reno, NV, to try them on.

I know I'm asking for the perfect boot and it probably doesn't exist… yet. I currently use Alpinestars SMX for non-commuting ride days, etc.

I want to wear my commuting boots everyday, walk my 1/2 mile round trip in them. I remove them at work and put on work shoes (I don't wear them at home). I want to be able to use these year round, rain or shine (Michael it rained most of last week and I rode in it with my old harness boots, but you're right, it shouldn't rain. ), and I don't want to buy a new pair every year.

https://www.newenough.com/browse/view_product_images/683

I have these boots. They are waterproof. Very easy on and off. Good protection. Very good price. Comfortable to walk in. They seem to be wearing very well. Good quality. I want to buy another pair just to have so when mine are worn out I will have them. Since they may not sell them anymore when they finally wear out.

 

[doctorJ]

I just wanted to add that a lot of people on the Motorcycle Tourers Forum swear by the Red Wing 1229 which is 9" high with full gore tex liner and 1000gm thinsolite. It is expensive but discounts can be found. It is comfortable (or so I'm told) and resolable too. I want a black boot and it is brown since mainly a work boot, but one guy either dyed his or just shined with black shoe polish enough that it looked kinda black .

doctorj

 

[beemerdons]

Dios Madre FJRBluesman, if it isn't bad enough that we have to hold your hand on a SoCal FJR Ride, now we have to also dress you for the ride. Son of a Bitch, Simon!

 

[SacramentoMike]

For the conversion from the commute to the hike into work, you might consider a pair of gaiters like skiers use with lower boots (ankle height) on cold or rainy days. It seems to me no high boot can be quite as comfy to walk in as the same boot would be in a lower height, and the gaiters will seal out the wet and the cold. Easy to remove, compact to store. I've never tried it, but haven't needed to. Your situation sounds like it might be a better option.