Author Topic: What are your best Long Distance touring boots? (Read 7946 times)

ghostrider990 · « **Reply #25 on:** June 24, 2017, 12:38:46 pm »

I know there will be dissent, but in my years of riding, Value is a direct corollary of price.
I have purchased alot of cheap gear, and specifically when I didn't have the money to spend on a name brand or higher quality gear.

This year I finally ponied-up and got a pair of SiDI Adventure Goretex boots, and couldn't be happier.
The only complaint I have, is just like everyone else: they get NOISEY and CREAKY as they get broken-in, but bomb-proof, comfortable right out of the box, waterproof, and high-level of protection.

They ARE warm in the summer, but I don't ride over 90degrees if I can help it.

dlama · « **Reply #26 on:** July 12, 2017, 03:23:11 am »

Speaking of warm in the summer: in my experience with Goretex boots I have found ambient heat has an apex point becomes harder to manage the more skin you have exposed: the temperature of the pavement and the heat of the motor at some point is hotter than the inside of the boot and the goretex along with the accompanying thinsulate (if equipped in your boot) or other layer, actually keeps you cooler at that point as it deflects heat. I'd rather have Goretex boots on a long distance ride across Hwy 50 in Nevada in August than perforated Air-TEC whatever letting in 135+ degree asphalt air boil my feet.

It's true there is a middle cool temperature that perforated boots feel airy and light. But they also feel exposed to me. Like maybe they wouldn't hold up in a serious friction event like a slide or a crash. And the temperature range they feel good is not that wide. Then of course, the rain...

When riding on the Buck Sport Touring Pegs in summer the hot blast on my feet is sometimes worse than tucked in the regular rider position. Most of us probably know this from winter riding looking for a warm spot. Less wind, less ambient temperature blast. But I have found the Goretex really works on both ends of the temperature scale to protect my feet.

This goes for other clothing as well but that's another subject for another post that can also include discussion on heat, shade and hydration.

Ingramite · « **Reply #27 on:** October 04, 2017, 11:14:54 am »

I have a pair of Lucchese elephant hide cowboy boots with rubber soles that I ve worn for the last 30 years.

xcore · « **Reply #28 on:** November 08, 2017, 09:59:28 pm »

SiDi Adventure Gore-Tex is my choice. You can still find them on sale since they made Adventure 2. Frankly, I could not understand how Adv2 are so many dollars better compared to old boots, take a look on revzilla if interested in video comparison.

Bought them in 2012, made about 50K km in Europe and ~5K miles so far in US. Waterproof in any conditions. You'll probably need heated insoles for riding in the cold for a while (<30-32F). Just replaced the soles this summer - old ones became too slippy, probably accumulated some oil/diesel from the roads.

Only one con for me: too hot for 80F++.

ghostrider990 · « **Reply #29 on:** November 08, 2017, 11:55:56 pm »

Quote from: xcore on November 08, 2017, 09:59:28 pm

SiDi Adventure Gore-Tex is my choice.

Only one con for me: too hot for 80F++.

I agree, and I have a cheaper pair of vented Firstgear Mesh Hi Boots for hot-hot riding.
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/firstgear-mesh-hi-boots

I also have a much more serious pair of SIDI Vertigo Corsa Air boots that I break out when I'm "acting" like a sportbike rider.

I literally have three full sets of gear for most occasions. Right tool for the job....

gr

freebird6 · « **Reply #30 on:** November 09, 2017, 11:12:18 am »

Quote from: strum on June 15, 2017, 05:31:46 pm

Im still digging my Forma Cape Horns.

https://www.formabootsusa.com/collections/road-boots/products/forma-cape-horn-motorcycle-boots

Been riding the FOrma Adventure for 3 years now. Wider fit than most and now comes in a shorter height.


https://youtu.be/kZ4PE89u4zM

Warwgn · « **Reply #31 on:** November 09, 2017, 12:55:19 pm »

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/sidi-tour-rain-boots

I went with the SIDI tour rain boots, I only have about 8000 miles with them so far but love them. I wear them everyday for commuting but have to change them out for steel toes when I get to work, they are very comfortable and actually seem to put my feet in a better riding position.

Yes very water proof, I ride in all weather and have been through very heavy rain down here in Mississippi. I did a lot of walking around in them when I went up to Niagara Falls and here at home when I am out and about, I think they are like a regular boot for comfort. I always wear boots though, I do have a pair of shoes but have worn them maybe 4 times this year, so I am a boot guy anyway.

I think these Sidi boots will hold up very well if they continue to wear like they are, overall a very good fit and finish and they perform exactly as advertised.

Kelly E · « **Reply #32 on:** November 09, 2017, 07:49:42 pm »

I wear Danner Fort Lewis boots. They are Berry compliant(can be worn on active duty), USA made 10' tall leather, Goretex lined with 200 gram Thinsulate insulation. You can hike for days in them and have the same style of sole and heel as most adventure boots. I put tongue protectors from the Rainforest model which adds to the shin protection. Danner boots can also be re-crafted at the factory instead of buying new ones. I have some CE rated riding boots but I have only worn them on one trip because the Danner's are way more comfortable.

ZXtasy · « **Reply #33 on:** November 29, 2017, 01:20:57 am »

Danner makes some damn fine footwear, many of my LEO riding friends use them in the line of duty. I came very close to getting them over my last Sidis.

ZXtasy · « **Reply #34 on:** November 29, 2017, 01:30:14 am »

Disregard that last, though Danner is good, the M/C guys wear a lot of Dehner boots.

Pittsburgh_Clem · « **Reply #35 on:** March 11, 2018, 01:31:49 am »

Only because I'm irritated I Love the SIDI Cobra Gore Tex Went to order a pair and they are discontinued. Found a pair in Closeout and they had 2 so bought them both. I could try the new improved but I want what I know

freebird6 · « **Reply #36 on:** March 12, 2018, 01:54:26 pm »

Thinking I may try the newer version of the Forma boot. I have been wearing the higher adventures for 4 years. I like the weight and athletic feet of the mid and outsole. Light and roomy cut for american feet and all day walking comfort when I am off the bike. https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/forma-adventure-low-boots

FTB530 · « **Reply #37 on:** March 12, 2018, 03:46:25 pm »

Quote from: freebird6 on March 12, 2018, 01:54:26 pm

Thinking I may try the newer version of the Forma boot. I have been wearing the higher adventures for 4 years. I like the weight and athletic feet of the mid and outsole. Light and roomy cut for american feet and all day walking comfort when I am off the bike. https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/forma-adventure-low-boots

I bought a pair of the Forma Adventure boots,walked ten feet in them and boxed them back up for a return, something in the toe wasn’t made right and I could feel it,
I ordered the Forma Low and they should be here in a day or two!
Or maybe my foot wasn’t made right

Doc · « **Reply #38 on:** March 12, 2018, 08:05:34 pm »

I’ve enjoyed my Alpinestars Roam 2 WP boots. Not too high or short and synthetic material and 3 Velcro closures are nice. Very comfortable!

Grant · « **Reply #39 on:** April 21, 2018, 06:07:10 pm »

Quote from: FTB530 on March 12, 2018, 03:46:25 pm

Quote from: freebird6 on March 12, 2018, 01:54:26 pm
Thinking I may try the newer version of the Forma boot. I have been wearing the higher adventures for 4 years. I like the weight and athletic feet of the mid and outsole. Light and roomy cut for american feet and all day walking comfort when I am off the bike. https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/forma-adventure-low-boots
I bought a pair of the Forma Adventure boots,walked ten feet in them and boxed them back up for a return, something in the toe wasn’t made right and I could feel it,
I ordered the Forma Low and they should be here in a day or two!
Or maybe my foot wasn’t made right

You get those new boots yet? I have been looking at the Forma Adventure in the low top as well. If not the Forma I will most likely get a pair of Danners as I have worked in Danner boots for years.

FTB530 · « **Reply #40 on:** April 21, 2018, 06:24:10 pm »

Quote from: Grant on April 21, 2018, 06:07:10 pm

Quote from: FTB530 on March 12, 2018, 03:46:25 pm
Quote from: freebird6 on March 12, 2018, 01:54:26 pm
Thinking I may try the newer version of the Forma boot. I have been wearing the higher adventures for 4 years. I like the weight and athletic feet of the mid and outsole. Light and roomy cut for american feet and all day walking comfort when I am off the bike. https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/forma-adventure-low-boots
I bought a pair of the Forma Adventure boots,walked ten feet in them and boxed them back up for a return, something in the toe wasn’t made right and I could feel it,
I ordered the Forma Low and they should be here in a day or two!

Yes I have them, have put a few hundred miles riding and a little walking, they are comfortable so far.
I’m not sure how long the buckles will last they don’t seem to be real strong and I don’t think the. Lot itself would really help much saying the bike happened to fall on your foot, if I was off reading I would buy something with more protection!
Or maybe my foot wasn’t made right

You get those new boots yet? I have been looking at the Forma Adventure in the low top as well. If not the Forma I will most likely get a pair of Danners as I have worked in Danner boots for years.

BadgerApaches · « **Reply #41 on:** December 29, 2018, 02:34:28 am »

Danner Acadias when it's hot, great duty boot as well, still polish up.

My Gaerne MX boots when it's early/late season.

Dayrides it's the Oxtars.

glenn 12 · « **Reply #42 on:** December 29, 2018, 08:22:10 am »

I had the tourmaster WP boots for 7 years and they finally started leaking around the sole in the rain. I replaced them with the new epic tourmaster boots. It took awhile for them to break in and they are water proof as I have been through some really heavy rain with them.

Road Runner · « **Reply #43 on:** December 31, 2018, 01:33:31 am »

I enjoy my Milwaukee Road Captain boots for riding. Pretty sharp looking IMO too

Check our Website: https://www.milwaukeemotorcycleclothing.com/boots/mens/riding-boots/road-captain

Daboo · « **Reply #44 on:** December 31, 2018, 08:25:30 pm »

I'm using two pairs of Tourmaster boots. I wanted both Spring, Summer, Fall boots, and Fall, Winter, Spring boots. So I tried both types of the Tourmaster boots. I have the Tourmaster Epic boots for the cooler three seasons and the Tourmaster Solution 2 WP Air for the warmer seasons. I like both so far.

The Epic boots are the newer models. The boot is higher and the protection seems better all over. The fit in the foot is a little more snug too. Not uncomfortable at all. Just not loose. The Epic boots don't breathe as well as the "Air" versions. But they aren't bad at all. My feet don't sweat in them any more than any other boot.

The Solution 2 WP Air boots are a looser fit. One owner said it felt like he was wearing rubber galoshes. I wouldn't go that far, but they are a loose fit all over.

Both have been comfortable for walking all day in. Both have proven to be waterproof in some really wet riding.

The biggest problem I had with the Epic boots was the height. I wasn't used to it and it felt strange at first. Now, it's no big deal. If I had to buy new boots, I'd get another of the Tourmaster Epic or Epic Air.

Chris

Michael · « **Reply #45 on:** May 20, 2019, 08:05:09 pm »

Daytona Road Star!

Bumblebee · « **Reply #46 on:** May 21, 2019, 04:09:40 pm »

+1 Daytona Road Star

Sparky · « **Reply #47 on:** May 31, 2019, 06:21:45 am »

I purchased a pair of Tour Master Epic Air last June. I purchased these boots just prior to a month long road trip I did from Atlanta, GA to Hyder, AK. The Epic Air boots are waterproof, and are supposed to be air mesh. The boots are comfortable, and protective. They close by a side zipper, and they have adequate shin, ankle, and foot protection.

I wear a 13EE, and apparently all boot manufacturers only make footwear for normal size feet. I bought these hoping to get a pair of protective boots that aren't clunky Harley style boots. Based on other reviews I went with the next size up and got the 14W. As usual, RevZilla was speedy on the shipping, and the boots arrived in just a few days. When I initially tried them on with cycling style socks they were just too snug on my right foot (it's my larger foot). They weren't tight, just a bit snug. My fear was that after several hours touring on the bike they may become a bit tighter, and create a very uncomfortable pressure on my foot. I've had this happen in the past.

Due to this, I had planned on returning the boots. However, a friend suggested I try wearing compression socks since they are rather thin, and see if that worked. I did as he suggested, and WOW! What a difference. Wearing the compression socks not only helps when doing long rides, it made the boots fit perfectly. They are comfortable to wear on, and off the bike. I think they offer an ample amount of protection, and they don't feel heavy and clunky.

I rate them a 4 out of 5 based on the following two issues:

1.) The boots are rated as waterproof, but breathable.I did not find them to be too breathable. In fact they are a bit warm. Now, in all fairness to Tour Master, I do live in the southeastern U.S., and I', only wearing them for the first time in the beginning of the summer. Each ride has shown temps in the low 90's with 90%+ humidity and no rain. The boots are still comfortable, and I think no matter what I would be wearing my feet would be warm.

2.) No pull tab on the back of the boot. This may seem trivial, but for $200 it would be nice had Tour Master put a pull tab on the back of the boot to assist one in getting their foot into the foot bed. Not having one makes it a challenge sometimes, and it would just be easier to have it.

My overall impression of the boot is quite positive. If you are in the market for a quality touring style boot that offers adequate protection, then I think you will be happy with this choice. I know I am.

TimR · « **Reply #48 on:** June 10, 2019, 07:31:29 am »

I have a couple pairs of Danner Arcadia's left over from my LE days. One pair is not insulated and I rarely use these for the Connie. The 900 yes. The other pair is insulated which keeps my feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer even with the heat of the 09. I wore the insulated Arcadia's for the Bun Cooler held 3rd weekend of May. We had rain from the time I left the house and most of the way the Kamiah, ID. My "water proof" gloves gave up the ghost but the Danner's never leaked. Not one drop.

Grasshopper · « **Reply #49 on:** July 09, 2019, 08:23:25 pm »

I got the latest SIDI Adventure boots. The squeak is gone from the design, so far, I've had them since January. Been through some heavy rain and my feet stay dry. Same goes for the heat, the Gore-Tex really does a great job. Was looking for a boot with great ankle protection and Gore-Tex, and these seemed to fit the bill. I'd buy them again.