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Waterproof Boots

O

obxgs

Guest
I need some advice on buying some water proof boots. I just got back from a 3 hour ride in some moderate to heavy rain. My boots filled up water after about the first hour. My boots I have now are the Kilamangero (sp)? style with the zippers on each side. Also the rain pants are first gear, I like them but they dont have boot straps which I think was the biggest problem because they ride up your leg exposing the zippers. Help anyone.

OBX GS
 
Lots of choices out there, I like the Harley Davidson boot (made by Wolverine) called the FXRG or some HD designation. They are lace up, completely waterproof (storm tested for hours) and a really good hike boot too when you get where you are going, and will pass as acceptable when worn with casual pants if camping/traveling etc. They are a mid-calf boot and have waterproof tongue all the way to the top.

The recent AMA mag had a good comparison of various types, and their are an abundance. Good luck with your choice.
 
OBXGS said:
I need some advice on buying some water proof boots.

I've never bothered with motorcycle boots in my over 30 years of riding. They're just too limiting in their use.

Be it on my day rides or month long tours, I use heavy duty hiking boots; presently something like an ASOLO TPS 520 GV (Gore-Tex) .

I can ride in them, walk very comfortably in them, hike in them and not look like a motorcyclist in them. If I'm going to pay motorcycle boot prices, I might as well be able to use them for everything.
 
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GlobalRider said:
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Be it on my day rides or month long tours, I use heavy duty hiking boots; presently something like an ASOLO TPS 520 GV (Gore-Tex).

I can ride in them, walk very comfortably in them, hike in them and not look like a motorcyclist in them. If I'm going to pay motorcycle boot prices, I might as well me able to use them for everything.

Thanks for the info. Those are nice looking boots and I like the idea of getting a boot that can be multi-purpose.

I can probably convince my wife I need new hiking boots easier than needing new riding boots. She has an aversion to me spending money...'just on the bike'.
 
GlobalRider said:
They're just too limiting in their use.

Too limiting? You haven't tried good boots! Or modern boots... they've come a long way in 30 years :)

I wear mine everywhere! They are very comfortable, light, breath, yet are waterproof with a gore-tex liner. I went through two pair of BMW boots. They are very nice, but since they dropped the ankle protector (which was very important in an accident I had) I've since switched to the Oxtar Matrix boots (who makes the BMW boots to start with). They are a little more stiff to start with, just as waterproof, and have ankle protectors :) I highly recommend them.
 
userw5 said:
Those are nice looking boots and I like the idea of getting a boot that can be multi-purpose.

Your riding pants will have to be long enough to overlap the boot though for them to be waterproof. My two-piece Aerostich with ellipse has the bottom of my pant leg cover my ASOLO boot adequately to remain dry in all but torrential rain conditions. I wear nylon rain overboots then.
 
I used to ride in a hiking boot, but found the size of the sole to be a bit much. Last summer I got a pair of cheep Prexport boots and I like them, except in hot weather- then they get really warm and stuffy. But they are waterproof right up to the tops- I verified this by standing in a lake for about 20 minutes. I haven't hiked or done really extensive walking in them, but they seem OK for general off-bike purposes.
 
I've had a pair of Alpinestars Web Gortex boots for four seasons and like them very much. They're comfortable (on and off the bike), and definitely fully waterproof, even in a downpour. They have a side zipper and velcro closures. I like them so much that I recently bought another pair (on sale) for the day when my current pair wears out.
 
Oxtar

I use Oxtar Matrix- they're comfortable, completely waterproof (survived 300 miles of rain leaving the national), but look like a motorcycle boot.

Motorcycle boots are made with a purpose- armor in the ankles, extra padding in the shin, soles that grip, etc. You can substitute other footwear, but it may not be the best protection for riding.

Google a motorcycle boot comparison and you will find many alternatives.
 
marcopolo said:
I've had a pair of Alpinestars Web Gortex boots for four seasons and like them very much. They're comfortable (on and off the bike), and definitely fully waterproof, even in a downpour.
I second the Alpinestat Web boots. They kept me dry in a four hour downpour in September and they are quite comfy.
 
I use Danner Ft. Lewis boots. They are comfortable, completely waterproof and good for walking around in at the end of the ride. They lace up so don't consider them if you ride a chain or belt driven bike.
 
I've been wearing the Danner Striker GTX boots for over a year now. Goretex, waterproof and are as comfortable as any sneakers I own. Great for walking and have never leaked. Pain in the ass to lace up but you only have to put them on in the morning and you won't need to take them off til you go to bed. Bought them at Bass Pro Shops. Obviously not all the protection of true motorcycle boots but a damn good compromise IMHO.

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/cata...arClassCode=5&hvarSubCode=5&hvarTarget=browse
 
I vote for Cruiser Works boots. I use the side zip which is easy on/off. I have been in bad riding rain and walked in 4" puddles to test and have never been wet.
 
For lace-up boots you cen get lace-in zippers. They are available at uniform shops that specialise in police & military stuff. I used to ride in Hitec magnum boots which are very similar to the Danners. I was about to give up on the boots because the lacing and unlacing was driving me mad, even when I only had to do it once a day. The lace-in zippers made life SO much more pleasant and I rode in these boots another year. I still have them but they now look like they've been through serious combat and my current 'real' motorcycle boots fit around the levers better due to smaller soles.
 
For the last 2 years I've been using - and abusing - a pair of Gaerne boots. I have to say that the comfort (walking, hiking, riding 20hr days across North America, from Toronto to Fairbanks AK) is incredible. It took almost no time to get them to "wear in" and be comfy when flexing the foot and stuff... However, the first pair I got was far from 100% waterproof as advertised, and it leaked quite bad - so I called up the Gaerne rep, explained the problem, and they sent me back a FREE pair.

Right now I'm wearing a pair of Oxtar Infinity. They are indeed 100% waterproof, to the point of walking through a small creek, and they breathe really well especially after a long day wearing them in a downpour. However, I'm not yet comfortable with the "ski boot" latches and stuff... might need some more wearing-in experience before I get to like them.
 
wmubrown said:
Too limiting? You haven't tried good boots! Or modern boots... they've come a long way in 30 years :)

I'm on the road for over a month...that means not just riding, but walking all over cities, etc. Yup, motorcycle boots are too limiting. And yes, I have tried good boots; my ASOLOs. The first pair is ten years old and still going and my second pair will surely last as long. Remember, these boots are made for serious outdoor use and not just sitting on a motorcycle.

I also don't want a boot that goes halfway up to my knee. I don't care how they're contructed...they're simply too hot to walk in when its 100??F+.

And motorcycle boots don't have the support I need when I hike on rough trails and they don't have a lug sole in almost all cases; ever have a foot slide away from under you with those smooth soles. Not yet? "Yet" being the key word.
 
I recommend the Prexport 360 WP. They're completely waterproof, have a breathable membrane and a removeable insole. No speed-laces, no cinches nor buckles, just good old fashioned HD Velcro. And they're positively comfortable for walking.

When not wearing my Roadcrafter, I've got a Nelson-Rigg 2 piece rain suit (in an un-Tessler-like loud color ;)). Easy to don, breathable and features boot stirrups to hold the pant legs in place. It's been very effective.
 
GlobalRider said:
I'm on the road for over a month...that means not just riding, but walking all over cities, etc. Yup, motorcycle boots are too limiting. And yes, I have tried good boots; my ASOLOs. The first pair is ten years old and still going and my second pair will surely last as long. Remember, these boots are made for serious outdoor use and not just sitting on a motorcycle.

I also don't want a boot that goes halfway up to my knee. I don't care how they're contructed...they're simply too hot to walk in when its 100??F+.

And motorcycle boots don't have the support I need when I hike on rough trails and they don't have a lug sole in almost all cases; ever have a foot slide away from under you with those smooth soles. Not yet? "Yet" being the key word.
Thougtht we were talking about waterproof riding boots?!? Nothing was said about 100 degree temperatures, hiking rough trails, etc. WWFU (whatever works for you) ... sounds like you have the solution for your particular needs, but I think your needs exceed what regular riders are looking for. I'm thinking riding/rallying use and the Oxtar's do that just fine. I usually bring along sandals or tennis shoes but rarely switch to them - the Oxtar's are that comfortable. Then again, I don't hang out on rough trails, mud bogs, or in 100 degree weather much ;)
 
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