mistercindy
New member
After much reading I've decided that my next riding boots will be TCX Infinity's. My dealership is ordering a 45 and a 46 so I can try on both to see which fits better (damn nice of them, IMHO). I have a pair of the Oxtar Air Techs and have been pleased with them. A couple of years ago the when the Infinity was $100 cheaper than the Santiago (or Savannahs before that), the decision would have been easier. But since TCX has decided to price the Infinity with the BMW Santiagos, I have some questions that all deal with the Infinity's longevity. I hope to wear these for a long time.
BTW, others in the running that I decided not to get:
- How long do the soles last? My only disappointment with the Air Techs is that after 15,000 miles the sole appears to wearing quickly. Pictures of the Infinities show that TCX uses the same sole on them as they use for the Air Techs. Frankly, I don't want a $350+ boot with a sole that wears that fast, UNLESS....
- They be re-soled. Can the Infinity be resoled? Locally?
- How sturdy are the buckles? I've heard of them breaking.
- If the buckle breaks can a local guy fix or replace it? Or perhaps sew on a velcro replacement?
BTW, others in the running that I decided not to get:
- BMW Santiago. I don't want the steel toe on the Santiago, although, they can be easily removed. The Santiago boots were runner-up to the Infinities. The only real difference is that I can try on a pair of 45s and 46s next to each other in the same sitting. They appear to be virtually identical otherwise (check out this ADVrider thread comparing the Infinity to the Santiago's predecessor, the Savannah).
- Vendramini Marathons. I'd like to try the Marathons or Marathon Steels, but I've never had anybody from BikerWorldUSA answer their phone or return an email. That, and I'm nervous about buying a boot that I can't try on. Particularly if their staff can't be reached.
- Frey Daytona's Trans Open GTX. I'd like to try these. I like their 37cm (14.5") height (Infinities are 14"). But again, I can't try them on, and I'd rather not lay down money for shipping when I might not like the boots. That, and they're $100 more than either the Infinity or the Santiago. BTW, the people at Helimot are nice and responsive.
- Sidi generally. I never considered Sidi as everything they make has lorica. I've had one pair of Sidi's with lorica and, for me anyway, it doesn't breathe well at all. After a few hours I'd remove the boots and my feet would look prunish as if they'd been soaking in a tub for hours.
- Aerostich. I wish Aerostich would design specs to update their boots, although being able to re-sole them is a big deal. I also want gore-tex lining. And they have no armor at all. For that matter, Aerostich ought to update a lot of their high quality/highly outdated apparel. That, and again, I can't try on a pair before buying them.
- Rev'it Apaches. The Apache is very appealing. I tried them on at Moto Liberty in Dallas. Rev'it makes great stuff and the Apache is no exception. But, there were two issues. First, I want a taller boot. I measured the Apaches at 12" (same as my aging and comfy BMW Contours), and the Infinity is 14". Secondly, I tried on a pair of Apaches and they aren't made for big calves. I'd have problems closing the calf of the boot with pants tucked in them.
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