Boot Choices

[GREGFUESS]

Anyone have a recommendation for a good all around sport/touring boot? I have been debating this for some time, and then went so far as to order the Aerostitch Combat Lite boot with the wedge sole. Except that 'Stich is discontinuing the wedge sole with the Lite. They told me that the Lite will be available with the cleated sole, and the full Combat boot will only be available with the wedge sole. This despite the site indicating the choice is available for both boot styles.

I like the Sidi boots, but have read the Lee Parks book recommending Bates and Z Leathers boots as 100% American made, which is a nice but not a deciding factor.

Does anyone have any experience with the cleated Combat boot? The Sidi, Bates or Z Leather models? Other recommendations? All thoughts appreciated.

Greg

 

[PGlaves]

Anyone have a recommendation for a good all around sport/touring boot? I have been debating this for some time, and then went so far as to order the Aerostitch Combat Lite boot with the wedge sole. Except that 'Stich is discontinuing the wedge sole with the Lite. They told me that the Lite will be available with the cleated sole, and the full Combat boot will only be available with the wedge sole. This despite the site indicating the choice is available for both boot styles.

I like the Sidi boots, but have read the Lee Parks book recommending Bates and Z Leathers boots as 100% American made, which is a nice but not a deciding factor.

Does anyone have any experience with the cleated Combat boot? The Sidi, Bates or Z Leather models? Other recommendations? All thoughts appreciated.

Greg

Sidi On-Road or Sidi Thunder

 

[angiesands]

I wear the BMW Allaround boots and so far they've been great. I have nothing to compare them with since these are the only pair I've ever worn, but I can't find anything to complain about. Comfortable off the bike too.

 

[GREGFUESS]

I think Sidi cancelled the Thunder, at least it is not on their website. The On Road is, and looks like a nice boot.

 

[PGlaves]

I think Sidi cancelled the Thunder, at least it is not on their website. The On Road is, and looks like a nice boot.

It looks to me like the "Way Mega Rain" or "Way Rain" is fundamentally the same boot as the Thunder was. Side zip with velcro flap, waterproof membrane, etc. There may well be construction detail differences, but functionally they look the same.

I have a pair of On Roads. Had and wore out a pair of Thunder. I liked the convenience of the gusseted zipper, but still often wear the On Road boots now instead of a cheaper different brand I bought to replace the Thunder.

 

[paulroglich]

boot choices

I too have BMW's all round boots. They have proven to be great in cold and hot weather, not to mention wet weather.

 

[Crow18]

I have the Sidi On Road boots as well. They fit me well, seem to be well-armored, and have kept my feet bone-dry in some ugly weather.

 

[kantuckid]

Sidi!

 

[thx1158]

Anyone have a recommendation for a good all around sport/touring boot? I have been debating this for some time, and then went so far as to order the Aerostitch Combat Lite boot with the wedge sole. Except that 'Stich is discontinuing the wedge sole with the Lite. They told me that the Lite will be available with the cleated sole, and the full Combat boot will only be available with the wedge sole. This despite the site indicating the choice is available for both boot styles.

I like the Sidi boots, but have read the Lee Parks book recommending Bates and Z Leathers boots as 100% American made, which is a nice but not a deciding factor.

Does anyone have any experience with the cleated Combat boot? The Sidi, Bates or Z Leather models? Other recommendations? All thoughts appreciated.

Greg

I like the roadgear boots. I got a set of TDF boots and so far so good. The price was right as well

 

[deilenberger]

Another vote for the BMW Allround boots. They are waterproof (tested extensively). comfortable for limited walking, have enough grip on the sole so I can back my bike up without my feet slipping, and the price is competitive.

At first when I got them I wasn't sure if I'd like them (I loved the Prexport boots I used to wear - but Prexport left the USA and may have left bootmaking..) - now I do and would buy another pair.

One suggestion - make certain to try them on for size. They seem to run a tad larger than other Euro sized boots I've tried on.

 

[Brettendress]

I have worn the Alpine Star gortex boots for around 100,000 miles, always perfect, never hot or cold, never leak, easy to get around in when not on the bike and easy on and off, around $165.00 Will buy another pair if these ever wear out.

Brett Endress
Altoona pa

 

[RTFlyer]

I couldn't be happier with the fit and comfort of my Sidi Canyons. They keep me dry but don't make my feet bake on hot days. The styling isn't all that great, but they look better as they get scuffed up and dirty, like all gear.

 

[jeremell]

I have the Combat Touring with cleated soles. They rock!

 

[GREGFUESS]

Cleated Soles

Now you have my attention. 'Stitch will not have the Lites in my size until November, and then only with the cleated sole. How deep are the cleats? I have thoughts of mud collectors, thus the focus on the wedges.

A local dealer is ordering Sidi On Roads for trial in the store, and I am thinking of asking 'Stitch to send a pair of Combat boots for comparison, but not sure which sole to ask for. The cleats have no sharply defined sole, which seems nice, compared to the wedge. The wedge would seem to be less likely to collect mud on wet days.

Without being able to see the soles, let alone the boots themselves, I am having a difficult time. Am I off base with concern over the sole? Anyone have the opportunity to compare the two?

Greg

 

[TomBarnhart]

Sidi makes great boots. I have had a pair of the predecessors (GT Sympa-tex) to the On Road for at least 80K miles. Never a leak, and still very comfortable. Will probably order a new pair of the On Roads this fall.

 

[GREGFUESS]

Resoling or New Boots

On of the advertised advantages that Aerostitch claims is that their boots can be resoled, verses Sidi's, which cannot be resoled.

Has anyone had soles replaced on their Combat or Combat Lite boots? What was your experience?

Has anyone wanted to have their Sidi's soles replaced, and frustrated by that inability?

 

[SPOKESMAN]

I though Sidi made the Combat and Combat Lites for 'Stich. Maybe I'm mistaken, or maybe Sidi builds boots differently for 'Stich.

I have Sidi On Roads. Very happy with them after 5k miles. The lugged soles are soft and quite comfortable, like sneaker soles. I do have concerns about how long the soles will last, because I find myself doing a lot of walking in the boots. So far, they're holding up fine.

 

[coalminer]

I tried a pair of the Sidi Canyons; didn't like the look. Sold them and bought a pair of Sidi On-Roads.

Love the On-Roads; comfortable out of the box, have proven waterproof in some long rides in the rain, and I like the look.

 

[mika]

On my second pair of Alpine boots in ten years and hate them. This pair is some sort of gortex that never leaks. The fit well and are some of the most comfortable boots I have for hiking around a rally or camp. Dang things will not wear out so I can spend some money on a pair of BMW all around boots that caught my eye.

 

[aubreyjp]

I bought a pair of Rev'it Ergos in the spring of '08. They've held up well and are comfortable year-round. They are supposed to be waterproof, but I've only worn them a couple of times in the rain. My feet did stay dry. My only big dislike is there is little ankle protection. Otherwise, they're a great boot.