OK, I'm looking for motorcycle boots and getting very frustrated. I wear a size 13 or 14, depending on the shoe/boot, usually in an E or EE width. I can't find boots that fit. I can find 13/14's but they all seem to be too narrow, even the ones that are supposedly 'wide'. I have a pair of Alpinestar shoes that fit OK but they're not much more than ankle high tennis shoes and I'd like to have something that gives more protection. I'd prefer to stay with motorcycle boots rather than hiking boots because hiking boots usually seem to have thicker lugged soles (like vibram) and they make it difficult to shift. I've tried a few pairs from the online places and have had to send them all back (at my expense). Any suggestions from you other guys with big feet? I seem to recall a thread on this a while back but I haven't been able to find it with the forum search.
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Big Wide Boots
- Thread starter markaz
- Start date
lmo1131
New member
We're walking the same mile. It's too bad Zappos.com doesn't carry anything other than "Harley Rider" styled boots; Zappos' pays the freight both ways. I've tried for several years to convince them that the motorcycle boot market extends much further than just Harley-Davidson enthusiasts.
Chippewa makes a boot called "Rally", up to EE size 13, but living just outside of BFE, I haven't found a pair to try on ... and I'm too much of a tight wad to pony up the return shipping. Trying on any Chippewa work boot might be an indication of how they size their boots.
Not to be mistaken with Bates
edit . says they make "custom" sizes . http://www.batesleathers.com/boots/boot_types_touring.php
Chippewa makes a boot called "Rally", up to EE size 13, but living just outside of BFE, I haven't found a pair to try on ... and I'm too much of a tight wad to pony up the return shipping. Trying on any Chippewa work boot might be an indication of how they size their boots.
Not to be mistaken with Bates
edit . says they make "custom" sizes . http://www.batesleathers.com/boots/boot_types_touring.php
greenwald
New member
Best boots I've yet to own are the Tourmaster Solution 2.0 Waterproof. I too prefer a wider fit, and even got them in my hard-to-find 12 1/2 W size.
For your needs, they also come in 13W and 14W, available thru Revzilla.
Good luck!
Thanks for all the responses, guys. Several new places to consider. The Cruiserworks boots look really nice...I'll have to see if I can get it past SWMBO...they're a bit pricey for my budget but I guess you gotta be prepared for that when you're on the size fringes. I've always had problems finding boots & shoes that fit right. The Tourmasters look a bit more in my price range...I may have to try them. One thing I've found, tho, is that 'wide' can mean the equivalent of a D width and that's often too narrow for me. It just all depends on how they're made. Sometimes a D is fine, other times I need an E or even EE...I have some Keen hiking boots that are 13.5D and they have lots of room in the toe box. I also have some Merrill boots that are 14E and they're just barely wide enough. Sure would be nice if there was some standardization.
Another issue I'm concerned about is the ability to flex my foot enough to get the boot under the shift lever on my RT...there doesn't seem to be a lot of extra space in there. I can do it OK with my current Alpinestar shoes but they're about the same as athletic shoes. I'm afraid that a boot toe might be too thick and/or the boot too stiff. The above mentioned Merrills might be good motorcycle boots but they have the thick 'waffle stomper' soles and I'd have to have my foot almost vertical to shift. Guess I'll just have to try some more. Problems, problems...
Another issue I'm concerned about is the ability to flex my foot enough to get the boot under the shift lever on my RT...there doesn't seem to be a lot of extra space in there. I can do it OK with my current Alpinestar shoes but they're about the same as athletic shoes. I'm afraid that a boot toe might be too thick and/or the boot too stiff. The above mentioned Merrills might be good motorcycle boots but they have the thick 'waffle stomper' soles and I'd have to have my foot almost vertical to shift. Guess I'll just have to try some more. Problems, problems...
greenwald
New member
Addressing the more detailed information in this post, give the Tourmaster boots a try. I too need something beyond the standard 'D' widths, and with Tourmaster, W really does stand for WIDE. Just deal with a retailer that will take them back with no restocking fee if not to your liking.
The toes are not bulky - been there with a pair of Joe Rocket's. Toe construction so bulky, they might as well have been steel-tips. With these, I have no problems with shift lever access on a variety of bikes (as a MC instructor, I ride a BMW, Honda, Yamaha, etc. in any given week).
At around $115, not a bad price, and trust me - truly waterproof. With a lengthy side zipper (with a waterproof gusset behind it) and a rear pull strap, easy to get on.
Good Luck.
tommcgee
Unfunded content provider
I wear a 13-3E and just bought my third pair of size 14 (Euro 49) Tourmaster boots, took them to a cobbler for stretching because they aren't wide enough, now they fit fine. Cobbler charged $5.
As to being waterproof, my first two pairs of the first generation Tourmasters leaked within several months.
I also have two pairs of side zip Cruiserworks boots, old generation, which came in 14 extra wide. They no longer make extra wide. Both pairs of these leak too.
As to being waterproof, my first two pairs of the first generation Tourmasters leaked within several months.
I also have two pairs of side zip Cruiserworks boots, old generation, which came in 14 extra wide. They no longer make extra wide. Both pairs of these leak too.
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JDOCKERY132445
OldBMWMaster
Chippewas
I bought Chippewas and they come in REA; sizes. I took an E.
I bought Chippewas and they come in REA; sizes. I took an E.
tommcgee
Unfunded content provider
Only place I found was in England.
I have wide feet and a high arch. This really complicates motorcycle boots. I have the tourmasters now. Very comfortable when they are on. However getting them on and off with my high arch is difficult. I use powder and poly socks, still someday I know I will tear the liner. Just too much strain on it.
They are well made medium protection boots. I hope the liner lasts.
Rod
They are well made medium protection boots. I hope the liner lasts.
Rod
Me too...12 EEE with high arch. I wear Tourmaster Response 2.0 WP boots which don't come in a wide size, but are wide enough to be tolerable. Not a great solution, but it works. I find that a lace up boot is the only way to handle a high arch.
Wish Tourmaster would either make these in a wide size or offer their Solution 2.0 in a lower style. Maybe a cobbler could then add a zipper for the high arch?
I'm about a 9.5EEE, with a very wide forefoot: flippers, and only made wider by barefooting.
I have to have my walking shoes and sandals custom-made.
A size 45 in Daytona boots works great for me on the bike, and are acceptable off it (the snug forefoot that helps riding restricts my toe splay, but hey).
Sidi also has their "mega" range, which are wider than their regular boots. Worth investigating. I don't know if the boots they make for Aerostich are available in wide, but those should be even more of an American fit.
I have to have my walking shoes and sandals custom-made.
A size 45 in Daytona boots works great for me on the bike, and are acceptable off it (the snug forefoot that helps riding restricts my toe splay, but hey).
Sidi also has their "mega" range, which are wider than their regular boots. Worth investigating. I don't know if the boots they make for Aerostich are available in wide, but those should be even more of an American fit.
tommcgee
Unfunded content provider
Only one width for the Aerostich boots, but a cobbler can stretch them to 3E. I did that in the last month, but they're gonna take a long time to break in. Size 49 for me.
