Boot Choices

[mistercindy]

I just replaced my old BMW Contours with a pair of TCX X-Fives (formerly the Oxtar Matrix) for my cooler weather/winter boot. After a few weeks and around 1,000 miles I'm very pleased. Comfortable out of the box, easy to walk in and wear all day, supportive, and decent ankle and shin protection. Also reasonably priced for an all leather boot. I think if you do a search you'll find years of excellent reviews for the Matrix/X-Five (check out WibBikeWorld's review, and the reviews at ADVrider). IMHO, particularly for the money, they're a superb all-round sport/touring boot.

BTW, my summer boot is the TCX Air Tech XCR (bought them when they were still Oxtar, but the TCX version is identical). Same sole as the X-Five, and after three summer seasons and ~20,000 miles they're going strong.

Here's a link to the X-Five's from NewEnough. The link has some good pics and NewEnough's mini review.

BTW, make sure that whatever you buy fits. I really wanted to fall in love with the Sidi Canyon Gore Tex, but I'm between sizes for everything Sidi makes (true for the On-Road, too). Sidi's 45 is too tight, and their 46 is too big. But TCX's 45 fits perfectly with normal athletic socks. I do replace the insole with a Superfeet green.

 

[warredon]

+1 on the Oxtar Matrix! I have had mine for several years now and am very satisfied. I wear mine year round and they are not as hot in the summertime as I thought they would be. They are comfortable out of the box and keep my feet dry.

 

[leadfoot]

What about Vendramini?

I am looking for a good pair of boots also. My research has led me to Vendramini Daytona's. The price seemed fairly comparable to other boots and I liked the design. I am surprised nobody has mentioned them. Is there a reason????

 

[SGTBILL]

'Stich Combat Lites

I also ordered a pair of Combat Lites for November delivery. I would have preferred the wedge sole. If the cleated sole is not satisfactory I planned to buy replacement wedge soles and have them installed.

 

[mistercindy]

My Vendramini story

I am looking for a good pair of boots also. My research has led me to Vendramini Daytona's. The price seemed fairly comparable to other boots and I liked the design. I am surprised nobody has mentioned them. Is there a reason????

I've known for a while that I'd have to replace my BMW Contours, so I'd been virtually shopping for a long time. I really wanted to try a pair of Vendramini Daytonas or Marathons because I'd read great reviews. So I emailed BikerWorldUSA.com with a bunch of questions. BikerWorldUSA is, as I understand it, the only Vendramini distributor for the USA. I got no response for a few days so I emailed again. Then again. Then I called their toll free number and left a voicemail. No return call. So I blew them off.

About six months later there was a Vendramini thread in the Equipment forum at ADVrider. I replied with my bad BikerWorldUSA experience. Turns out that the owner of BikerWorldUSA surfs ADVrider because he responded to me in the thread. He said he looked in their records and couldn't find my emails, but that he'd sure like to hear from me, etc... So, I emailed again. They responded, but it took a week. Then they never responded to a follow up email. Very frustrating. There is no way I'm going to buy something online if I can't get reasonably prompt email or phone responses. What if I get a pair of boots that need to be exchanged for a different size? And they won't even respond to an email? Ain't gonna happen. To be fair, I've read of many people who've had great customer service from BikerWorldUSA, but that wasn't my experience.

As a comparison, when I was concerned with sizing on a pair of gloves with NewEnough.com, I called and they told me they'd send two sizes of the same gloves, to try both, and send back the pair back that I didn't want. And that's exactly what they did. How's that for customer service! NewEnough always answers their phone during normal business hours, and they always reply promptly to emails. For me, NewEnough is the standard. I suspect Vendramini is a great boot, but I'm not going to buy through BikerWorldUSA.

 

[pmdave]

Unless you're a "rounder" you'll have lots of time this winter to look at boots. My suggestion: go to one of the big bike shows where you should find various vendors (except Aerostich)

Note that different shoes/boots have different lasts--that is different shapes for different feet. Also note that motorcycle boots come only in D width. So if you have a D foot, you should be able to get a boot of your liking.

I happen to have EE feet, so I just forget motorcycle specific boots, and go with Red Wing field and stream Wellington style. Durable, rebuildable, waterproof.

Oh yeh, big and ugly, too. But then my feet are big and ugly.

Here's another thought: I wear insulated waterproof boots year-around. I figure that with my feet down near the scorching blacktop and engine headers, I'd rather have insulation from the heat--just as I prefer insulation from the cold when I'm riding in the snow.

pmdave

 

[thx1158]

I've known for a while that I'd have to replace my BMW Contours, so I'd been virtually shopping for a long time. I really wanted to try a pair of Vendramini Daytonas or Marathons because I'd read great reviews. So I emailed BikerWorldUSA.com with a bunch of questions. BikerWorldUSA is, as I understand it, the only Vendramini distributor for the USA. I got no response for a few days so I emailed again. Then again. Then I called their toll free number and left a voicemail. No return call. So I blew them off.

About six months later there was a Vendramini thread in the Equipment forum at ADVrider. I replied with my bad BikerWorldUSA experience. Turns out that the owner of BikerWorldUSA surfs ADVrider because he responded to me in the thread. He said he looked in their records and couldn't find my emails, but that he'd sure like to hear from me, etc... So, I emailed again. They responded, but it took a week. Then they never responded to a follow up email. Very frustrating. There is no way I'm going to buy something online if I can't get reasonably prompt email or phone responses. What if I get a pair of boots that need to be exchanged for a different size? And they won't even respond to an email? Ain't gonna happen. To be fair, I've read of many people who've had great customer service from BikerWorldUSA, but that wasn't my experience.

As a comparison, when I was concerned with sizing on a pair of gloves with NewEnough.com, I called and they told me they'd send two sizes of the same gloves, to try both, and send back the pair back that I didn't want. And that's exactly what they did. How's that for customer service! NewEnough always answers their phone during normal business hours, and they always reply promptly to emails. For me, NewEnough is the standard. I suspect Vendramini is a great boot, but I'm not going to buy through BikerWorldUSA.

A while back I posted about the Roadgear TDF boots. The more I ride in them the more I love them for a sub $200.00 boot. Here is a bit more info and if you want a link to a distributor, just PM me. The guy I got my boots from bent over backwards to make sure I had the right size and was happy with the boot.

TDF Boots In-Depth

Advanced Smart Fabric TechnologyÔäó senses body temperature and adjust for comfort via phase-change processes

State-of-the-art Aerotex?« membrane with heat-taped seams, waterproof, windproof and breathable

Maximum reflectivity Dynatec?« on the front and Scotchlite?« at rear of boots for increased night visibility

Ballistic?«-reinforced sides with ankle guards for superior puncture- and abrasion-resistance

Shin and toe protectors for enhanced safety

Velcro?« flap closures over heavy-duty YKK?« side zippers for easy-on/easy off

Traction enhancing Hi-Tec thread-pattern

Pre-curved heel at rear, comfort right out of the box

Hi-quality genuine cowhide for durability

 

[nevada72]

Another vote for the Sidi Canyon Gortex. I've logged a lot of road and a fair amount of off-road in these and love them. Comfortable right out of the box. Light (relative). Easy to get into. Not too hot in hot weather (105F) and warm down to 45F so far. Waterproof. An amazing, high quality "do it all" boot.

As far as appearance- I'm surprised that two people posted that they did not like the way they look. They are marketed as functional and "fashionable". I've had many positive comments on them and I like them too. To each his own though.

PS - they run a little big if you order them. I'm a solid 12D and the 46 (11.5) fits me perfectly.

 

[68820]

Good stuff

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

I have had a pair of Combat Touring boots resoled. It was a simple process (for me) since all I had to do was head to my local cobbler and have the soles replaced. I went with a pair of Vibram cleated soles. The replacement soles seem to last longer than the "wedge" soles that came on the boot.

The Combat Touring boots are great motorcycle boots. They take a long time to break-in. Once broken in, they are quite comfortable except in the hottest weather. To increase their waterproofness, I used Sno-Seal on the outside of the boots.

Currently, I wear Oxtar Matrix boots. They are great all weather boots: GoreTex lined, easy to break in, etc. New Enough stocks the rebranded TCX boots. They aren't as rugged as the Combats, but they are fine for touring, commuting, etc. I expect to replace these boots with another pair once the soles are worn out.

 

[Raketa60]

Ditto vote for the BMW All Around boot! I bought my pair a few months ago and they have been great. Two comments. They run a little small and they lack adequate arch support. I have a medium arch and found the soles to be completely flat when walking around. Easy to change though. Pull out the existing insoles and replace with a nice running shoe insole that can be heated to form to your foot. Perfect fit and great comfort.

 

[deilenberger]

Ditto vote for the BMW All Around boot! I bought my pair a few months ago and they have been great. Two comments. They run a little small and they lack adequate arch support. I have a medium arch and found the soles to be completely flat when walking around. Easy to change though. Pull out the existing insoles and replace with a nice running shoe insole that can be heated to form to your foot. Perfect fit and great comfort.

Raketa60.. (dunno your real name)..

Great idea - any source for these? I haven't seen them in the usual drug-store Dr. Scholls inserts section (which is what I use now..)

 

[BUDDINGGEEZER]

Raketa60.. (dunno your real name)..

Great idea - any source for these? I haven't seen them in the usual drug-store Dr. Scholls inserts section (which is what I use now..)

Sports stores and running shoe stores have several different types of inserts.

I have Tour Master Solutions and I would buy them again. Best bang for the buck (IMO). All they do is keep my feet dry, warm and took a hit from a piece of steel that blew out the car's tire that ran over it and slung it into me with only a small bruise on my big toe. Not even a mark on the boot.

Ralph Sims

 

[leadfoot]

I've known for a while that I'd have to replace my BMW Contours, so I'd been virtually shopping for a long time. I really wanted to try a pair of Vendramini Daytonas or Marathons because I'd read great reviews. So I emailed BikerWorldUSA.com with a bunch of questions. BikerWorldUSA is, as I understand it, the only Vendramini distributor for the USA. I got no response for a few days so I emailed again. Then again. Then I called their toll free number and left a voicemail. No return call. So I blew them off.

About six months later there was a Vendramini thread in the Equipment forum at ADVrider. I replied with my bad BikerWorldUSA experience. Turns out that the owner of BikerWorldUSA surfs ADVrider because he responded to me in the thread. He said he looked in their records and couldn't find my emails, but that he'd sure like to hear from me, etc... So, I emailed again. They responded, but it took a week. Then they never responded to a follow up email. Very frustrating. There is no way I'm going to buy something online if I can't get reasonably prompt email or phone responses. What if I get a pair of boots that need to be exchanged for a different size? And they won't even respond to an email? Ain't gonna happen. To be fair, I've read of many people who've had great customer service from BikerWorldUSA, but that wasn't my experience.

As a comparison, when I was concerned with sizing on a pair of gloves with NewEnough.com, I called and they told me they'd send two sizes of the same gloves, to try both, and send back the pair back that I didn't want. And that's exactly what they did. How's that for customer service! NewEnough always answers their phone during normal business hours, and they always reply promptly to emails. For me, NewEnough is the standard. I suspect Vendramini is a great boot, but I'm not going to buy through BikerWorldUSA.

Thanks for the heads-up on the Biker World. I sure would like a set of Vendramini's, but not at the cost of dealing with a non-responsive vendor. I was hoping to get to Daytona this weekend to see if I could find some nice boots, but it may not happen due to a defective front tire. On another note, a very good friend of mine also recommended New Enough to me. They came with very good reports.

Thanks, Jim

 

[mistercindy]

Ditto vote for the BMW All Around boot! I bought my pair a few months ago and they have been great. Two comments. They run a little small and they lack adequate arch support. I have a medium arch and found the soles to be completely flat when walking around. Easy to change though. Pull out the existing insoles and replace with a nice running shoe insole that can be heated to form to your foot. Perfect fit and great comfort.

Try Superfeet insoles (LINK). I have Superfeet greens in both pair of my motorcycle boots. At around $40 per pair they're pricey for insoles. But they're a great product. Most stores that carry them also have staff who've been through Superfeet's training, so they can figure out what's best for you.

 

[gfountain]

+1 for Sidi On Roads. I wear their Discovery boots when I ride my dual sport bike.

 

[SANTORO]

boots

Have used Cruiser works, waterproof, and very comfortable off bike-cost about $250.

 

[Polarbear]

What do ya ride?

Combats and Sidi are the same outfit! I own the Combat Lights. GSA off roader here. There are "pretty" road touring boots and then there are the tough, go anyplace boots! Combats are the latter. Not so pretty, but GO anywhere, tougher than most boots. Get the waffle stompers, because you ever try to walk on slick surfaces with wedges. NOT a workable solution. I raced motocross, so long ago and wedges were common, but racing is just that. The real world GS Rider needs a sole that sticks to the earth, when off the bike. The Combats are a tougher breakin thing, but are my best protection riding anywhere I go. I do not feel they are a great hiking boot, so do not plan any long walks in them. Never got wet in them, either. Randy

 

[GREGFUESS]

Don't the waffle stompers collect mud in the waffles? I thought about the real world, ordered the waffles, then returned them for the wedges. Don't know about slipping, but don't want to try to clean the waffles, any more opinions? The wedges have not yet arrived.

Greg

 

[jkersh1]

[snip]

As a comparison, when I was concerned with sizing on a pair of gloves with NewEnough.com, I called and they told me they'd send two sizes of the same gloves, to try both, and send back the pair back that I didn't want. And that's exactly what they did. How's that for customer service! NewEnough always answers their phone during normal business hours, and they always reply promptly to emails. For me, NewEnough is the standard. I suspect Vendramini is a great boot, but I'm not going to buy through BikerWorldUSA.

I couldn't agree more, NewEnough is great. I've bought a pair of Diadora boots and some other stuff from them over the past few years and have been very pleased.

 

[Yarddog]

I'm a western lifestyle kinda guy, so that colors my response here...I'm NOT a big fan of cleats on motorcycle boots...I'm NOT a big fan of big heels, or pointy toe cowboy boots of any sort...simply because those things, in my experience, have a tendency to catch on things on the roadway or on my motorcycle and raise all sorts of cain when they do...

However, in my general proceedings in life, I have found that roper boots, with a large curved toe and low heel works very, very well for me...including motorcycling...nothing on them to catch on things, the toe is one piece so water proofing is not a problem, and the soles are not prone to catching on things and they last a long time...

As far as brands go, there are only two that interest me, because of quality and design...my everyday boots are Ariats...reasonably priced, well made, except some of them have problems with the sole keeping attached, and when that happens, I just trot them over to my favorite cobbler and let him have at 'em...

The other are Red Wings...in my estimation the finest boots made that don't break the bank...I buy the same configuration, never a problem....with both Ariats and Red Wings, I treat them annually at this time of year with Huberd's Boot Oil, used to use mink oil, Huberd's is better...and when I pound thru a puddle, my feet stay dry...

Yeah. I know. They aren't cool motorcycle boots. But they work day in and day out, and heck...I'm not a slave to fashion anyway...and if I wanna go honky tonking, well...they work fine for that too...