What's your favorite bike boot?

MVF

MVF

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Sep 2, 2005
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Well, the other boot thread got me looking at boots and I've decided I want a pair of pull-on boots for riding my Bandit 1250. The boots I'm currently using are fine, but they're lace-ups and I guess I'm getting lazy in my old age :)

Anyway, seeing all the references to high quality and custom fitted boots got me really looking around. My feet seem to be hard to fit, and if I sell enough knives I could probably afford a pair of Wesco Bosses. In my early 20's (around 1975) I had a pair of Frye harness boots that lasted through 4 or 5 re-soles and were comfortable from day one- and I mean standing on your feet all day comfortable (I was working in a liquor store for part of that time). I've tried Fryes since then and they are not the same. I'm 62 and have been riding since I was 19 and never had a pair of engineer boots, so I wouldn't mind giving them a try.

I've been looking mostly at Wesco and Chippewa because I found the most positive reviews of them. If the Chippewas fit, I sure wouldn't mind saving the money! I was willing to go the extra for the Wescos, but after seeing a review that said they're 5 pounds a piece, I'm hesitating- I would like something I can walk in.

So what are your favorite boots that work on a bike? They don't have to be engineer boots- harness, cowboy, whatever as long as they slip on, are sturdy, and have good traction. Extra credit for pictures, especially if they've been around the block a few times. I wear some Rocky Ropers sometimes now and I highly recommend them as a comfortable boot, but I don't see them taking well to the shifter.

Stories, general advice, etc. welcome, TIA, Mike
 
MVF said:
whatever as long as they slip
Click to expand...

IMHO slip-on boots on a motorcycle are a mistake. If you can easily slip them on then they can fly off in a crash.

I've sold my bike and my gear, but I prefer the zip boots for ease and security. I had a chippewa zip motorcycle boot that I really liked, but there are a lot of other motorcycle boots out there. The MC boots also often have a patch for the gear shift which helps with wear.
 
A zip boot would be great. I didn't see one on the Chippewa website, although they do have quite a fancy bike specific boot. It's a bit of a pain with two Velcro straps and a big Velcro area for the calf. Kind of liked it, but I have big calves and the Velcro hardly reached. Also pretty thickly padded and seemed like they would be hot and not especially good for walking. Thanks for the thought and the reply!

So there it is- put zip boots at the top of the list
 
Been using a pair of alt-bergs every day for 6 year now. Barely look worn. A mate has had his for 15 years and only needed resoleing once.
 
Been street riding 30 years this year (started when I was 16). I wear my boots all day every day, work, play, and riding.

My requirements for boots are-

Soft rubber sole (no hard rubber).

Steel toe. My toes have been saved more than once because of them.

Over the calf height.

Good looking (all a matter of individual taste). I prefer the classics- "harness" or "engineer" style.

Unfortunately my absolute favorite boots have been discontinued (ain't that always the way). They were/are Harley Davidson "Flash" with the steel toe. I'm currently wearing out one pair (pic below from another thread, boot with my daily carry fb), and I've got one more unworn pair in my closet for future use. I've been wearing the pair pictured since 2011. But their days are numbered as one of the soles is splitting.

I really liked the Flash because it has a soft rubber sole which is great when I'm on my feet all day, and I like it's looks. I add a buckled strap around each boot to help secure it to my ankle (wouldn't want it to come off in a spill. Been there).

I recently went looking for a new/different boot, as I like to keep extras on hand, and I like to keep a pristine pair around for more "formal" occasions. I ended up buying a pair of HD "Jason" boots with steel toe ("engineer" style). They seem decent. They have a side zipper like many HD boots do these days (no zippers on the Flash). They have a soft sole and a good look. The buckled straps however are just for looks, they can't be tightened. I've walked around with them a bit and they're comfortable even without being broken in yet. One of the main reasons I bought them is because they come in extra-wide (EE), and so many other HD boots only come in D. I like to double up on socks so I need the extra room.

My boots aren't just footwear or protective gear, I also use them to carry stuff. I have a 6" adjustable pliers in a sheath attached to one boot, and a 6" adjustable wrench in a sheath attached to the other. Also have a 1 AA Fenix flashlight in a sheath attached. That stuff goes with me wherever I go.

And the irony does not escape me that HD boots are made in china. But oh well, when it comes to boots I gotta buy what my feet like.

I don't know if this post helps anyone. But I like talking about boots. ;)

P1010064_zpsvbowzd8a.jpg
 
Check out the aerostitch combat touring boots, and combat lites. I've never had them, but the ADV crowd seems to like them.
 
Viberg makes a harness boot from time to time. However your going to have to be ready to grab them whenever they become available. You really never mentioned a budget.
 
Thanks guys! Those Alt-Bergs look pretty cool. killgar, yours are the first positive comments I've seen oh HD, so I'll at least give them a look next time I see them. I did look at the Aerostiches, and may give them another look depending on how things go. The Vibergs look a bit fancy for me (and expensive!)

As far as budget, I'm usually a cheapskate, but not where my feet are concerned. I'm a little hard to fit in some shoes, but other times get lucky and find something that feels like it was made for me (like that first pair of Fryes). I am looking for quality and sturdiness, so I have no problem going $200-$250, and if I have to I've already decided to bite the bullet and try a pair of custom fitted Wescos- which will more than double those numbers. I'll be trying on a lot of boots before I bite that bullet, though! I think first up, I'm going to try a pair of Chippewas- seems like a good compromise if they fit.
 
Gasolina is definitely a possibility, thanks! What model did you get? And how have they worn?
 
Update just in case it can help anyone else- I found the Chippewa Engineer boots a disappointment for the price. Not only aren't the shafts lined, they don't have any kind of heel slip so getting them on and off is a "drag" and pretty tough on your socks. I wasn't impressed with the quality or weight of the leather either- again, for the price- around $250. They also didn't fit, so back they went.

I then ordered the Chippewa Harness boot- totally different animal! Fully lined shaft, thicker, heavier leather all around, and what look to me like better soles. Seems like a great boot- unfortunately I will have to wait to exchange these for a different size to find out for sure- but much better bang for the buck. I almost wanted to keep them and try to make them work, I liked them so much. Been there, done that, doesn't work, so I'm looking forward to the next pair.
 
Finally got a pair of Chippewa Harness boots that fit. Ended up with an 8 EE and still had room for an insole out of a pair of sneakers (these have a pretty hard bottom) even though everything else in my closet runs from 8.5 to 9.5, always wide, so these run big. Wore them around the house for a few days to make sure they felt right and couldn't be much happier- comfortable, fully lined, and feel like a quality boot.

Thanks for all the suggestions!
 
Im probaby largely in the minority, but Ive worn Alpinestars Tech motox boots (of varying versions) for many years. On and off road.Ive seen first hand the things that can happen with soft or slip on boots, and decided early I was never going to wear non motorcylce specific boots again while riding.

That said SIDI makes excellent boots in numerous styles that I wouldnt hesitate to wear if i started riding a superstreet type bike or got real self conscious about the enduro look when i was in the convenience store.
 
Alpinestar waterproofs are superb, the scout boot is better (but it looks like a motocross boot) totally waterproof, tough, comfortable, and great support. Sidi and Gaerne also make some fine boots (go to Revzilla.com). Good bike boots are in the $200-$300 range which is what a good work boot costs. A bike boot, for me, is a boot designed to crash in (you dress for the crash, not for the ride, and hope to find yourself overdressed) so a slip on doesn't make the grade.The same goes for a riding jacket, no hard shoulders/elbows/spine, then it's a fashion statement instead of a serious riding jacket. Before someone jumps on this response saying I'm likely a stunting sportbike douche, I'm 51, ride carefully, and haven't crashed (other than on dirt) in 30 years.
 
muuz said:
Alpinestar waterproofs are superb, the scout boot is better (but it looks like a motocross boot) totally waterproof, tough, comfortable, and great support. Sidi and Gaerne also make some fine boots (go to Revzilla.com). Good bike boots are in the $200-$300 range which is what a good work boot costs. A bike boot, for me, is a boot designed to crash in (you dress for the crash, not for the ride, and hope to find yourself overdressed) so a slip on doesn't make the grade.The same goes for a riding jacket, no hard shoulders/elbows/spine, then it's a fashion statement instead of a serious riding jacket. Before someone jumps on this response saying I'm likely a stunting sportbike douche, I'm 51, ride carefully, and haven't crashed (other than on dirt) in 30 years.
Click to expand...

Sport bike riding douches/squids don't recommend wearing full gear typically. So I doubt you'll get jumped on.

I was taught the same thing...prepare to crash be happy you don't. And look where you want to go. Not at where you don't.
 
Good philosophy and I did try to get some "real" motorcycle boots, but couldn't find any that fit and felt like I could walk in them. I tried on nearly every boot at Chaparral Motorsports. I have a short, wide foot and, evidently, oversized calves (which barely fit in the Chippewas- be warned). Most of my rides are "destination" rides or commuting so I need to be able to walk when I get there. My jackets have armor, I wear good gloves and a Shoei full-face, so I do take safety seriously, but I also believe in balance otherwise I'd be wearing full leathers everywhere (no knock on those who do).

I'm 62, ride fairly aggressively because I think it's safer, and haven't had a spill in over 40 years (started riding when I was 18). I had a couple serious accidents in my first couple years that I credit with teaching me what "being more careful" means. Obviously, I've also been very lucky!
 
In regards to jackets-

I rode into an accumulation of sand and gravel in the middle of the street. It was months worth of ground-up asphalt that had been washed down a long hill after a rain storm. It blended in perfectly with the road so I never saw it. As soon as I rode into it my tires lost traction and down I went, hard. It was as if someone suddenly yanked a rope tied to my bike. And I went sliding down the street on my left side for several yards with the bike on top of me.

I was wearing a heavy-weight leather motorcycle jacket. The jacket is made by a local company and used by various police departments around the country for their motorcycle cops. They also sell it to the public. The jacket has no padding or armor.

After I got home from the hospital (back injury, shoulder injury, various x-rays and tests), I examined my jacket. The left sleeve was heavily scuffed from the shoulder to the cuff, and there was sand embedded in the leather. But I didn't have so much as a scratch on my arm or shoulder.

For those who want to armor-up, I say more power to you. But from my personal experience a good piece of leather can provide a lot of protection, and can serve as more than just fashion. If I had not been wearing that jacket my arm would have been shredded from shoulder to wrist, and there would have been sand and gravel embedded in my flesh.

There are never any guarantees. I've known guys who covered themselves in armor, and they wound up busted up and mangled after a spill. And I've seen other guys go down wearing nothing but jeans and a long sleeve flannel shirt, and they got up and walked away with just a few bruises the next day.

Stay safe out there. :cool:
 
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