Waterproof riding boots

[crankcase]

Hi,

 

I'm looking for a pair of good quality riding boots for daily wear. Main priorities/requirements are:

 

- waterproof & breathable (like GoreTex or similar), something well suited to our climate

- high cut (cover midway up the shin)

- hard protection for shins, ankle, heel & toes

- reasonably subdued/sober looking, not too bulky or flashy (don't wanna look like I stepped out of a Power Rangers episode)

- comfortable enough to walk around in

- durable & long lasting, especially the sole.

 

My current pair is a Puma Roadster GTX (I think), and the sole has worn out while the rest of the boot is still in great shape. Unfortunately, it looks like nothing can be done, so I need to throw away a good pair of boots just because of the sole. Want to avoid this situation by getting something with a long lasting sole.

 

I saw the Alpinestars S MX-5 online and it seems to fit the bill, though I haven't tried it on yet. It's a little expensive but I can still consider. Any feedback on this model or suggestions of other brands/models would be much appreciated. Please give a rough indication of price if you can

 

Thanks!

[wallycycle]

I'm on my second pair of Alpinestars waterproof touring boot which I purchased at Ah Boy. 100% waterproof but still breathe, very comfortable and reasonable priced.

[crankcase]

I'm on my second pair of Alpinestars waterproof touring boot which I purchased at Ah Boy. 100% waterproof but still breathe, very comfortable and reasonable priced.

 

What model did you get? How much did it cost and how long did the first pair last (in daily use)?

 

Thanks!

[crankcase]

I'm having trouble getting Sidi & Alpinestars in my size, so I'm considering TCX - saw a couple of interesting models at Chiap Lee.

 

The Air Tech model looks very well ventilated, but with GoreTex should hopefully still be waterproof:

http://blog.ridermagazine.com/uploads/2010/03/TCX-Airtech-boots.jpg

 

The Competizione S seems more 'protective', but I don't know if it'll be comfy in our climate. It's also about $100 more expensive:

http://images.motorcycle-superstore.com/ProductImages/300/2008_TCX_Competizione_S_Boots.jpg

 

Has anybody used either (or both) of these? Any feedback to share about comfort, protection, waterproofing, durability etc? Thanks a lot!

Edited September 11, 2010 by crankcase

[KeraKing]

Hi,

 

I'm looking for a pair of good quality riding boots for daily wear. Main priorities/requirements are:

 

- waterproof & breathable (like GoreTex or similar), something well suited to our climate

- high cut (cover midway up the shin)

- hard protection for shins, ankle, heel & toes

- reasonably subdued/sober looking, not too bulky or flashy (don't wanna look like I stepped out of a Power Rangers episode)

- comfortable enough to walk around in

- durable & long lasting, especially the sole.

 

My current pair is a Puma Roadster GTX (I think), and the sole has worn out while the rest of the boot is still in great shape. Unfortunately, it looks like nothing can be done, so I need to throw away a good pair of boots just because of the sole. Want to avoid this situation by getting something with a long lasting sole.

 

I saw the Alpinestars S MX-5 online and it seems to fit the bill, though I haven't tried it on yet. It's a little expensive but I can still consider. Any feedback on this model or suggestions of other brands/models would be much appreciated. Please give a rough indication of price if you can

 

Thanks!

 

bro wats ur size?

Throw ur boots to me lah, i see wat i can do with the sole.

 

Anyway, smx series is a sports boot with sliders.

You might want to check out a* ridge boots.

Its more casual, and abit higher than other hi-cuts, tho shorter than the smx.

If not wrong is $280 at regina.

[crankcase]

Anyway, smx series is a sports boot with sliders.

You might want to check out a* ridge boots.

Its more casual, and abit higher than other hi-cuts, tho shorter than the smx.

If not wrong is $280 at regina.

 

I did have a look at the Ridge model while I was at Regina yesterday.... not sure if the style suited me that much. Seemed a bit on the 'heavy' side (in terms of looks, not actual weight), more like a work boot than the slimmer riding boots:

 

http://images.motorcycle-superstore.com/ProductImages/300/2009_Alpinestars_Ridge_Waterproof_Boot_Black.jpg

 

Still can consider I think. Of course, Regina quoted me a much higher price, but I'm getting used to that treatment from most of the shops

 

bro wats ur size?

Throw ur boots to me lah, i see wat i can do with the sole.

 

My current boots are size 46 - can you do something with the moulded sole? PM me to discuss details. Thanks!

[vyruz]

I saw the Alpinestars S MX-5 online and it seems to fit the bill, though I haven't tried it on yet. It's a little expensive but I can still consider. Any feedback on this model or suggestions of other brands/models would be much appreciated. Please give a rough indication of price if you can

 

Hey bro. The Astar S MX-5 is on my list as well, although I am seriously considering paying a little more for the S MX-R for better ankle support. I suspect the S MX-5 will be around S$350ish after bargaining, and the S MX-R S$470ish if not less. I will be heading over to Regina later this week to try both and most likely buy one of them. The next best option will be Sidi boots. I saw quite a few at Chong Aik, ranging from the entry level full length boot (Sidi B2) to the middle range (Sidi Vertigo) to the race-spec Sidi Vortice. My problem with Sidi is that it looks fairly flashy - the Astars are definitely more subdued.

[swiftee]

I'm having trouble getting Sidi & Alpinestars in my size, so I'm considering TCX - saw a couple of interesting models at Chiap Lee.

 

The Air Tech model looks very well ventilated, but with GoreTex should hopefully still be waterproof:

http://blog.ridermagazine.com/uploads/2010/03/TCX-Airtech-boots.jpg

 

Has anybody used either (or both) of these? Any feedback to share about comfort, protection, waterproofing, durability etc? Thanks a lot!

 

Im on my 2nd pair of air tech (first one replaced due to crash) and i am very satisfied

i wear them to work everyday under my pants, for the past 1+ year no one has commented anything weird yet, but i am nt frontline staff anyway

yes it is very waterproof (just dont let water enter through the top e.g. from your wet pants), and it is very comfortable for walking once broken in

the sole is very slip resistant too

very excellent pair of boots, i wear it more often than i wear my normal shoes

the inner part (protecting the zip) tends to get a little scuffed quickly on the gearshift side but that's just cosmetic...

[KeraKing]

Hey bro. The Astar S MX-5 is on my list as well, although I am seriously considering paying a little more for the S MX-R for better ankle support. I suspect the S MX-5 will be around S$350ish after bargaining, and the S MX-R S$470ish if not less. I will be heading over to Regina later this week to try both and most likely buy one of them. The next best option will be Sidi boots. I saw quite a few at Chong Aik, ranging from the entry level full length boot (Sidi B2) to the middle range (Sidi Vertigo) to the race-spec Sidi Vortice. My problem with Sidi is that it looks fairly flashy - the Astars are definitely more subdued.

 

the smx-r is the race boots with the inner 'bootie' right?

Is it not troublesome to wear?

And race boots aggresive profile might prevent u from standing up straight and walking properly.

[crankcase]

Hey bro. The Astar S MX-5 is on my list as well, although I am seriously considering paying a little more for the S MX-R for better ankle support. I suspect the S MX-5 will be around S$350ish after bargaining, and the S MX-R S$470ish if not less. I will be heading over to Regina later this week to try both and most likely buy one of them.

Yeah, I'd have preferred A* or Sidi as well, but I'm having trouble getting them in my size (US 12 / Eur 46). Darren at Regina told me they don't keep A* in that size, and the Sidi size 46 at Chong Aik corresponds to 11.5 US, not 12... so it's just a little bit small for me I'll probably go down again this weekend and see if I can try them on, though.

 

The next best option will be Sidi boots. I saw quite a few at Chong Aik, ranging from the entry level full length boot (Sidi B2) to the middle range (Sidi Vertigo) to the race-spec Sidi Vortice. My problem with Sidi is that it looks fairly flashy - the Astars are definitely more subdued.

I don't mind the looks of any of the 3 models, because at my new job I have to change into formal shoes when I get to work anyway So a little bit of flash is ok as long as it's all black - I don't want any multicolour stuff For my daily needs, I'd probably take the S MX-5 over the S MX-R

 

 

 

Alpinestars S MX-5

http://images.motorcycle-superstore.com/ProductImages/300/2009_Alpinestars_S--MX_5_Vented_Boot_Black.jpg

 

Alpinestars S MX-R

http://motorcycleridergear.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/apparel-alpinestars-street-boots-2009-men-performance-road-riding-s-mx-r-vented-black.jpg

 

Sidi B2

http://www.dhautos.co.uk/ekmps/shops/dhautos/images/sidi-b2-goretex.jpg

 

Im on my 2nd pair of air tech (first one replaced due to crash) and i am very satisfied

i wear them to work everyday under my pants, for the past 1+ year no one has commented anything weird yet, but i am nt frontline staff anyway

yes it is very waterproof (just dont let water enter through the top e.g. from your wet pants), and it is very comfortable for walking once broken in

the sole is very slip resistant too

very excellent pair of boots, i wear it more often than i wear my normal shoes

the inner part (protecting the zip) tends to get a little scuffed quickly on the gearshift side but that's just cosmetic...

 

Thanks for the review! How's the breathability? Do you feel like you're getting decent circulation in there?

Also, if you don't mind me asking... how bad was your crash where you had to replace the boots? I'm concerned about the strength/durability of the upper material, since this is one of the few boots that isn't made of leather or leather-like material. Any thoughts on this?

[vyruz]

the smx-r is the race boots with the inner 'bootie' right?

Is it not troublesome to wear?

And race boots aggresive profile might prevent u from standing up straight and walking properly.

 

Actually no. The inner bootie ones are the A* S MX Plus and Supertech R. The S MX R has the normal one boot layout with a zipper and velcro down the side, and also with a ratchet clasp (like you find on some inline skates, snow boots) at the top for a snug fit around the calf. I think the R will be very similar to the 5 except for the ratchet clasp and a little better ankle protection, but I haven't tried it on yet so cannot say for sure.

 

What I can say for sure is that the Sidi Vortice is insane. I tried a pair on the other day. They look like Iron Man boots Feels like excellent ankle support (has outer brace) and still decently flexible for walking. But they have too much of a 'bling' factor and are probably too much protection for my relatively slow road riding!

[swiftee]

Thanks for the review! How's the breathability? Do you feel like you're getting decent circulation in there?

Also, if you don't mind me asking... how bad was your crash where you had to replace the boots? I'm concerned about the strength/durability of the upper material, since this is one of the few boots that isn't made of leather or leather-like material. Any thoughts on this?

 

circulation is decent, as boots go

most of the exposed parts that are in contact with the road are rubber, the kind that you find on armor

i crashed at approx 80km/h on nshw, slid on the front of the boot (toe area). feet were fine, ankle was fine. unfortunately i dunno whether the boot is still waterproof anymore cause there is a hole in the rubber at the front (inner part is visible but nt a "through" hole), anyway it looks kinda strange so i retired it and bought a new pair

as for the crashed pair, my sis now borrows them for riding boots when we go offroad, she hasnt complained about them

[crankcase]

circulation is decent, as boots go

most of the exposed parts that are in contact with the road are rubber, the kind that you find on armor

i crashed at approx 80km/h on nshw, slid on the front of the boot (toe area). feet were fine, ankle was fine. unfortunately i dunno whether the boot is still waterproof anymore cause there is a hole in the rubber at the front (inner part is visible but nt a "through" hole), anyway it looks kinda strange so i retired it and bought a new pair

as for the crashed pair, my sis now borrows them for riding boots when we go offroad, she hasnt complained about them

Thanks for the update. Given the sizing issues I'm having with A* and Sidi, and the price difference (about $100 to the next cheapest), I'm increasingly inclined towards these boots. Let's see if I can make up my fickle mind this weekend

[KeraKing]

any idea which brand the sole can stay with the rest of the boots longer??

 

i've used a* smx3, and xpd (spidi) race boots, and their soles always come off..

only the short-just above ankle-puma boot (dunno model) still have the sole intact..

 

but the puma altho waterproof material, is short thus water come in from the top..

 

and the TS boots are puma but the soles are aready detach..

 

haiz.. so which brand got the best sole..?

[crankcase]

Yeah, I'm not happy with the sole construction of my Puma Roadster either - it's the only thing that has failed on the shoes. I think I'm willing to sacrifice a little bit of 'feel for a more durable sole construction on my next pair

[superspeed123]

Anyone using TCX Infinity GTX?? any comments??? It was voted the best riding boots in 'RIDE' magazine for excellent protection, watertight and comfy.

[crankcase]

Anyone using TCX Infinity GTX?? any comments??? It was voted the best riding boots in 'RIDE' magazine for excellent protection, watertight and comfy.

 

I tried them on at Chiap Lee last weekend... they did seem very protective, but perhaps a bit too much so? The boot is really quite tall and may get hot and stuffy if you plan to wear it all day when you're out and about. That's what ruled it out for me... but then I only tried it on, haven't lived with it day to day. Did 'Ride' magazine test it in Singapore climate or somewhere more temperate?

 

http://cdn.newenough.com/image/path/13531/small/TCX-InfinityGTX.jpg

[vyruz]

Good point crankcase. Sounds a lot like the Sidi Vortice I tried on - crazy protective but lacking ventilation.

 

I reckon if you're going to get full length boots in good ol Singapore, they're going to need to be vented (perforations all over the boot if they're leather). Otherwise you're going to end up with 'swamp foot' - ewwww.

[Dafanshu]

I tried them on at Chiap Lee last weekend... they did seem very protective, but perhaps a bit too much so? The boot is really quite tall and may get hot and stuffy if you plan to wear it all day when you're out and about. That's what ruled it out for me... but then I only tried it on, haven't lived with it day to day. Did 'Ride' magazine test it in Singapore climate or somewhere more temperate?

 

http://cdn.newenough.com/image/path/13531/small/TCX-InfinityGTX.jpg

 

well many of these oversea products do not suit in a humid country like Singapore.

[KeraKing]

my smx3 is not too bad.

Its not the waterproof model tho,

but still water resistance.

 

My feet never got soaked, only damp in small areas.

[0yuan0]

Thanks for the update. Given the sizing issues I'm having with A* and Sidi, and the price difference (about $100 to the next cheapest), I'm increasingly inclined towards these boots. Let's see if I can make up my fickle mind this weekend

 

 

You can alway resole your boots. find a good cobbler to do that job. good as new.

Edited September 15, 2010 by 0yuan0

[crankcase]

You can alway resole your boots. find a good cobbler to do that job. good as new.

 

I wanted to do that too. Went to the Shukey in Far East Plaza cos they were recommended by a friend. The guy there seemed knowledgeable and helpful, but he couldn't guarantee the new sole would be waterproof... and it would cost $120 anyway. So I'm still thinking about it.

 

Any cobblers you can recommend, who might be able to handle the moulded sole?

[0yuan0]

I wanted to do that too. Went to the Shukey in Far East Plaza cos they were recommended by a friend. The guy there seemed knowledgeable and helpful, but he couldn't guarantee the new sole would be waterproof... and it would cost $120 anyway. So I'm still thinking about it.

 

Any cobblers you can recommend, who might be able to handle the moulded sole?

 

moulded sole?? i went to the zheng hua market there got 1 cobbler, he did the resole, but only with yellow glue, no stitching. so still waterproof. stitching will go in water, that what he say.

[crankcase]

moulded sole?? i went to the zheng hua market there got 1 cobbler, he did the resole, but only with yellow glue, no stitching. so still waterproof. stitching will go in water, that what he say.

 

One cobbler stuck back my original sole when it started peeling, but that hasn't held together well and neither has it kept out the water. Now that I need a new sole, I really don't know which route to adopt. I think I'll just go for a pair of TCX Air Tech - they seem like the best choice for me right now. Perhaps later I can repair the soles on my current boots and keep them as standby.

[0yuan0]

One cobbler stuck back my original sole when it started peeling, but that hasn't held together well and neither has it kept out the water. Now that I need a new sole, I really don't know which route to adopt. I think I'll just go for a pair of TCX Air Tech - they seem like the best choice for me right now. Perhaps later I can repair the soles on my current boots and keep them as standby.

 

maybe is my ridding boots are with the normal type of sole that can be resurface.