Looking around at all the options for boots is just a daunting task to say the least. Do you guys have any sugestions? I am not looking for race boots. I want something I can walk in and my ICON boots make me feel like I'm walking around without knees. Just want a good mix of mobility and protection. Thank you in advance.

How high up your calf do you want them to go?

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I went deep into boot selection around 2 years ago. I started out wanting a fully armoured boot, but found that walking in them was likely to be not a good experience.

I settled on a set of Oxtar Matrix. They have good protection and you can walk in them. I never had a water leak, even in torrential downpours.

Look for a rigid heel cup, ankle bone cups, shin pads and strong toe box. I bought a size larger and wear smart-wool socks. Keeps the feet cooler in the summer and warm in the fall/spring.

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I have some Alpinestars Black Label Recon boots. They are waterproof as far as I have experienced, and pretty comfortable. They also look like normal boots, and have a built in velcro strap to hide the laces to avoid the old lace attached to peg tipover.

The downside to them is that they don't offer nearly as much protection as a lot of the more "dedicated" motorcycle boots. It's a tradeoff really of whether you want high protection and lower "walkability" (yeah I made that word up), or if you want a little less protection and boots that look and feel more like street shoes

Quote:

On 2007-03-20 18:54, Goffe wrote: How high up your calf do you want them to go?

I just want them to be over my ankles to provide protection and support there. I was thinking of the alpinestars one-o-one or the icon super duty 2 boots...

I just went through obsessing about boots for about 3 months. Bought 3 pair and returned them before I decided on a pair of Dainese D23 boots. I tried Sidi on roads, roadgear XKJs and a pair of oxtars. The Dainese fit the bill: not too racer, waterproof, good armor. The only problem was getting them. Actually, I'm still waiting but they should be here in mid April. Not too many distributors in the US.

G'day,

I thought it was about time to stop lurking and this post seemed like a good one that I could enter into.

I also went through the boot thing and was pretty much settled on a pair of Dririder Nordics (similar to Oxtar Matrix). The Dririders were cheaper (about half price of Oxtar) and fit ok but - I left the shop with the Oxtars and am glad I did. The fit is brilliant and they are really comfortable. I have forgotten to take them off some days when I have got home and have worn them around a bit more than I really should. I have only been rained on a bit and have had no probs. I wear mine every day and decided on a full-on set of boots after reading the Hart report. (If you haven't read this you should).

I know we all have budgets to work to but I figure great boots will last you far longer than cheap ones giving better economy in the long run. It is also very satisfying to put on a nice pair of top grain leather boots every day that have the added bonus of stopping your feet and lower legs getting smashed up. If you can afford the money go for the good gear - try it on and don't be satisfied unless you feel good. Heck, don't we ride the bikes we do because we enjoy the feeling of satifaction they give us

Good luck

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I actually have a pair of Oxtar Matrix boots too. They've been great - totally waterproof, comfortable on or off the bike, and I've actually crash tested them. I had a low-side at 30mph last summer - they definitely did their job, and are still usable (a little beat up now, though :razz: ).

I don't know if there's a way around this problem, but after ~1 year of ownership, mostly wearing on the bike, the soles are worn out. I tend to stop and walk around to explore places, so I've done a fair amount of walking in them. I think my next boot will be something along the lines of the Aerostitch Combat Touring Lites, which have a replaceable sole...

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Here is another vote for Oxtar Matrix boots. I wear them every day, and don't bother to change into other shoes. The only problem I have had with them in four years or so is the velcro closure wearing out. They still don't leak, and they are still very comfortable.

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It's a squid thing. You wouldn't understand.

Astars ridge boots are very comfortable, waterproof and you can walk around nicely. Wouldn't want to do any long hikes, but for easy walking they are very comfortable. They are also only about I think 9"high up the calf so you don't get the awkward feeling of a race type boot.