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Tall boot suggestions requested for T120 rider

1720 Views 30 Replies 16 Participants Last post by  DLH-T120B
I’ve read through multiple threads and a recurring theme is that the boots being recommended are now discontinued.

I’m posting here on the off chance I can get some 2022 advice. Haha.

I’ve been riding with TCX motorcycle shoes since I got back into riding in 2020. These are good but require being laced up each time. That is lame (I know first world problem right?). I’m also not thrilled about laces near the controls. I’m looking to replace them.

Requirements:
  • Tall boots that I can tuck my armored jeans into.
  • A fairly low toe to fit under my T120’s shifter. I tried on Forma Adventure boots the other day and they looked just retro enough in the brown but were way too bulky in the toe. I looked at my shifter and estimated that even if I raised it the max amount given the available room, it would not be enough to fit the boot under. I’ve worn a pair of steel toe boots a few times and had to shift with the side of the boot which was okay but not ideal by any means
  • Style that fits with my classic styled bike. I’m not super style conscious but refuse to wear racetrack space boots with my Bonneville.
What I’m considering so far:
  • Gasolina Classics - cool looking, minimal safety features, no way to try them on in advance, long wait time for custom production.
  • Dr. Martens - I’m an old punk and these were all I ever wore on bikes in the past. No modern safety features, no weather protection, most require dealing with laces.
  • Engineer style boots - never owned a pair, have always liked them, not sure they’d actually stay on the feet in a get off since they’re usually slip on.
  • TCX Fuels - tried a pair back in 2020 and the toes were too bulky on these so I sent them back. IIRC they weren’t as bulky as the Formas I tried on yesterday so maybe I could adjust my shift lever to make them work?
I’m open to any suggestions. Thanks in advance.

Not sure if any of you are familiar with “The Paradox of Choice”, but this is a perfect example of this phenomena. It actually leaves me feeling a little silly as I type this. 20 years ago I would have put some boots on (Dr. Martens or something military issue, whatever I had available) and got my ass on my bike. If I didn’t have a pair for some reason, my research and obsessing would have been short and sweet so I could get back to riding ASAP. End rant
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On the boots, I have them resoled with a low lug sole rather than a leather sole for grip on the pavement.
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I’ve read through multiple threads and a recurring theme is that the boots being recommended are now discontinued.

I’m posting here on the off chance I can get some 2022 advice. Haha.

I’ve been riding with TCX motorcycle shoes since I got back into riding in 2020. These are good but require being laced up each time. That is lame (I know first world problem right?). I’m also not thrilled about laces near the controls. I’m looking to replace them.

Requirements:
  • Tall boots that I can tuck my armored jeans into.
  • A fairly low toe to fit under my T120’s shifter. I tried on Forma Adventure boots the other day and they looked just retro enough in the brown but were way too bulky in the toe. I looked at my shifter and estimated that even if I raised it the max amount given the available room, it would not be enough to fit the boot under. I’ve worn a pair of steel toe boots a few times and had to shift with the side of the boot which was okay but not ideal by any means
  • Style that fits with my classic styled bike. I’m not super style conscious but refuse to wear racetrack space boots with my Bonneville.
What I’m considering so far:
  • Gasolina Classics - cool looking, minimal safety features, no way to try them on in advance, long wait time for custom production.
  • Dr. Martens - I’m an old punk and these were all I ever wore on bikes in the past. No modern safety features, no weather protection, most require dealing with laces.
  • Engineer style boots - never owned a pair, have always liked them, not sure they’d actually stay on the feet in a get off since they’re usually slip on.
  • TCX Fuels - tried a pair back in 2020 and the toes were too bulky on these so I sent them back. IIRC they weren’t as bulky as the Formas I tried on yesterday so maybe I could adjust my shift lever to make them work?
I’m open to any suggestions. Thanks in advance.

Not sure if any of you are familiar with “The Paradox of Choice”, but this is a perfect example of this phenomena. It actually leaves me feeling a little silly as I type this. 20 years ago I would have put some boots on (Dr. Martens or something military issue, whatever I had available) and got my ass on my bike. If I didn’t have a pair for some reason, my research and obsessing would have been short and sweet so I could get back to riding ASAP. End rant
I have a pair of Dr. Martens that I've come to like, but, as you said, they have laces and are not waterproof. But, there's nothing else I've found that can compare to the thick soles/heels of these. Jadon model, I think they're called. I have two pairs, one with fleece lining and one without. They both give me the extra reach I need on my taller bikes.
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I've had a pair of Aerostich Combat Lites that I've been wearing for about 15 years. Simple, durable. Took a while to break-in. They'll last longer than I and the motorcycle will.


On my T120, I raised the gear shifter a notch so I could put my toe under. Made all the difference.
I'm with Deadbroke and ND BonnieT100 about the western boots. Lots available that have sturdy good traction soles and varying heights and widths of the shaft of the boot.
I'm partial to Double H boots. Great for any terrain walking around off the bike and really comfortable. At the end of a long day, if my ass was as comfortable as my feet I'd feel doubly blessed. As an alt to Doc Martens, maybe take a look at Solovair. They're made in England and heavier, more sturdy that Doc M ...some cool styles as well.
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I’ve read through multiple threads and a recurring theme is that the boots being recommended are now discontinued.

I’m posting here on the off chance I can get some 2022 advice. Haha.

I’ve been riding with TCX motorcycle shoes since I got back into riding in 2020. These are good but require being laced up each time. That is lame (I know first world problem right?). I’m also not thrilled about laces near the controls. I’m looking to replace them.

Requirements:
  • Tall boots that I can tuck my armored jeans into.
  • A fairly low toe to fit under my T120’s shifter. I tried on Forma Adventure boots the other day and they looked just retro enough in the brown but were way too bulky in the toe. I looked at my shifter and estimated that even if I raised it the max amount given the available room, it would not be enough to fit the boot under. I’ve worn a pair of steel toe boots a few times and had to shift with the side of the boot which was okay but not ideal by any means
  • Style that fits with my classic styled bike. I’m not super style conscious but refuse to wear racetrack space boots with my Bonneville.
What I’m considering so far:
  • Gasolina Classics - cool looking, minimal safety features, no way to try them on in advance, long wait time for custom production.
  • Dr. Martens - I’m an old punk and these were all I ever wore on bikes in the past. No modern safety features, no weather protection, most require dealing with laces.
  • Engineer style boots - never owned a pair, have always liked them, not sure they’d actually stay on the feet in a get off since they’re usually slip on.
  • TCX Fuels - tried a pair back in 2020 and the toes were too bulky on these so I sent them back. IIRC they weren’t as bulky as the Formas I tried on yesterday so maybe I could adjust my shift lever to make them work?
I’m open to any suggestions. Thanks in advance.

Not sure if any of you are familiar with “The Paradox of Choice”, but this is a perfect example of this phenomena. It actually leaves me feeling a little silly as I type this. 20 years ago I would have put some boots on (Dr. Martens or something military issue, whatever I had available) and got my ass on my bike. If I didn’t have a pair for some reason, my research and obsessing would have been short and sweet so I could get back to riding ASAP. End rant
Sidi Aria- great support and protection- no laces to get caught on the pegs either
Regards- Steve
Chippewa Boots offers excellent quality protection and comfort for MC riding. They have a dedicated MC boot which I've been using for years. Almost all their boots are easily repairable when worn out and they offer a reasonable repair refurbishment service
Was going to recommend the Gasolina boots. Several rockers in our scene wear them. I ride in my Danner Mountain Light hiking boots. Not moto-specific but as another wise commenter said many of those just aren’t up to par on longevity or are hard to walk in. Danner boots are an investment but are recraftable so they’ll last a lifetime.
Revzilla has hot weather and water proof versions of these. I like the hot weather boot, as I get plenty of airflow in summer. If it is warm, a little shower wouldn't be a problem.

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I’ve read through multiple threads and a recurring theme is that the boots being recommended are now discontinued.

I’m posting here on the off chance I can get some 2022 advice. Haha.

I’ve been riding with TCX motorcycle shoes since I got back into riding in 2020. These are good but require being laced up each time. That is lame (I know first world problem right?). I’m also not thrilled about laces near the controls. I’m looking to replace them.

Requirements:
  • Tall boots that I can tuck my armored jeans into.
  • A fairly low toe to fit under my T120’s shifter. I tried on Forma Adventure boots the other day and they looked just retro enough in the brown but were way too bulky in the toe. I looked at my shifter and estimated that even if I raised it the max amount given the available room, it would not be enough to fit the boot under. I’ve worn a pair of steel toe boots a few times and had to shift with the side of the boot which was okay but not ideal by any means
  • Style that fits with my classic styled bike. I’m not super style conscious but refuse to wear racetrack space boots with my Bonneville.
What I’m considering so far:
  • Gasolina Classics - cool looking, minimal safety features, no way to try them on in advance, long wait time for custom production.
  • Dr. Martens - I’m an old punk and these were all I ever wore on bikes in the past. No modern safety features, no weather protection, most require dealing with laces.
  • Engineer style boots - never owned a pair, have always liked them, not sure they’d actually stay on the feet in a get off since they’re usually slip on.
  • TCX Fuels - tried a pair back in 2020 and the toes were too bulky on these so I sent them back. IIRC they weren’t as bulky as the Formas I tried on yesterday so maybe I could adjust my shift lever to make them work?
I’m open to any suggestions. Thanks in advance.

Not sure if any of you are familiar with “The Paradox of Choice”, but this is a perfect example of this phenomena. It actually leaves me feeling a little silly as I type this. 20 years ago I would have put some boots on (Dr. Martens or something military issue, whatever I had available) and got my ass on my bike. If I didn’t have a pair for some reason, my research and obsessing would have been short and sweet so I could get back to riding ASAP. End rant
A little pricey but the best boots I've EVER worn (and you can get them custom-fit for YOUR feet)!!!

if you like engineer boots and want to spend lots of money
But they're worth every penney if you have trouble finding shoes/boots that properly fit your feet! (I've worn no other brand of footwear for the last fifteen years!) The big bonus with Wesco boots (and shoes), is that they can be completely rebuilt to like new condition! (Info on their website.)

CFM
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