Anyone have any boot recommendations? I am thinking of upgrading from my Thor Quadrants. They are only a year old but are pretty beat up. Are better boots stiffer? Do they last any longer? I had a spill today that squished my foot from heel to toe and my boot sort of just folded. I am wondering if better quality boots would have a stiffer sole and more ankle support. When I bought them they were the cheapest ones available (not sure I would like the sport). Alpinestars teck 7s seem to appeal to me but they are pretty pricey. I would appreciate any opinions. Thanks, Kristian
I have Gaerne SG10's they aren't cheap, but they have saved my feet and legs many times and I love them. They are a bit stiff at first but they break in well. I have borrowed Tech 7's once and rode for a day with them and they were quite nice too. I found them to be a little less stiff, but a very comfortable snug fit. Scott nailed it you get what you pay for. If price is prohibitive, look for some used ones.
AlpineStars Tech 3 are under $200 and offer good protection (better than your old boots). Mine are 3 years old and seem to have lots of life left in them.
Gaerne SG10's get my vote: saved my feet from all sorts of damage over the last year. Including some barbed wire a couple weeks ago: http://www.mikekirk.org/?p=513 If price is an issue: anything you can afford that's not street footwear is worth the upgrade. I've seen people riding with tennis shoes... I shudder to think how they'd do in a crash. Regards, Mike
My AXO's (discontinued) saved my foot last Friday. The boot did not fold up when the bike came down on it. I hate to think what would have happened if I had been in tennis shoes or work boots for that matter. My vote, goes for a good stiff boot.
I have a pair of tech 6s I have been using for the past three season's, and they have been great. This said, next time around I will buy something with a removable inner boot (easier to clean). I purchased them for $200 USD.
I've worn Sidi boots the last couple years. They make the top of my list in several areas - Only boot I've ever owned that required no break-in - most comfortable of all brands - feel light and agile on the feet (wish I was too) - The toe area is compact making for easier shifting/braking - replaceable parts including sole - built-in gaiter makes them the driest boot I've tried - sleek Italian styling makes them pretty good looking IMO - most expensive boot I've ever bought In spite of their price, I've been liking these more than any other boot I've owned. The fore-runners of these were the Hi-Point boots of the 1970's with the shiny metal plate across the shins. if my memory is correct, I think John Penton originally sourced these from Italy for the N. American market.
What size are you? These seem like a good deal: http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicle ... Z140154157
I have a pair of the F3's I bought at the bike show in Dec. Great boot, I think I paid $179 from Royal.
So, what makes a good boot anyways? In Sudbury, no one knows anything about riding unless it is a quad. The teenagers at our Royal Distributing can't do anything but read the catalogue. I looked at the F3s (my wife has a pair) and the Alpinestars Tech 3s. They don't seem to be that much of an upgrade from by Thor Quadrants. They had a pair of Tech 7s there with a boot insert but there were very expensive. Is there a good boot in between somewhere?? I have the feeling that whenever I do buy a boot it will be down south.
I'll always support corporate sponsors and local business first, but I just couldn't pass on the closeout deals down south. I picked up my Tech6's for less than half of the best price I could find here in Canada and that included the exchange rate, shipping and duties.
Sorry, about the down south comment, I meant in Southern Ontario. Machine Racing, Parker Brothers etc.. I didn't mean to say that I would go to the states. It seems a long way for me to go to get boots! All I want is a salesperson that knows their stuff! I can't find that where I am from so I thought I would ask you mofo's.
Oh, thought you meant south of the border. Anyways, I was referring to buying them on-line, not physically driving down to purchasing them. Does your Royal up there have an in-store selection for you to actually try on? You should get an idea of fit and feel before ordering any apparel on-line.
A boot should provide support and protection while still being comfortable. Boots come in about 3 levels, entry, mid and high. Of course the costs are directly related. An entry level boot, like an O'neal or Fox tracker are usually single level leather and plastic. They take awhile to break in, then once they do, the support is not as good as it could be. They are better than work boots because they will protect against burns, scrapes and small rocks being thrown at them. A mid level boot, like a 661 Flight, or a Alpinestars tech 3 offer more comfort right off the bat and will maintain their rigid and supportive state longer. They tend to be more water resistant. They will offer protection for much harder hits, if you strike a stump or rock as you're riding you will likely feel the sting but still be able to walk. A high level boot, like the Gaerne SG 10 or Alpinestar tech 8,10 Have a combination of internal or external skeletal system plus leather and external plastics that provide great support, comfort and water resistance. They will protect your legs and feet from strikes and twists, even if you squish your foot between a rock and a hard place In Short 1. Comfortable / Dry 2. Short or no break in period 3. Ankle support - side to side and front to back
