Hi all my first post so bear with me :biggrin:. I,m just in the process of getting together some rideing gear for my test. I,m having a problem finding some boots to suit me . I have rather large calfs ( granted they need to be :frown and every boot I seem to try on gets pushed down and ruttles up at the ankle . I would imagine over time this would rub especially when walking. I quite like the look of the racing "style "boot. Can anyone recommend a boot to suit that won,t break the bank ? Thanks Mick.
I have just bought some Sidi Vertigo boots. They have a system where you tighten a screw at the back to fit against the calf. I had a pair of vertabra before, they were extremely cofortable but the sole has worn thin and the footrest was uncomfortable on the bottom of my foot. My other boots are alpinestar smx very warm and comfy use them mainly in winter. both these will fit large calfs Alpinestars squeek like hell when you walk
Hi Mick, I have Alpinestars SMX Plus, most comfortable boots ever, but they don't work with my Dainese leathers so I also have a pair of Spyke Totem air, these also are adjustable. Best thing is to try some in a bike shop to get the best fit then if you are on a budget, buy a 2nd hand pair off ebay, no worries. What size foot are you?
How much are you intending to spend? I'm only guessing, but I assume you're on a budget. In which case I'd readily recommend these Oxtar SS waterproof sports boots. Very comfortable indeed, and plenty wide enough for my fat legs. Or these Spada ST1 waterproof boots. Very good value for money.
If you suffer from boots squeaking, you could try dripping some Fairy washing-up liquid into all the cracks between the various bits of plastic which make up the ankle and calf of the boot. I have found this to work well with various types of boots. Oil does not work.
If you are just starting out I would recommend getting the best kit you can afford but dont limit yourself to new. I picked up some Alpinestars SMX4 boots for 40 quid off of evilbay and they were almost new. Same as these. Alpinestars Smx 4 Boots Euro Size 43 in black with white decals | eBay Beware of "new" stuff cheap as its normally FAKE but many people change their kit without actually using it or some even just sell-up. Alpinestars or SIDI boots for me every time. JC
My Alpinestars SMX boots are goretex and totally waterproof. I mean dry feet over a few hundred miles of Italian Autostrada when it felt like God was just chucking buckets of water at me. The entire rest of me was damp, but feet toasty warm and dry. Yet they look like a track boot. Mine don't squeak either. When the time comes to replace them, I'll just get the new Alpinestars equivalent: won't even look at anything else. So that's my recommendation.
I picked up a pair of virtually new Sidi's for 80 quid and they're ok but if I'm being honest I tried on the SMX's just prior to getting the Sids and thought them excellent, just double the price at the time, stiff as hell and great construction, better than the Sids IMHO.
TCX Competizione GTX goretex. Just made until last season, but a quick scan on the Bay shows up several pairs at dealers at bargain prices. I am now on my 2nd pair as I have not found a better fitting or more protective boot for those with big calfs. I crash tested my first pair and they held up to several years abuse on road and track until I wore holes through the toe sliders and base boot at Aragon. Awesome boot that has sadly now been replaced by the inferior RS2 or Race line. Sidis are narrow in comparison, Alpinestars less so.
I have a pair of these in my cupboard, but I also have a pair of Daytona goretex. My plan was to use the Alpinestars for the worst of the winter and use the Daytona in not so bad conditions, but TBH, I just use the Daytona. Maybe not quite so warm as the Alpinestars, but just as dry and they feel really safe in comparison.
Obviously, the correct response to the OP is to say this: Go to places like J&S, Hein Gericke, M&P, etc, any place that sells a good collection of bike clothing, and try a few on. You don't necessarily need to buy any (although I'm dangerous in bike shops, I never leave empty-handed). See what fits, make a mental note of the type and size, then shop around for the best deal. And remember, the fit is more important than the logo...
BOT-1282-AN WP Boot Black - Sports Motorcycle Boots - Motorcycle Boots - Online Shop - J&S I also have the same issues and tried on loads of boots before opting for these Arlen Ness boots. They aint cheap and had to go one size larger than normal but they fit great. The top adjustment is by a large velcro flap but within this there are stretchy panels that make walking in them a joy
I too have bigger than average calfs I always wanted sidi boots but couldnt do them up for love or money I was given some nitros when I first pillioned they have Velcro and sooo comfy to walk in, I walked to the top of the Tor in them and they are water proof. Bought their sidi similar great with jeans only.... Can't tuck leathers in and won't do up. As said you need to shop around for YOUR best fit
Depends on how "big" you mean. My calves are sufficiently chunky that no standard boots even come close (~50cm circumference at normal boot height) As such, I've resorted to Altbergs for winter, and a set of lower Sidi Streetburners for summertime.
Daytona GTX are top touring boots, used by dispatchers and plod, and quite stylish. They have 2 zips with velcro adjustable calf fitting so they fit chunky legs. Completely waterproof, I wore a pair through Holland in a monsoon without getting wet feet and they are also v comfortable. I have a pair of unused size 9 for sale if anyones interested.
Had a terrible experience with SIDI ST Goretex boots. Bought them in Jan from P&H Crawley for £280. Wanted some structure to my boots for track. After 3 months of occasional use and at the end of a track day, heel stitching on the left boot came apart (see photo) opening up a pocket for my Monsters 1100's (pointy) OE chain guard to get caught on. Required a few tugs to free it which made it worse ... bad on track, disaster for the road. Petty pissed for a £300 pair of boots to fall apart so quickly so took them back to P&H who took one look and said 'excessive wear' = not repairable nor replaceable under warranty. Also told me I had 'the wrong boots for my bike' (WTF!). Sales manager went around the back to speak to Feridax the UK distributor who 'confirmed' what she thought. Expected a little support from P&H so lost trust at that point and P&H Crawley lost me as a customer for good. Asked them to send boots to Feridax to look over as that wasn't good enough. Took some photos and popped into Metropolis Vauxhall for an opinion. They were pretty amazed and kindly offered to take it up with both Feridax and SIDI Italy (thx again guys). Feridax said no ; SIDI said they'd repair but I had to pay for P&P to and from Italy. £300 boots, 3 months, no way. Mastercard on the case now (merchandisable quality, etc) and I'm back in my old tired but much loved cheaper SIDI Rain boots (soles wore away but heel stitching still intact). So I'm either going to get a refund, have them replaced or repaired or remain pissed and be riding around with one boot covered in duct tape ! I'm 5'11 riding a stock Monster 1100. Probably did 1,000 miles and a track day at Brands in them. Oh, they also squeak like hell but that doesn't really bother me. Bit of a rant but if I pay for good kit, I expect good kit. P&H farewell. SIDI.. I've been loyal for years and want to stay with you but you're making it too hard and A* boots seem to have less negative forum chatter... Will post an update when I hear back from Mastercard.
