Well, looks like my boots are not going to get me through the winter - just over a year old and unfortunately my toes have worn through the interior lining including the Goretex to the leather meaning they are no longer waterproof - every time I change gear its acting like a sponge and bringing the water in After some proper reviews of boots that actually stay dry and working for a few years, preferably from people who ride all year round (not the odd being caught in a shower type waterproof) Ideally I would like something with a decent sole on it - I find most boots verge on the side of lethal in wet weather off the bike or wear out quite quick on the ball of the foot (again leading to leaks). Anyone got anything they can recommend - budget not much of a concern (Goretex etc) , just want my feet to stay as dry and warm as the rest of me is over a couple of winters without buying boots every 12 months. Edit: Scratch the Alt-Bergs, no protection!
The only boot i ever owned that was 100% waterproof were the Daytona Goretex Roadstar GTX. What also raises them is their comfort. They were very comfy. Durable and easy to wear.
I've done about 10,000 miles in my AlpineStars SMX5 in the very worst and coldest weather that this fair Isle has to offer and have been toasty dry the whole time, despite putting holes in the toes from falling not long after I got them; the (goretex is still intact inside). I guess the soles are fairly flat but they are a decent grippy rubber so not slippery apart from when they are on stock Panigale pegs in the rain! I'd certainly consider another set when it comes to it.
I have had the Daytona M Star GTX for like 18 months, 15k ish miles, Warm, and 100% Dry in one of the worse heavy thunderstorms I have ever seen, let alone ride in. They also make me a little Taller although dammed expensive. One down side I think is you cannot replace the heel, which if you walk about in too much will wear before the rest of the boot.
Some would be good. They don't appear to have any real ankle protection (twisting or impact) or anything in the sole to prevent compression. I have heard they are supremely comfy, but so are my walking boots which look to be about the same sort of design.
Cheers for the feedback though JohnV. Anyone any opinions on the Sidi range? Adventure, Canyon and Armada boots
I tried a pr of Sidi Adventure boots on recently to see if they rose me higher than my Daytonas's they did not, but felt very comfortable, and well made, Solid, and read some great reports on them, would have bought for sure if they made me taller
Going to go give them a try in Fowl-ups hopefully. Though I have found them in Germany for nearly £100 less a pair (no import duty from EU ) for the Adventures, just want to see if they will fit under my riding pants and hopefully check they are not too "fat" to fit under the controls.
The Daytona GTX I could and did wear them under my jeans and walk about all day long with them on. Great boots.
My Alpinestars (sorry can't remember the model) are waterproof. I've had them four years and they are brilliant
SealSkinz waterproof socks! Thermal & Waterproof Socks : SealSkinz Breathable, Close Fitting Socks Cheaper than new boots. When the same thing happened to my Daytona Goretex boots as has happened to the OP, so that they were no longer totally waterproof, I got a couple of pairs of SealSkinz to keep my feet toasty warm and dry on my commute.
Forget sealskins socks, they are very good and totally waterproof but remember the sock will be wet in the outside so your feet will be cold as the wet is so close to your skin. My recommendation would be the Daytona's, I have had a couple of pairs of different ones and all have been all day comfy even walking around and totally waterproof, I am currently hankering after a pair of Daytona trans open GTX but they are very expensive.
Cheers guys, will have a try on of the Daytona and SIDI at the weekend - Fowlers stock both by the looks of it. Will also check out the Sealskinz stuff - though they look like they will still get "wet" on the outside being made of wool/cotton or something which means I will need a couple of pairs to wear to and from work if I can't get them dry. Not had much luck with Alpinestars gear TBH, the last boots I had from them wore through the soles in no time from just being on the pegs and also had next to no traction off the bike which had me on my backside on a garage forecourt!
TXC goretex boots are pretty good,i got mine on a recommend from a traffic bike copper,2 years in and no problems.
This. I have a pair of Evo Sports GTX that are about 11yrs old and am on my second set of outsides. Not cheap but amortised over 10 years, pretty good value. Superb boots, although I only use them when the temp gets down below around 14c.
I ride all year round, I wear Daytona Roadstar GTX and my feet have never been wet. Allegedly Hampshire Police motorcyclists wear them. They are comfy and dry and can be overhauled (at a cost) I don't think they have the same protection as Alpinestars. TCX didn't fit my calves.
