Boots

[howlindaug_imp]

I use these Chippewa boots, model 27422, also called Firefighter boots. Even though they have laces, they are knotted at the top and are only there to customize the fit. You get in and out of them via a heavy-duty zipper. Any boot that I can pull on that doesn't have zippers, laces, or buckles I find don't give a good fit. If they are big enough so I can get my foot into them, they feel loose once on. I have a wide foot, and these are wide. I have the D-width boots. They also go up to EE in width. Once broken in these are incredible boots.

[url=http://s850.photobucket.com/user/howlindaug/media/Chippewa_Firefighter_Boot_27422.jpg.html]

[HikerToo_imp]

So, to supplement my "moon boots", I just ordered a plain black 6" Red Wing boot for those days when I may actually walk away from my motorcycle and don't want to look too weird.

http://www.redwingshoes.com/red-wing-sho...boot-black

[Ryanizzle_imp]

What boots do you recommend?

I have a pair of pull-on waterproof boots I picked up at Cycle Gear pretty cheap. They do a good job but have no insulation (or very little) and they have neither the style nor the comfort to be worn off the bike for any length of time.

I am considering a pair of workboot-styled boots. Looked at a pair of Red Wings that I liked, but I'm hesitant because I'm worried about malleolus protection. Ferret will REALLY think I have champagne taste in gear when he sees what I'm considering: [url=http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/stylmartin-indian-boots]Stylmartin Indian Boots. Pretty pricey, but they get great reviews, can be re-soled, and will look pretty good and be comfortable with a pair of jeans at work. Any thoughts, besides that they're expensive?

What boots do you recommend?

I have the Stylmartin Indians. Overall, I like the boots, but there are a few quirks:

First big one is its availability in the US- it's hard to find; even on Revzilla, you're lucky if they have it in stock in your size (go by your Euro size). I had mine imported from the UK; had to pay international shipping & customs fees

They're a little bulky, but I can still wear them under a pair of jeans.

The placement of the ankle pads is a little off; it grazes my ankle, giving me mild discomfort on the bike, specifically while feet are touching the ground while parking, at a full stop, etc. But it's not a total deal-breaker, I just think for its price it should've been better.

Laces feel thin and cheap, like they could loosen themselves while you're riding. But it's a tall enough boot that I never worry about loose laces, especially while wearing under jeans.

Overall it's a nice boot, I can wear them 40 hrs/week to and from work. Not trying to scare you with all the negatives about it, just wanna give you a heads up on what to expect.

[emptysea]

Great info! Thanks. I knew about the size issues. I'm concerned (maybe too much) about ankle protection in general, and the Stylmartins seem to have what I need, but I need them to be comfortable off the bike, too. I'll watch that. If I get them, I'll walk around the house with them before riding just to be sure. I know they are hard to find, so I may wind up looking at something else, too. Always good to know the pros and cons. Thanks again.

[Guth_imp]

If I thought that they would fit, I'd be sporting a pair of these:

[emptysea]

I don't love pull on boots, but these have that buckle at the bottom that could help them fit me better. Who makes them?

[Damfino_imp]

These are what I've worn since my FedEx Ground days. They aren't motorcycle specific, but they're light on your feet. I wore many 'work style' boots before the Ecco's and always felt like I was wearing concrete blocks on my feet.

http://us.shop.ecco.com/ECCO-Track-6-GTX...=men-boots

[Guth_imp]

I don't love pull on boots, but these have that buckle at the bottom that could help them fit me better. Who makes them?

They're made by Sidi exclusively for Aerostich. In addition to the buckle, they also have an internal lacing system.

[HikerToo_imp]

These are what I've worn since my FedEx Ground days. They aren't motorcycle specific, but they're light on your feet. I wore many 'work style' boots before the Ecco's and always felt like I was wearing concrete blocks on my feet.

http://us.shop.ecco.com/ECCO-Track-6-GTX...=men-boots

These look nice for a plain non-motorcycle specific boot.

[Houtman_imp]

about 7 years ago I bought a pair of Tourmaster Solution Waterproof Road boots and have been very happy with them.
I paid just under $130 for the pair and they are very comfortable on and off the bike.
I have walked in them for whole days and no sore feet.
As I have wide feet I use the size 13 and can use thick socks in the winter,plus they are very waterproof in the rain,perhaps not in the pool !
Saying all this a riding buddy of mine just bought the same but they do not seem as strong as the ones I bought,seems they used some lighter materials,he still likes them very much.
Sometimes I question the wisdom of companies in making things cheaper instead of increasing the price of the product.