Waterproof street riding boot chat

[He Man]

Theres been a few new additions to the cooler weather riding boots that are also waterproof that I'd like to get some comments on. I am really looking for a boot that will run for the duration of winter, and whenever it rain, and be comfortable for everyday wear and reasonably priced (under $200). Of course this is one of those items that i believe will last you more than 5 years in that type of situation.

First up is the Alpinestars CR-4 Goretex boot. As the name implies, its a goretex boot. So the benefits are without a doubt the breathability of goretex items.

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/alpinestars-cr-4-gore-tex-xcr-boot

Next up is the RS Taichi RSS005

Vibram sole, Taichi's own waterproof liner, Vibram branded sole and my favorite BOA lace up. I absolute love BOA laces. Great fit and comfort.



These are the two nicest ones in the price range i see. Which would you choose?

http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=9522

[stopintime]

For winter and rain, these won't be high enough IMO.

Waterproof liners stop the water after it has drenched the shoe itself - that makes them cold, heavy and wet-feel.

I suggest boots a little higher and with waterproof outer material.

[seevtsaab]

He Man can't comment on your choices but I got some Dainese TRP Tour goretex boots off Ebay.
New with tags < $190. Seem like real quality gear.
Only downside is the there's no toe slider, I've chewed the toes up a bit at stops (I don't drag toes on the street).

[He Man]

I dont need them for winter AND rain. It never rains when its cold over here. That just means snow.   I need them for just winter ( not insulated) or just rain (usually in the spring and summer)

The way i thought about it, and someone needs to correct me if im wrong in this case, but

A full boot is too restrictive for just a 1-2 hour ride max, where the rest of the day you are on your feet walking or sitting.   So a high top, i thought was best. A full boot will protect more from water, but i usually wear PVC outers ontop of watever is on bottom. But this is a kind of a toss up between comfort and full waterproofing. unless those full boots arent as uncomfortable as i think they are...

A waterproof outer material would make my feet feel sweaty if im going to be wearing it all day. I dont think id be on the bike long enough to really get the boot that soaked anyway.  And theres always external treatments i could use to make the outside water resistant...

those were my 2 thoughts on that.

seevtsaab, how is the goretex in the boot? is it breathable? i havent had experience with goretex on my feet.

[bdub]

I had gotex work boots years ago and they were great, until got oil on one of them and the breathablity stopped. But I only used them in the winter (Va.). I'd go gortex. I don't think you can treat the outside of them tho. Maybe silicon but check.

[d3vi@nt]

Check out the Sidi Way and Sidi Traffic rain boots. I've tried on both and they seem comfortable enough to wear all day and walk in.  I'm not sure about the breath-ability, though. Revzilla sells both and they get good reviews.

[seevtsaab]

seevtsaab, how is the goretex in the boot? is it breathable? i havent had experience with goretex on my feet.

I haven't worn these in hot weather yet. And I'd try to avoid them if I was planning to do alot of walking.
They have perfed leather upper to let the goretex breath, I haven't felt swampy in them yet.
I have Sidi Streetburners for casual/ walking use. But those are foot only protection, limited ankle and no shin.

I'll push the TRQ's for as much riding as I can but that's because they'll offer better protection than my Sidis, which I'll save for times I'm walking in shorts / heat / etc. We'll see how the TRQ's are for summer commute
(I don't have to wear em at work)

Riding all day is one thing, plenty of air. Standing / walking all day, I'd probably avoid goretex and treat some leather.

[He Man]

just to note id only be wearing the boots when its raining or cold out. above 50 degrees im wearing regular boots. and if its not raining or cold then im in my full moto boots. so it will really see limited use.... not having gortex and treating leather makes it water resistant only... might not slide for the heavy rainfalls. or will it?

[stopintime]

The A* Ridge I had didn't get wet through the 'leather' in 6 hours heavy rain.
Lousy velcro and quite stiff though. - they have a slightly higher (better?) version of that boot (called Alpha?)

[danaid]

  How set are you on that $200 price range, I bought these when they were on sale, $220ish, and they are my new favorite boots. Gore-tex, very comfy out of the box, (the only footware I brought for two days of Laguna seca) and very beefy design that I did not realize from looking at the pics.

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-nighthawk-gore-tex-boots

[He Man]

felt like i hit the jackpot. checked some reviews, i ended up going for the TCX Jupiter 2. it has the XCR Goretex. picked it up for $63 bucks brand new off motorcycle close out (limited sizing). ($185 retail)

and another score was also the sidi Slash boots...picked it up for $40 bucks!


Size 41 Jupiter 2 $63.00

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/last_chance_bargains/tcx/jupiter_2_xcr_motorcycle__boots.html

Size 40 Sidi Slash $50 perfect for summer commuting.
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/last_chance_bargains/sidi/slash_motorcycle_boots.html

[He Man]

Muhahahaha. The TCX Jupiter 2 GTX fit amazing. it is a bit uncomfortable around the ankle on my right foot, though ive been finding out that all ankle boots are giving me that trouble, myst have some werid deformity in my right leg or something. Waterproof to boot!


the Sidi air has a really tight ankle so its hard to get into, but once in it, the fit is great. I feel a lot safer knowing that the toe area is reinforced, and its mesh so it should be PERFECT for summer commuting!

for $113 shipped for both. i think its a steal!