I have the Alpinestars Afrika boots that are advertised as breathable, windproof and waterproof thanks to a Gore-Tex membrane.
I wouldn’t say they are particular breathable and I do want to take them off at the first opportunity, but they are not bad - I have no reference for comparison really as they are my first motorcycle boots.
However, I rode in the rain and both boots were completely soaked - it felt liks my feet were under several inches of water and pressing the clutch or rear brake was very squishy in the rain - very disappointing to say the least.
Is this normal? - Anyone else have these boots or anything similar that’s Gore-Tex and can share their experience in the rain?
Having googled them, they’re not really boots at all as they’re not much taller than a pair of shoes, so I suspect that water entered through the top rather than through the goretex layer.
If not, then take them back to the store you bought them from as IIRC Goretex insist on anyone using their stuff has to supply a 5 year guarantee of waterproofness.
I’ve a pair and they’ve been fine in showers. I haven’t tested them in downpours as I only wear them when the forecast is clear.
I would suspect that the water came in through the top first, I guess it’s gonna be impossible to prove mind, but that’ll always be the principle suspect.
And I like’em! They work well on the bike and are comfortable and unobtrusive off it.
Trousers were over the boot, but the trousers were not water proof, just standard tracksuit trousers with velcro protectors over (waiting for my overtrousers).
Yes, they are not very tall and it is possible - everytime I went over a puddle, the wheel was just spraying the “boots”.
maybe you should get some propper boots for the rain. i used my alpinestar smx 3 goretex boots all year round for a good few years. they did have a bit of a sqeak when ya walk but wd40 soon sorts that out!!
I think we all know that you knew what he meant, but you’ve had your chance to shine now so rock on :hehe:
As for the boots, if they’re not fit for purpose then take them back to the shop.
They’ll probably send the boots back to Alpinestars if you’ve had them for a while which will mean you’ll be bootless, but if you’ve had them less than 10 days, I’d ask for a new pair or your money back.
Goretex warranty with Hein Gericke is 2 years with the shop and 3 years with Goretex themselves (but not sure how other shops work), so yes there is 5 years warranty total, but the length of time you’ve had them does matter.
Also, dirty Goretex garments can tend to leak (the dirt allows moisture to ingress into the garment through the Goretex membrane), so use an approved cleaner when the garment needs a clean.
The Nikwax range of cleaning products are recommended.
I decided to give them another chance, rode twice more and the lace and holding mechanism broke on the right boot
I sent an email to the store and they emailed me that a replacement lace is on it’s way (2 days ago, nothing yet).
Now the problem is it looks like the velcro that attaches to the strap is sewed onto the lace so I don’t really see how to replace the lace without cutting it and will I have to do this every 200 miles of riding? - So far not impressed with the quality of these
I will look at the recommendations you guys posted, thanks!
I don’t think the store will give me different replacement boots as I ordered these 30th July but I only wore them around 5 times and a total of 200 miles of riding.
the honda innova, and suzuki address (pizza bikes) have left foot operated clutches. in a sort of quick shifter meets crunch gears sort of way.
and you can wheelie the suzuki :w00t:
:hehe:
