well I’m about to start my CBT this saturday and the one thing I haven’t got or my training school can’t provide is boots. so I may as well purchase a pair, going to need a set for the future so may as well get them now and have them broken in for when I (fingers crossed pass and get a bike).
so far I’ve come across alpinestars and sidi boots. What im looking for is more manufacturers to make sure the store I go to stocks them. I understand all boots fit differently but just wanted a list to allow me to try those that are recommended.
sidi for me. just make sure that you feel comfortable in them. I tried one on of the pairs with the calf tightener thing and found it all uncomfortable, ended up with a cheaper pair of sidi boots that i do not regret buying
As said, it’s best to go and try some on in a store which has a good selection. They’re not cheap, but neither is a new set of feet or ankles
Consider goretex as we’re coming up to the lame weather, and they’ll keep you dry and comfy. Otherwise, something with solid protection around the boot will be a good start.
There’s a bike show coming up at Woodford Green, so you may be able to find a deal. Sidi Vertigos for around £125? (give or take). Sometimes you find boots that are old lines such as Oxtar (which are now called TCX), you can get these at a good price (good boot).
Whats your budget - that can rule odut a lot of the choice that might be confusong you…
Plus do you want them for all round or are you willing to buy a pair for summer aand a pair for winter?
Come back with that info and peeps can tell you if they bought anything like that and recomend/warn you bout the products in question…
My forst pair of boots was a pair of Oxtar TCS for £120 from J&S… apart from having the sole reglued at the front they are still going strong… but not wproof at all…
Have a pair of Bullson boots from HG that are Shelltex (like Gore tex) that i wear every day going to work… like them alot… and less than 100 quid
Budget wise £150-200. I very much doubt I’d do much riding in the rain so probably looking towards non waterproof ones, then if I use them on colder days team them up with more insulating socks…would this work?
Thanks for the heads up on the bike show…think a plan would be to check the recommendations I’ve had in the shops to see what fits me then look at purchasing them at the show, provided there are for sale.
+1
And find a good bike clothing shop to help you to do this. They should explain the differences between boots and how they should fit.
Not to be too morbid, but the extremeties (head, hands and feet) can take a bit of a bashing in even the slowest speed accident, so it makes sense not to skimp on protecting them.
I have crash tested my Sidi Black Rain Goretex - I’ll continue wearing these lovely boots when I get back on two wheels.
Good luck with the CBT! It opens the door to your biking future!
Very comfy, warm in the winter and keep the rain off nicely.
When you’re trying boots on, take different socks with you - one normal pair and one thick pair. You don’t want to find that your feet are all cramped up come winter.
I’m like you Vala, have reently passed my CBT and need boots. I have been recommended Gortex and Sidi amongst others.
You definately need to try on a few different styles as not all will fit or be comfortable. I am yet to find a pair that fit around both my ankle and calf despite tryng loads on!
It may be worth investing in a pair of waterproof boots though. I know you said you didn’t intend to ride in the wet but you never know when it’s going to piddle down when your out. Soggy feet aren’t the best!
Good luck with your CBT! Hopefully see you on some rideouts
For that budget (<£200), you can definately get a pair of boots, AND gloves (both very decent).
Just bought a second summer pair of gloves (Richa GP Top - kangaroo) for £50 (have also seen for less if you don’t mind the colour). Think they retail around 85-90?
Well ive got a set of Puma Brutale GORE-TEX boots, they are brilliant, i used them all through the winter, and they only cost me £120 from J AND S including postage!
alternativley i would also recommend a pair of Alpinestars SMX4 Waterproof boots, ive also got a set of these and wore them yesterday in the heavy rain on the way back from Brighton, my feet were warm and dry.
as regards thicker socks, i tend to wear just the cotton socks for winter, as i hate my feet being too bunched up. I find the goretex boots tend to do a good job at keeping my feet warm enough
+3 for Sidi Black Rains. All year round, through snow and heavy rain too, and not got a wet foot yet. Coming up for 2 years old and apart from a broken zip pull, which was replaced under warranty, no problems at all. Great boot IMO.
Thanks for the responses so far everyone. Much appreciated.
Called up infinity motorcycles today and there still doing the free sidi vertigo boots with 1 or 2 piece suits so I guess that’s another option for me with regards to saving some money.
Going on Sunday to midland superbike and will try on suits/gloves/helmets and boots there, and fingers crossed will come away with a shopping list.
Got a friend whose lending me some boots for my CBT so at least that’s something less to worry about leading up to Saturday.
Once again thanks for all the input, it’s all been noted.
I’ve got a pair of Oxtar TCS and they squeeked like hell too - kept using the lubricant they supply with them but that didn’t help much… When I took my test my Instructor told me to try Mr Sheen! Works a treat, they hardly squeek now, are clean and smell alpine fresh
