Waterproof boots

Off-topic
1

So, my “waterproof” boots are not so waterproof… Ink has suggested Alpinestar Web Goretex. What else has been tried and tested…?

2

http://www.hunterboots.com/

3

^^^ Ha! Dick.

4

I currently have TCX X-Action Waterproof boots - had them for a couple of years, and they are still waterproof.
I used to buy cheapo boots all the time which always seemed waterproof, but I splashed out on some SIDIs one time, and they most definitely were not waterproof.

5

You’ve a couple of options, really, if you want dry feet:

  • Buy some sealskins and u se whatever boots you like. You’ll (almost) always have dry feet, and if you do manage to drown the socks then sealskins dry out much faster than boots (especially waterproof boots).

  • Buy Goretex. If they leak you can send them back to goretex, and the waterproof warranty is for the life of the product.

I wouldn’t bother, generally, with anything labelled ‘waterproof’ that’s neither GoreTex nor Sealskinz, but I am something of a brand-whore when it comes to being warm and dry.

I have both TCX X-Desert Goretex boots and Sealskinz socks (for when I’ve been in a puddle that’s deeper than the boots are tall).

6

I’ve had TCX boots and they will stop being waterproof at some point… however in my case it was because of scuffs and rips. If you get a goretex boot, I doubt GTX would cover scuffs etc…

Agree on the seal skin socks… they are great and helped me on the IOM with aforementioned boots… :smiley:

7

I’ve been using the Alpinestars SMX 4 and 5’s. But it appears you need to make sure you pick up the ‘waterproof’ version. Picked both pairs up second hand with plenty of life left in them for around £40-50 quid. Dunno how old/used they were prior, but the SMX4’s lasted me 1.5 years or ~10K miles before the soles wore through and then they started to leak. Wore them year round, rain or shine. Perfectly warm enough in winter, bit warm in summer, but always stay dry.

The only downside is that the soles could do with more grip in the wet, as they sometimes slip when you put your foot down in wet weather. This isn’t helped by the fact the soles have quite soft rubber, so soon smooth off. Still, for the money I paid, I can’t moan at them.

8

Daytonas, anything else is very much less.

9

Sidi Rain are very good. That’s what I have. Not that I ride in the rain much mind.

10

My Sidi B2 Goretex boots have last 8 years, used every ride and commute for 5 of them till I retired. Only started to leak this year during heavy rain.

11

Those Alpinestar boots look very similar to the first pair of boots that I owned Alpinestar Effex goretex. They lasted 2.5 years before they were leaking and the soles where shot. The next pair of boots where Oxtar Infinity boots. Oh never heard of Oxtar, well they now know as TCX after legal action forced them to change their name in 2007:

They are still only the second pair of boots that I have owned. Riding over 11 years.

Worth the money? Well you figure it out.

12

I’ve had my RST tractec evo’s for a couple of years now - reasonably cheap, comfy and no leaks, even after getting a bit scuffed in a minor tumble down the road.
The membrane in them is called Hipora and seems to do the job, similar boots with goretex were about £50 more when I was looking.

13

Alpinestars SMX Plus GTX - bought from GetGeared in Leatherhead. On my second pair, after the first pair died last month after about six years active service (including two crashes). The design has changed to give better resistance under the gearshift pad, and a laced inner boot.

As Big Red S says, if it’s not Goretex it’s ultimately not waterproof. I work as an instructor and I ride out all day whatever the weather…

14

I’ve been wearing Alpinestars S-MX6 Gore-Tex boots for the last year or so. Haven’t been in super heavy downpours but they’ve fared well during normal rain. Nothing seeping through and feet stayed dry.

http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/198637

15

I’ve had the JTS 517 and JTS 317 boots. They’re nothing fancy just a plain and simple waterproof leather motorcycle boot that does what it says on the box. The 517’s died in an off. The 317’s are now three years and 50,000 miles old and still doing what they did out of the box. Including walking through fords and lakes, not bad for a £40 pair of boots :wink:

16

I got some new Alpine Star race type boot with Gore-tex sock bits, luv them.

17

There are loads of Goretex options.
I can’t wear Sidi because they are so narrow.
Currently have a couple of pairs of Daytona’s- a long and a short boot- and they are 100% waterproof.

Also look at Dainese Fulcrums.

18

@Hogtrumpet, I have the same problem with Sidi, their adventure boots I believe do have a wider fitting.

19

My Dainese GTX boots are totally battered, but they are still waterproof. Cost a fortune but so worth it.

20

I thought you wanted to replace them?