I am spending about 70% on-road, 30% off-road on the Africa Twin and I have a question about some gear and would love to hear some of y'all input.
Boots in particular. When I do go off-road, I do spend a fair amount of time walking to scout whats ahead and such. Plus for some reason I crash alot too, ;) , so there is that.
I have a pair of O'Neal MX type boots. They offer good protection but they are miserable to walk around in...painfully so.
(http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee446/owenwoolley/Gear/20180302_093338_zpst6wakjpf.jpg) (http://s1228.photobucket.com/user/owenwoolley/media/Gear/20180302_093338_zpst6wakjpf.jpg.html)
I have been using my pair of First Gear road boots because they are comfortable to walk in and offer some decent protection, BUT they are not holding up very well in my off-road use of them;
(http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee446/owenwoolley/Gear/20180302_093528_zpsxotmjdrl.jpg) (http://s1228.photobucket.com/user/owenwoolley/media/Gear/20180302_093528_zpsxotmjdrl.jpg.html)
So I am asking the collective, What are you wearing for off/on road use and how do you like;
1. The comfort? Walking around and riding?
2. What kind of protection? Like shin protection, toe protection, ankle protection, etc...
3. How are they holding up?
4. When it comes to buying again, will it be the same boot or a different one?
Thanks for the input and I am looking forward to what y'all have to say!
Good timing. I am also looking for a good adventure boot. I currently have some boots that are comfortable but don't offer the level of protection I want for off road riding. I have been considering the Forma boots and also some Gaerne boots but just haven't been able to make up my mind.
I've been wearing a pair of Falco Avantour boots for about a year and love 'em.
(http://www.orionmotorsindia.com/image/cache/catalog/FALCO/Boots/falco-avantour-boots-brown-600x315.jpg)
Protection-wise they have a hard shin plate, ankle cup and toe, but also have a hinge design that allows them to articulate...they're as comfortable as a pair of hiking boots to walk around.
I've tested them for waterproof-ness several times and they absolutely are...but they don't make my feet sweat like most waterproof boots.
I had the stitching fail on one of the buckle straps...my fault, I was using them as a full hardcore off-road boot for a couple of months and abused them (notice how waterlogged and muddy they are in the photo). The U.S. importer, Pacific Powersports, sent me a UPS label to send the damaged boot back for repair...they couldn't fix it and sent me a brand new pair in less than a week.
(http://www.pbase.com/kwb377/image/166057537/medium.jpg)
I would absolutely buy these again. I'll be wearing them Sunday on the TNF ride if you want to check them out.
I haven't had any issues with the buckles as mentioned in the video. They're not as nice and smooth as the new buckle design as say on the A'stars Toucans, but I've never had any problems getting them to close and stay secured.
Those are some nice looking boots Kevin shared.
These are my street riding boots and double for light duty dualsport. If I am going to be in really rough, rocky stuff, I wear the off-road boots but for average light-medium duty dual sport riding, I have been very pleased with them.
It's the boots I wore in Alaska and then on the road trip to Maine/Canada.
I'd rate them as a 75% street / 25% dualsport option.
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/cortech-accelerator-xc-boots?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyqWC9ffO2QIVyB2BCh15gwerEAYYAyABEgIu7PD_BwE
Edit to add: Gaerne makes good stuff. This would be worth considering, depending on exactly what you are looking for:
http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/hot+deals/boots+and+socks+blowout+sale/gaerne_g-adventure+boots?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiqmW1vnO2QIVDBGBCh2-yQ5dEAQYASABEgJYpPD_BwE
Msr had a pair of light leather boots I loved
A shit eating dog stole one a week ago fun a rental in Mentone. So now I have one left.
If I ever find a comfortable pair of boots again I'll leave a dead dogs head next to them in the porch as a warning
I have a pair of the Gaerne Balance Oiled boots that I bought on sale. At one point they were, as they claimed, water proof, but I've rubbed through the lining in a spot near one of my toes and they will leak in through there once saturated.
They are a bit soft, in my opinion, for an offroad boot, but for light dual sporting they're ok, and they make a good road touring boot. They are comfortable to walk around in, and if you have wide feet, they will accomodate those very well. I don't, but they still work.
Continuing on the protection front, biggest complaint I have about them is lack of any real hard reinforcement in the toe area. They come from a trials boot background, with minimal protection, although they have heavy, high quality leather that makes them pretty supportive through ankle. But the toe is my main concern if I were riding someplace where my feet may be bouncing off rocks/trees.
Flat gummy sole, which I like, but some don't because it doesn't have a heel. Easy to move your feet around on the pegs (again, trials boot).
Sole is fairly flexible, but not as soft as some road only boots. They are fine for some standing on the pegs, but not as good for long days of standing like you'd get with a real MX boot.
I have hiked in them, but it wasn't pleasant. They are not a hiking boot, unless the trail is relatively flat and non-technical. I hiked down a steep rocky trail from Craggy Gardens on the BRP a couple years back that ended up being a couple of miles and going down and then coming back up was really unpleasant. Would have much preferred real hiking boots.
Incidentally, check out Atomic Moto and watch their reviews. They talk about the MX vs dual sport vs adventure vs light MX boot comparos. Really good information for making a purchase.
Here are the Gaerne Balance Oiled.
https://www.atomic-moto.com/products/gaerne-balance-oiled-boots
Also, on the topic of water-proofness, I don't know that I'm sold on it for a dual sport boot. For a road touring boot, or something that you would use only for occasional fire road excursions, sure.
But in the warmer months (which in Alabama is most of the year), water proof boots are pretty warm on the feet/legs. And worse, if you ever get water IN your boot, your feet will be living in a swamp for a while, as they take much longer to dry out, especially on the road.
My leanings at this point are to get a real off-road boot and use water proof socks if needed. Then carry some light hikers if I need to take an excursion. There's really nothing other than a real off-road boot I'd feel safe (ish) in should my R1200 GS fall on my ankle/leg on a trail. I'd rather have the protection and sacrifice the walkability and waterproof aspects.
Some really good perspectives here! Keep'em coming!! 👍
Love my Forma Adventures. They are almost as protective as motocross boots, but much more comfortable and only about 2 inches shorter.
(https://www.revzilla.com/product_images/0135/5557/forma_adventure_boots_black_750x750.jpg)
Quote from: Nice Goat on March 03, 2018, 02:29:34 PM
Love my Forma Adventures. They are almost as protective as motocross boots, but much more comfortable and only about 2 inches shorter.
(https://www.revzilla.com/product_images/0135/5557/forma_adventure_boots_black_750x750.jpg)
Been eyeballing those myself. How is the walking in them?
I have the Formas also and they are as comfortable as work boots walking I wear these the most . I also have MSR dual sport boots they are about the same as the Formas with a bigger piece of plastic on the shin for maybe more protection . If you shop oversees websites and catch the exchange rate in us dollar favor they can both be gotten relatively cheap depending on how much your credit card company charges for currency conversion.
I'll third the Forma Adventures; fairly good protection but all day comfortable for walking around. You can actually feel and articulate the brake pedal/shifter unlike MX style boots. Outstanding dual sport boot.
Huge fan of mine! I think you'll love them.
How do the Forma's fit? Are they true to size? How about width? Do they run narrow or wide? How tall are they?
My co-worker has the Formas, both high and low version, and likes them. He wears the lows for commuting/day rides, and the highs for trips. He was worried about the high version being too hot, but he said that didn't seem to be the case. It's difficult to get jeans over them, hence the reason he wears the lows for around town stuff.
I'll throw out another option comparable to the Formas. Alpinestars Corozal and Belize. They are basically the same boot, with the Corozal being the full height version, the Belize being the low. Similar to Forma ADV. They come in black or brown. If you have had Astars boots before and know how they fit, these would be a good option. More importantly, Midway and Freedom Powersports have at least one variation of the two, so you can try them on. I tried on a set in my size at Midway and they fit me much better than my Gaerne Balance Oiled. I should have bought them, but I wasn't sure whether I wanted another water proof boot.
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/alpinestars-corozal-adventure-drystar-boots?gclid=CjwKCAiA8vPUBRAyEiwA8F1oDLr__yGy1MAMmpiWDAXJn7yD4hSDgW4bNso916ph4Tyethoqmkd3BxoCpXsQAvD_BwE
Quote from: klaviator on March 05, 2018, 09:31:59 AM
How do the Forma's fit? Are they true to size? How about width? Do they run narrow or wide? How tall are they?
Watch the video reviews on Atomic Moto. He covers all these areas.
https://www.atomic-moto.com/products/forma-adventure-boots
I have the Forma Terra boots and I believe they are one step up on protection from the Adventures but have similar specifications. I have wide feet and they fit great. They are very comfortable but I doubt they would do much if you got your leg caught up in something nasty!
The only issue I have had is a seam on the inside busting out when I put my kickstarter through it!! They are not hardcore offroad boots. I bought a pair of Forma Predators for that!!
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71qavpDylJL._SX355_.jpg)
(https://www.revzilla.com/product_images/0195/3074/forma_predator_boots_black.jpg)
I have a pair of moose offroad boots with atv soles, think hiking boot soles, and I've never minded walking around in them and I've climbed more than a few hills without too much problems in them.
I have a pair of Aerostich Combat Lites. I like them because they're very thick leather, still breaking them in. They're not the best for adv because they're a bit short in height, only 11 inches or so. But the lacing system and Velcro flap make them easy to get off and on. I've ridden with them in rain and feet stayed dry, even though they're not Gore Tex lined. They don't make these anymore, but can be occasionally found on eBay and forums.
I have had great service out of my Sidi Adventure GTX boots. They have kept my feet warm and dry in cold rain and the hardened areas did an exceptional jod of protecting my feet in a BAD accident last April.
The Alpinestar Toucans are intriguing and look to provide good protection. Anyone have any experience?
I bought a pair of like-new A'star Toucans off ADV to try out. They were as stiff and cumbersome as my Forma off-road boots (maybe more so)...great for protection, but more than I wanted for a dual sport boot.
Well I pulled the pin on the Forma Adventure boots just now from Rocky Mountain. I wear a size 9 1/2 to 10 in everything I own, so I got'em in a size 10.
Why did I get them from Rocky Mountain? Well I had a little over $70.00 in their in-store cash stuff so the made it just over $200.00.
Looking forward to trying them out. They got to be more comfortable than my O'neal MX boots...
Thanks to everyone in chiming in and giving me some great information!
Looking forward to your review. I'm still trying to make up my mind on what to get.
Okay, got them in tonight! Of course I had to try them on. ;D Fit is pretty good all though if they had a size 9 1/2 is would be a bit better.
Fit feels good across the wide portion of my for and I can just barely rock my foot from side to side in the boot. If they had a 9 3/4 it would be spot on I do believe. Going to wear them to work (but I will not work in them) to get a better idea of the walk around comfort (or pain).
Pictures;
(http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee446/owenwoolley/Gear/Boots/20180418_201542_zps74oojtvc.jpg) (http://s1228.photobucket.com/user/owenwoolley/media/Gear/Boots/20180418_201542_zps74oojtvc.jpg.html)
(http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee446/owenwoolley/Gear/Boots/20180418_201618_zpsudzoyecx.jpg) (http://s1228.photobucket.com/user/owenwoolley/media/Gear/Boots/20180418_201618_zpsudzoyecx.jpg.html)
(http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee446/owenwoolley/Gear/Boots/20180418_202232_zps5tvgql0n.jpg) (http://s1228.photobucket.com/user/owenwoolley/media/Gear/Boots/20180418_202232_zps5tvgql0n.jpg.html)
Okay, a short review of the boots after a couple of rides.
Plus;
1. Walk around comfort. GREAT! I little harder than a new pair of plain old regular walk around boots but given the protection, excellent!
2. Riding comfort. Another big plus. The boots with the Pivot Pegs = a very secure mount. Standing on the pegs is very comfortable and stable.
3. Protection; Decent. Other boots might be a better choice if you are doing some hard core off-road stuff but for my light duty stuff, they are good enough.
4. Price, @ around $240.00 shipped, they are $60.00- $100.00 cheaper than most other boots of this type.
Minus;
1. The water proof gator does not go all the way up to the top of the boot on mine. It goes up 3/4 of the way. I think the newer models go all the way up.
Well that is it so far. As I wear them I will keep y'all informed.
I just ordered a set of Forma Adventure boots. I'll post a review once I get them and try them out.
:D I just ordered a pair of Forma Adventure Low today as well.
After riding in my work boots Saturday, I made up my mind.
Liking mine so far...mule tested n all. ;) Definitely an all day boot. ;)
sizing input:
if you are in between sizes always go up a size. remove the OE foot bed, it's usually crap like a piece of compressed cardboard. Go to your favorite sporting goods/mass retailer (Walmart, Target, REI, Dicks, etc) and get a good gel footbed. anything, doesn't have to be fancy. consider the thickness of your OE footbed and who much room you want to take up in your boot and get that thickness or just get what you like. replace footbed. Ride in comfort with a better fitting boot and more cushion on the bottom of your foot from vibration..
I pretty much do this in ever pair of footwear I own. Helps that I have slightly narrow feet so I can wear just about anything and have it be much more comfortable than the stock boots.
as for the other boots- I like boots that have solid ankle protection and a hinge system. Usually by the time a solid leather boot is "comfortable" the protection in your ankle area is lost. I tend to ride with full MX boots, even on multi day dual sport rides but then again I drop my 450lb bike a lot and like having solid protection. I need to find a good pair of goretex socks to wear in inclement weather inside my boots. goretex boots are good but once water gets inside the boot over the top, it takes FOREVER for them to dry out without a fan or something to blow air thru them. I've had in the past Alpinestars, TCX (really liked them) and currently sport a pair of Sidi Crossfire 2 TA boots. fashionable orange and black. :)
Speaking of insoles, these things are magic...pricey, but worth it.
https://www.superfeet.com/en-us/insoles-and-sandals?filter=mens,insoles
Quote from: SpeedyR on May 01, 2018, 04:01:53 PM
sizing input:
if you are in between sizes always go up a size. remove the OE foot bed, it's usually crap like a piece of compressed cardboard. Go to your favorite sporting goods/mass retailer (Walmart, Target, REI, Dicks, etc) and get a good gel footbed. anything, doesn't have to be fancy. consider the thickness of your OE footbed and who much room you want to take up in your boot and get that thickness or just get what you like. replace footbed. Ride in comfort with a better fitting boot and more cushion on the bottom of your foot from vibration..
I pretty much do this in ever pair of footwear I own. Helps that I have slightly narrow feet so I can wear just about anything and have it be much more comfortable than the stock boots.
as for the other boots- I like boots that have solid ankle protection and a hinge system. Usually by the time a solid leather boot is "comfortable" the protection in your ankle area is lost. I tend to ride with full MX boots, even on multi day dual sport rides but then again I drop my 450lb bike a lot and like having solid protection. I need to find a good pair of goretex socks to wear in inclement weather inside my boots. goretex boots are good but once water gets inside the boot over the top, it takes FOREVER for them to dry out without a fan or something to blow air thru them. I've had in the past Alpinestars, TCX (really liked them) and currently sport a pair of Sidi Crossfire 2 TA boots. fashionable orange and black. :)
Aaaahhh...okay.
Anywho, here's a video on the Formas;
I bought the Forma Adventure boots a while back and the Free State Ride was the first time I had worn them on a ride. They are very comfortable for walking around and once I got used to shifting with them on, I am very pleased with them.
Took my first ride in mine today. Very comfortable and easy to ride in. Much more comfortable standing than work boots.
Sent from my SGP561 using Tapatalk
Mine came in today. I ordered size 12 which is what I normally wear and they seem to run true to size. I'll report back when I have had a chance to ride in them and break them in a bit.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2018-pics/i-js5HCbx/0/b65cc01b/L/P5070002-L.jpg)
Quote from: klaviator on May 07, 2018, 04:26:35 PM
Mine came in today. I ordered size 12 which is what I normally wear and they seem to run true to size. I'll report back when I have had a chance to ride in them and break them in a bit.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2018-pics/i-js5HCbx/0/b65cc01b/L/P5070002-L.jpg)
I have that same pair and I've been wearing them for a year or so. I haven't really gone stomping thru any streams to test how waterproof they are. But they are pretty comfortable and offer decent protection.
So I'm not the only one walking around the house in shorts in my Forma's? LOL
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180507/00b3b6110eca57997926875c651457f6.jpg)
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
BTW I got a great deal on mine from this guy on ebay.
New boots but no box.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180507/1f18eeaa9bda4799e2ec0888eaff2a6e.jpg)
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
I'm thinking of wearing mine the next time I mow the yard. That should help break them in.
My Forma Adventure boots are a little over a year old and still waterproof. Very comfortable for walking. Good chance I'd buy them again when this pair wears out.
I have a never ridden in pair of Sidi Discovery boots. I'm trying them out tomorrow. Will update with first impressionss.
I've got a pair I have had for almost 20 years. They are great for trials riding, very flexable, but no ankle stiffness to protect you from twisting or breaking it. They used to be waterproof, I could walk wet trials sections without getting wet feet. But the last couple times I rode with them, I got wet feet in the rain.
Great for walking in, but not what i would recommend for serious off road enduro riding.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Boot-Repair/i-xsV6n7G/0/c0794a98/XL/Boots%202018-05-12%20001-XL.jpg)