Boots, Boots Boots!

[Uniac]

Well in light of this past week (almost ate it, and a friends got a broken back from a rear-end), it's time i get some proper boots.

My 2 choices are the icon Elsinore(more style over function)
http://www.canadasmotorcycle.ca/icon-one-thousand-elsinore-boots.html

and

Gaerne Pro-tech
http://www.canadasmotorcycle.ca/gaerne-balance-pro-tech-boots.html

anybody have experience with either (other than cafematty), how are the Elsinore's holding up? How water proof are they, flex etc.
For the Gaerne's I'm a 9.5 but they only come in even sizes, how do they fit?

Help me make up my mind

 

[Swapmeet Louie]

I just wear my "boots".

 

[Tim]

Just a suggestion - I bought a pair of these down in Tellico Plains, TN a few years ago, and they're my go-to boots. They're waterproof, they breath like nothing you've ever worn - mesh jacket for your feet. You can actually feel the air flow. Tough too - I crashed in them and they survived without barely a scratch.

I wear mine all year in Toronto. Might look a little 'Batman' but I'm telling you, they're great boots.

http://www.canadasmotorcycle.ca/tcx-airtech-gore-tex-touring-boots.html

 

[Blake]

I like Chippewa boots. The Chippewa Rally boots are pretty great. I had some but they were too big. I replaced them with some Chippewa Engineer boots and they are my favorite boots ever. The Rally's are more of a bike boot, IMO. Great protection, support, high quality, made in USA, Vibram sole.

 

[Swapmeet Louie]

I like Chippewa boots. The Chippewa Rally boots are pretty great. I had some but they were too big. I replaced them with some Chippewa Engineer boots and they are my favorite boots ever. The Rally's are more of a bike boot, IMO. Great protection, support, high quality, made in USA, Vibram sole.

Thats extremely close to what I wear, EVERY day.

 

[kioskguy]

I tried on a pair of those Chippewa at the Chicago Mods & Rockers pre-party at Ace motorcycle. VERY comfortable. I'm a tall guy so I don't like the high rear heels on these and most boots for that matter. I look for a low heel first and then the rest of the boot. But I agree they are well made, comfy and reasonably priced.

 

[shamus]

 

[crazypj]

No experience of that particular Gaerne but I've had a few pairs and like them.
Fit good and are comfortable after you break them in
Zippers on 'MX' boots (ICON) are just dumb so your right about looks over function

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

they're my go-to boots.

The first time I read that, I would have sworn you said, "they're my go-go boots."

 

[Cafe_to_go]

LOL you seen "Go-Go-Boots" and I seen Bootys, Bootys, Bootys, I was hoping to see some girls booty but instead it was boots.

 

[Uniac]

Thanks for the input everybody.

How about HEBO? anybody heard good things?
(yes i have a thing for brown)
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/NEW-BROWN-HEBO-TECHNICAL-TECTRIALS-BOOTS-ALL-SIZES-TRAIL-BETA-MONTESA-GAS-GAS-/270994489579?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Boots&var=&hash=item84bc4c58e8#ht_6089wt_1180

 

[Blake]

Thanks for the input everybody.

How about HEBO? anybody heard good things?
(yes i have a thing for brown)
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/NEW-BROWN-HEBO-TECHNICAL-TECTRIALS-BOOTS-ALL-SIZES-TRAIL-BETA-MONTESA-GAS-GAS-/270994489579?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Boots&var=&hash=item84bc4c58e8#ht_6089wt_1180

They look pretty legit. Are you a fan of the big claw clasps?

 

[Uniac]

Nah, just been recommended mx/trial gear by a bunch of people. I guess thats just the way they come.

Absolutely hate the plastic look of sporty boots.

 

[veloracermike]

Gasolina for the win.

 

[Tim]

You gotta be able to walk in a motorcycle boot. It's one thing to wear a enduro boot to protect you from branches and flying rocks, but I'm not sure you'd want to walk around in them once you get to where you're going.

I've never tried on any of the off-road style boots you've posted up so I have no idea how comfortable they are to walk in, but they all look like downhill ski boots to me, and I imagine walking in them would be a similar exercise.

 

[crazypj]

Yep, not too good for walking around in and also pretty heavy
I used Alpine Star Tech 8 when commuting on XS but had different work boots at work
ON CB or Katana I have different bike boots (DPR Greyhound 'Gran Prix', made in Germany) but still usually change footwear when I get where I'm going

 

[Uniac]

I hear what you guys are saying, not sure if it'll deter me though. The Gaerne units are apparently under 2.5lbs each, so not too heavy for a tall boot, and according to avid rider fairly flexible. Only downside is $400. That's a bit tough to swallow.

Definitely the icon's are out, still open to other suggestions.

thanks everyone for the input

 

[crazypj]

$400.00 divided by 10~20 yrs, makes them pretty cheap
Alternatively, I went sliding down the road at about 80+ with left foot trapped under CB550, had MX boots on that time as well.
I still got foot and all my toes ;D (and scar on my knee were leathers wore through)
Pic of me on XS650 a few years ago, off to work wearing Tech 8's

 

[RoadRash]

I like mx boots too. Maybe cause that's my riding roots. Scored a set of Fox boots on Evilbay for $40. Worn once. Worth every penny. I switch out to my work boots at work, too.

 

[alexmac]

I wear these

They are so comfortable that I just wear them as an everyday boot... even when I am not riding.