New to forum. Trying to find a pair of boots....

[Hudnall78]

Hello all. New to the forum. I own a 1992 GS500E. About 30,000 miles on it. Was laid down previously before I got it. Runs good so far.

I'm new to riding, and should be taking my endorsement class next weekend. Very excited about riding. Have rode very little (as I have no endorsement yet) and really enjoy it.

Currently, I have been reserving what gear to buy. I have a Vega helmet currently to get me started. As I am in college, this will be my DD. Being in Oregon, I know I'll be faced with rain, so I'll be finding rain gear that can carry me into spring/early summer. So far I am looking at the Olympia dakar coat and pants, with Alpinestars archer gloves. Which leave me with finding boots. I'm looking for a unicorn it seems.

I would like to find:
Waterproof
Semi breathable (I know, waterproof will limit this, but....)
GREAT protection
On/off bike comfort. (I want to be able to wear them off the bike to class, and not wear out the soles in a couple weeks.)
Price range is $100 to $350. (I'd do $400 if it's exactly what I want)
Mid to full length (though I want to be able to put pant leg over top to hide 80% of boot.)

Waterproof and protection are #1 concers, however I don't want to wear out the boot too quick either. I was looking into tcx, but some had said they fall apart. I had my eye on Alpinestars smx plus wp, but don't know if I could walk in them all day. I'm not so concerned with looking odd at class as long as the boots do what they should. After all requirements are met, then looks (casual) would be a added plus.

Thanks all for any suggestions ahead of time.

[Wladziu2.0]

End of subject.

http://www.aerostich.com/clothing/footwear/combat-touring-boots/aerostich-combat-touring-boots.html

[Hudnall78]

Those almost fit the bill, however they aren't waterproof material. They do look nice, and the wearability is awesome.

[Wladziu2.0]

I rode an average of 360 days a year, for many years, in these boots.  Snow, mud, clay, 5-hour trips to DC through rain storms, NC hurricane fronts, stream crossings on my TE310, you name it.  I stopped riding only when the roads were iced over, because I wanted everything the road could possibly throw at me.  While going to college classes and stomping all around campus, hiking, mucking horse stalls, you name it.  I've shined them literally once, so I could look nice for some patients.  Nowadays, I just hose them off and maybe use a brush.  Unless I'm standing in a foot of water like a pale Irish flamingo, the worst my feet have gotten are somewhat damp.  And they're not even broken in, yet.  I'm plan to be buried in these boots. 

My wife threatened to leave me if I bought them.  So, technically, they've already saved my life. 
The last woman I dated had a penchant for $1200 Louis Vuittons, high grade pharmaceuticals and higher grade hookers.  She said they're "hawt" and tried to steal them.  Now, she's gone, too. 
Your mileage may vary.


You'll notice your crotch zipper leaking first.  That's a heckuva lot colder.  Or down your collar, if you don't get a nice balaclava.  And your gloves.  I was in the US cavalry for 8 years, in Bavaria, Bosnia and Iraq.  I know a thing or two about gear quality and inclement weather. 
And that's all I have to say about that.

[Big Rich]

Hud, remember you can get some boot covers that are waterproof as well.

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/raingear/over_boots/

This way you can get breathable, comfortable boots for everyday use..... and rain protection when you need it.

[Janx101]

Did ya stutter Wlad. .. bahahaha.

BMW boots are the ducks guts according to a close mate of mine. .

[jakeoster]

IMO, go to a motorcycle gear store and try different stuff on. You'll know when you put it on. In fact, do that for all your gear. You can even take advantage of the store's employees that are trained to fit you properly.

*But Jakeoster, the store is a rip off. Theres better deals online!

=> Just say you haven't gotten your bike yet and your just pricing out your gear first. Youll be back Then go home and find a deal online, when you know exactly what is right. Unless you want to support your local shop...

Especially if you plan on riding a lot, the gear is make or break. If you dont get whats right, for you, youll be uncomfortable and that is not the way you want to go.

[jakeoster]

Apologies, double post.