I need suggestions on riding boots. I got big & wide feet 12/13. Want sumthin light and comfortable of course. Also not too bulky given the peg and shifter on the GS500. Anyone use any of the SWAT boots?

NFI what SWAT boots are. I can say that AlpineStars tends to run pretty wide in the foot area, and SIDI pretty narrow.

SWAT brand boots are tactical footwear worn by cops, military, & rescue officials.

I find that boots like that generally don't have enough flexibility for making up-shifts. Not without a lot of effort. I'm currently using the SHIFT boots I got from CycleGear. I like them a lot been using them for over a month now. Prolly 20-25 rides and they still look brand new.

$99

Try a few of the boots mentioned in this thread - http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=456259

I get shaZam! for having laces but I didnt want a shin high racing boot. The are really wide and not hideous. The laces tuck under the center strap so you dont even have the slightest chance of a hang up.

My Icon Field Armor Chukkas
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/11/94/51/ITEM/Icon-Field-Armor-Chukka-Boots.aspx

My boots have laces too, but I wear my 10" Carolina loggers. My overpants keep the laces contained though, so it's not a big issue to me.

I have a set of Forma Voyages (i think thats them anyway), they are quite comfy, i can ride somewhere and be off the bike in them all day without any issues 

Police boots are not riding boots. I used to use my magnums, but the toe wore through in a month, ruining them. They worked, but not as well as a purpose made riding boot. I picked up a pair of these: http://www.alpinestars.com/SMX_5_Waterproof_Boot/pd/c/111/np/111/p/224309.html
and have never looked back. They are comfortable, waterproof, breathable, and i have even tromped through 3ft of snow of them (long story...) with no ill effects. It's ultimately up to you, but i would head to my local shop and try a pair on. You never know, you might actually like them 

I've been using my Merrill hiking boots for the time being and they work fine. I just don't want to wear them out riding and not have them for hiking.

I've seen lots of people ride in above the ankle work boots, and combat boots. In the grand scheme of things, they should provide decent protection in the event of a crash, on par with a lot of the entry level motorcycle boots costing around $100. Combat boots should meet or exceed the performance of a set of textile pants in the event of a lowside, and provide some level of ankle and instep support. Lack of ankle armor is a little concerning, but again... Lots of budget moto boots aren't much better. Laces would be a huge concern for me - so if you go that route make sure you tuck them in.

Top of the line protection on a motorcycle are the braced boots that won't fold laterally or twist at the ankle.

I've had some surprising results crashing non-moto gear. Biggest one was a north face jacket that offered significantly better abrasion resistance than the textile moto pants I was wearing (I was wearing it over an armored moto jacket.)

For what it's worth, I think dedicated moto boots are going to perform better than combat boots - better venting, better armor, more moto oriented features (shift pads, ankle armor, etc.) I'd suggest spending ~$250 on a good set of touring boots, or $400 if you have pre-existing ankle conditions, or are a little paranoid.

But, I say that as a guy who invests heavily in his gear - my gear cost more than my GS.

I have the shift fuel shoes, I love then they go just above me ankle, they were 120 at the time and they've held up great for over 2k miles!

I wear army-issued combat boots, they're pretty flexible so I haven't had issues shifting, and they seem to hold up to wear pretty nicely. Additionally, unlike the Sidi race boots I was wearing before, I can walk around in them with some degree of comfort.

I've had a lot of moto boots over the years and the Shift Kicker boots are the best I've worn yet.  I also have a pair of the Shift Fuel's that get the runner up award, but they're more of a shoe and don't offer the same amount of protection.  Keep in mind they're more of a moto boot that you can wear around the town and not look like a gomer in.  You couldn't wear them to a track day or anything.  I personally hate the styling of most moto specific boots because they look so over the top once your not on your bike and at your destination.  The Kickers are a best of both worlds sort of deal and very comfortable to walk around in.

right now its a tie for me between shift fuel SHOES and alpine* ridge low BOOTS.

I tired both on at the stores, i cant make up my mind which i like. Pricing is $100 on the shift and $130 for the alpine*.

I bought these at a bike show just before the spring and after over 500km in them now I don't think I would get them again.  My main beef is the velcro.  I find (specifically on my left foot) it works its way loose after a short while, I'm suspecting from the shifting and movement of that foot.  On some rides it comes right off and I HAVE to pull over to re-tighten it.  It sucks.  That aside, they are light, very comfortable, not the *best* as far as ankle protection but then again they are clearly a low budget "entry boot".  Anyhow, just wanted to throw this out there in case you were considering these.  I'm already shopping for another pair of something...just can't seem to find ones I like.  

Hey fraze11, what brand and model are those?

I have the dainese race torque outs. I absolutely love them. Took a little while to break in, but the ankle protection offered is pretty nice on this boot.

I liked the alpine stars someone posted a few posts above me. However, I loved the Shift Fuel shoes someone else mentioned. At a recommendation online somewhere I found a pair of the Shift Kicker boots, and love them. I find them to be more comfortable than the fuels, and they provide a little more protection (come a little higher). I love them and on casual friday regularly wear them to work, and around all day at work (both comfortable and look nice). I crashed with them and they did really well considering the slide. Ripped the rubber coating off the clasp across the tongue, but the leather is in really good shape. Glad I got 'em.