Best MC Boots

[stokester]

So here I am again at a point where my favorite boots are wearing out, (soles and heels, not leather), and they no longer make this model.

I've been here before with a pair from Hein Gericke and now with a pair from Gaerne.  I've found that I prefer the zippers/fasteners to be on the inside (unlike my Forma pair) and fairly tall to keep the heat from my airheads from the shins.

So what brand/model do you like and why?  They must be leather for my liking.

[Laitch]

So what brand/model do you like and why?  They must be leather for my liking.

TCX X-Five Gore-Tex. Leather with Gore-Tex lining, ankle protection, shin protection, bike-side zipper covered by an over-flap, durable sole with grip on loose surfaces, fit well on 12C feet using aftermarket insoles and wearing medium or light wool socks, comfortable for walking or riding, comfortable from cool weather to hot, waterproof in standing water or when riding (with regular Snow-Proof applications), 12K miles on them so far. Cost around 250USD when I bought them.

[kmev]

I bought Aerostich Combat Lites this spring - have 7,500 miles on them so far. They were very stiff and took some breaking in, but I now find them quite comfortable. Fasteners are on the inside with the exception of one buckle, but they don't look over-designed like many MC boots. They can be resoled. With a drawstring, velco, and one buckle they are fast to get on and off - great for commuting.

They are waterproof (boot dressing helps), and I have worn them in temps from 38 degrees to 94 degrees on 1 to 1.5 hour commutes. They are a bit warm in the 90s, but nothing terrible. They are designed for very large people and have a lot of room inside, but with an added insole they fit quite well for someone who is normal size. There is a lot of internet debate on sizing, but I followed Aerostich's recommendations and it turned out well.

If you want really tall, the non-Lite version is 14 inches high. Overall, I am happy with them. My only concern is the longevity of the velcro, but it seems very high quality and should last for some time.

[Scott_]

Well, I don't know about best, but I wear these:
http://www.ariat.com/10005873_884849129159.html

Very comfortable, I chose these over "traditional" MC boots so as not to have to deal with a 2nd pair of shoes/boots to change into at work.
I can wear these on the bike for the commute and keep them on all day long. I did change to a gel insole after about 6mo or so to give a little more "fill" and less space as the leather softened up and stretched a bit.

[Brahma]

Down here in Florida, Gore-Tex makes a huge difference whatever brand.

[stokester]

Thanks for all the recommendations.

I do prefer real motorcycle boots as I change into my non-slip, hard-toe work boots when arrive at the dealership for work.  The European models seem to fit my rather normal 10 medium foot quite well.

My last few pairs all had either GorTex or a similar type of waterproof inner liner so the treatment of the outer leather had no affect on their water resistance.  As far as comfort goes; yes, they can get quite warm in the mid-summer but I wear them as much for protection as comfort.

Best I've had so far have been the current Gaerne which are tall, then the Hein Gericke while Forma and others fall in behind.  Importance for me is the all leather uppers and waterproof liners.  The Forma had vinyl areas in the front and back for flexibility but they cracked after a couple of years.  :nono

Anyone every had a pair from Vendramini?

Those TCX models that Laitch recommended get good reviews and are listed at a decent price.

[jjs1234]

Jolly.

Italian Made.
Nuff Said.
 :2thumbup:

You can buy em at Motoport or elsewhere.

[stokester]

Well I decided to go with the Dainese Fulcrum C2 Gore-Tex.

Judging size by my previous buys and the sizing guide I ordered the 43 from RevZilla which were not in stock at the time so it took a couple of weeks to arrive.  As per some of the reviews they were a bit small and narrower so I sent them back and got a 44 which seem to fit just fine.  I'm impressed with the fine, soft Italian leather and hope they break in and wear well.  Plus they match my Dainese leather jacket and pants nicely.  :2thumbup:

I can't post this without commenting on RevZilla's return policy.  It's great.
The size 43 boots were sent back and the size 44 ordered on Monday.  Today the size 44s arrived and I received an email stating that my return has been credited to my charge card less the $7.45 for shipping.  It could not have been easier nor faster.

[TrueAce]

After so many pairs of fancy high-priced boots, I somehow came to the realization that nothing had ever been as comfortable and safe as my 5" leather w/goretex, steel-toed work boots. Riding on the trip out West, I noticed at a stop that somehow the mid-toe area had contacted some moving part and cut down to the steel toe cap. Don't know how, could have been one of those high-speed tucks, but if it had been a fancy boot, I might be sporting several mangled toe tendons. Ever seen one of those tennis shoe crotch rocket guys after a wreck...........the foot can be severely mangled with no protection. I believe a strong boot is a necessity.

[Laitch]

. . .  might be sporting several mangled toe tendons.

I've got some of those. I go barefoot to show them off because I don't have any tattoos.