$$$Boots$$$

[Zombie Master]

I have to face it, I'm getting older. Lately I'm looking at protective gear more seriously. I'm a fast rider and there are lots of critters on the road here on Vancouver Island. So I've been thinking about boots and what would protect me if I go down. These boots have an inner lace up design that should keep the boots in place in case of a get off. The ones I've been using, and many others just use a zipper and some velcro. Quality racing boots have a lot of protection but often are not ideal for touring. They may not have a waterproof and breathable lining. They can be difficult to walk in. So I'm looking at these.

Am I nuts? These seems very expensive to me, but....

http://www.revzilla.com/product/alpines ... -tex-boots

[Deleted User 72]

I would be very leery of any footwear made of Gore Tex.

Harken used to market some boating shoes of Gore Tex, that became known as the Chernoble model. After just a few wearings they gave off an odor that was considered "radioactive." I saw many pairs that appeared brand new in the garbage can. I owned one of those pairs that appeared brand new.

[Deleted User 287]

I would be very leery of any footwear made of Gore Tex.

Harken used to market some boating shoes of Gore Tex, that became known as the Chernoble model. After just a few wearings they gave off an odor that was considered "radioactive." I saw many pairs that appeared brand new in the garbage can. I owned one of those pairs that appeared brand new.

I bought a pair of BMW's "Moon Boots" back in the late 90's. Goretex-lined. The stitching is falling apart on one of them, but they are still waterproof and some of the most comfortable shoes I own.
I've never noticed a smell.

I think those look like pretty neat boots, ZM, except for the summer heat issue he speaks of in the video.
I also noticed there is not much of a heel-step, something that was required if you wanted to participate in MSF courses back in the 80's.

[Zombie Master]

I would be very leery of any footwear made of Gore Tex.

Harken used to market some boating shoes of Gore Tex, that became known as the Chernoble model. After just a few wearings they gave off an odor that was considered "radioactive." I saw many pairs that appeared brand new in the garbage can. I owned one of those pairs that appeared brand new.

I've had nothing but good luck with Gore tex. All my riding gear has it, and I've been wearing it for 8 years without a leak. My current boots are Alpinestar "Web Gore Tex" Boots.

http://www.revzilla.com/product/alpines ... -tex-boots

I've been very happy with them. They feel like I'm wearing slippers. They keep my feet dry.

No leaky, been to Europe, several trips to Cali, many other wet tours, been dry for 5 years. I've got Gloves with a Hipora supposed to be like Gor-Tex and it has worked very well for 5 years. I want Gor Tex, it keeps me warm and dry and breathes. But it's the added protection I'm looking for now.

[Zombie Master]

I would be very leery of any footwear made of Gore Tex.

Harken used to market some boating shoes of Gore Tex, that became known as the Chernoble model. After just a few wearings they gave off an odor that was considered "radioactive." I saw many pairs that appeared brand new in the garbage can. I owned one of those pairs that appeared brand new.

I bought a pair of BMW's "Moon Boots" back in the late 90's. Goretex-lined. The stitching is falling apart on one of them, but they are still waterproof and some of the most comfortable shoes I own.
I've never noticed a smell.

I think those look like pretty neat boots, ZM, except for the summer heat issue he speaks of in the video.
I also noticed there is not much of a heel-step, something that was required if you wanted to participate in MSF courses back in the 80's.

I'm heading back to Philly for Thanksgiving and just realized that Revzilla is there! I called them and they have a show room. I'll try some stuff on when I get down there. They absorb the sales tax even if you walk in!

Seeing as how I taught the Canada Safety Council course for a decade, I probably won't need to take the course. None of these boots seem to use a heal step.

[Airbear]

A quick thought on 'secure' type boots. A couple of years ago I tipped over on soft ground while looking for a campsite in the bush and got my leg (boot particularly) stuck under the bike. After quite a few minutes of struggling I was able to get my foot out of the boot because it was of the elastic-sides type. I was in a really isolated place at the time, and feel that bits of me would still be there had I been wearing more secure footwear. Just something to consider.

[Major Softie]

Am I nuts?

Yes . . . or, maybe. I've seen very good comparable boots for a lot less. The only reason I'd buy those particular boots is if they were the only ones that fit me well. THAT is worth some extra bucks.

I would be very leery of any footwear made of Gore Tex.
Harken used to market some boating shoes of Gore Tex, that became known as the Chernoble model. After just a few wearings they gave off an odor that was considered "radioactive." I saw many pairs that appeared brand new in the garbage can. I owned one of those pairs that appeared brand new.

First of all, those shoes were not "made of Gore Tex." Gore-Tex is a breathable waterproof membrane that is laminated to whatever the shoes (or jacket or whatever) are "made of." It provides a waterproof membrane behind whatever material the product is "made of."

Gore-Tex has been the premium waterproofing product for over 30 years, and, here in Tahoe, it's been the most popular product for anyone who can afford it. I have sold and used Gore-Tex (as well as most of the many competing waterproof-breathable products that now exist) and never heard of such an issue. Whatever was wrong with those shoes, it wasn't the Gore-Tex. They were either made of leather or some fabric. It would make just as much sense (or as little) to decide one should be extremely leery of leather or fabric because that's what the "Chernoble shoes" were made of.

[dwerbil]

I've used Gore-Tex Thinsulate hunting boots for years for cold weather riding. They work great at keeping the tootsies warm and dry. Bought them for 80 bucks. Summer....I've had a pair of Tourmaster leather boots. Will never buy them again due to premature sole and heel failure (they're coming apart).


These are cool looking German military surplus boots, and not a bad price.

[Garnet]

I bought these Alpinstars MX boots in 1974.



All leather and mostly waterproof. Very comfy and I use them a lot on the street.

You can't go wrong with good quality.

[Zombie Master]

A quick thought on 'secure' type boots. A couple of years ago I tipped over on soft ground while looking for a campsite in the bush and got my leg (boot particularly) stuck under the bike. After quite a few minutes of struggling I was able to get my foot out of the boot because it was of the elastic-sides type. I was in a really isolated place at the time, and feel that bits of me would still be there had I been wearing more secure footwear. Just something to consider.

Well you never know what type of accident you going to have. If you knew in advance you would choose your safety gear based on the situation.

For logging road and adventure touring I use a pair of Combat touring boots. They are not gor tex, but the leather is thick and with very few seams, with regular waterproofing, they stay dry. They are not for long road trips where you might want to get off the bike and walk a long way. When I bough mine they were around $250.
http://www.aerostich.com/off-and-riding ... boots.html