Racing or Track Day Boots

[spotcom]

I'm in the market for some new boots. At the moment I'm using some Gaerne boots, but they're more of a touring boot in that they don't have a hard shell to stop the foot rolling in an accident.

Is anyone aware of any boot reviews, similar to the Glove reviews that Captain posted up?

If not - what should I be looking for?

I'm heading to the motorcycle show on Saturday and if they've got any specials on, I'll look to pick up a pair there.

[tempest161]

you can't beat the sidi's.

[SLAC]

you can't beat the sidi's.

True, and you cant beat the price either :doggy:

[Mike]

+1 for the Sidi's.

Excellent boots.

[Stu23]

Try lots of mnfr's boots on, look for protection and fit.......I can walk all day in my AlpineStars....they have also saved my feet twice and they are now 6 years old.......would I buy them again,sure would.........Although ive just won a pair of Gaerne racing Boots

[Ed_GSXR]

Ive got the big alpinestars fellas with the inner boot, but theyre a bit big and clumpy (as are my feet), and whilst giving loads of protection, theyre a lot of hassle to put on.

+2 on sidi's. I'll be going back to them.

[DanFX]

I have the A stars supertech R, most comfortable boot ever!!!
spend the extra $$$ you won't be disappointed :)

http://www.motogio.com/store/motogio_images/products_images/t_16267_03.jpg

[Captain]

I haven't come across a boots review, I did in fact search for one before I bought mine. I based my selection on:

Brand name. I know, but I fugured Alpinestar, spidi etc were probably going to be better than Rjays, particularly with their racing experience.
Armour. As best as I could tell, anyhow.
Comfort. I should place this first, as it's so important. I tried aboiut a dozen boots before I found the one I was happy with.
Color. You gotta look good :)


I settled for the Alpinestar Supertech R boots (you might have seen Stoner advertising them). I recommend not just because they were my choice, but:
- They are made in two parts; first you put on these booties, which are as comfortable as, and if you want to you can walk in them. The outside of the booties have the armour. Then you zip the outer boot over the top. The theory behind this is that it's best to have the armour on the 'inside'. What they found is that in a fall you cop a hit, the armour breaks but often you cop a second hit, but you have no protection. By having the armour between the two boots, it remains in place.
- They were by far the most comfortable I tried on. And I mean by a long shot.
- They have that rubber bit on top, which keeps the rain out.

http://www.alpinestars.com/store/ProductImages/details/222008_large.jpg

They're not the cheapest - in fact, they're probably the most expensive but I'm extremely happy with them. My only mistake was to not get the ventilated ones, my bad.

PS. I don't find them bulky (but I haven't 'raced' with others) nor a hassle to put on - easy as.

[eden.kwok]

sidi corsa are a nice boot, they are 425US, and sidi new vortice boots looks business i might say, but thats 475US!!!!

[drukenhard]

Wouldn't the vented version defeat the purpose of the rubber rain guard thing?

What's the sole of bootie thing made out of and what do they look like out of the shell?



I remember ages ago I went rollerblading in the city with some mates and we got into clubs with just the liners on as shoes!

[DanFX]

the inner booty looks like this...

http://www.customlids.co.uk/boots/astar/supertechR/inner_lge.jpg

[tempest161]

i've had a few big get offs including dumping the bike on my ankle at high speed and have always walked away. i wear the Sidi Vertigo Corsa's and love 'em. Yes they aren't cheap but well worth it.

[Captain]

Wouldn't the vented version defeat the purpose of the rubber rain guard thing?
Probably, but if it rains I can even wear my rain boots, who cares as I'm going that slow anyhow. From that perspective, I guess the rain guard thing is not really that beneficial after all :confused1:

[KW4K4]

funny enough i am in the market for new boots - i was going for another pair of AStars but what puzzled me is that on all the new boots Astars have in their new range the zip is on the outside of the boot and not up against the inner heel or at the back of the boot.

It definately adds to the difficulty of putting them on when you have leathers on.

[Wiccad]

Boots are like Helmets. Different brands suit different people due to shape, arch etc. Look for a good exoskeleton to protect the ankle from roll and hyper extension, armour to protect the side of the ankle from impacts and a pivoted toe/ball of foot area to protect the toes from being bent back.

Boots like helmets wont protect you properly and/or will cause early onset fatigue if they don't fit properly. Generally speaking the US brands suit people with wide feet or fallen arches, Euro brands narrow feet. High arches = inserts so you may need to buy half to one size bigger to allow room for the insert.

I have fallen arches so I wear Oxstars, priour to this I had apair of Gaerns and while they were fine riding they were a pain in the arse for commuting in. My current Oxstars were half the price of the Gaerns but are twice the boot.

[Marcus]

i have a new pair of oxtar evo replicas in 44 yours for $350. Never been worn, in the box with all contents etc!

http://www.diseno-art.com/images/OxtarTCSEvoRXReplica.jpg

I use these in 43, they are a touch more comfortable for me then the sidi vertigo's but slightly less then the supertech r's.

[seals]

Things I would suggest
Trackday / Racing boots
1. Zips on the outside. At trackdays/racing with my current boots, the zip and velcro zip cover catch on the rearsets and upset my position on the bike.

2. After the crash at PI on the weekend I twisted my ankle, so next time boots with ankle support. I mean real ankle support, my oxtar's (not the full on race models) have what I thought was ankle support but it doesnt cut it.

Touring / Everyday Ridng / Commuting boots
1. Cumfy and be able to walk around in them. Had a pair once that would blister up my feet when walking. Ended up in hospital with infected limpnodes.

2. Waterproof - gortex boots are well worth the $$'s IMO. Keep ya feet dry and warmer in winter.

[drukenhard]

eden.kwok.......I like your style!

Those Sidi Vortices certainly look the bee's knees!

Video Review here (http://sportbiketrackgear2.homestead.com/boots.html)

[spotcom]

Thanks guys. I'm hoping they have a good range on Saturday so that I get to try a bunch on first.

Gee those Sidi Vortece's look good. Not available until next year, according to that video.

Fook me this hobby's expensive!

[Captain]

There must be something to the concept of the armour on the 'inside'; Dainese's new range are built in this way too:

http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/stivali-dainese-axial-race-new-e-guanti-dainese-hellfire/big_Dainese_Axial_race_new.jpg

http://www.dainese.com/store/adm/uplImg/s.replica-valentino-1795128-309v-wz.jpg

[Jonny DeWog]

Sidi Vertigos are my choice. (or Vertigo Corsa, if you need the extra arch adjustment).

Obviously fit is priority #1, but for me I wanted a "flexible" boot that didn't hinder ankle movement (gear changes, body position etc) yet still offered protection.

Their exoskelton achilles tendon / ankle protection is tried and true, so that was the deal clincher for me..

jdw

[eden.kwok]

eden.kwok.......I like your style!

Those Sidi Vortices certainly look the bee's knees!

Video Review here (http://sportbiketrackgear2.homestead.com/boots.html)

thanks the vortice will be my next pair of boots i think....replaceable soles......yummy

[Belinda]

It's going to seem that I keep shamelessly plugging a friends gear that he sells!:dancesmiley:

He will be selling these Puma boots at the Sydney Motorcycle Show. Normally they are around $599 but at the trade shows he sells them much cheaper. Keep an eye out for these boots and try them on.

http://www.shogai.com.au/1000.html

The framework around the boot is designed to not allow your ankle to move more than it naturally would. The hinge obviously allows forward movement but also has enough to roll your ankle around. They are rear entry as well, so no catching on your rearsets.

Lots of colours as well.

[eden.kwok]

It's going to seem that I keep shamelessly plugging a friends gear that he sells!:dancesmiley:

He will be selling these Puma boots at the Sydney Motorcycle Show. Normally they are around $599 but at the trade shows he sells them much cheaper. Keep an eye out for these boots and try them on.

http://www.shogai.com.au/1000.html

The framework around the boot is designed to not allow your ankle to move more than it naturally would. The hinge obviously allows forward movement but also has enough to roll your ankle around. They are rear entry as well, so no catching on your rearsets.

Lots of colours as well.

They are a nice pair of boots, with lots of technology built in, however i have heard that they aint quite as comfortable compare to sidi, of course i have never tried on a pair so i might just have to do that on friday, however trying them on for 5 minutes and being comfortable is different to wearing the boots all day comfortable.

[OutOfControl]

+1 on the Alpinestars Supertech R's

I bought a pair about 2 weeks ago. After having tried on many other boots these were by far the most comfortable and easiest to walk around in. They aren't difficult to put on like some people make it out to be. With good protection around the ankle area and the rest of the foot, they fit like a glove and look great.

[Team Zero]

I tried them all on before I bought the Alpinestars. They are my second set and I have crash tested them twice and they are still going strong. They are also comfy to wear all day.

[drukenhard]

I will have to wait for the Vortices to come out then compare them to the Supertech R's.....need something more solid for serious crack brain running!

[mattyvas]

I have been looking for a little while for new track boots.
Burnt a trail to the gear sale at the bike show, found only A*'s in some sizes but not all.
Of course not my size in the colour I wanted, looked at the Puma and the guy at Shogai was keen to do them for well under $500 but after trying them and finding I needed a good helping hand to get them off I kept looking.
Went down the road to MCAS Auburn looked at A*'s again S-MX ? (they all have similar names) but they didn't have sizes again (in a 3000SQ shop) so I am still looking. Going to hunt down some Oxtar/TCX this week and go from there.

[DanOz]

I'm in the market for some new boots.

Hi Chris,
What the hell.... :spank: you should have bought your boots in Bologna at the "Fantasy" place........ not enough choice over there????? :cursing:

Jokes aside, I'm a SIDI fan, and have two pairs, the latest I think is named B2 or something similar quite a good balance between a touring boot and a racing one

http://www.superbikeitalia.com/products/thumb_128200761258pm.jpg

I love them, very very confortable, and a brand you can rely on.
Ciao

[triumph]

nice . have to wait to i save up my money for a new pair .

[spotcom]

Hi Chris,
What the hell.... :spank: you should have bought your boots in Bologna at the "Fantasy" place........ not enough choice over there????? :cursing:



G'day Dan! Yes, I'm kicking myself (with crappy boots). :lmao: Why didn't I buy a pair there???

I thought my boots were okay - I mean, I didn't really think there was a problem. They're comfortable, and seem to do the job.

It was only when I was talking to someone at an EC trackday, who mentioned that they'd broken their ankle in a fall, "... and I was wearing boots that were... actually, they're very similar to the ones you're wearing now!"

I'm now looking for ones with a bit of protection against lateral movement.

I looked at the motorcycle show - if I'd wanted Pumas, I could have bought either those ones at the Shogai stand, or the Ducati branded ones. I should have tried them on, but just looking at them, thought they'd be a real struggle to get on and off, so didn't bother.

I'll keep looking! I do want to try those Sidis though - they look good.

[Stu23]

I have won a voucher for some Gaerne GRS race boots so will write up on how they fit and feel etc. Anyone from here work at motorcycle accessories in Liverpool as thats where I will be going ! If you will pardon the expression they are a rear ! entry boot, look a bit finicky to put on, but will have a better idea soon i guess

[Captain]

Flash new boots by Suomy

http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/stivali-suomy-extreme-gold/big_Suomy_Extreme_Gold_01.jpg

[Cedric]

I wear the Puma 1000's on the track. They look flash and they have a really good system that prevents harmful ankle over-extension. They have an inner boot and an outer, with various types of protection. I've crashed in them (albeit at slow speed) and they did the job admirably.

Would I recommend them? Maybe. They are comfortable when you try them on in the shop, until you start walking in them and realise the tough plastic designed to protect your ankle actually applies too much pressure on the bones in that region. The inner sole also comes out without much provocation, so you go to put your boots on, then realise you have to take them off to reset the inner sole.

And the sound! Do they ever squeak!! They'd have to be the loudest boots I've ever tried!

[SmiddyR6]

Ive got A* GP techs, not sure if they still make them, but their great, very comfertible, and the inner boot is great, loads of ankle suport..

[Turtle]

Gaerne GRS....

[Turtle]

Flash new boots by Suomy

http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/stivali-suomy-extreme-gold/big_Suomy_Extreme_Gold_01.jpg

Hey these do look the goods....dunno 'bout the colour though ???:confused1:

[rednut]

Try the gaerne grw and grs boot theyre pretty kickasss too. Italian and cheaper than some of the sidi's