I attended a rally last weekend, which included a round trip of around 320 miles on the Guzzi. Happily the Guzzi did not let me down. Unfortunately, most of my waterproofs did :o\ .
It was certainly the worst weather I have ridden in for quite some time, but my 10-year old Alpine Stars S-MX 6 waterproof boots were the worst offenders for leaking. They are still tough and protective (and in good nick) so I will probably retain them for sunnier days riding, but I’m after some firm recommendations for new boots.
My requirements are fairly straightforward:
Must be protective
Must be waterproof for least a couple of year’s use
Must be comfy enough to walk about in (no Moto-X boots)
Must be tall boots, no short boots
Must be available in wide(r) fittings
Should be available in black, without garish colour ways
Cost isn’t too much of a factor, as I will make them last by looking after them.
Personal recommendations would be great, but there may be some new brands on the market that I know nothing about, so let me know what you think.
I know what you mean! My son and I rode 150 miles - Cardiff-Plymouth - on 5 September. A month’s worth of rain fell in one day! I had Forma ‘Out-Dry’ waterproof boots which might have been great if they’d been a little taller. I had waterproof overtrousers too. With the constant, heavy rain though, water from the surface of the boots wicked up my jeans. This saturated the bottom 12" of the jeans, the water then trickling down inside the boots.
It was a long and exceptionally wet ride but, really, there has to be a better way.
I’m thinking maybe Altbergs. Anyone here have experience of them?
Another thing to look into is snowmobile gear. Has anyone tried that? What are the good brands?
Altberg Hoggs. Mine are about 10 years old and have never leaked. The standard ones come about halfway up my calves but I think they also do a taller version.
I’ve been wearing them since about 1995, and I am about to have to buy my third pair. Fantastic build quality, and very comfortable to walk in. You can get a hybrid bike/walking boot if you want ultimate comfort.
5 width fittings, everything comes in half sizes, so you should get a good fit (though even their “normal” width is wider than most European made boots, as they are designed for British feet, which apparently are wider.) You’ll have to decide for yourself if you like the down-to-earth style.
If you can get to Richmond (Swaledale, Yorkshire) it’s worth visiting the factory for a fitting. If indeed an excuse for a run to the Dales if required
SIDI Adventure 2 boots…they are comfy enough to walk around in so no problem there…only issue is they can squeak a bit, but a squirt of silicone spray soon calms them down.
In 2012 I bought a pair of SIDI boots similar to those above but without the upper clasp . Although the insides are getting worn ( compressed by my 110 kilogrames ) the outer has remained waterproof. The thick soles were very stiff when new and they took a bit of wearing in but soon became very comfortable. At the time they were considerably less expensive than Daytona boots.
I have had a pair of Altberg Classics (now called Bahn rider Boots | Alt-Berg) for over 15years still waterproof -sadly as i got older my feet got a bit bigger so are tighter and colder - so they don’t get much use now.
Wow those Altberg Hoggs look good.
I’ve had a couple of pairs of Frank Thomas Gore Tex Titan boots, may not be as tall as you’re looking for but they’re 100% waterproof in my experience, including wading through steams in the Isle of Man to reach good viewing spots.
Not sure they make them any longer, my last pair came from eBay as lightly used and have lasted really well.
Just watch out, apparently Darth Maul (from Star Wars) wore some so you can see them listed at eye-watering prices on occasion and sold to minted CosPlay fans…
I can also recommend Altberg, my Hogs are over 20 years old but the left one has begun letting in water😂 I also have classics of a similar age and they are fine but getting a bit tight!
I bought a new pair of Altberg roadrunners November last year, went to the factory, got measured, great fit ,comfy off the bike and waterproof
Just for info
Everything i saw at Motolegends (jackets & gloves 3 year ago) was seconds seemed to be mostly minor issues like weirdly thin sleeves or torn lining.
Great prices but that is why they are low
AltBergs or Daytona seem to be the best for rain (& the most recommended), I have a pair of Daytona Strive, they’ve covered more than 40,000 miles over the past 5 years & have never leaked in torrential UK or mainland rain (despite e.g. water streaming down the inside of my helmet visor)! When touring the Strives are comfortable to wear all day & walk around in (e.g. I wore them when ascending & exploring Ch. Peyrepertuse & Querebus). My (now spare) Alpinestar RX5’s stayed waterproof for 3 days & leaked forever after. Most seem to recommend the Roadstars in the Daytona range, I have no personal experience with AltBerg, but those friends that have thenm have all expressed their satisfaction. My boots came from Motolegends & they matched the price from a French shop, so I achieved a considerable saving.
Went with Daytona Travel Star Pro GTX boots in the end. Got them today. Perfect fit on my feet but a bit stiff right now. I have them on indoors for tonight to break them in a bit before trying them on the bike. I had a pair of them some years ago when I was commuting 6 days a week, and they were great then.
I use overboots , wear whatever bike boots I like then. just slip them on pop them up and they come along way up the leg. noi chance or water creepin back up. grippy soles
100% waterproof for relatively little money. perfect.
I think that the simple answer is ensure that they are Gortex, as these are assured and tested by the company before their logo can be used. I have Gortex Alpinestars - no problem. You could also try Gortex socks/liners as an interim fix.
I would also highly recommend Bonded Gortex clothing, it is absolutely brilliant and dries really fast as the Gortex is bonded to the outer layer. I have an Alpinestars suit and stay dry in all conditions thus far!
