Boots for off road riding

I decided to create a new thread here so info on boots can be found instead of searching in trip reports for the odd posts about boots.

Well this is surely for the off road guys to answer.

After my fall on Sunday's GS run where my bike fell onto my right leg only to fracture a bridge bone in my foot, I realized that I should get a set of dedicated off road boots for the adventure riding and have a pair for city riding. What boots would you recommend for off road riding?

How much money do you have?

No seriously - I believe the MX-type boot is ideal as it is quite rigid and easy to get on and off with the clasps. BMW makes a nice one, but I will have to save a long time for them.

Personally I like the ONeil Elements or Thor Quadrants. Most MX boots are quite flashy/trendy and given your preference for black attire, I'd look at something to go with that.

And when you go shopping, get a pair of long socks (I've got black Oakleys) and put them on before trying on the boots. The socks can be quite thick and may influence the size you are looking at (normally 1 size larger than your shoe size). Steel tips are also nice when you feel like kicking rocks and stuff

As with the flying I do, we have a well used saying, "Money! What money! There is no limit when it comes to safety. Safety always comes first!". I forked out plenty without a second thought when it comes to safety gear and equipment and deal with the financial side of the purchase afterwards.

The reason I ended up in my situations is that I still new and know no better. Though once I learnt something I do something about it.

I sure I will have the opportunity to kick a rock or two.

I have a pair of Thor quadrants - it was comfortable from the first day I bought them. It is not too bad looking either, some of the other brands are quite flashy and my style.

I also bought (for about R250), a pair of knee guards (also thor quadrant) and it works very well with the boot. I wear them underneath my trousers.

It takes a bit getting used to, though, riding with these boots. I had to adjust my gear lever to a more horizontal position to be able to up and downshift while standing up. It does provide a LOT more comfort if you tend to stand for long stretches, as the ridged soles of the boot disperses your weight over the entire boot and not only onto the footpeg through the bridge of your foot.

After a while it becomes so comfortable, that you will find that you prefer your offroad boots for normal tar riding as well. Just provides that extra measure of confidence.

Mine is in standing in the garage now, it has been a while since I wore them. The Sabie GS awaits...

If cash is not a problem get any of these:
Gearne SG10 (Probably THE best boot out there)
BMW GS Rallye Boots
Alpinestars Tech 7

If you are on a tighter budget:
Thor Quadrant
Fly Racing
Axo Boxer Boot

There are HUGE differences between these two tiers of boots, the first lot is a WAY better product than the second lot, but at a price.

The first group will go for R4000+ and the second group for about R1500+. If you can, choose from the top group.

To be honest, I cannot really imagine that the top tier boots will feel SOO much different from the Thor quadrants I have. Yes, they might feel better, but is that worth the extra R2500 you pay? I doubt it...

The longest protracted period I wore my boots for was 10 hours at a stretch, 4 days in a row. No blisters, no swelling, no numbness - NOTHING!

One differentiating factor which is sometimes reflected in the price is the protection around the ankle. The better boots provide more strength and support there.

Rather buy the boot too big than too small and buy extra good inner soles - you will thank me when you stand for a long time. Which is also why your first accessory for a bike should be wider off-road foot pegs or at least remove the rubbers from the OEM pegs. Their sharper edges - that keep your feet on the pegs instead of slipping off - will give your sole a beating over time though.

One of the things you learn on the courses is that you use the side of the boot to change gears (up, when you stand), so you don't need to adjust your gear lever for your boot to fit under.

I still use the side of my boot to shift, but the original position of the gearlever was so low that I could not even get the side of my boot to the lever!

Thanx for the info. I be going on a shopping trip this Saturday.

steyngert wrote:I still use the side of my boot to shift, but the original position of the gearlever was so low that I could not even get the side of my boot to the lever!

but surely that gap can be adjusted?

yes, the gap can be adjusted - it was a bitch trying to find a Torx E8 socket though. Eventually got one from Makro, of all places!!

Alpinestars Tech7. Tried all the others and decided on it in terms of comfort and protection. And it is also the weapon of choice of a certain Mr Alfie Cox.

If you do not want to spent that much Thor quadrants also offer good value for money.

I'm also in line for new boots.. looong boots.
I thought the pair of Santiago's was good - They are longer than my first pair of Allround boots. I also like the rigid sole when standing up -
but they still don't protect the top part of my shins.

I've been looking at the Rally Enduro's (BMW) - (a bit butch but rather that than a broken ankle).. but will continue looking..
So thanks for this thread, I'm totally lost in what to buy now...

The BMW Rally ones will be perfect for you. The Alpinestars are formed more 'smooth' around the soles, so they could go through as less butch. Similar styles are used by some new Geaurneu's (sp?) and Fox boots that I saw.

Try the new Scott boots. It is out of this world

pdekoker wrote:Try the new Scott boots. It is out of this world

Before you buy the BM Rally boots, put them on and take them off three (3) times and while you are doing it imagine doing it on a 10-day trip in the bush..... That exercise helped me with my final choice.

I tried them on.. what an exercise!
Was hoping it would get better after the third time?

I guess the Alphinestars are no better in getting the boots on.

GSlady wrote:I tried them on.. what an exercise!
Was hoping it would get better after the third time?

Alpine Stars offers some nice ladies specific boots and good stuff they are



"Stella Tech 3 Boot
Ladies' specific version of the hugely popular Alpinestars Tech 3 Motocross boot. Benefitting from the technology developed in the high specification Tech 10 and Tech 7, the Tech 3 combines strong protection performance with comfort and high quality components to give unobtrusive riding feel and durability."



and if you want more hardcore.......



"Stella Tech 6 Boot
Designed for women. Technical, high-performance motocross / off-road boot for pro racers and experts. The perfect boot for great performance, comfort and safety"



now, wheather you will be able to find it locally is a different story but you can most certainly get them online. Unfortunately, in this case, size does matter though.......always difficult to buys shoes over the wire.........unless of course if you have a wireless connection


on the other hand, this might be some of the boots you have already tried on........just ignore this reaction then




I'm starting to get the hang of this off-road thing, don't I

Thank you!
(Nope . . my wireless connection doesnt go that far )
I need number 8 to stay balanced! I don't know along the motorcycle gear, but normally lady specific gear don't go there..

My biggest concern is that the boot doesn't go up high enough - I want it as close to knee as comfortably possible.
This is what I have - and its not long enough:

The length of my tibia and fibula is of course also not the average.

Inputs appreciated! Knowledge is power!

if its's of any further help.........amongst others, I wear Alpine Stars boots (no, not yet the off-road type) and they are by far my most comfortable boots (including BM boots). I often keep them on for a whole day at a time.

I guess the proof of the pudding is in eating it, so no better way to find out than fitting them. Unfortunately, like tibias & fibulas, our feet are always not designed like the Chinese would like them to be.

I've noticed that my left foot was squeezing a bit on the boot, whereas the right foot was nice and snug. Regardless of which boot you go for (Those Alpine* Tech6 steel-tipped boots look niiiiiice!), you would still have to wear them in. I guess the time that takes is inversely proportional to the price you pay for them

I've been told that by filling them with warm water, putting them on and doing some garden work on a Saturday morning sorts out any discomfort quick-quick!

And please remember to wear the socks you will be wearing when you fit! They are normally much thicker than "normal" socks...

Jamie, you're quite informed for a "newbie"

Well I been getting pricing for the Alphinestar Tech 7. They start off at R6000+

that's too much.

Try World Of Acessories in Randburg. Got a pair Tech7's from them on Sunday and they are substantially cheaper than R6000

What did you pay?