Riding boot recommendation

I've spent the last couple of days looking for a sport-touring boot
with a reasonable amount of protection, but without the road-warrior
look. Since I occasionally ride (or should I say get caught) in the
rain, I've been focusing on the waterproof models.

I've looked at and tried on quite a few boots and have narrowed it
down to the Daytona RoadStar GTX and the Sidi Strada.

The Daytona's cost about $100 more than the Sidi's and I like the
looks a little bit better. The Sidi's appear to have a little more
protection.

Anybody got any experience with these boots that they want to share?

Another question I have about these boots or any other waterproof
boots is "Can they be worn all year round in the Bay Area, or are they
unbearably warm in the summer?". Would a non-waterproof boot, with
waterproof socks as needed, give me more year-round comfort?

Thanks.

Joe
1993 EX500

 

My Sidi OnRoads weren't the most comfortable boot I've had when I tried
them on in the shop (my previous Daytonas were more comfortable at first),
but they broke in wonderfully. I have no complaints with them now.

Geo
--
George Mealer | DoD 2170 | '00 Suzuki GSX1300R
geo*AT*snarksoft*DOT*com

"Alright, it's Saturday night...I have no date, a two-liter bottle
of Shasta, and my all-Rush mix tape. Let's rock!" -- Philip J. Fry

 

Sidi On Road Sympatex or Stradas. Like a fine Italian shoe inside, and a
bulletproof combat boot outside. On Road is waterproof as well.

 

I have the Daytona Highway GTX boots, and I do wear them year round
without a problem. Doesn't look like Helimot carries them anymore though.

I would imagine that the RoadStar (which is similar) is equally
versatile.

-B

 

Custom made:

http://www.dehner.com/

Merry Christmas
nb

 

I had a pair of daytonas. About 4 years along, they were pretty scruffy
and beat. New bottoms? What to do? (I did wear them 9/10 days and
often wore them around the office all day).

Their only flaw was they squeaked. When I got them REALLY REALLY wet,
they stopped taht for a week.

Picked up a new pair last spring - fancy! Goretex.

I ride to work (east bay to pleasanton) every day. 120 degrees or 35.
It's not GREAT at 120, but then, neither is are pants and a jacket.

When it's really warm and I'm in a mood, my engineering boots that I've
had re-soled 3-4 times since I got them for $80 in 1983 - drove xcountry
3 times in them wore them daily for a couple years... they're kinda
vented a bit now. Suck in the rain, but a nice change in the heat when
I'm doing local errands. Not great ankle support.

(and if it's REALLY dumping, some people just put on those totes
overboots. Were I riding 8 hrs in the rain again, I'd have those.).

 

Daytona Urban GTX - Leather & Gore-tex engineer boots with a
reasonable amt of protection.
They're 100% waterproof - its just that after a year of constant use
they, too, look a little scruffy in the typical contact points on the
left boot, mostly.

Also, the sole had to be re-glued a few times. I'd just bring them in
to Helimot to see if they could do anything about it, but I can't
stand to be w/o them for very long... Some household Goop
adhesive-stuff seems to be doing the trick, though with a pair of $300
boots, I'd expect better.
Hopefully when these soles are worn out it won't be a hassle getting
them fixed up, as the rest of the shoe is functionally tops.

I wear them every day, year round, pretty much.. They're comfy enough
and civilized enough looking to wear around the office.




cds

 

Notbob,

Maybe it was my fault for not being more specific and saying I was
interested in a motorcycle boot, but I thought that would be assumed
since I posted in ba.motorcycles.

Seriously, all I could find at the site you recommended were ugly,
expensive, horse riding boots.

Joe

 

Thanks everybody for your feedback. I'm going to go with the Daytona
Roadstar GTX boots.

Now if I can only find a pair in my size in the Bay Area. I'll start
by calling Helimot.

Joe
'93 Kawasaki EX500

 

I think Helimot acts as the local importer, so they may be able to help
you find other shops with them.

Scuderia in SF caries the Daytona boots as well, I believe

-B

 

Dehner's also is the leading provider of motor patrol boots, the type
of boot used by the CHP and other "motorcycle" cops. I realize that's
a pretty narrow style, but they do make other boots, like lace up
military boots. Sure, they are not the slick, cool looking, Power
Ranger style boots with the chrome and buckles and other gew-gaws
favored the by Ricky Racer set, but they are one thing ...custom made.
That means fit and finish, as in choice of leathers. Having shopped
around for custom fitted boots (cowboy boots being the most likely
place to look), I can assure you the prices Dehner's charge are very
reasonable. But, if you are not interested, that's cool. I just
provided some info.

nb

 

actually, Helimot is the US or maybe even North American importer for
Daytona-Frey.

 

Struck out at all three places (Helimot, Scuderia and LaMotiva). Looks
like I've got to wait a few weeks until the next shipment comes in.

Joe
'93 Kawasaki EX500

 

You BMW riders are calling them horses now?!?

;D

 

Perhaps he meant "steeds".

nb

 

These are nice too: http://cruiserworks.com/