Waterproof boots

My new(ish) water proof boots are not quite as water proof as they make
out. I've got a pair of Diadora boots that use the VeraTEX
waterproofing system. My feet are getting pretty wet in a 45 minute
ride, but what's worse is the boots can take a couple of days to dry out
fully. So wet feet next morning.

I'm going to try and take them back. Any suggestions on a good 100%
water proof commuter/tourer type boot, or ones to avoid? Is there a
particular water proof technology to go for and others to avoid? Or
should I accept that you just get wet on a bike (my Spada Airvent
trousers can leak a little at the seams)?

Regards,

Tim

 

My Daytona boots, all 3 pairs, are excellent. Proven in the worst rain that
Rannoch Moor and the Reschen Pass can throw at them.

 

If you want waterproof boots that will last for years then you can't
beat Daytonas.

 

Daytona certainly look like one of the premium brands. First boot I
came across was £650. A few more down at the £250 price range, but I'm
hoping to get some for £130 or less.

Regards,

 

Perhaps I should have asked this first. I've had the boots for about a
4-6 weeks, but I've not treated/polished them. Do boots typically
require waxing to keep them water proof?

Regards,

Tim

 

They start at about £160 for the Nonstops. The extra durability, genuine
waterproofness and the fact you can get them refurbished means they work
out better value over time.

 

The should not leak if they have a waterproof membrane.

Are you sure the boot is leaking? If the trousers are leaking then water
will run down the inside of the trousers into your boots.

I got a pair of Held overtrousers as recomended by Ride. They were
excellent in the Alps recently.

 

The Sidi Black Rains I bought 5 years ago have never let in a drop of
water. They're not leather though if that bothers you, or heavily
armoured.

 

Have a look Alpinestars then.

On the odd occasion I buy waterproof gloves or boots the first thing I
do is stand (or put hands in) a bucket of water for a few minutes -
reveals any immediate flaws.

 

I assumed all the waterproofing was done by the membrane and not the
leather.

So I've just given them a test in the shower. Looks like I'll be riding
to work tomorrow with a wet foot. All looked good for the first minute
or so, then the water ingress started. The boot has a kind of inner and
outer leather boot and then the material sock. I think the water is
getting in through the zips that come down below trouser line. The
water then works its way back to the heel where my feet get wet (on both
boots). Turned the boot up side down and plenty of water came out from
between the leather and inner sock. Which probably explains why it
takes a couple of days to dry out.

My guess is the VeraTex just can't cope with the amount of water the
boot lets in. Or there isn't a good seal in the heal and the water gets
through. Gutted they're a good fit and I've just broken them in.

Found a web site with a pair. You can see how the zips (one on both
sides) come far down the front.

http://www.mc-clothing.co.uk/acatalog/Diadora_CRUISE_Touring_Boot__99.99.html

(Sorry for advertising a web store, but the Diadora Motorcycle site is
just one big flash fest).

Regards,

Tim

 

Not quite down to that level but:
http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/shop/product_info.php/cPath/3_138/products_id/4075

Have been totally waterproof for me for the last two winters.

Picture is broken though.

--
Catman MIB#14 SKoGA#6 TEAR#4 BOTAFOF#38 Apostle#21 COSOC#3
Tyger, Tyger Burning Bright (Remove rust to reply)
116 Giulietta 3.0l Sprint 1.7 145 2.0 Cloverleaf 156 V6 2.5 S2
Triumph Sprint ST 1050: It's blue, see.
www.cuore-sportivo.co.uk

 

Not so cheap alternative is Sealskinz.

 

Did you specify you wanted the ones that keep water out, or the ones
that keep water in?

 

I have some Sidi Black Rains which are excellent and don't leak.

In fact they're on the small side for me, so if you're a size 11 then
you're welcome to them for a token amount.

 

As my GTX's are a tad snug in the toecap, if no-one else takes them...

--
Catman MIB#14 SKoGA#6 TEAR#4 BOTAFOF#38 Apostle#21 COSOC#3
Tyger, Tyger Burning Bright (Remove rust to reply)
116 Giulietta 3.0l Sprint 1.7 145 2.0 Cloverleaf 156 V6 2.5 S2
Triumph Sprint ST 1050: It's blue, see.
www.cuore-sportivo.co.uk

 

Altbergs are for Igor impersonators..."Yesh, Mashter"

 

Ah, no RALLYE GTX II from Heinz Gherkin

--
Catman MIB#14 SKoGA#6 TEAR#4 BOTAFOF#38 Apostle#21 COSOC#3
Tyger, Tyger Burning Bright (Remove rust to reply)
116 Giulietta 3.0l Sprint 1.7 145 2.0 Cloverleaf 156 V6 2.5 S2
Triumph Sprint ST 1050: It's blue, see.
www.cuore-sportivo.co.uk

 

Wellies.

Whatever happened to good old Derriboots. btw? Do they still make 'em?

 

I'm not convinced they're good for your feet but they just do what
they're supposed to. I have crap boots so carry them with me in case
of rain.

 

Well, I ordered a set about four years ago. Arrived when they said
they would (6-8 weeks) and then found they wouldn't fit my calves.

Spoke to them and they agreed to tailor make some, think it cost about
250 quid all in. These took another month or so to arrive. Completely
water proof, won't win any style awards but I'm more than happy with
them.