MX Style boots - do I need them??

[Mav]

I've only done a couple sessions on green lanes but I know I'm addicted and want to do more!! I have regular boots (BMW Savanna ) that I use for everyday riding. In terms of safety when off-roading, do I need to invest in a pair of MX boots such as Vectors or GS1/2, or are the Savanna boots enough? Apart from the Storm Trooper issue, trying GS1 boots on makes me think I'm practically going to have to relearn to change gear and brake!!

There is the added issue that I've found a pair of GS1s in NYC (where I'm staying this month) for £120. Seems like a good deal... if I need them!

Any advice appreciated!

 

[tonys]

Having broken my left tib and fib offroading earlier this year whilst wearing a pair of AlpineStar Tech6's, I'd have to say, get the best,stiffest, strongest boots you can find/afford. I broke my right leg years ago wearing normal road boots and it was a real mess, full blown compound fracture, lots of displacement of bones, lots of muscle damage. This time round, the boot kept everything remarkably stable, I knew it was broken before I even hit the ground (sickening crack etc) but there was so little displacement and therefore pain after the event, I started to wonder! It all came flooding back once they took the boot off though! Then the great god morphine came out to play and a great time was had by all! Cue Trainspotting moment, 'choose life, choose alpinestars!'

 

[Tarka]

On road or off road,you need shin protection and ankle protection,especially from twisting and crushing.

 

[Tobers]

I always ride in Sidi Flexforce SRS boots (the black ones!)

I've had this pair for 3.5 years now and they are stil in fantastic condition. I wear them pretty much every day. I put a new pair of soles on them about 6 months ago (SRS = sole replacement system) so they're good for another umpteen years now. I have cleaned them once a year on average.

I wear them as I reckon the most likely crash I'll have is a low speed filtering incident resulting in the bike falling onto my lower leg/ankle. These boots give a great feeling of security, and knowing that I am now fully protected I can filter 4x faster

Seriously though - they are great boots. When I had my GSs, they made the gearbox feel really smooth. On the rare occasions when I wore "normal" biking boots I thought that my gearbox was about to fall to bits as it was so rough & notchy (in fact, 2 of my 1200GS gearboxes did fall to bits!).

Anyway, top boots. Buy them, look cool, and save your ankles.

 

[Pipster]

Off road boots

A good quality pair of Enduro boots is what you need, Do not buy motocross boots they have a smooth sole with no grip unlike a true Enduro boot with grippy soles I would reccomend Alpinestar tech 6 most popular boot used by serious trail/enduro riders

You will soon get used to arkward feel, flex leg from hip when changing gear
not ankle.
You will also have to adjust gear/ brake lever Maybe handle bars as you will have to ride standing up on the pegs more.

A good tip never trail ride alone.

Have fun

 

[Timpo]

Boots.

A good quality pair of Enduro boots is what you need, Do not buy motocross boots they have a smooth sole with no grip unlike a true Enduro boot with grippy soles.

Good point.
I have always worn this type of boot and have also witnessed some serious leg injuries on people who haven't!
There are plenty of good deals at the moment as the 2007 lines are being released.
Alpnestars Techs are certainly a great range and can take you over the £200 price bracket.
Other kit is Sidi, which is what I use and to be far I've had no problems. For road riding I got Sidi Couriers, which are based on the Trial Zero type trial riders boot. Slightly shorter than my other Sidis but still with shin, heel, and toe protection.
T.

 

[Flipfly]

I have Alpinestar Tech 6 and they are super comfy. I also have an old pair of road type boots that I need to change soon. You could always try wearing trainers. No protection but far easier to run away from a falling GS
Whatever boot you buy, Make sure that there is really good protection from twisting and crushing. The alpines really are good for this, I have enduro'd and trialed in mine (need more flex for trialing but they are OK for the level I ride at!!), they have been soaked in water, mud, dust and cow poo and they are still as strong as the day I bought them (smell worse though!). Not good for walking in though but very few bike boots are.

 

[Mav]

Thanks

Hi All

Thanks for all the pointers. It sounds like it is pretty much as simple: As the more protection, the better! And that my riding style will need to change/develop to use these more rigid boots. The Savannas (see pic below) seem to have reasonable shin and ankle protection but I don't think they will stop the ankle flex... What do you guys think?

I took a look at both the Sidis and Alpinestars and they both look good - although neither brand seemed to have much in the way of grip for pushing your bike out of that deep mud you shouldn't ridden in to!

And in terms of price, I imagine they'll be some good deals to be had at the Bike Show next month...

Thanks again chaps

 

[JimboGSA]

BMW GS2 BOOTS

I've got the GS2 boot Jase and to be honest would will only wear these when off-roading. They are too stiff and unwieldy for everyday use. After doing the off-road course and having someone drop there 650 on my ankle I reckon the stiffness of the boot saved it from being twisted or worse broken.

One of the buckles didn't fair well though and I've had to replace it at a cost £8 for a set of two. The first set of GS2 boots I had had to be swapped as the plastic strap came out of its housing. I don't think I'd buy a BMW pair next time and go with the recommendations as from the guys above. The deal you can get seems good though and for a first pair of boots they are ideal.


I've got the santiago for road use and they are brilliant, with plenty of protection all round.

 

[Dick Dastardly]

Been wearing Tech 4's for 8 months now and would recommend them to anyone, they've been simply brilliant.

As for the gear change issue, i got used to it in 2 or 3 rides, and wore my road boots once since, and they truly felt like babies booties, no ankle protection, just toys...

A'stars rock

 

[Pipster]

Try this link www.racespec.co.uk they have tech 4 enduro with grippy soles for £139 also try www.enduro.uk.com there links page lists all top brands of offroad clothing

 

[Mav]

Sounds like I should go try on the GS1s and see if they fit - thanks Jim (suggest you stay away from 650 riders in the future! ) And the Tech 4s look pretty good aswell. www.racespec.co.uk are just up the road from me so if no luck with the GS boots, I'll be able to visit them to try some on.

Thanks for all the help - feel much happier knowing that there is not only a good reason to look like a Storm Trooper but there are others who also do

A virtual round on me

 

[RadioActive]

I've been checking out these sort of boots too and wondered what type of trousers you all-year-rounders wear with them. My current HG trousers won't fit over any MX style boots I've tried. The moto-cross style trousers that fit inside boots don't seem to have much or any in-built protection or feel all that abrasion resistant.

 

[Schtum]

I've been checking out these sort of boots too and wondered what type of trousers you all-year-rounders wear with them. My current HG trousers won't fit over any MX style boots I've tried. The moto-cross style trousers that fit inside boots don't seem to have much or any in-built protection or feel all that abrasion resistant.

I wear Sidi Flexforce SRS on the GS most of the time. For trousers I wear HG leather ones, inside the boots; Belstaff Adventure pants, non-waterproof, over the boots; HG Voyager, over the boots with the thermal liner inside the boots and Richa Millenium which also fit over the boots when worn without the thermal lining. This is, obviously, one pair at a time.....

 

[VAL. H.]

Hi All

Thanks for all the pointers. It sounds like it is pretty much as simple: As the more protection, the better! And that my riding style will need to change/develop to use these more rigid boots.


The Savannas (see pic below) seem to have reasonable shin and ankle protection but I don't think they will stop the ankle flex... What do you guys think?

I wouldn't want to use the Savannas seriously off road 'or even atall' there not as protective as the Sidi courrier and the Diadora S-Motard which are both very tough road boots, but offer only minimal off road protection. there is simply too much ankle flex to offer the protection you need for riding off road. (great for kicking cars though )

If you don't go for the BW boots, when you get home look on e-bay and you'll find plenty of MX boots at decent prices. and waterproofing is easy with the use of Sealskins or Pourell dry's and the like.

Just for refference, the BMW Savanner boot at £190.00 is made by Oxtar and their version that is identicall 'except that bmw is replaced with oxtar' are £170.00.
Also, with daily use the stitching comes apart along the top of the foot I think I'll go buy somthing a little stronger.

 

[Mav]

Hi Val.H

I was lucky enough to get the Savanna's for 170... although after one of the girls at the office suggested that the BMW on the shinguard stood for BatMans Wellies.. perhaps I shoulda gone for the Oxtars!

I take your point about the flex in the ankle... I do really need to get some proper boots for of-roading.

CJG - I wear the streeguard trousers which are pretty adjustable at the ankle and fit over my current boots. They have goretex outers and have removable thermal liners. I also just noticed that they actually have neoprene padding in seat of them making them super comfy