Replacing my touring boots.

er-minio

er-minio

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For the last few years I've been using a pair of Alpinestar Web Gore-Tex boots when traveling. I generally always avoided "adventure" type boots when traveling. Mostly for how I ride, having a preference for slightly "softer" or more street oriented boots. I'm always with the ball of my feet on the pegs, but move around a fair amount (and feet positions) when riding on more corner-happy routes.
I'm also not a great fan of both Power Ranger or extreme offroad-styled boots for normal riding.

alpinestars-web-gtx-new.webp

Said all that, in the last few years I started introducing a bit more gravely/off tarmac bits in my international itineraries, and also the trusty Alpinestar Web are showing age, especially the sole got fairly destroyed.

As I'm traveling towards the end of the month I was considering replacing them.
They were a cheap-ish boot option and served me very well. Comfortable, kept me dry, comfortable to walk in when off the bike.
Breathable in summer (your feet do not boil) and they do not smell, they definitely seemed a step up from my previous Alpinestar touring boots in Dry-star instead of Gore-tex.

I was considering something both slightly taller and with a grippier sole. I do have a pair of three clips Sidi boots that I use when greenlaning that are great but also will give you blisters if you walk more than 200 consecutive meters with them... :D

Something that seems to be more comfy (and, yes, less protective than the Sidi, but maybe on par with my touring Alpinestars) seems to be the Richa Adventure Boots: https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/200897

They seem fairly cheap and never owned anything from Richa though.
Decent cheap option (not paying the brand name tax) or avoid?

Otherwise: Alpinestars Corozal might be another option.

Thanks.
 
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I've had my Forma Adventure Boots, for 4 years/ approx 30,000 miles & really like them. Wearing well, no need to replace yet. All day comfort & OK to walk in without discomfort. They're the lighter end of Adv boots so maybe suited to lighter off road use (although I don't ride offroad)
 
I replaced my faithful Sidi Adventure 2’s with Daytona Travel Star Pros this year. Out of the box comfortable & from what I read about longevity they’ll probably be the last boots I buy.
 
Thank you. Didn't know Daytona. Will have a look. Also Forma.
I've been using Alpinestars for a while (I also have another pair I use on track) as I found them very comfortable, but they seem to not last (relatively) very much.
 
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Wapping said:
Look after them and they’ll look after you.
Click to expand...


Agreed, with one caveat.

The gear lever patch always seems to break up around the stitching and come off.

Unfortunately, Daytona’s response to this is to no longer replace the patch, but to smother the boot with an unsightly and huge repair.


(Web picture)


IMG_4605.jpeg
 
Daytona.

I have a pair of M Star GTXs that I've had for 10 years With the raised heel and thicker sole for my stumpy non ADV bike compliant legs. When I changed from a 1200/1250GS to a 1250RS 2 years ago I found the knee angle too acute for me with the M Stars so bought some Aipine Star web gore tex boots as they had thinner soles. Admittedly they were half the price of the Daytona's but the difference in quality and level of protection was very evident. So much so I bought a pair of Road Star GTXs and sold the Alpine Stars on here. There's nothing wrong with the Alpine stars,, they get a Ride magazine best buy it's just they're not in the same league as the Daytonas.

If you have relatives in the EU and are visiting them over the summer you coukd get them to buy them for you to save the UK VAT and import charges.

I bought mine when they were on a special October deal from FC Moto in Autumn 2024 and they were still cheaper than buying them in the UK.

If you are able to get them delivered abroad you could go to a stockist over here and try some on and see it they'll do you a deal.

They're not cheap, but once you have a pair you won't buy any of the usual mainstream stuff again. As an alternative to Daytona I think Altberg? are UK based and do made to measure stuff that's exceptional quality too.
 
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Oldrat said:
Agreed, with one caveat.

The gear lever patch always seems to break up around the stitching and come off.

Unfortunately, Daytona’s response to this is to no longer replace the patch, but to smother the boot with an unsightly and huge repair.


(Web picture)


View attachment 491837
Click to expand...
My patches stitching started to come off, but the patch wasn't lifting. I put a small amount of leather glue around the stitching, that was 5 years ago and nothing has moved since. I emailed Daytona, they said if I mailed the boots back they would fix, but the patch is sown onto the boot and they couldn't replace the patch as it is. You would have thought by now they would have improved the patch.

My Altberg boots are nearly 10 years old and the patch is fine. They have been resoled though, due wearing the outside of the sole on a trackway :)
 
er-minio said:
Thank you. Didn't know Daytona. Will have a look. Also Forma.
I've been using Alpinestars for a while (I also have another pair I use on track) as I found them very comfortable, but they seem to not last (relatively) very much.
Click to expand...

do you venture into Germany on your expeditions? Daytona is a German brand and used to be a lot cheaper in Germany, although the shit exchange rate might have affected that. Also, German retailers like FC Moto and Louis often have some good end of line deals we do not see here. My current boots were ordered from one of these just before our monumental act of self harm. A direct replacement of the boots I was then wearing and eventually retired after over 20 years and one factory refurb. The new boots in the sale cost what I paid for the refurb after about 15 years. I started wearing the new boots about 2 years ago and I think they will see out my riding days.
 
+1 for Forma boots. My Adventure Lows have been my go to boot for a long time now, even though I also have newer footwear. They are all-day comfortable, fine for walking around in, feel great on the bike, and don't come with a salty price tag. If you want a bit more protection go fo the Adventure Highs. Protection wise, they are at the lower end of the off-road boot market, but as you said, pretty impossible to do any serious walking in a pair of dedicated three clip motocross boots.
 
I have just replaced my Daytonas after 20 years of constant use, they have never let any water in or have any damage.
I was showing off to my mate how great they have been when I looked at the sole and noticed the heel had worn through, he said you can get them re-soled, I thought about that for a couple of minutes then said feck it they have lasted at least 20 years and I’m probably not going to last another 20years I’ll get a new pair, so I did.
 
I have been using Daytona strive for almost 10 years now (same pair )

They are like a blend of sports and touring boots - super comfy on or off the bike, waterproof etc etc and I cant recommend them highly enough

reassuringly Expensive though

1775208224711.jpg
 
Daytona.
I've finally found a boot that's waterproof in any weather. The fact that they feel like a pair of slippers when walking is a bonus.
I've had Richa that leaked virtually from the off, BMW Gravel boots which leaked surprisingly early & various other makes which weren't waterproof for any length of time.
Oldrat said:
The gear lever patch always seems to break up around the stitching and come off.
Click to expand...
The gear lever on the 850GS seems to have a sharpish edge which destroys the edge of the patch. I'm trying to more careful & place my book properly under it to 'spread the load'
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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