Sole searching...

[Possu]

Looking at replacing my Sidi Couriers with something a little more robust for full on offroading. I've noticed a big difference between the soles fitted to Enduro & M boots, with the Enduro boots having a chunkier sole.

How important is this?

I like Alpinestar Tech 6's but the sole lacks the grip offered by the Tech 3's.

Thoughts please?

 

[wesleyjohn]

i know with my moto cross boots the sole is a lot stronger, as well as less ankel movement. with a stronger thicker sole, you'll feel less through your boots, like you know your foot is on the peg but not where the peg is.

 

[PIGGLET]

I use tech 8's for offroading. The sole is as you say much thicker but is rather slick. The reason for this is to prevent your foot "grabbing" on something when trailing it through a corner. I wanted some boots with a more aggressive tread for winter trail riding but was warned against it by a couple of more experienced riders. They said if I used them for competition as well there would be a good chance I'd twist my leg/hip when the boots gripped mid corner.
Loads of people swear by tech 3's but they didn't feel that comfy to me,I found the 6 & 8's more comfortable. They're fine on tarmac and for summer use on the trails just pants on muddy slopes
I did wonder about buying a 2nd hand pair for winter trail riding and modifying the sole with a tire cutter but haven't got round to trying that yet. Just try a few pairs on and suss out which is the most comfy. Unless you do a lot of walking in muddy conditions I wouldn't say the slicker sole is too much of an issue.

 

[Berin]

Tech 3's come with either an "all-terrain" sole or a slick motorcross type sole. I think for our general off road riding some grip on the sole will help so as not to fall over again when you've already just fell off your bike.

All the other Tech series seem to be just a motocross style sole. Some others like these come with a choice of sole too.