Boot Question...

[cbr_chick_nh]

Just looking for a little advice...

I have decided to take the plunge and buy a pair of riding boots. Price is not really a concern, just looking for quality. Sidi, A*, Dainese? -- Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I am not sure once I decide what brand I am going to go with that I will find anyone local who even carries it - so if you have a sizing recommendation, feel free to add it in. Whether or not sizing is true to fit... that way in the event of online ordering I am good.

Lastly... Are they comfortable to walk around in? So if I were to wear them and stopped somewhere - am I going to regret my decision after walking around in these things?

Thanks in advance!

[Jim]

Go to Seacoast and try on some Sidi boots. They have a bunch of models for you to try on and ask questions.

[Chippertheripper]

What jimmy said...the problem with race style boots isn't necessarily the comfort, its that they're hot. (I've never had fancy vented versions)

[csmutty]

I have used A* exclusively and have had no reason to switch. I have used the SMX+ for over 3 years and have raced in them for 3 years with over 10 crashes. I still wear them today and no injury has occurred. I also wear them for teaching MSF, which requires standing and walking in a parking lot for 8 hours a day.

[union]

Ive had a set of Oxtars (now TCX) and a pair of A* vented supertechs. The oxtars always hurt my feet. I would go out for a race come back in pull boots off. They just never fit right. The A*s have been awesome. Ill have to replace for next season because after 3 race seasons they are worn out. They are not that hot because they are vented. Like most boots they make you walk a little funny but they arent too stiff. Ill be getting another set.

[cbr_chick_nh]

Thanks I'll have to check out seacoast this week... I'm slowly picking up the things I'll need in hopes of getting a track day in next year ... Maybe... Possibly... Probably not, but hopefully...

[Trackday Guru]

Sidi - no question. I came off the A*s and went to Sidi last year, and I could not be happier with them.
Personally, I wear the ST AIR model. Very good ventilation, extremely comfortable - even to walk around in, most of the wearable parts of the boot are replaceable once they get worn out, and I can personally attest to the crash protection (I broke 11 bones in a crash at NHMS in April of this year - and BOTH my ankles and feet were fine due to these boots).
Get a pair. You won't regret it.
Good luck.

[csmutty]

Sidi - no question. I came off the A*s and went to Sidi last year, and I could not be happier with them.
Personally, I wear the ST AIR model. Very good ventilation, extremely comfortable - even to walk around in, most of the wearable parts of the boot are replaceable once they get worn out, and I can personally attest to the crash protection (I broke 11 bones in a crash at NHMS in April of this year - and BOTH my ankles and feet were fine due to these boots).
Get a pair. You won't regret it.
Good luck.

Just curious...what problems did you have with A*?

I'm feeling like you are just promoting a sponsor...

But yes...both A* and Sidi are good boots.

[jaehok]

I found the sidi boots to run really narrow in the toe box. The calf adjustment is cool but I don't think it's easy to slip in and out of. I ended up getting the dainese trq race outs. The toe box is more wider and I am comfortable walking around in them.

[dankatz]

I like Sidi. They have a ton of choices for men and women. They do run narrow which is what I like. I have had mixed results with Puma - some are excellent, others not so good.

[jerseygirl]

I am a big fan of my Alpinestar Stellas. Mine are about 6 years old. I wear them on the street and the track. They are super comfortable and have held up well through multiple crashes. They are a bit basic compared to the Sidi's, which I have contemplated, but can't justify because I love my boots. I also like that they are made for a woman. Good luck! Let us know what you choose!

[nhbubba]

Price is not really a concern, just looking for quality.

I was in a similar position earlier this year. I walked into Seacoast and told myself to buy something I liked and that felt like it would provide good protection.. not necessarily something that I liked the price on. I walked out with a pair of TCX S-Race boots. I am very happy with them thus far.

Seacoast did not have any A* boots available to try on when I was there. The best she could do was order a pair.

Something that shocked me was that I wound up in a size much smaller than I expected to. I wear a size 10-10.5 shoe/boot normally. I walked out with a size 43 euro.. which is like a 9.

The boot is snug, but comfortable. The toe box is just a bit tight, but perfectly comfortable on the bike. I probably should have opted for a wide size, if available, to make walking in the boot more comfortable.

I'm slowly picking up the things I'll need in hopes of getting a track day in next year ... Maybe... Possibly... Probably not, but hopefully...

After attending my first about 2 weeks ago, my advice is to drop what you are doing, rob a bank for the entry fee, beg/borrow some gear, and go ASAP.

[imstuner]

I have a pair of sidi vertigo and wish I got the full prorated ones. If you sweat a lot I would recommend fill perforated ones if you have a hot sports bike.

[fenix]

I have a pair of Sidi ST Airs that I've been wearing for a few months now and I really like them. I tried on several Sidi boots and the ST Airs worked the best because of the cam-lock buckle at the top. The other boots fit my foot well enough but not my calves. They are awesome when you get up to speed. The air travels through the perforations and the vents and it almost feels like you're not wearing boots at all. They are comfortable enough to walk around in if you need too but I wouldn't want to wear them all day. One thing to note is that these boots squeak really loudly. Some silicone lubricant did the trick but it's looking like I will need to reapply the lubricant every week or so. It's easy enough to do but something to keep in mind.

[cbr_chick_nh]

After attending my first about 2 weeks ago, my advice is to drop what you are doing, rob a bank for the entry fee, beg/borrow some gear, and go ASAP.

I could easily do a track day now - no need to rob, beg or borrow anything... I just don't like people that much. The idea of people everywhere, crowds, lines... totally turn me away from track days. That and I have no idea what some of the requirements are/mean... Oh well...


As for the boots - I am leaning towards Sidi...

[OreoGaborio]

I could easily do a track day now - no need to rob, beg or borrow anything... I just don't like people that much. The idea of people everywhere, crowds, lines... totally turn me away from track days. That and I have no idea what some of the requirements are/mean... Oh well...


As for the boots - I am leaning towards Sidi...

I hear ya... People suck.

For requirements, they're pretty minimal.
Most track day orgs have similar requirements. As an example, at TTD, for bike prep, we just require you to tape or remove glass, tape or disconnect your brake lights and, if you have a spin on type oil filter, put a hose clamp on it and safety wire it so that it doesn't spin.
For rider requirements, head to toe motorcycle specific gear, over the ankle motorcycle boots, over the cuff leather motorcycle gloves and a back protector (something more substancial than a foam pad)


For boots, I LOVE my Alpinestars. Their gloves suck but their boots rule. Sidi also make some great boots, but my feet just don't like the fit compared to A*'s.

Definitely head to Seacoast & talk to Patricia.

[boloson]

I've used puma 1000, A* super tech R's, sidi vertigo corsas, sidi vortice, and now sidi st airs. I'll give u my personal experiences with each.
- Pumas are stiff as hell but unmatched protection. Crashed in njmp in T1 and in T3 in nh and without them I would've broken my ankle for sure. After both crashes the boots displayed only minimal scratches. Didn't keep them long enough to really break them in. They are build like tanks.

- sidi vertigo corsas had tons of adjustability from calf to toe. Kinda felt thin on the soles and narrow in the feet (I have wide feet). I also have thick calves and have trouble finding boots with proper calve fitment but this boot had plenty of calve adjustibility...pumas, not so much.

- A* supertech R's airs were comfortable out the box. The inner booty was a little narrow for me but like I said, I have a wide feet. Same goes for the calves, it was too narrow for me. They don't fit true to size. I wear 9.5 or 10 and I had to buy an 8.5 I believe it was? So check size before buying these.

- sidi vortices have many adjustibility, tons of replaceable parts & protection. It was basically a fancier vertigo corsa to me.

My current boots are sidi st airs. Comfortable out the box, tons of adjustibility & protection. All the previous boot s led me to the st's due to its simplicity without compromising protection. Putting on and taking off these boots are a pain in the arse but the st's are simple. I have been looking at some dainese boots also due to its simplicity. It's one thing to keep in mind when shopping for boots.

[cbr_chick_nh]

I hear ya... People suck.

For requirements, they're pretty minimal.
At TTD, for bike prep, we just require you to tape or remove glass, tape or disconnect your brake lights and, if you have a spin on type oil filter, put a hose clamp on it and safety wire it so that it doesn't spin.
For rider requirements, head to toe motorcycle specific gear, over the ankle motorcycle boots, over the cuff leather motorcycle gloves and a back protector (something more substancial than a foam pad)


For boots, I LOVE my Alpinestars. Their gloves suck but their boots rule. Sidi also make some great boots, but my feet just don't like the fit compared to A*'s.

Definitely head to Seacoast & talk to Patricia.

You make it sound so easy... but I become socially awkward in new situations - it's stressful...

Regardless, it seems that I should go to Seacoast and try on some options. Thanks for everyone's opinion

[Slyder]

I have a pair of Alps SMX-4 boots. they're 45/10.5, which are probably way too ginormous for you, but if you ever wanna try them on... They're vented, super comfortable for walking / riding and with the vents I can feel them moving the air even with non perf'd leather under 'em.

I really like them and I'd have no trouble buying another pair of Alps boots. I'd definitely try them on before buying unless the company you buy from will exchange them for a different size without problems. When I got my SMX boots, I ordered the size I wore, same shoes size and same size as my previous Alps boots. The new ones were too small, so the place I ordered from exchanged them, they covered shipping on the original pair, the return shipping on that pair, and then shipping on the next size larger pair. Problem is, most dealers don't stock much for variety, you're interested in 3 different brands, I'd try to find places to try them all on, as was mentioned, one brand might suit you far better than the others. Don't forget, at the shop you're wearing them for a few minutes. On the bike? 6? 8? 12+? hours.

As for the trackday, I got discouraged long ago. Then when I got over it, I really didn't have the disposable income. Perhaps next year after eye gradjumatate kallege end git a jerb. And health insurance.

[jasnmar]

Track days are actually pretty easy. You can participate as much as you want (I've only been to Tony's so that's what I speak of). If you want more interaction get to the front near tech. If you want more space stay away from hot pit and there's more room. If you want to be by yourself bring an easy up and be off to the side. If you want to go to class do.if you don't don't. You can be as involved as you want.

Bike prep is really pretty easy. Make sure your brake lights don't work. Secure your filter. Remove / tape mirrors and any other glass and you're pretty much done for a Tony's.

Now, to the original question of boots... I too decided I wanted Sidi's. I seem to be exactly between sizes. I originally bought a pair of Sidi B2's, size 45. My feet wallowed in them. They felt like they could fall off. Sold them and bought a pair of Siding Vertigo's in a 44. They are very tight. So far not comfortable. Wearable, not comfortable. I can't imagine spending the day in them. If I'm wearing "normal" socks the are terribly uncomfortable. Only the thinnest socks are workable with them.

Try stuff on and then decide. I decided and then tried stuff on. Didn't work well for me.

Just went out to the garage to get mine... Still hoping they will eventually break in :/.

[OreoGaborio]

I become socially awkward in new situations

You wanna see socially awkward?

[Slyder]

I originally bought a pair of Sidi B2's, size 45. My feet wallowed in them. They felt like they could fall off. Sold them and bought a pair of Siding Vertigo's in a 44. They are very tight.

Not to be captain obvious, but those are two different boots
You'd think that the same manufacturer would have the same sizing, but that's not the case.

My old Alpinestars boots and gloves were both one size smaller than my new (well, new at the time) boots and gloves.

As for socially awkward, she's already seen it. invite me to a party and feed me too much pizza so I can't get enough liquid courage into me.

[jasnmar]

Not to be captain obvious, but those are two different boots
You'd think that the same manufacturer would have the same sizing, but that's not the case.

Completely agree. My point is don't get locked into any manufacturer before putting them on your feet.

Yes, I wrongly assumed a single manufacturer would be consistent with sizing, don't know what I was thinking :/.

Just think if everything worked this way... In a Craftsman, it's a 12mm, but in Snap-on, it's a 10. Seriously?

[cbr_chick_nh]

You wanna see socially awkward?

Is this a promise? Kinda looks like one...

[nhbubba]

I just don't like people that much. The idea of people everywhere, crowds, lines... totally turn me away from track days.

You make it sound so easy... but I become socially awkward in new situations - it's stressful...

You wanna see socially awkward?

+1, +2, +whatever the counter is up to now!

Believe you me, I understand. I'm way more of a social butterfly on the interwebz than I am in person.

With regards to gear shopping, if it is about quality over price, then just head to Seacoast. Patricia is nice, approachable, and open to just BS'ing a little. Mention that you are a NESR addict. Ask her about her pup, or target shooting. Gawk at some flashy red Ducatis while you are there. She had me 'test sit' the TCX boots on a shiny Multistrada. Some days life just sucks!

I was very happy with the price I paid on the boots. IIRC I paid less than if not the same as the intrwebz retailers. Seacoast isn't far from you and is worth the ride, IMO. I don't think you can go wrong with the boots they stock.

With regards to the track day. Yeah, sharing the track is a little something something. But honestly, you get over it. You can either lollygag on the front straight or pit in/out anytime you feel like you're around a minor ass-hat. And tap a track-day staff member on the shoulder if they are a genuine ass-hat. But any way you slice it, the track day thing is a helluva experience that any experienced rider owes it to him/herself to try. If for nothing else than for the bragging rights.

I've been riding 18 years now and everything everyone said about the experience was spot on; I wish I'd have done it sooner. Don't be like me, yo.

It helped that Jason (jasnmar) wound up at the same day. I had met him and he let me follow him around and watched on as I got all giddy like an 8 y/o on a sugar high on Halloween.