OzVMX Forum
Clubroom => General Discussion => Topic started by: vandy010 on December 30, 2010, 02:57:50 pm
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sadly, it's time to retire the old boots and i'm in the market for another set.
by far my favourites many years ago were a set of Alpine Stars but for the sake of this thread i'd be keen to hear what brands and bang for your buck so to speak people are wearing.
all budget levels etc.
my last pair of boots i got from cash converters real cheap and they were a super comfy "no name" brand.
i'd buy em again in a heartbeat but they're now knackered.
so what are we wearing folks?
{and just for the girls, So what boots are we wearing folks?}
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Sidi- crossfire , for the simple reason you can replace parts
Sidi - Joel Robert , for the period look
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I replaced my Rossi boots that I bought new in 1984 a couple of years ago. Like you, I was sad to see the comfortable old ones go!
I bought a pair of Fly brand boots for around $200 or so. They seemed to have no flex at all in them when I first got 'em, but over time they have loosened up a bit to the point where I'm pretty happy with them. The finish and general appearance has held up well, and they can certainly deflect logs, errant foot rests etc.
As a cheaper brand, I am very happy with them.
Tex
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I've got O'neal M10s - cheaper ones, but not as cheap as the base spec Fox/Axo/Fly boots. Must be five years old now.
Pretty happy with them. My main complaint is that the strap adjustment is too easily adjustable (when they're undone), so you can't set and forget.
I tore one steel toe cap off while starting a bike and one of the buckles came adrift. I've been gunna fix the buckle for about two years now...
My enthusiasm for them was diminished when I busted my ankle a couple of years back - I'm not sure if my foot rotated too far outward or the bike landed on it, but I figured that better boots might have stopped it from happening.
Last week I went and checked out several more expensive boots (particularly Sidi Crossfires because lots of people rave about them and they look a lot stronger in that area), but they didn't seem to be much better/stronger/stiffer than the O'Neals...
So the new boots have been put a bit further down the shopping list.
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A/star tech 8's or Oxstar TCX's...both have booties inside Mic and we all know how partial you are to a little booty. ;)....you gotta get the blingy white ones too Mic...at least 1.5 sec's a lap faster ;D
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I got Sidi crossfires exellent and replacment soles and other parts.
Also got Gaerne SG10s good but non replaceable soles .
Would recomend the Sidis though , more expensive but worth it :)
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Tech 8s
But for the sake of the thread ;)
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Personally i wear Alpine Star Tech-8 for trail riding & Tech10 for MX.
If you feel that you ankle is worth $150 per leg then go for the entry level stuff. Working in the industry i have come to undertand that when it comes to helmets, boots and most of the protective wear, you pay for what you get.
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ONeal something and Fox trackers,both pretty good but been hunting Tech 8's for awhile.
A mate of mine bought a ton of stuff off Riders Discount in the US when the $ was 90c and they only charge about $30.00 for postage on everything.
His stash was over $1200.00 and they passed it through customs with no gst.
But with $ over the US i'm getting itchy fingers,feet,torso,kneck,eyes..... ;)
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O'neal M840
(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/FORUM144-1.jpg)
at 1.591 kg each, so thats3.182 Kilo for a pair of size 11s
I just had a look underneath them, I should have cleaned them before I weighed them ::)
Yeah, I do that right after the hoovering.
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Sidi crossfire SRS, great protection, nice low toebox, replacable soles and parts, good buckles ,bit exxy but good stuff ;)
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PS; I agree with Nathan about the buckles thing, but I am OK with that for the price of light weight glory.
I must say some of the boots I have picked up feel a hell of a lot heavier than these.
Note to self; take postal scales to next meet.
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Sidi- crossfire , for the simple reason you can replace parts
Sidi - Joel Robert , for the period look
What he said!
I’ve had a pair of FOX “Comp 5’s” but the soles fell off them and then they fell apart.
I’ve had trouble with my SIDI Joel Robert replicas too. The glue seems to fail and the soles fall off. The other trouble is the red and green coloured stripes have lost their colour. I’m going to try some vinyl dye to try and make them look a bit better.
We seem to have a lot of trouble up here with boots falling apart.
Brent
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Gaerne I just bought these and I like them. I normally use Alpine stars and I find the Gaerne more comfy. I wear out soles because I push so hard on the pegs so replaceable inserts are big thing for me.
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I finally gave up on my original Full Bore(Sidi) boots - too stiff after 35 years. Tried lots, the only ones which were comfortable, and fit my wide feet were $199 Answer boots - also I could get them in plain black like the traditional ones from the 60/70s. The flashy coloured ones don't seem to suit VMX as I see it.
Mike
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Hey do any of you blokes have any kitchen or postal scales, that you could use to post up here what is the weight of your boots?
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AS tech 6's - was all that I could afford as opposed to T8's and 10's but better than the Fox trackers etc. I have had these boots over 6 years now and have only had to replace one toe cap - parts easily bought through Dennis Kirk. Replaceable sole also. I hit them with the high pressure cleaner when I wash the bike - then a liberal spray with WD40 and put them away till next time - still look really good also. My only problem is that they don't have booties and the internal "fit" is tight first thing of a morning but then loosens up pretty quickly - but doesn't stay that way - gotta go through loosening them up each time. Would have another pair of Alpine Star's - if funds permitted.
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CANT BEAT THE RED BAND KIWI GUM BOOTS ;D SOFT UNDER FOOT AND THE SHEEP LUV THEM TO ::)
AND CHEAP AS CHIPS :D
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I finally gave up on my original Full Bore(Sidi) boots - too stiff after 35 years. Tried lots, the only ones which were comfortable, and fit my wide feet were $199 Answer boots - also I could get them in plain black like the traditional ones from the 60/70s. The flashy coloured ones don't seem to suit VMX as I see it.
Mike
I agree to a point but the flashy modern ones offer a lot more protection :) Iv'e been unfortunate enough to have broken both lower legs and both times wearing cheaper boots ??? Maybe im just a soft cock but these days i will do all i can to avoid more broken legs even if i dont look period ;D
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I brought some alpines stars tec 10 boots two years back took a bit to get used to a bit ridged to walk in ,than my old 15 year old
alpine stars boots, but the newer model ones have better protection i have to say...
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Tech 7s they have good protection but there a bit stiff for my liking I have problems finding the brake lever at times I liked my old AXOs better.
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I think there is a reason most pro's wear Alpine stars. Surely they don't sponsor that many guys. My son and I wear them. I got him some fly boots for junior in the early days. Never again. I have used Sidi flex in the past, but too many screws and moving parts that wear out.
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Bought a set of ANSWER Mode boots, they are rigid, heavy, and tight in the toes. Worse, the buckles are secured by clear plastic cam locks, which are easily smashed yet difficult to source, as are the screwed-on buckle bases.
Not worth consideration. ::)
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alpinestar tech 8
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Gaerne SG12's are the most comfortable and best quality I've ever worn. I love A-stars tech8's too but couldn't seem to get tech10's to feel right on my feet. Sometimes I think a light, more VMX appropriate boot would be cool but don't think I'll ever give up the protection the new stuff offers.
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I got Alpinestars Tech 3 boots from locomx in the US. Good prices
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Boy child:
Tech 10's Alpine Stars
lasted whole year of MX
Plastics bits pulling off
Sole good..
The vmx bloke in the house:
cheap stuff
gotta spend some money ;D
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alpine star kenny roberts flat track/speedway boot.mix of speedway left flat sole and mx boot.bought them nos out of the uk great boot
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I take it no one has tried these yet?
Probably still frightened off by the memory of Scott plastic boots?
http://www.jettboots.com/index
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I've got an old pair of white Oneal boots I've had for about 20 years, I can't remember what model they are but they were considered unbearably cool back in 1999 and they're still in surprisingly good nick. Because of peer pressure I got a pair of red/yellow Alpine Star Tec 8's a few years ago to match my red Maico riding pants and they've also survived the years in good usable nick but despite much less use they're showing the wear more than the Oneals. Last year I bought a pair of grey Fly boots at the Stony Creek Motorcycles fire auction for no other reason than nobody was bidding on them and they were my size (11). I got 'em for $80....a great deal I thought. The quality appears to be excellent with plenty of ankle support and good, double and triple stitching. I've only worn them once but unfortunately I doubt it'll be wearing them any time soon because of my bad ankle. Due to a long term injury my right ankle is in pretty poor condition and I'm unable to straighten it enough to get a stiff new boot on and off without a lot of pain. It took three people half an hour and a lot of pain to get my boot off at HBBB so the Fly's have been relegated to the closet and the Oneals will be modified with a stanley knife to enable easy boot fitting and removal. I can't bring myself to cut the Alpines or the new Flys yet. This is the main reason (along with my crap knee) that I rarely ride these days. :(
Does anyone know of a boot that can be fitted without me having to straighten my foot?
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They look interesting! the biggest thing these days is the grade of the plastic they all use especially for the cheaper line,i suppose their designed to have certain life span, otherwise we'd all have one set for life, like the old fullgrain cowhide sidi's / A-stars/RG's etc of yesteryear of which a lot are still going strong after 30+ years . Be interesting to know how the old Heckel's and later scotts stood up to time ! As a teenager i badly wanted a pair of Heckel's (just like Gastons) but they were just too exxy at the time! Anybody want to unload a set i'd like some for the collection -PM ;D
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Tech 8's and 10's
I actually use the foot-brace thingy from my t10's in my t8's.
As soon as the factory tread is rooted I get North Melb shoe repairs to put their soles on my boots and they last grouse! (I shapen my footpegs to whithin an inch of their life so they're pretty tough on boots....)
Last time I busted my foot is was wearing boots without the foot brace in 'em (a big flat-landing snapped her clean ::))
Bugger the period look.
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couldn't seem to get tech10's to feel right on my feet.
Ive been told they are made for a longer thin foot. :)
cheers
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I've got an old pair of white Oneal boots I've had for about 20 years, I can't remember what model they are but they were considered unbearably cool back in 1999 and they're still in surprisingly good nick. Because of peer pressure I got a pair of red/yellow Alpine Star Tec 8's a few years ago to match my red Maico riding pants and they've also survived the years in good usable nick but despite much less use they're showing the wear more than the Oneals. Last year I bought a pair of grey Fly boots at the Stony Creek Motorcycles fire auction for no other reason than nobody was bidding on them and they were my size (11). I got 'em for $80....a great deal I thought. The quality appears to be excellent with plenty of ankle support and good, double and triple stitching. I've only worn them once but unfortunately I doubt it'll be wearing them any time soon because of my bad ankle. Due to a long term injury my right ankle is in pretty poor condition and I'm unable to straighten it enough to get a stiff new boot on and off without a lot of pain. It took three people half an hour and a lot of pain to get my boot off at HBBB so the Fly's have been relegated to the closet and the Oneals will be modified with a stanley knife to enable easy boot fitting and removal. I can't bring myself to cut the Alpines or the new Flys yet. This is the main reason (along with my crap knee) that I rarely ride these days. :(
Does anyone know of a boot that can be fitted without me having to straighten my foot?
Hi Firko, there are varying levels of suitable protection for you. Keep in mind when riding on top of the giant cheese grater(world), that any level of protection is better than none.
I have been in a similar boat. From a motorcycle accident(not my fault, alcohol was the problem), I broke my right ankle. Also keep in mind when we were kids some of us were in thongs, only the rich kids could afford the protection of a canvas "Jim Boot", and only Kiwis had Gum boots.
At our age we are not there for the fashion parade or trophies or the need to be in a full roll cage because we aspire to shatter the speed of light. It's just about comfort and fun.
When I bought the M-840, it was a conclusion based on what suited me.
1) compliance.
2) Unlike most boots I tried that are actually full of sinkers, the M-840 is relatively light.
3) Given I have survived a broken neck and a broken back as well as the ankle. They must be easy to get on and off by barely just being able to reach, then buckle and unbuckle. Again, the M-840 with out the sinkers, ticked those boxes.
Below are my preferred boots.
Black= Doc Martins. Brown=Army dissposal.
(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/FORUM149.jpg)
Fisrtly good socks, then those slip on ankle protector pad things, piece of cake to get on and off, as long as all the laces backed right off. I am sure you have plenty of freinds that would be happy to help you on and off with them.
For extra protection, I slip soccer chin guards into the tops as well. Best comfort and feel ever.
I feel I had to go this way because of comfort, I hate wearing boots at the best of times.
PS; you wear the same size, so I will bring them with me to the show and shine for a try out.
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:D way cool ,so your the bloke on the cover of CD7 book compiled by Roger Harvey ;) ;D
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rossi boots, l have owned them since 1972, l do need a new pair.
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I have been using a pair of ex- Trampas Parker Style Martins for about 20 years now.
They were past their use by date a good 5 years ago.
Maybe even when Trampas threw them out ::)
I must make another new years resolution to get new boots for 2011.
Interesting reading here,
I had heard that the Tech 10’s were to stiff and bulky for vintage bikes and that Tech 6 or 8 were the go as they gave you more feel.
A few other brands I have tried in the past either didn’t fit my foot or if they did then their wasn’t room for any knee guards to slip down the front
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Come to think of it, desert boots when we was was pups.
(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/Scan10070-1-1.jpg?t=1293790172)
And then my next door neighbor, Peter, with slip on blunstones.
(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/Scan10094.jpg?t=1293791421)
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I was about to say I have a pair of Black/Yellow Scott boots that I would be preapred to sell cheap if anyone was interested and then I say Mainy's comment - :-[ - I actually liked the Scott boots and bought this pair being told they were the size (and colour) I was after - unfortunately it took me a long time to get them here from the States to find they aren't my size. One piece in one boot needs to be reglued but they are available to a good home for a really good price if anybody else is as silly as me and they fit - about 9/10 Australina I think?
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I was about to say I have a pair of Black/Yellow Scott boots that I would be preapred to sell cheap if anyone was interested and then I say Mainy's comment - :-[ - I actually liked the Scott boots and bought this pair being told they were the size (and colour) I was after - unfortunately it took me a long time to get them here from the States to find they aren't my size. One piece in one boot needs to be reglued but they are available to a good home for a really good price if anybody else is as silly as me and they fit - about 9/10 Australina I think?
come on Rossco you have that many costume changes you must have as many boots as Amelda marcos has shoes!!!
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lets see if I can do better with the spelling this time!!! Had a look at those Jett boots - not a bad looking unit and so far good reviews - shame you can get them for $319US + postage from the States and they are $600 Aus over here though.
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So the new boots have been put a bit further down the shopping list.
I lied.
I bought a pair of Sidi Crossfires on the weekend. Got them 20% off without really trying $750 down to $600) - still more expensive than buying from OS, but close enough and they had them in stock and in the right size & colour.
Plus the girl who served me didn't point out that my pants fly was undone (I realised after I walked out...).
Also tried AlpineStar Tech 7s, and they felt like they had zero ankle movement - REALLY hard to walk in and I seriously couldn't imagine ever being able to change gear while wearing them. I know they'd loosen up once they were broken in, but I kinda figured that they'd also be damaged by the time they were loose enough to be comfortable.
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Plus the girl who served me didn't point out that my pants fly was undone (I realised after I walked out...).
;D nice work
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Maybe im just a soft cock but these days i will do all i can to avoid more broken legs even if i dont look period ;D
Now that you bought a shit kicking BSA Ricky Bill the state of your cock is not up for debate. Hi Points mate. something with rivets and steel leg shields like Mad Max.
This is the way I saw your new gear
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt324/jcordj66/Mad-Max.jpg)
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are you allowed to have a shifter hanging off your jersey during a race?
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are you allowed to have a shifter hanging off your jersey during a race?
Handy tip if you ride a BSA, I would have thought bringing dogs to events is the real issue here, sawn off helps get through scrutineering without problems .... pretty practical really
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handy to have a shifter there in times of trouble-must have been before the bumbag was invented.....
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Sidi Crossfire SRS Boots. Comfort, Protection and bought direct from the US at over half the Australian price. If looked after, I expect to get 20-30 years wear and have the knowledge that if i am in a bad accident I will have the best protection. Old Bikes and Old Race Gear may look good, but not too smart considering the advances in protection nowdays. When I raced in the 70's we didn't have neck protection, I wear a Alpinestar Bionic Neck Brace when I ride now. Enjoy your sport safely.
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If looked after, I expect to get 20-30 years wear
Yeah my original red/white and blue Sidi's are still good to go even with 10 Enduro seasons and heaps of trail riding on the clock. They don't make em like that any more. My impression back in the day was that the Alpine Stars and all the boots with tricky plastic buckles should be avoided. Laces and velcro seemed to be indestructable.
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I recently bought some Jett J1 boots, they had a great write up in MXA. I wish I hadn't bought them. They were promoted as "lighter than leather boots" ...... they are 25% heavier! They are promoted as "not needed to be broken in" after half a dozen rides I still can't feel anything and continue to lock the rear wheel all the time!
In the first gentle ride, a one of the straps that is riveted to the main body split and fell off.
If I had my chance again I'd go the retro black/metal HiPoint leather boots made by Alpine Stars.
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Yeah i think ten years is a more realistic life for boots today, I have had my crossfire srs now for a few years and love them, my last set of sidis (from 90's) lasted around ten yrs before all the plastics cracked up (i looked after them and they were great) i also have a set of leather sidi joel robert's which are still hanging in from the 70's! i think it come's down to todays economic's -not good for sales if they last too long and i reckon all brands would be the same in that regard ! Highly recommend the crossfire's though for comfort and safety :)
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Torpedo7 have a good sale on at the moment on AlpineStar Tech 7 boots;
http://www.torpedo7.com.au/shop/motocross/boots
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You can't beat the old Hi-Points (well, you probably can ;D) but they're my favorite.
(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/photos2u/Z1/Goose.jpg)
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Torpedo7 have a good sale on at the moment on AlpineStar Tech 7 boots;
http://www.torpedo7.com.au/shop/motocross/boots
A mate has a pair of those, I tried them on and got an indication of what it's like to walk around with your ankles fused.
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only got street ones so far....need some basic ATV type lower boot for basic offroad
(http://assets1.revzilla.com/product_images/0019/3517/Shift_Racing_Kicker_Shoes_detail.gif?1277755606)