Need some good summer riding shoes/boots

[KawiKid860]

Hey all, temps in the 80s and 90s incoming so these waterproof alpinestars I've been rocking just ain't gonna cut it. I'm looking right around the $100 range for a good protective boot or shoe that will be good in hot summer temps and comfortable to walk around in at school, at the store, at a destination for a ride, etc. The more breathable the better as my CBR loves to blast 220 degree heat right onto my feet in traffic currently considering the TCX X-Square boots and the Sidi SDS New York shoe. Leaning towards the Sidis for looks and airflow but I'm unsure about their level of protection. Anyone have experience with these selections? Input? Suggestions? HELP ME!!!!!

[Bentley813]

I would go with the TCX between those two. Those sidi's offer abrasion resistance...and that's about it. I think those TCXs would look pretty nice also, kind of like a suede Puma variant.

[JohnnyBravo]

I just ordered the A* non WP riding shoe... I hate waiting on christmas

[adouglas]

Don't hate me, but I actually like my Bilt Trackstar perforated boots. The sizing info is way off (order one US size larger) but overall they're a great deal for the money and flow a ton of air.

Hold 'em up side-by-side with entry level boots from major manufacturers (e.g. a*) and I don't think you'll really be able to see anything that justifies spending twice (or even three times) as much. Entry level gear all comes from the same sources anyway... you're paying a lot for the name.

Mid and high level gear is a different matter, of course.

[KawiKid860]

Do the bilts tuck under jeans okay? I'm looking for more of a commuter/every day type boot

[adouglas]

Well, they will go under my pants but they are a track-type boot with toe sliders and such.

If you're not going to tuck in, then why not just wear some good work boots/police boots? That's what I wore before I got my Bilts... a pair of well-ventilated, 8" zip up tactical boots. Cheaper and arguably just as protective if not more so. Most riding shoes/boots that are not track-oriented are frankly just overpriced regular shoes. The only thing I see that differentiates them is a pad to prevent shifter wear, and even that is missing much of the time.

The two alternatives you point to look like nothing more than $100 sneakers with a motorcycle brand name on them.

Track-oriented boots offer additional protection -- better ankle support, plastic protectors that cover your Achilles, shin armor, etc.

[BRad704]

I love my vented Cortech Latigo Air boots. I'm actually wearing them right now, since I rode to lunch and never took them off. Very comfortable IMHO.

[KawiKid860]

If I were going for road race style boots the latigo would be my choice. But I'm really looking for something more casual and wearable, without looking like I borrowed boots from a storm trooper no offense. I currently have the Alpinstars Ridge waterproof boot and I'd expect it to offer decent protection in an accident, but they also go under my jeans and look pretty normal. I'm looking for something similar in protection and style that will let my feet cool off when it's hot out

[KawiKid860]

What do you all think about the TCX X-Cube instead of the X-Square?

[BRad704]

Protection, Fashion, Low-Price. You can really only have 2 at a time...

[KawiKid860]

Well I'm gonna order the TCX X-Cube boots. Supposedly good for temps in the 100s, they're 3/4 boots just like my A*s and are more protective than the X-squares for just $30 more. Coincidentally, I got a paycheck that was $30 more than I was expecting And on top of that they're waterproof which is a nice plus.

I dunno I'm really indecisive I don't wanna drop good money on a pair of boots and find out the first time I'm riding they really weren't worth it

[fmx]

Originally Posted by KawiKid860

Well I'm gonna order the TCX X-Cube boots. Supposedly good for temps in the 100s, they're 3/4 boots just like my A*s and are more protective than the X-squares for just $30 more. Coincidentally, I got a paycheck that was $30 more than I was expecting And on top of that they're waterproof which is a nice plus.

I dunno I'm really indecisive I don't wanna drop good money on a pair of boots and find out the first time I'm riding they really weren't worth it

I vote for these ones. They're what I have. Pretty much all weather boots. More shoes than boots actually. And they're cheap. I've worn down the treads on mine but only on account of asphault surfing.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...chAutoComplete

[KawiKid860]

Originally Posted by fmx

I vote for these ones. They're what I have. Pretty much all weather boots. More shoes than boots actually. And they're cheap. I've worn down the treads on mine but only on account of asphault surfing.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...chAutoComplete

How do they feel protection-wise? I don't really want to skimp on protection too much but I'm having a hard time finding a good hot weather 3/4 length boot in my price range, but there's tons of riding "shoes" such as these Sidis that I'd consider. Newest option, at the top of my price range, the Alpinstars S-MX-1

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...X-1-Boots.aspx


Thanks for the help everyone I'm probably being difficult lol

[fmx]

Originally Posted by KawiKid860

How do they feel protection-wise? I don't really want to skimp on protection too much but I'm having a hard time finding a good hot weather 3/4 length boot in my price range, but there's tons of riding "shoes" such as these Sidis that I'd consider. Newest option, at the top of my price range, the Alpinstars S-MX-1

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...X-1-Boots.aspx


Thanks for the help everyone I'm probably being difficult lol

Those look far more rugged, and safe to assume better at holding up in an accident and protecting you.

It's all about personal preference. Most people will tell you to go for something safe without worrying about the look - but let's all be honest for a second and call bullsh*t on that one.

The smart people spend the extra $ and stay well protected. Then there are those that skimp and get the bare minimum. I consider myself somewhere in between.

Keep in mind - most sites like MSS have stellar return policies so don't agonize over it too much.

[xSean13]

Originally Posted by KawiKid860

Do the bilts tuck under jeans okay? I'm looking for more of a commuter/every day type boot

Yes. I have them as well, they're cool in the summer and pretty warm in the winter with some longer socks on (I used my underarmour soccer socks).
I walk around my campus in them, they get a bit uncomfortable after extensive amounts of walking, but I bet some new soles might help.

I know what you mean about the CBR blasting 200-220 degree heat :P

In the summer, nothing is going to be "cool" (temperature) so I wouldn't skimp out on protection in getting shoe-style "boots."

[KawiKid860]

Alright I think I'm gonna plop the money down on the S-MX-1s, the revzilla review for them was pretty impressive. I'll let yall know how they work out for me... hoping a 9.5 fits lol.

[fmx]

This showed up in my fb news feed this morning and I felt compelled to share it . Hey, they're wearing adequate footwear...!

[Jono]

These are great for summer temps.

[BRad704]

Toe Bumper... Well, goodbye Cortech's!

[fmx]

Originally Posted by BRad704

Toe Bumper... Well, goodbye Cortech's!

Goodbye feet...

[JohnnyBravo]

Moto squid feets

[KawiKid860]

Those moto-sandals look pretty full featured.. a little low on the ankle protection but for the right price that might be okay. Dang maybe I should have got some of those instead of the A*s.

[tuan3742]

what size feet do you wear? i got a size 8.5 dainese riding shoes i've been trying to sell.

https://post.craigslist.org/manage/3783752742

[BlueHairSar]

Invest in good socks.

... not kidding.

[KawiKid860]

what size feet do you wear? i got a size 8.5 dainese riding shoes i've been trying to sell.

Sorry 8.5 would be too small for me

For socks I just wear regular plain old white socks from wherever. I'll probably pick up a nicer pair or two to use with my track boots and track pants I'm going to buy in the future for long rides and track days, but for the regular daily grind those $20 pairs of socks they sell are kind of ridiculous.

[Boom King]

You don't need anything too elaborate. A pair with a high synthetic count will be fine and be better than wearing towels on your feet. I got a couple of pairs of athletic form fitting polyester socks for $7.

[slickt0mmy]

I have the TCX X-Cube boots and they're fantastic. Obviously not as much protection as a full race boot but I feel confident cruising around in them. Extremely comfortable as well. I wear them when I commute to work. Although I leave an extra pair of shoes in my office to change into, some days I simply forget and wear the TCX's all day long without noticing. Having jeans overtop of them makes them look like any other shoe, and no one knows I'm wearing riding boots. As for air-flow, I can't comment too much since I've only had them since the fall. So it's been pretty comfortable so far, with the lower temperatures. But once summer hits I'll see how they do in the 80's and 90's.

[KawiKid860]

Update for ya! I got the boots! It's a solid 85-90 degrees out right now and pure sunshine. Just sat in dead stop traffic for probably 15-20 mins, while the rest of me got soaked in sweat my feet stayed dry. Hot, but dry. Once moving these boots flow air really great! They're a lot lighter than my A* Ridge WP boots as well. I ordered 9.5s instead of 9s since my other a* boots are a little on the narrow side at a size 9, these are a little bit too big but I don't think it's worth the hassle of returning them for half a size lol. They are comfortable to walk in, a little chafey from the mesh type material on the inside but that may go away in time. I'm also going to invest in some decent socks as recommended above (thanks Boom King) since these cheapies I wear probably aren't the best. Higher socks will also solve the chafing issue.

[MagicMike]

I use SMX1's. They are great!

Did plenty of searching before I bought them and was tossing up between them, and a few other makes. When I went to do the Aussie riders course the instructor was wearing them and recommended them when I asked what he thought.

So I got some and love them.

[JosueDG]

Originally Posted by slickt0mmy

I have the TCX X-Cube boots and they're fantastic. Obviously not as much protection as a full race boot but I feel confident cruising around in them. Extremely comfortable as well. I wear them when I commute to work. Although I leave an extra pair of shoes in my office to change into, some days I simply forget and wear the TCX's all day long without noticing. Having jeans overtop of them makes them look like any other shoe, and no one knows I'm wearing riding boots. As for air-flow, I can't comment too much since I've only had them since the fall. So it's been pretty comfortable so far, with the lower temperatures. But once summer hits I'll see how they do in the 80's and 90's.

Got these boots as well and have to agree - they are great (granted they are my first pair of riding boots/shoes). I like that the come about three inches above my ankle to prove more support.

[dave42]

If I were you I'd go through the trouble and exchange them for the right size instead of wearing the slightly too-big ones. I have SMX1's too. They started out snug but once they're broken in they do get loose'ish (like any leather boots really).

[Mocha Man]

Originally Posted by KawiKid860

Hey all, temps in the 80s and 90s incoming so these waterproof alpinestars I've been rocking just ain't gonna cut it. I'm looking right around the $100 range for a good protective boot or shoe that will be good in hot summer temps and comfortable to walk around in at school, at the store, at a destination for a ride, etc. The more breathable the better as my CBR loves to blast 220 degree heat right onto my feet in traffic currently considering the TCX X-Square boots and the Sidi SDS New York shoe. Leaning towards the Sidis for looks and airflow but I'm unsure about their level of protection. Anyone have experience with these selections? Input? Suggestions? HELP ME!!!!!

I have the x-squares and I was going to suggest them even before reading your post haha. They are really nice and durable, but breathing is a slight issue for them. I don't notice it when riding my bike but when I'm walking around my feet get a little sweaty (TMI?). If you live in central Washington like I do Owens HD dealership has them (or did a while ago) so you could check there.

EDIT: NVM, didn't notice this was a semi-old thread.

[Live2ride]

I like my cortech latigo boots. I have the semi perforated but they make a full perforated latigo "AIR" boot.