Best boots without breaking the bank

[ucrtwf]

Hi Guys,
My A-Star Vectors are about shot. I'm looking for a Christmas present for myself in the form of new boots. I'm also reading reviews, searching old threads... most guys seem to be running $400 boots (SG10s, etc).

My old Vectors have been bullet proof, as comfy as tennis shoes, and held up very well for several years. Naturally, they don't make 'em any more.

A buddy bought a set of A Star Tech 3's, they're falling a part after a few rides, plus the backwards buckle on the top is silly, always gets caught on stuff going through the woods and self-opens.

The Tech 7's are around $300, that's the price point I was trying to keep around.

In a perfect world, I'd like something durable, comfy for an all day ride and get this- with some sort of thread on the bottom to help when god-forbid, I end up off the bike on a slimy hill or something. I still don't understand why they don't make more boots for the offroader, instead of the mainstream MX rider. It looks like the only one with tread is the Comp 5 boot by Fox.

Any other thoughts?

Thanks in advance,
Tim

 

[jeffs2200]

If you search hard enough you could find some SG 10's around $300. Gaerne also has some cheaper boots that are supposed to be pretty good.

The new Jet boots look good also but I am not sure how much they cost.

 

[2whlrcr]

I like Sidi's. They are expensivie though. I believe the Charger model is about $375 and the Discovery Rains are mid three's. If you want comfort, the Discovery Rain is about the next best thing to a trials boot. It's not covered in plastic, so it's light and comfortable to walk in. Not sure if I'd recommend them for MX or hard core rock bashing, but they are good boot for trailriding and occasional racing. I love these boots on extended to trips to like CO, where you spend a lot of time off your bike too. And they are waterproof (at least for awhile).

What size are you? I've got a pair of Sidi Vortex Evo that I've worn slightly. They were the predecessor to the Charger boot. They are just too big for me and would sell them for $200 plus shipping.

 

[Rick]

Good reading here
http://www.gasgasrider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7311

 

[ucrtwf]

Thanks Mike, I'm normally about sz 10.5 shoes, usually go 11's in boots.

 

[thumperrider1]

SG10's are the best bang for the buck. Don't skimp on boots. Cheaper than a cast.

 

[GasGas]

On my 3rd set of SG 10's. By far the best boot for the buck. Look around for some older stock for a discounted price.

 

[GMP]

+1. Saved my feet several times. Premium boots are one of those things that do make a difference. They hold up well too. Find a leftover or used pair.

 

[cbutler]

If you search hard enough you could find some SG 10's around $300. Gaerne also has some cheaper boots that are supposed to be pretty good.

The new Jet boots look good also but I am not sure how much they cost.

The JET boots SUCK don't wast your money.

 

[MrBlah]

I was told by a dealer rep that the discovery soles wont last long on dirt bikes, softer soles on them for adv bikes

I would like a pair of discovery boots, but the sole issue has kept me away from them

 

[Jakobi]

I've been using the Sidi Chargers for the last 12 months or more. Lost track of time. They keep your feet dry, are super comfy, and have held up really really well. No damage except a small plastic part that broke after i slipped off the kick starter. Still no damage to the foot during this, or in any other big hits they have taken, and they've taken a few.

Only gripe is that they are noisey to walk in. Squeaky plastic hinges!

 

[MrBlah]

the chargers look nice, not sure why I never noticed them before, do they have a smooth sole or actual tread like the gaerne balance?


I have 6 years of almost every weekend riding on my tech 8's right now, I cant wear them with the bootie, my feet are too wide

 

[GMP]

With Sidis you have to loctite all the screws. My son's started shedding parts, but an excellent boot.

 

[2whlrcr]

I was told by a dealer rep that the discovery soles wont last long on dirt bikes, softer soles on them for adv bikes

I would like a pair of discovery boots, but the sole issue has kept me away from them

I think I got 4 or 5 years out of mine and I wore them a lot. They might not last as long as a premium MX boot, because they are built lighter.

 

[thumperrider1]

There are brand new SG10's on ebay for under 300.00

You can even find a barely used set on there for cheap.

I got a set that didn't even have a mark on the soles for $85.00, lucky I know, but it can be done.

 

[Cruiser]

I like the sg10 and 12. If you look or have a good dealer you can find a deal. If you have time send your info to garnea and try to get sponsored. I've talked to several guys that got partial from them. You never know if you don't ask.

 

[orangezuk]

Get a set of Sidi Crossfires with the SRS sole. Pricey? Yes, but well worth it. I have had the same set for close to 5 years and I just replace the soles when needed along with anything else that might need fixing. Before the Sidi's I would eat a set of tech 8's up in less than a year. Ultimately the Crossfire's have been the best bang for the buck ever.

 

[lankydoug]

I have Gearne G-10s that I paid $300 for about a year ago. They took a while to break in where I could get good feel on the rear brake and shifter but I like them more each time I ride. Last week I pinballed off a couple of trees and hit my right shin so hard it creased the plastic shin guard above my boot and cut the strap off as well as vented my riding pants. I'm 100% sure that my G-10s saved me a broken leg and a sprained or broken ankle. From the bruise on my left shin down by my ankle from the 2nd tree I glanced off (same wreck) I know these boots don't owe me anything. I bought them after a simple fall wearing $100 Moose racing boots resulted in a badly sprained ankle. What ever you buy I recommend the hinged ankle for better ankle stability. I also put locktite on all the buckle screws because they would work loose and I didn't want to lose any buckles.

 

[boyscout]

ucrtwf,

You can but whatever you want, but there are a lot of smart and very experienced riders on here that ride the Gearne's. I use them too, but I'm not smart or experienced so i have excluded myself from the aforementioned group. From day one my SG10's have been comfortable.
t

 

[MrBlah]

I think I got 4 or 5 years out of mine and I wore them a lot. They might not last as long as a premium MX boot, because they are built lighter.

light is good, I'm more concerneed about falling on my ass again, MX boots have no traction in mud