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Cruiser
Posts: 106 L.I., N.Y. | Any suggestions on a Good pair of riding boots. NOT ANYTHING MADE IN CHINA. Remember the ad I'd walk amile for a camel, I'll ride a hundred for good boots. I took a chance on a pair from Kolh's, I should've known better, returned four days later, fit well, kept my feet warm(lined), but fell apart. I'm trying to stay away from rubber soles too. Tired of brassoing the chrome pipe right side, every now and then my foot get lazy, all that stop and go local traffic. I've looked thru the local harley dealerships and didn't like any or there apparel, comes from CHINA! I'd like American made. Thanks all Merry Christmas and happy new Year  |
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Visionary
Posts: 1484 LaPorte,Tx. | Just Google American Made Boots, you should find something. One online company selling alot is Midwest Boots.com |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 810
| Redwing makes a good boot. Their lesser line is made overseas, but their normal line is made in the USA. I have had a few pairs of their work boots and they last. The last pair that I bought were their waterproof insulated boots which are great for cold weather riding. Here is the 9" insulated, waterproof logger boot with Vibram soles I bought last. Very comfortable and solid. http://www.redwingshoes.com/productdetails.aspx?prodid=1606 
HTH, Tim
Edited by TimS 2008-12-16 8:10 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 1484 LaPorte,Tx. | This is a nice boot.
 (469_1_rally_1_500x500.jpg)
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469_1_rally_1_500x500.jpg (14KB - 3 downloads)
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Cruiser
Posts: 293 Arkansas | Look at Cruiserworks- talk about comfortable! Just like my slippers.Not cheap, but worth every penny. Waterproof, Kevlar at the ankles, cool in summer and warm in winter, lightweight and made in USA
www.cruiserworks.com/
p.s. And, if you get the ones without the buckle/strap across the instep, you could put on a good shine and wear 'em with a tux!!!
Edited by jama 2008-12-16 8:13 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 810
| VisionTex, I have never had Chippewa boots, but heard from a Fireman that they were great. Have you owned any of them? Thanks, Tim |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 11 San Antonio, TX | Has to be the Motorcycle line from Red Wing. I have had 10 or more pairs of riding boots over the years and not once wanted another of the same when they wore out...until I bought the Red Wing 970. They make it in Steel Toe also, but you will need to adjust your shifter up a few turns to get it under there. First pair lasted 3 years of almost daily, all-day, wear and 30K miles. They make some other styles in the motorcycle line also.
http://www.redwingshoes.com/motorcycle/
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Tourer
Posts: 377 O'Neill, Nebraska | Victory makes a nice pair of riding boots. The are high tops with twin zippers. Once you've laced them up you can quickly pull them off by unzipping them. And man are they sturdy....only about $119. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| TourMaster and Joe Rocket both make some nice riding boots that are waterproof and comfy for walking around when you get off the bike at attractions. Unfortunately they don't meet any of your requirements, sorry. I wear a pair of "Long Haul" boots I picked up at a truck stop some 10 years ago. Leather uppers, rubber soles and the most comfy boot I've ever owned right out of the box. I fgure they have at least 100k miles on them in all weather conditions. Only problem is I can no longer find them, again sorry. My best advice is go try on lots of boots and buy the ones that feel really comfy right out of the box (no matter who makes them).
Edited by Teach 2008-12-16 9:41 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 74 College Station, Tx | jama - 2008-12-16 7:07 PM Look at Cruiserworks- talk about comfortable! Just like my slippers.Not cheap, but worth every penny. Waterproof, Kevlar at the ankles, cool in summer and warm in winter, lightweight and made in USA www.cruiserworks.com/ p.s. And, if you get the ones without the buckle/strap across the instep, you could put on a good shine and wear 'em with a tux!!! +1 on the Cruiserworks boot... Most comfortable boot I have ever worn hands down.
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 26
| I have always worn Original Swat Boots.
http://www.originalswatonline.com/p-OS-1232.html
These are comfortable for all day wear. I use them for riding, hunting and many times every day use. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006 San Antonio, TX | My only problem with my Zip-up Red Wings is the zipper is on the outside of the boot. I love the grip the boots have when I stop. Even when I step in gravel on the road, the boots hold firm.
Ride Safe
Edited by radioteacher 2008-12-16 10:11 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1158 Richmond, Virginia | or ya could ride your Visn wearing flip flops like the jackass I saw this past summer in shorts a wife beater and his copilot was wearing daisy dukes and a halter top...... stupid stupid stupid...... they will be the same people suing whoever tears up their skin so they look like a skeleton |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 6
| Here is a company that will custom paint them for you...
They painted these for David Villumen
http://www.hardlifestyle.com
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Iron Butt
Posts: 810
| Here are some custom boots if you like. You can pick out the upper and lower hides, soles, toe shape, heel style, height of boot, top edge style, color, etc. I have a pair of black stingray with about 20,000 miles on them and they are about ready for a new set of heels. www.murgaboots.com 
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Tourer
Posts: 404 San Antonio, TX United States | mdhass - 2008-12-16 10:03 PM I have always worn Original Swat Boots. http://www.originalswatonline.com/p-OS-1232.html These are comfortable for all day wear. I use them for riding, hunting and many times every day use. I have to agree with the SWAT boots for summer use and any temps above 50F. I have not found anything better than the swat boots with the mesh outersheel. Like wearing an old pair of tennis shoes. My particular delimma is winter riding (ambients of 32F down to 20F)and keeping the toes warm for at least 2 hours prior to stopping. |
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Tourer
Posts: 548 Mount Vernon, WA United States | +1 for Tony Murga... |
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Visionary
Posts: 1350
| I have worn the Victory engineer boots since '99. I am looking for a more "touring" style boot now for riding the Vision. Alpinestar is a nice one. An Italian company(Oxtar) I really liked got bought out by TCX. They have nice boots but don't fit me well. I like a closed front boot in the cold. I feel the wind through the laces.
Of course check out Sportsman's Guide .com for boots from good companies at closeout prices. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 849 , FL United States | If any of you find a boot that's made in size 15E, let me know, OK? |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 26
| Last May I rode for about 2 hours in a snow storm through the Mountains. It was about 28 degrees. My toes never got cold. And I have hunted all day in the original swat boots walking through snow below freezing temperatures and still my toes never got cold. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 600 Linwood, MI | I've had Red Wings for a couple of years now and I love them. More comfortable than sneakers.
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Cruiser
Posts: 177 NW Illinois | www.cruiserworks.com/
Plus 1 on the cruiserworks waterproof comfortable, Have about 30,000+ miles on mine still going strong |
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Tourer
Posts: 340 Regina Saskatchewan Canada | I have a pair of Victory boots and I really like them.
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Visionary
Posts: 1484 LaPorte,Tx. | TimS - 2008-12-16 7:12 PM
VisionTex, I have never had Chippewa boots, but heard from a Fireman that they were great. Have you owned any of them? Thanks, Tim
Tim, no I have not used Chippewa boots. Looks like a nice motorcycle boot and I've found online they are around $200. |
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Tourer
Posts: 506 Woodland Hills, CA | I would love a pair of comfortable, warm and waterproof boots that I can also walk in all day. Unfortunately, I need to try boots on first, which makes ordering over the internet a bit of a headache for me. Some boots that come highly recommended just don't work for me comfort wise. So if anyone knows of a good place (or places) in southern California to try on some of the boots that are recommended in this thread, that would be great. Thanks. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 810
| Hi Michael, If you go to any of the manufacturer's sites, they have "Dealer Locator" options on the websites. Once you find a dealer in your area, call them up and ask them if they carry specific models to save yourself a trip. There is a RedWing dealer in the Janz Mall in Thousand Oaks with a subset of RedWing's stock, but there might be one closer to you. I had them order sizes that they didn't carry to get mine. RedWing also has both steel toe and non-steel toe. There is a Chippewa dealer in Simi Valley, but they carry the logger boots and not the Motorcycle boots. I spoke to a Chippewa dealer and he said the RedWings would be a better quality boot over the Chippewa, but you might get some more comfort out of some select Chippewa models. Tony Murga boots are done by appointment. You go to his shop or see him at a show and he measures each foot separately and then makes a pattern of your feet to make the boots. He then keeps them on file for subsequent orders. Also, did you get the pictures from the IMS Show ??? Good Luck, Tim http://www.redwingshoes.com/ http://www.chippewaboots.com/ |
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Tourer
Posts: 506 Woodland Hills, CA | Thanks Tim. Interesting that a Chippewa dealer would say that the Red Wings are better quality. Anyway, I will check them out. Which do you have (if either)?
And no, I did not get any pics from IMS. Do you have my direct email so you can forward them. If not, let me know and I will get it to you.
Michael |
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Cruiser
Posts: 143 Sparta, WI | My dad turned me on to Red Wings 45 years ago. I have drifted away a few times, including wearing Harley boots for awhile (they really sucked), but I have come back home to Red Wings. Riding is one thing, being able to enjoy walking after I get to my destination is another. Red Wings are reasonably priced and a quality boot built for riding and walking. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 810
| Michael, I guess I emailed the pictures to the wrong email address. Another Michael in the club must have got them. I resent the pictures to the email address in your signature. The Chippewa dealer is also a RedWing dealer and probably others as well. I have had multiple pairs of RedWings and my friends who are in the trades like them as well (I have never tried Chippewa, but heard good things from people who have owned them). The RedWings are comfortable on cement and ladder rungs. They are sturdy, wear well and have a solid platform. I am wearing a pair of 8" loggers now. Tim
Edited by TimS 2008-12-17 6:19 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 59 Pocono Mountains of PA | I've been riding with a pair of Matterhorn Duty Boots that I wore as a LEO. They are sturdy all leather and have a fantastic grip sole. These are the same boots that are issued to the State Police as uniform items. They are insulated and Gortex lined, and have always been confortable walking, riding or in the woods. One drawback is they are not cheep. I'm glad I have an extra pair in the closet. This is the writeup... Matterhorn Mens 8 inch Waterproof Leather Insulated Field Boot with Non-Metallic Safety Toe 682494. Goodyear Patented Flex-Welt Construction, Waterproof/Breathable GORE-TEX Bootie, Water-Resistant, Breathable Full Grain Leather, Thinsulate Insulation 600 grams, Cambrelle Breathable Moisture Wicking Lining, Removable DRYZ Moisture/Odor Control Shock Absorbing Cushioned Insert, Fiberglass Shank, Patented PGD Shock Absorbing Polyurethane Midsole, Vibram Sierra Outsole, Non-Metallic Safety Toe: Meets ASTM F2413 Standard for Protective Footwear
Edited by DecTec 2008-12-17 7:23 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 266 Hartland, , WI | VisionTex - 2008-12-16 7:02 PM
This is a nice boot.
My favorites...not water proof or made to hiking in but I love them! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 742 North Orange County CA | Wizard, I bought my Chippewa boots like the ones shown above at Boot Barn. |
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Tourer
Posts: 548 Mount Vernon, WA United States | Wizard, Contact Tony Murga, Tell'em Miles sent you, tell'm what you are looking for, make an appointment and go down to his shop (it's south of LA), get fitted, listen to some great music, wait a few months and your feets will thank you for the rest of your life.
Every man should own his own tux, and at least one pair of great custom made boots. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 74 MN. | Got my Cruiserworks boots back around '2000, and their still gong strong. Had to re-sole them a couple times now, but they are the most comfortable boots (and waterproof) I have ever had. It IS a pain to have to order something online without trying them on, but these boots are well worth it! |
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Tourer
Posts: 506 Woodland Hills, CA | Miles - 2008-12-19 1:09 AM
Wizard, Contact Tony Murga, Tell'em Miles sent you, tell'm what you are looking for, make an appointment and go down to his shop (it's south of LA), get fitted, listen to some great music, wait a few months and your feets will thank you for the rest of your life.
Every man should own his own tux, and at least one pair of great custom made boots.
Thanks Miles! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 140
| Sorry folks, but Redwings are no longer made in the usa.
I have a pair of Cruiserworks boots, pretty nice. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 721
| Yep, Cruiserworks boots are some of the best and still made here. They offer many styles for men and women and are both breathable and completely waterproof. One time while riding with some of my Goldwing buddies we got to our destination and were talking in the parking lot when my buddies started laughing, I wondered what was up and one of them finally told me to look down.......... I looked down to find out that I had been standing the entire time (about 20 minutes or so) in a 5 inch deep puddle of water, and yes, not a drop made it through to my feet. I've worn out two pairs of the Side Zip touring model in the past 10 years, they are great for riding, walking, in fact, I now usually just put my riding boots on instead of any other shoes when I go out. Here is their website:
http://www.cruiserworks.com/
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Iron Butt
Posts: 600 Linwood, MI | lowtone9 - 2008-12-20 11:28 AM
Sorry folks, but Redwings are no longer made in the usa.
Yes they are. Red Wing shoes and boots are made in Minnesota, Missouri and Kentucky. Some of the other brands that are owned by Red Wing, i.e., Vasque and Worx, are made overseas, though. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 297 VA | Have you ever tried Danner boots? The pair I have are not insulated, but they do make them insulated as well.They are by the far the most rugged pair of boots I have ever worn. I got them for work about 7 years ago, and other than needing to be re-soled because I wore them because I wore them almost every day for three of those years, they are still great. They are all leather and a harder soled bottom, but are near indestructible. It takes a few weeks to break in, but once they are, they are extremely comfortable. But, get a pair of inserts because the bottom is leather and if you are on your feet for extended periods of time, it's nice to have. Otherwise, you won't be replacing them anytime soon. They are the same boots that a lot of the military uses.
Edited by divesharc 2008-12-20 5:57 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 550 Tacoma, WA | I second the Oxtars. Best riding boot I have ever had. Spendy, but well worth it!
http://www.rapidracer.com/tcx/?manufacturerid=66
I have some Redwing pull ons, but they are not warm, and stain my socks. I wish they would wear out!----Metalguy
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Tourer
Posts: 495 Carrollton, TX | Travelin' Man - 2008-12-20 2:02 PM Yep, Cruiserworks boots are some of the best and still made here. They offer many styles for men and women and are both breathable and completely waterproof. One time while riding with some of my Goldwing buddies we got to our destination and were talking in the parking lot when my buddies started laughing, I wondered what was up and one of them finally told me to look down.......... I looked down to find out that I had been standing the entire time (about 20 minutes or so) in a 5 inch deep puddle of water, and yes, not a drop made it through to my feet. I've worn out two pairs of the Side Zip touring model in the past 10 years, they are great for riding, walking, in fact, I now usually just put my riding boots on instead of any other shoes when I go out. Here is their website: http://www.cruiserworks.com/ I agree the Cruiserworks boots are the best boot you can buy. I had read review after review for years saying these boots are the best and had heard nothing but praise from users so I bought a pair a year and a half ago and they have been awesome. They are light weight, comfortable, waterproof and good looking. You can walk for miles in them and they wear well. They have my vote. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 166 Bullhead City, AZ | my kid is a wildland firefighter and those guys all wear White's or Westco's. I saw the Westco's at Sturgis last summer priceybut very comfortable. Think about, it fight fire in nasty places that most people wouldn't even walk, 16 hours a day for up to 2 weeks in a row those boots have to be tough and comfortable. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 140
| Rebel - 2008-12-20 3:32 PM
lowtone9 - 2008-12-20 11:28 AM
Sorry folks, but Redwings are no longer made in the usa.
Yes they are. Red Wing shoes and boots are made in Minnesota, Missouri and Kentucky. Some of the other brands that are owned by Red Wing, i.e., Vasque and Worx, are made overseas, though.
Go to their website and shoot them an email asking why none of the Redwing branded boots carry a "made in USA" tag anymore. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 810
| Go to their website and shoot them an email asking why none of the Redwing branded boots carry a "made in USA" tag anymore. This is too bad. I think I may have bought my last pair of Redwing boots. Tim |
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Cruiser
Posts: 293 Arkansas | So, I wanna know what Slowrider decided! What boot did he buy, after all this advice? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 106 L.I., N.Y. | Thank you to all for your great input and advice on this subject, as usually you all are a wealth of information. I had one opportunity to look and the store I visited, you had to prepay for the boots you ordered. I was more focused on the family over the past 2 weeks and will begin looking again in earnest after the New Year's Day Cold Finger Run for Cancer. I have 2 trips planned for Penn Yan area and 1 to Wilmington, NC, brother borrowing MH, and will be planning stops at boot shops along the way. I will keep you all posted, Thank You, Have A Safe Happy New Year and GOD BLESS! 
Edited by slowryder 2008-12-30 9:50 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 171 San Antonio, Texas | Not just trying to keep this thread alive, but I do have a question that's boot related. Has anyone worn or tried the boots that are sold/tagged by Victory? I just happen to have been visited by Santa with some Victory gift certificates and am lining up what they will be used for. So, I'm wondering if Victory boots would be a good thing or not (yes. other things will be bought and added to the Vision along with the possibility of the boot buy). Thanks! |
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Tourer
Posts: 548 Mount Vernon, WA United States | I found the Victory boots to be excellent boots. No they are not as comfy and as well fitted as the boots in the $1500 range, but they feel and wear a lot better then what they cost me. I actually liked them so much, when I found out they were going out of stock I tracked down a 2nd pair I still have new in box. I don't think they make them anymore but they were similar to these without the gawdy buckle thing. http://www.purepolaris.com/Detail.aspx?ItemID=2869332(PolarisPGACat...
Not sure if they have kept up the quality of the original versions, but they were a very nice boot. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 140
| Same price for boots made in the usa. http://www.chippewaboot.com/chippewa-motorcycle.htm |
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Visionary
Posts: 1350
| My Victory Engineer boots are about 9 years old now. I had them re-heeled once.
I like to park away from everyone else and walk. So these boots have lots of mileage on them.
I recommend them to everyone. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 106 L.I., N.Y. | I just tried had the opportunity to try on some Chippewa boots which to my surprise not all are made in the USA. There is Chippewa International made in china and Chippewa USA. There is quite big difference between them. I had only the chance to try on the Super Logger USA and the Buffalo and Logger insulted. The Super Logger was more comfortable to stand and walk in, stiffer leather would require a break in period and I felt better constructed. Chippewa china felt like you were standing and walking on bare floors and the leather was more pliable, also steel toed. Score one for the Super Logger, but the search continues. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006 San Antonio, TX | I am bringing up an old thread that helped me make up my mind about a new pair of boots.
Ever since this thread ended I have wanted to get a new pair of boots. My Redwings were not US made and some idiot put the zippers on the outside of the boot! So, I wanted to find a quality boot that is made in the US that was zippered on the inside of the boot or pull on. Murga's look great but I cannot afford them right now, maybe never. So I settled on Chippewa.
I have been shopping around on the Internet and found CopShoes.com that has a really nice link on the left hand side of the web page "American Made Boots".
http://www.copshoes.com/c-american-made-boots.html
Here CopShoes only list boots made in the USA. So the non-US Chippewa boots are not on this page.
Well, I see they are having a sale for Memorial weekend so I told my wife about it. My wife loves sales. I have been approved for my purchase by the boss! I will let you know how it goes in a few weeks.
I hope you have a great weekend.
Ride Safe |
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Cruiser
Posts: 97 Brighton, Colorado | MDHASS: I tried on a pair of SWAT boots at a local show last summer. The sole was so thick it wouldn't fit under the shifter. Is the kind of SWAT boot that pulls up on the site you designed, the only SWAT boot that fits under the shifter? Probably a stupid question, but I liked how they fit. Just couldn't get my left boot underneath to shift. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 208 Wichita, Kansas | For cold weather check out an Army surplus store for a pair of Gortex boots. I've worn them for three days walking on ice and snow and still not had cold feet. Not too thick to fit under the shifter. They may be getting hard to find since the Army has now switched to natural suede finish instead of black. For warm weather, a pair of black combat boots is hard to beat. I just happened to have a closet full!!! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 721
| I've had two pairs of Cruiserworks mens Side Zip touring boots over the past 10 years and I have found them to be the best made waterproof riding boot that is also comfortable to walk in. They are simply amazing and are well worth the money (my current pair cost $245 with shipping). The company manufactures they own product in North Carolina so they are U.S. made as well. Here is the link to their Side Zip Touring Boot:
http://www.cruiserworks.com/sidezip.php
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Tourer
Posts: 367 Cottage Grove, Mn | slowryder - 2009-01-02 4:16 PM
I just tried had the opportunity to try on some Chippewa boots which to my surprise not all are made in the USA. There is Chippewa International made in china and Chippewa USA. There is quite big difference between them. I had only the chance to try on the Super Logger USA and the Buffalo and Logger insulted. The Super Logger was more comfortable to stand and walk in, stiffer leather would require a break in period and I felt better constructed. Chippewa china felt like you were standing and walking on bare floors and the leather was more pliable, also steel toed. Score one for the Super Logger, but the search continues.
I bought these a few years back and love them they fit me great and on a scale of 1-10 break in was a 5. Two things your looking for M.I.A. and Zipper on thr inside.
Good luck in your search.
http://www.copshoes.com/c-motorcycle-boots-p-COV-XC1585.html |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006 San Antonio, TX | I have the Heel Toe shifter so if they are tall I am ok. Plus, instead of using the top of my toe, I hook the side of my sole on the end of the shift peg and lift.
Cold weather is not much of a problem in South Texas but hot is. I am looking at the ventilated Original SWAT boots for the summer.
I called up CopShoes.com and asked, Why no stars and stripes on the Cruiserworks boots? The company is US based but the boots are hand made in the Dominican Republic. At least they are on our side of the pond and that country needs all the help it can get. They do look really nice and if I got them I could wear them to work.
Blackjack,
The Corcoran Zippered Jump Boots look better to me then the Chippewa boots. I am getting too lazy to pull on a set of boots anyway.
Thanks for everyone's input.
Ride Safe |
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Cruiser
Posts: 69
| Well, the made in the USA eliminates my $35.00 Walmart boots that have lasted 5 years and are still in good shape (wouldn't want to walk very far in them though). I've been meaning to ask another "boot" question. I sometimes ride to work and need semi dress shoes. I have several pair of casual shoes w/corrugated soles. The bottom "grip" of the shoes/boots is as important to me as the rest of the construction as when you put your foot down at a stop and it lands on oil, water, etc. you don't want your foot to slide out and end up on the ground. It seems that the harder the rubber the easier they slide. Anyone else experience this? (I do put both feet down at once whenever possible). |
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Tourer
Posts: 506 Woodland Hills, CA | I have tried several pairs of boots over 40 years of riding years including Chippewa, Fry, Harley, etc., etc. I had been looking for a good pair of waterproof winter riding boots for some time, as well as a pair of boots I could walk in all day. About 5 months ago I came across the SWAT boots. After much research, I bought a pair of their 9" Air Tactical Leather Waterproof boot (#1234). They were the most comfortable boots I have ever tried, and that's right out of the box! And as I wore them they just got more comfortable. I was a little concerned at first about shifting due to the thick, cushioned sole and thick toe, but it worked perfectly on the Vision (and later on my Harley). My only problem was that they were too warm, especially if I wore them all day (but then its not really that cold here in Southern California).
I liked these boots so much but wanted something cooler, so a month later I bought a pair of SWAT's 9" Air Side Zip M.T. (#1232). They were essentially the same boots as the 1234's, but vented, and much cooler. Again, these boots were really comfortable out of the box, and got more comfortable as I wore them. In fact, I liked them so much, I have been wearing them almost every day since. I wore them in Europe last month where I probably walked 4 to 5 miles a day. And when I got back, spent a day at Disnyland. And through it all, these boots were the most comfortable things I have ever had on my feet. I even like them much better than sneakers.
They are great on the bike, comfortable to walk in all day long, seem to be really well made, and I would recommend highly. They cost around $100, and for me, they have been worth every penny. Of course, we each have our preferences here, and what may work really well for me, may not work for you. But I would at least recommend you try a pair. I got mine directly from the SWAT website (www.originalswat.com), and they were returnable if I didn't like them. How can you lose.
Good luck.
Edited by Wizard523 2009-05-24 2:52 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144 New Bohemia, VA | I've gone with Tony Lama cowboy boot as I work in an office and ride everyday. This seems to be the best fit for me to get off my bike and go straight to work or a meeting. Shyster, you want a good griping boot at all time, as it will save you big time. I tried the Wal-Mart boot and the ones I got really was bad. I couldn't ride in them long nor could I walk in them. Even though they were rubber sole they were hard and would slip. The Tony Lama's have a good grip sole that is soft enough to grip in the grit at a stop. I've had my feet slip, but it would have slipped regardless. The Lama's seem to grip through the grit and won't slide very far. |
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Tourer
Posts: 548 Mount Vernon, WA United States | You can put mini-Vibram soles on most boots. That's what I have on my Tony Murga's and my Lucchese's. They aren't much thinker than a regular leather sole.. but they GRIP!!! |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006 San Antonio, TX | Miles,
I was wondering about that. I have a nice pair of Ropers with leather soles made for sliding on a dance floor. The first time I rode with them I was taking the wife downtown to a concert, Tony Bennett. At the first stop sign I should have went home and changed them out. I finally figured out that if I use just my heels I was OK.
I did not drop the Vision but I was very unsure if I was going to find a spot where my boot stopped slipping.
Thanks, |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144 New Bohemia, VA | Hmmmmm, Tony Bennett. If he was a rider I'm sure it would be a Vision. But what kind of boots would he wear?
I left my heart in San Fran-cisco..... ahh to ride above the blue and windy sea.... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 69
| Varyder, Thanks for the suggestion. You're right about the soles of the Walmart boots. The price is great, they last forever but they don't grip well. Do cowboy boots give you enough ankle support? That's what I've read as the downside of them. Not all the Tony Lama's have rubber soles do they? I'll check them out. We have a local boot store that carries them and Redwings. ~Shy |
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Tourer
Posts: 548 Mount Vernon, WA United States | I'm going to be switching out the soles of all of my boots with mini-Vibram as they wear out.
As far as cowboy boots have ankle support... I guess like anything else, it depends on the brand, and a bit of how much do you want to pay.
Also consider how often you replace them. A good pair of boots... Murga, Roma, Lucchese.... Unless you plan on being buried in them, you should probably will them to someone, cause they'll certainly last longer than any of us. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 106 L.I., N.Y. | Gentlemen Thank you all for help in this. I finally got a pair of Frye 12" leather sole Chestnut Brown Harness boots. I had Vibram added to the sole to prvent slipping and to add longevity to the leather soles.The fit was remarkable. I can kick these boots off at the front door without losing my socks or having to sit down. My foot goes 3/4 in and the only thing that stops the progress is you have to move your pant leg out of the way. There is no loose fit in the front of your ankle I don't know how they did that. They protect well against the engine exhaust heat, which to date has not been an issue since I started using them. They also have a very nice dress up look. The company is located in Great Neck, NY and they been making boots since the Civil War. Again thanks http://www.thefryecompany.com/Product-Men-Boots-Harness-87414BLK.as... 
Edited by slowryder 2009-05-25 6:56 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144 New Bohemia, VA | Shyster - 2009-05-25 4:43 PM Varyder, Thanks for the suggestion. You're right about the soles of the Walmart boots. The price is great, they last forever but they don't grip well. Do cowboy boots give you enough ankle support? That's what I've read as the downside of them. Not all the Tony Lama's have rubber soles do they? I'll check them out. We have a local boot store that carries them and Redwings. ~Shy Of course ankle support is of great importance but I think I where them for versitility. Knowing my ankles are covered is enough for me and that I can wear them on and off the bike. I've tried the "changing out" when I get to work and that is too much work so I settled for these. I see TL's as a good "cheap" boot, around a C-Note so I expect them to last for a few resoles, but if they get ruined some how I won't be too upset. The one's I've got do have the rubber soles and no I don't think they all do. |
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Tourer
Posts: 548 Mount Vernon, WA United States | Forgot all about Frye... silly me.. Damn nice boot for the price. I'm pretty sure I have pair from the 70's somewhere. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 106 L.I., N.Y. | My sister inlaw said the same thing and bought another pair! |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118 Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Boots? What's the matter with shoes or sandles? I do draw the line at bare feet......
You want armor - stay in your cage. Or home. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144 New Bohemia, VA | donetracey - 2009-05-29 1:45 PM Boots? What's the matter with shoes or sandles? I do draw the line at bare feet...... You want armor - stay in your cage. Or home. ...coming from a man who thinks it's summer when the mercury hits 3 degree celsius. By the way don, what day does the almanac say summer will be in WVBC this year? |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118 Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Chis - we likely get more 'perfect' riding days here in a year than you do in VA. This weekend - highs to 28 C. Yuki and I are off to NW Washington St. Town of La Connor - overnight. Backroads during the day.
Little too hot for me - prefer the 'teens' - 13C to 19C for riding which is what we get in the mornings or winter afternoons - cool enough to keep you in leather (and BOOTS) - maybe use heated seat/grips/vest. Better than sunburn, ointment, sandles, shorts and engine heat.
Toss in our perfect motorcycle roads in the northwest, and our biking beats ANYWHERE else. And yes - I have biked in Virginia (while living in Orlando in the early 21st century). C'mon up for a ride - I have a guest suite.... |
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Tourer
Posts: 548 Mount Vernon, WA United States | donetracey - 2009-05-29 12:45 PM
Boots? What's the matter with shoes or sandles? I do draw the line at bare feet......
You want armor - stay in your cage. Or home.
As long as they match your dress, no one cares. I assume you ride side-saddle too coming from West Van But seriuosly... I expected a comment like that from someone up in the Comax valley ROFL!!!!
Just bust'n on ya.. Whatcha doin in La Conner, that's at least 15 minutes from me if I stuck in all the lights, and take the long way.
-mkb
P.S. We prefer to NOT advertise the riding and weather of the Pacific Northwest. Well.. let me rephrase... repeat after me... "The Roads here are all loose dirt, and it rains all the time." Just keep repeating that. Everyone else... disregard his obviously SARCASTIC remark that there are more good riding days here on great roads.... lies I tell ya... all lies. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118 Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | We are window shopping for BOOTS (to keep the thread alive). That, and as we were there briefly during the Tulip Festival, we decided to return to the area for a weekend of exploring the town and it's restaurants & shops.
Sorry - the riding we only do because it's cheaper to drive than my 300 on these miserable roads. Mostly it's because we LOVE the American people and exploring 3rd world countries..... in the rain.
Staying at Channel Lodge on First St. Love to meet you while we're there..... |
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