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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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Boots thats made for riding
