I know that I will need new winter/cold weather riding pants this year, but I also need some new riding boots. Okay, I'll probably need summer gloves too. It's never is the actual motorcycle purchase that costs a lot, it always seems to be the goods, farkles and gear to go with it.
I had been using non riding specific HH Brown Opanka pack boots as riding boots when I was a passenger. They were a pretty good fit and wore well for 7-8 years I used them. The heel was a problem for me as I've had ankle surgery many years ago and the angle was not good for walking.
Last year, for riding the TU, I switched to HD Melia riding boots.
I liked the style, low heel, and the fact they aren't bulky. They are big enough for my warm socks, but they roast my feet in the summer and my feet freeze below about 50˚. I am happy with the way they are wearing, but feel these have stretched a bit and it would be nice to have a slightly tighter fit and something with ankle protection. For them to be vegan would be a bonus.
I started doing a little research this afternoon (slow day in the office) and came up with these: the Sidi Jasmine Rain Boot.
Although the appear to be leather they are actually made from Lorica®. What is Lorica you ask? Well, to quote their advertising Lorica is "a composite micro fiber material created from strands less than one-thousandth the thickness of silk. When injected with special resins, these fibers act like natural leather skin, but with the addition of better strength, softer texture, lighter weight and better moisture protection. Lorica is also highly resistant to abrasion - yet it still breathes - with more than three million pores per square centimeter. Easy to maintain, Lorica doesn’t stain and can’t be scratched and offers, reduced weight, more flexibility and more feel than leather racing boots."
I'm intrigued. Several sites have these boots listed for $200. For Sidi, that seems a good price to me. Considering I paid about $119 for my HD Melia's with no ankle protection, it seems a good value.
Now if only I could find a place around here to actually try them on. I think Cycle Gear in Salem can special order them in and if they don't fit I don't think you have to buy them. Maybe Troubadour even has a coupon hiding around here somewhere. If nothing else my Melia's were ordered off the internet. I'd never ordered boots online before, but was impressed with customer service and exchange policies if they didn't fit. If shipping were free, I don't think I'd hesitate to order online again. Good thing we built the walk in closet in the spare room or I'd never be able to store all my old discarded gear.
I am in no rush for boots right at the moment but I'll definitely have to add these to my mental wish list. Now if only pants or gloves were that easy.......
- Au Revoir
"A bargain ain't a bargain unless it's something you need." ~ Sidney Carroll
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I very much like the HD Melia boots. They look cool.
ReplyDeleteHowever, it never hurts to have a wish list. I am still looking for the perfect all-weather glove but alas, no luck. Fingers too long for lady's gloves, but hands are too small for men's gloves (while the fingers fit well...)
Trobairitz:
ReplyDeleteI've had a pair of SIDI waterproof boots for the last 7 years and up until this year, they've kept me 100% dry - a great product. My left boot has now started to leak a little as I've worn through the gear change patch and into the material underneath. Can't complain after 7 years though!
Wow. Those are a good look pair of boots. Might go on to my wish list as well as my Alpine Stars are wearing a little too much. Thanks for doing the research! :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck finding MC boots to try on. I haven't ventured on the shopping spree yet, but have noticed most stores, don't carry much stock. I can understand why, but still wish it was different.
ReplyDeleteI like the Sidis. I've looked at them a few times online, and they sound like a good boot. Sooner or later I'm going to have to give up my Keens. No protection, and they're falling apart.
@Sonja - I too like the HD Melias but I ordered them over the net and had to order an 8 since they didn't have half sizes. I usually wear a 7.5. They fit great with my wool socks when I first got them and are a little big now even with the wool socks. And they have no thermal lining at all, brrrr.
ReplyDelete@Geoff - I have heard great things about Sidi so it is nice to know yours have lasted that long.
@Beemergirl - Glad you like them, there doesn't seem to be a lot out there in quality boots for women right now that aren't typical cruiser boots so I thought these were a good value and great all around touring boot.
@Bluekat - Do we need to petition Keens to make motorcycle boots? We've requested it to them on facebook before, but they haven't listened. I love my Keens and would definitely buy a pair of riding boots from them, my Keen hiking shoes won't work. FYI - we were in Premier Motogear in Albany today and Michael said they hope to carry Sidi this summer, not sure if they will have ladies though