mlinkibikr
Forum Supporter
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2003
- Messages
- 1,889
- Reaction score
- 649
- Location
- Fulshear, Tx
- First Name
- David
- Last Name
- Little
The day finally came that my BMW ProTour boots bit the dust. Worn out, sole flapping, velcro weakening, wore out. These replaced my first pair of legit m/c boots, a fine pair of Daytonas I picked up overseas decades ago. I went to BMW Motorrad's site and found that they no longer offer the BMW ProTour boots - very disappointed in that. What I like about them were the comfort (riding and walking), the water proofing (Goretex) and and that they looked really sharp. I never crash tested them, so no info on safety. BMW does offer other boots, but I can't find an obvious direct replacement.
What boots then? I am 90% road riding on my GS, 10% dirt/gravel. I feel that a street oriented bike is still the way to go as I realistically don't see myself bashing single track at all. I want a year 'round boot, waterproof of course, comfortable for riding and walking, and something made with highest quality. For a a pair of boots that will last 10 or more years I have no price limit.
I searched Revzilla, Bates (they don't make m/c boots anymore) and Aerostich, and after looking at the options I'm drawn to the Daytona Road Star GTX boots. My original pair (basic leather, pre-goretex, 1983 vintage) were outstanding, and I got a full 20 years of life out of them.
A feature I liked with the BMW boots that the Road Star also has are dual closures on the inside and outside of the boot. Tons of adjustability for varying calf sizes, and the ability to wear blousy textile pants over the boot or alternatively tuck in leather touring pants inside the leather but outside of the vortex insert.
Daytona also makes the M Star which seems to be a little taller in the heel and toe sections to accommodate a 2.5cm heel "lift" for riders that need a bit more stability at stops. I don't need that personally, but I like how the M Star has leather flaps that cover the side zippers. In the end though my concern over the hight of the toe box and impact on shifting outweighed the benefits of the extra leather flaps. I may be overthinking that, particularly since my first pair of riding boots were actually some big suede waffle stomper hiking boots I picked up at the Army Navy surplus store back in '82 before good gear was available in the US.
Revzilla has a liberal returns policy and I have a small credit on my account I could use. I'll keep you posted but I'll probably order those Road Stars pretty soon. If so I'll do a full review.
Dave.
What boots then? I am 90% road riding on my GS, 10% dirt/gravel. I feel that a street oriented bike is still the way to go as I realistically don't see myself bashing single track at all. I want a year 'round boot, waterproof of course, comfortable for riding and walking, and something made with highest quality. For a a pair of boots that will last 10 or more years I have no price limit.
I searched Revzilla, Bates (they don't make m/c boots anymore) and Aerostich, and after looking at the options I'm drawn to the Daytona Road Star GTX boots. My original pair (basic leather, pre-goretex, 1983 vintage) were outstanding, and I got a full 20 years of life out of them.
A feature I liked with the BMW boots that the Road Star also has are dual closures on the inside and outside of the boot. Tons of adjustability for varying calf sizes, and the ability to wear blousy textile pants over the boot or alternatively tuck in leather touring pants inside the leather but outside of the vortex insert.
Daytona also makes the M Star which seems to be a little taller in the heel and toe sections to accommodate a 2.5cm heel "lift" for riders that need a bit more stability at stops. I don't need that personally, but I like how the M Star has leather flaps that cover the side zippers. In the end though my concern over the hight of the toe box and impact on shifting outweighed the benefits of the extra leather flaps. I may be overthinking that, particularly since my first pair of riding boots were actually some big suede waffle stomper hiking boots I picked up at the Army Navy surplus store back in '82 before good gear was available in the US.
Revzilla has a liberal returns policy and I have a small credit on my account I could use. I'll keep you posted but I'll probably order those Road Stars pretty soon. If so I'll do a full review.
Dave.