New boots

Does anybody have recent experience of buying boots? I currently have an ageing pair of Alpinstar SM-X boots - they are like slippers and, as far as I remember, always have been. However, they're getting on a bit and I know newer kit has better protection.

I went into Hein Gericke last weekend and tried a few boots on. OMG - either my legs have swollen or boots have got narrower! I tried all sorts of manufacturers and styles and they pretty much all clamped me really tightly around the ankle and lower calf, even if the size of the foot part was right. I'm reluctant to buy £200's-worth of boots on the promise that they will get easier in time. I can easily see my feet going to sleep with tight boots on (something that never happens at the moment).

I tried HG own-brand, Alpinestar (SM-X Plus, SM-X 5), RST and Arlen Ness. I'm looking for "summer" type boots, not necessarily waterproof (although not bothered about this) and not necessarily overtly "racy" - I just want comfort! They don't stock Sidi or Frank Thomas, so couldn't try these.

Any comments?

Hi Weasley,

I was suffering a similar problem as I have odd shaped feet and was struggling to find decent boots that fit.
I ended up going to http://www.altberg.co.uk/ as they're factory is near where I live. I can honestly say I've never had a pair of shoes, slippers, boots or otherwise that fit as well as these. There is a 6 week wait as they are made from your feet measurements, but they are an absolutely perfect fit! They do several calf height and circumferences as standard and can accommodate any alterations at all.
Another plus point is that all parts of the boot are mend-able should any part of the boot wear out (soles, waterproofing etc) around £50 gets a full refurbishment. I think Terry (FJR) has had his for 15 yrs+!
I would have never thought of custom made boots but I'm not sure I'll ever wear anything else now, thoroughly recommend having a look.

HTH

Chris

Well that was easy! After a fruitless 30-40 minutes in Hein Gericke a few weeks ago, where NOBODY came to assist me or even seemed to care I was in their shop, within 30 seconds of sitting down at MPS Express, near Oxford, I had a very friendly and knowledgeable girl helping me. I tried on the Sidi Vertigo boots and bought them within 5 minutes - a great fit and nice boots. I then tried on helmets since my trusty and beloved AGV was getting on a bit and she showed me a few before I settled on a Shoei XR-1000. OMG, haven't things changed?! It's like riding without a lid on it's so light and comfortable with excellent visibility! Just need to sort myself out a dark visor now.

Big up to MPS Express - you should all go there! :whoop:

My Sidi road boots, plain black waterproof, and the similar vented ones, are excellent. I've had the plain ones since Spring of 2002 and they are still in great condition, with the following note: The slender velcro strips beside the zipper got de-fuzzed over time. I clipped the threads, took off the old strips, and epoxied on new plain-backed velcro strips cut to fit. One must keep epoxy from bleeding over into the zipper track when doing this, a word to the wise!
The newer design has an inner ankle-bone hard plate that is also part of the velcro'd area. so there is more grip area. The vented boots came onto the market with this design, and it improves on the slender flap. The waterproof model is- I've stood in 2" of water and had completely dry feet.
For the short of leg or stature, the Frey-Daytone boots with the built-up insole are excellent. Add needed height and reach-to-ground. They are expensive but of high quality. Also as a Gore-tex model, hence wayerproof.