Author Topic: Boots Boots Boots` (Read 4508 times)

bencav · « **on:** November 26, 2011, 16:40:22 »

After last weeks dissapointment with trying boots at the show, and finding Sidis were a no-go and TCX Infinity were borderine, I am after thoughts and opinions on alt-bergs, namely, these little jimmys:

http://www.altberg.co.uk/Web/motorcycle_ClubClas.jsp

they don't seem too expensive, BUT, on speaking with the company, I would have to pay an extra Â£60 for a hand cut calf section as they are too narrow for my calfs (that's what rising push bikes does for you!!!

)

At Â£220, they still don't seem out of this world, but nore are they fuly fledged goretex wonders.

I can get them to fit perfectly, with no compromise, so are they worth going for? I am after comfort, protection and longevity, the latter of which my current lorrica TCX falls flat on its face - the next pair absolutely MUST have been previously mounted to a cow!!

2112 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 26, 2011, 16:48:51 »

If I'm brutally honest they don't look the most stylish boots I've ever seen. However, if you wear them inside your trousers no one will see 'em anyway. If they fit perfectly then go for it ! If they're not goretex lined you can get some goretex boot liners cheap enough, just make sure you try them with the proposed liners. Not a bad price really

Strommer · « **Reply #2 on:** November 26, 2011, 16:55:17 »

I've a pair of10s - great if a bit loose for my skinny legs. Lots of room for winter socks (I'm a 9.5).

bencav · « **Reply #3 on:** November 26, 2011, 17:01:29 »

Quote from: "2112"

If I'm brutally honest they don't look the most stylish boots I've ever seen.

And there in lies my problem - they look a bit 'beamish' esque!! It may just be the photo though! No way of telling however as Hello don't have a display model!

I do wear boot in trouser leg so most would be covered!!

If only Sidi would import the Canyon or adventure in EU49 to the UK!!! I am thinking I might contact the for a supplier who will sent international as the vertigo anf black rain in 49 fit perfectly! can't be form USA though as they are made fo Lorica due to the leather import tax!

on the other hand, I could go for a walk on a table saw!

2112 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 26, 2011, 17:21:01 »

Quote from: "bencav"

on the other hand, I could go for a walk on a table saw!

Bit drastic :limp:

bencav · « **Reply #5 on:** November 26, 2011, 17:28:43 »

Quote from: "2112"

Quote from: "bencav"
on the other hand, I could go for a walk on a table saw!

Bit drastic :limp:

But The I could buy normal shoes for less then Â£80 a go...honeslty, big feet = skinny wallet!!

2112 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 26, 2011, 17:30:25 »

Just had a brainwave, a rare phenomenon indeed... Check out http://www.haix.com I have used various models of these boots at work for over 15 years and they are like slippers and 100% waterproof. They are very robust and while not dedicated bike boots they are incredibly well made and will last years and will offer as good a level of protection as most bike boots. I used the 'climber' model (in the workwear section) for several years and they never leaked once, impressive. The Arb boots are impressive too and you can get the from Gustharts at Blagdon. The best bit is they do them in sizes to fit Ronald McDonald

Gassoon · « **Reply #7 on:** November 26, 2011, 17:32:15 »

For what its worth, Ben, I've got those boots, had 'em for about 15 years (honest!) and I love them...ride down to Yorkshire, get Your feet and bits measured at the shop, they'll last forever (can even get them resoled).
They've taken me all over Europe (well, France, Spain, Germany) Ireland (where they invented rain) and never let a drop in. I've even hiked short ditanced in them, when pushed - or pished, as Hutchie would say!

I've got the opposite to you - skinny calves - and there's a bit too much room in them at times, when walking in them, but that was my fault for not saying at the time of fitting, and it doesn't bother me...

However, these boots look canny to me, Â£149 and came out well in ABR mag...

http://www.tranam.co.uk/Clothing/W2/W2_4dirt.html

Strommer · « **Reply #8 on:** November 26, 2011, 19:00:35 »

Not sure I like the idea of a steel toecap...

Regarding Haix I like the look of these Montanas:

matchless · « **Reply #9 on:** November 26, 2011, 19:43:32 »

Got the Altberg continental tourer with membrane lining had them for years they are very comfy and I have never had wet feet. They will rebuild the boot with new membrane and soles for Â£80 or so if you manage to wear them out!

Gassoon · « **Reply #10 on:** November 26, 2011, 20:07:59 »

Nice find with those Haix's ! I like the look of this one...

http://www.haix.com/en/products/military/haix-tibet

Ubique · « **Reply #11 on:** November 26, 2011, 21:53:31 »

Altberg have just brought out a new boot, it was in this months ride magazine - looks good. Altberg use a sympatex lining which is just as a good as gore tex. I wear altberg boots everyday at work and they are brilliant - can't fault them at all.

2112 · « **Reply #12 on:** November 27, 2011, 11:34:49 »

Quote from: "Gassoon"

Nice find with those Haix's ! I like the look of this one...

http://www.haix.com/en/products/military/haix-tibet

Yes, the Tibet is a tidy boot. I can't praise these products highly enough

bencav · « **Reply #13 on:** November 27, 2011, 14:20:27 »

like the lookof them Bry, reminds me of the loveson hiking boots I bought a while back!

They look rather heavy duty - do they have enough flex not to feel like a plaster cast?

I have emailed sidi to see if there is an importer who will supply a pair of adventures or canyons in EU49, if that fails, I think a ride to Yorkshire and a hunt for a Haix seller will be on the cards!

Thanks for the pointers everyone!

2112 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 27, 2011, 18:00:48 »

Quote from: "bencav"

like the lookof them Bry, reminds me of the loveson hiking boots I bought a while back!

They look rather heavy duty - do they have enough flex not to feel like a plaster cast?

They have just the right amount of flex, but still have enough ridgidity to offer good protection. You could loop into Gustart's a Blagdon on the way home one night to check 'em out.

bencav · « **Reply #15 on:** November 27, 2011, 19:22:22 »

Quote from: "2112"

Quote from: "bencav"
like the lookof them Bry, reminds me of the loveson hiking boots I bought a while back!

They look rather heavy duty - do they have enough flex not to feel like a plaster cast?

They have just the right amount of flex, but still have enough ridgidity to offer good protection. You could loop into Gustart's a Blagdon on the way home one night to check 'em out.

will do, never heard of the place (Gustart's that is) saves me a hunt about!!

2112 · « **Reply #16 on:** November 27, 2011, 22:26:59 »

They're in the Milkhope Centre on The Poteland road, good set of lads there. Last time I was in they had two Haix models on display, but I'm sure they could order a pair in for you. Hopefully they'll have some stock in your size as there are some big tree surgeons out there !

Strommer · « **Reply #17 on:** November 28, 2011, 18:58:05 »

...you want to dress in lumberjacks' clothing....

Dracula · « **Reply #18 on:** November 28, 2011, 19:39:03 »

I got these at the show ;-

Alpinestars Scout wp boot.

Very comfy and seem very well made, might be worth a look.
Far more comfortable than the tcx infinity that I was looking at, and the HG version.
Just waiting for rain so I can really test them out (never thought I'd say that).

Gassoon · « **Reply #19 on:** November 28, 2011, 19:56:08 »

Quote from: "Strommer"

...you want to dress in lumberjacks' clothing....

Heh heh! His secret is out!

Drac - Viz top tip: Impatient to test out your new boots? Ride through a car wash! (Make sure to video it for posterity!)