Adventure Motorcycle Boots: Choosing the VERY Best

[@timhamilton5699]

I have to 2nd the Goretex socks! I've used them both during my career as an Arny Infantryman and with my moto boots on ADV rides. They work!

[@BeGoneForGood]

Awesome. I was really surprised at how good they were without all the hassles I was expecting. Great, relatively inexpensive, piece of gear to keep in your back pocket…well, on your feet technically but you know what I mean.

[@flippy66]

They are not Goretex socks. Goretex is a specific product, it is not a catch-all term for anything waterproof.

[@williamspence1246]

Agreed. Still got my issued Sealskin socks. Can't go wrong with them to be honest. Not bad for pusser! 🤣

[@hughhawley3169]

After hearing the "buy better boots" speech in an ADV training course from an instructor who was recovering from a broken ankle, I settled on the Alpinestars Tech 7 Drystar., upgrading from TCX commuter/cruising boots which were built 90% for comfort and ease of getting on/off and only 10% for protection. The Tech 7s are a bit like a ski boot--weird at first but after you wear them all day you get used to it. I haven't ridden them in a heavy, all-day downpour yet, so can't attest to the water resistance in real conditions, but have stood in a creek up to mid-calf for a few minutes and had no leaks. In terms of protection, they are a lot like your Leatts in the video--essentially a plastic cast from the knee down. The biggest adjustment I had to make was in shifting and braking. The new boots are so stiff that I'm using a lot more gross motor skills to manipulate the controls. The effect at first was that my rear braking became somewhat abrupt due to loss of feel and flexibility, but eventually I got used to it. Upshitfing means moving everything from the knee down instead of a more refined raising of the big toe, but again, it doesn't take too long to adjust to it. Completely worth making the adjustments to gain the added protection.

[@BeGoneForGood]

Thank you so much for watching and adding your two cents. I totally agree with your assessment. I was REALLY reluctant to get into a beefier boot for a long time because of the reasons you mentioned (comfort and loss of feel) but once I dealt with it and got through it, I’m so much more content with my choice. I’d argue this is the path anyone NOT in a heavy boot needs to take. Be uncomfortable for a little bit for a long term safety payoff. It is certainly worth it for the added protection off road.

[@robertsadv2832]

I have a pair of tech sevens dry Star use them for 25,000 miles at about 15,000 miles. They leak like a sieve

[@currierigg8302]

I rode tens of thousands of km`s with sealskin socks and they were brilliant. Stayed waterproof for years.

[@BeGoneForGood]

Love it. I am excited to put much more time in these socks.

[@Adventure_blac]

Just purchased a pair of Leatt 5.5s as well(always rode in timberlands). Surprised at the weight but I did the research and went with safety. Looking to add a pair of Gaerne Fastback Endurance Enduro Motocross Boots. They seem protective still and technically still an Mx boot but not as much plastic but still enough while having more protection than an adv boot.

[@BeGoneForGood]

That sounds like a solid set up between those two. I know when I had my first set of boots there was nearly nothing protecting me and now, with the Leatts, I am about as good as I am ever going to get.

[@davehartsock9106]

Once again, great video Chad. So before I saw this video I was thinking to do exactly what you did. I love the Sidi Adventure 2’s but not enough protection. Planning on getting both the Sidi’s and the Gaerne SG22’s. I have done a little research on the seal skin socks and after your video you have sealed (pun intended) the deal for me getting them. Keep up the great work. Liked and subscribed!

[@BeGoneForGood]

Thank you so much and I am glad you got something out of the video. I also have become a big fan of the Sealskinz. I am so happy to have lucked into that potential answer to my MX boot issue. I hope to continue to push deeper and deeper into the backcountry with these boots and socks.

[@briangaskill8348]

I also started with the Gearne's. Not Gore Tex, just oiled. I finally wore the sole out. It would cost $100 plus shipping to replace the soles. I found a pair of Klim Adventure GTX to replace the Gaerne's at 60% off. I also have the Alpinestar Tech 7 Drystars for off road riding. I gotta say that the Tech 7's are by far the most comfortable out of my collection of boots. I've worn them to commute to work in, but my co-workers complain about how squeaky they are, so now I commute in the Klim's. The Alpinestars are cooler on hot days and just as waterproof as the Klim's. I think they are almost as easy to walk in too.

[@BeGoneForGood]

I had the same idea about my Gaerne's where I thought I would replace the sole. That was very foolish of me as I had a similar price disparity to you. I know I have said this before and I don't have a good reason for it but I cannot bring myself to even look at the Alpinestars. It makes no sense but it is a real sticking issue for me. Luckily I am pretty satisfied with my Leatt's so I don't feel like I am missing much.

[@leoncelestinedave]

I have been using the Tech 7 drystar enduro for a fair bit on both touring and off road. It’s a great boot and you will get used to it, there is also the Leatt 4.5 hydradri which is also similar in terms of waterproof and type of boot.

[@enriquejaimes3368]

100% agree. I went for the forma adv for road riding and my Leatt 5.5 for offroad, basically every time I ride my DR650 on dirt I wear motocross boots

[@garrydurfey9700]

Great stuff Chad. Thanks so much. I am in search of new boots. I have been unhappy with my “little” Sidi boots for a long time on my Wing…..900 pounds of ankle crushing weight. I have a pair of motocross boots for the 650 but like you they aren’t waterproof. Great options you presented. But I am looking for a Garin or the Sidi Adventure boot for 90% of my riding. Thanks and best wishes.

[@BeGoneForGood]

Good luck with your choice and I am glad the video helped bubble up some thoughts. That is the main goal.

[@grandiagod]

I have the TCX Drifters and the Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro Drystars. Kinda the same decision you made. That being said I almost wish I hadn't gotten the Tech 7s, my bike (890 R) with soft panniers has almost no hard/pointy bits that can slam down on your ankle/foot so I only really wear the Tech 7s when doing hard terrain with lots of rocks or if I'm going to be on the bike all day off-road. I feel comfortable enough risking a little bit of protection on normal trails with the Drifters.

[@BeGoneForGood]

Yeh, those trade offs are routinely made in my head depending on the type of riding I’m expecting to encounter. I have recently gone with hard MX though if there is ANY chance or likelihood of me coming off the bike. I think it is because, broadly, I have gotten over the comfort hump. I prefer my Sidis but not so much as to make the Leatts unapproachable. If I am ONLY on road, I will generally opt for the Sidis. Anything other than that, I’ll be in the Leatts.

[@NunyaBusiness...]

I understand the push for maximum protection, but if it's so uncomfortable that you don't wear it, what good is it doing? It's like selecting a personal carry pew pew. The one you'll practice with and carry is the best one, even if it's not a howitzer. Lots of people will find the motoX boot so uncomfortable that it'll just collect dust while they ride in their regular boots, and for them the ADV boot is a 1000 times better choice.

[@BeGoneForGood]

I agree with you that it is VERY much like a carry weapon but I disagree with you that you get what is comfortable. At some point, the weapon and the boot become all but useless if you make the wrong choice. If you are in that too small or too comfy category, you need to learn to be a little less comfortable so you can have protection that is worth a damn. Some of it is what you can tolerate and some is learning to tolerate a little more for the added safety. It is obviously a fine line but knowing myself, I needed to toughen up a bit when it came to my boots. Now, I can reasonably and relatively comfortably ride more safely.

[@NunyaBusiness...]

@@BeGoneForGood I'm saying you should get what you'll use. If it's so uncomfortable that you will leave it at home, then you'd be better off with something less protective that you will actually put on every time. Using the carry weapon analogy again, the best thing is a full size because it has greater capacity, accuracy, and less recoil. It's also bulky, hard to conceal, and for some just too large in the hand. If those factors would make you leave it at home you are better off getting the subcompact that you'll take with you everyday. Inferior to a full size, sure, but it's better to have something lesser than nothing at all.

[@christopherfreeman3095]

I will second this notion from an adjacent perspective. Not comfort exactly, but from the standpoint of control. I have a pair of Gaerne MotoX boots, forget which model, and they are fine for a MotoX/Enduro bike, but I cannot manipulate the foot controls adequately on an ADV bike. For this reason the waterproof, composite toe Danner boots go with me. Generally for street, because I commute daily and take road trips with my wife on the GS. Another concept is that with better control and feel on the pegs/shifter/brake, I have fewer crashes off-road, because I can react faster. I subscribe to the Ryan Hughes philosophy that preventing/avoiding crashes > limiting range of motion in the pursuit of dealing with wreck aftermath. I ditched the leg braces back in the enduro days for the same reasons. If I’m going somewhere gnarly and rocky I’ll slide into the MotoX boots, but otherwise I still prefer the leather work boots for mild off-road. All that said I am always looking for a boot that gives enough ankle/toe mobility for the controls, but locks out anything more to maintain protection, just haven’t found it yet.

[@bielbills]

You should get the Leatt's 4.5 Hydradri. Best of both worlds.

[@BeGoneForGood]

I might take another look in a few years.

[@enriquejaimes3368]

No, get the 5.5. 4.5 as not enough protection and most important no FlexLock. It is actually the worst of both worlds. I owned the 3.5 and wanted to upgrade to 4.5 but after trying them all, I went for the 5.5 hands down.

[@frank_jk]

Thanks! Did you look at the A* Tech 7 Enduro Drystar? Not Gore Tex, but it’s a waterproof mx boot that is well regarded. By the way, how’s the fit on the Leatts? I’m a 13 in A* but was looking at the 5.5s and curious if they run small or big. Thanks!

[@BeGoneForGood]

Sorry for taking so long to get back to you but I found the Leatts to be pretty true to size. I was right in the Sidis just for reference. I know the Alpines are good and I’ve heard tons of recommendations towards that boot. I know this is going to sound crazy but I just have a block for Alpines for some I known reason. It doesn’t make sense and is totally illogical but I can’t bring myself to buy anything of theirs. It’s weird but I’ve come to accept it just isn’t happening. Crazy right?

[@Matthew-wn8oq]

Leatt makes those motocross boots with a waterproof liner 😂 also the Alpinestars Tech7 has drystar enduro model with more colors than black and they are the most comfortable motocross boot made.

[@ariesmarsexpress]

I have been researching the Sidi Adventure 2 against the Gaerne G.Dakar Gore-Tex. The Gaerne I can confirm is CE 2-2-2-2, but I can't find anything on the Sidi to replace the Forma ADV Tourers. Do you happen to know if the Sidi Adventure 2 is CE 2-2-2-2?

[@Matthew-wn8oq]

If money isn't an object then the Expedition is by far the best most protective , waterproof boot available.

[@hiphopjug]

What is your thought on Gearne Dakar boot?

[@patwhelan2817]

Hi great video, I am on crutches due to simple tip over at the side of the road. Daytona Roadstar protected a fair bit but stretched calf muscles so will injured for a few weeks more. I had thought the Sidi would be good but Leath 4.5 Hydradri looks good. Did you try that boot?

[@BeGoneForGood]

Holy cow...I was not aware of this boot and the Leatt 4.5 Hydradry looks amazing. I may be getting in touch with Leatt soon to see if they will send me a pair of my new favorite boots. It looks like it is a great amount of protection. I hope you recover quickly and thank you for the insight.

[@rcvg69420]

So my good ol redwing 914 workboots that offer no protection are officially completely smoked and I need new boots for the upcoming season. Luckily in the 10 years I've been riding with them I haven't fallen in a way where I tested them out. For 95% road and 5% fireroad... What would be good? I've been looking between the Gaerne Balance or Dakar at the moment. It's a tough call, the Dakar look much more supportive plus only 2 clasps to take them off. The Balance look more comfortable, but 3 clasps to remove and less protection. Price is basically similar between the two. Tough call. My needs are basically just it needs to be comfortable to ride all day in, be waterproof in case it rains, and be easy to get in and out of. I keep crocs on my top box so as long as I can swap to those for walking then the boots can be a bit of a compromise for walking. I do already have Alpinestars Tech 5's, that's something I don't want to subject myself to for street riding.

[@biggus.dickus]

I went with a $450 Touratech Destino Adventure. Toe, ankle, steel toe(attachment). Tpu shin. There are steel loops to lock with your bike. There's the outer boot and an inner boot. So there's a shoe within a shoe. Did i say it's waterproof? When you reach your destination you simply secure the outerboots and just walk-around in the inner boot. MX boots basically. I am very satisfied for my purposes. I was scared my sweating is going to ruin the experience but no complaints 5000miles ridden. Every component is replaceable

[@BeGoneForGood]

I have never heard of such a thing but it sounds like you have found a unicorn there. Thank you for the heads up. I will have to check those out when I am in the market for new boots again.

[@davehartsock9106]

@@BeGoneForGoodlooks like a quality boot, great concept but definitely doesn’t look like it would protect you like a motocross boot would. I think the Sidi Adventure 2 would protect better and it is waterproof right to the top. I really want this boot but it just doesn’t have enough protection. Gortex is the best waterproofing there is. All the others are just OK.

[@ridemfast7625]

Very good review. Have a pair of mx style boots, Sidi x-power, but also want something more comfortable for some rides that will have less dirt/adventure. Curious if you also looked at the Gaerne Dakar before buying the Sidi Adv 2?

[@BeGoneForGood]

I did not but because of this video I am getting a bunch of recommendations for my next round of boots. Thank you so much.

[@chuckgenaro4373]

The Alpinestars Toucan GTX Boots. Almost comfortable, decent armor, goretex. 650$ 11:52 11:54

[@BeGoneForGood]

“Almost comfortable”. Perfectly hilarious and what more could you possibly hope for from a protective boot. I know it’s insane and has no reasonable grounds but I don’t like Alpinestars…anything. I just can’t get over the hump.

[@chuckgenaro4373]

@@BeGoneForGood I was sold on a reviewer who said it was for the rider of large adventure motorcycles 0n trails they have no business being on. That was on the nose! Other reviews site many a trapped foot without injury. By the way, bought the Klim GTX boot based on brand name. Trapped foot 3 time resulting in various degrees of sprain!

[@motojon76]

@@BeGoneForGood I was going to ask why not get the A-Star Tech 7. Very comfortable and technically better than both of the boots you bought. But some people are brand weird and I get that.

[@rosslangerak8361]

In about six months, I will be retiring. Everything I still own is going in storage, I will load up the bike, and I am going on a very long ride. I won't stop until I can't ride any more. I won't have the option of having two pair of boots, or two jackets, or two motorcycles, or two sets of tires. Motocross boots are not an option. I need an adventure boot that is comfortable, hiking or riding, and protects my feet and ankles.

[@BeGoneForGood]

Whoa…sorry this took so long to get back to you. Seems like 2-3 months from now, you are going to be doing some pretty awesome stuff. Make sure you check in to tell us about your adventures. I get the trade offs for the boots and totally respect that everyone has their own risk/reward decisions to make. Given what you’ve told me, I have my Sidis which I think fit that ADV type boot, dual purpose, category quite well. I wish you luck in your search and look forward to hearing about your journey.

[@davehartsock9106]

@@BeGoneForGoodtotally agree with you. Sidi Adventure 2.

[@vplph]

Maybe the Gaerne Fastback Endurance was a good choice as well?

[@currierigg8302]

how about the GAERNE FASTBACK ENDURO BOOTS, half way between?

[@BeGoneForGood]

I haven't had a chance to try them out but many have recommended it. My worry is that anything trying to do both is likely to miss the mark of either and doing that with safety seems to miss the point. We shall see when I am buying the next boots.

[@darylclark8906]

wONDERING if you considered the Gaerne Fastback Enduro boot?

[@rjsalameh]

Did you consider the Alpinestars Toucan?

[@BeGoneForGood]

I have this totally irrational block to getting anything Alpinestars. I know the quality might be top shelf but I just can’t get over it.

[@albertosbrolla8424]

👍🏻

[@BeGoneForGood]

Thank you very much.

[@Outside_looking_out]

GAIRN

[@BeGoneForGood]

I don’t know if this is support for the brand or something else but the Gaerne’s are a top shelf boot for sure if you get the right ones for the right type of riding.

[@vasilypupkin2107]

Just purchase ski boots and never ever ride motorcycle - safe your life. America is not for motorcycle riders, period!

[@BeGoneForGood]

I don’t know what any of this means. America is not for motorcycle riders? It seems the adventure segment would tend to disagree with you. As far as your sentiment about safety, replace a quality boot with a quality helmet and make your same statement. Is it ridiculous to do your best to keep your body protected, especially as you start covering more and more rugged terrain? I don’t happen to think so.

[@beardannyboy]

No I won't marry you, I don't even know you.

[@BeGoneForGood]

I was like, “What is he talking abo…oh, I get it. I totally get it.” Hilarious.