Indie Ridge Boot Review | Comanche, Crossfield and Crow

Link to Original Crow Review: • Indie Ridge Crow Boots...
link to IR: www.indieridgeusa.com
A review of my time with the Crossfield and Commanche boots, with a bonus word to the Crows, which I've had a while now. Link to the original Crow review above.
‪@indieridge‬
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About me!
My Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/ie/shop/thegoril...
My Patreon: / thegorillabiker
PayPal: [e-mail]
Instagram: / thegorillabiker
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Twitter: / bikergorilla
Bikes: Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2015
Honda CB750 Nighthawk 750 1997
Kawasaki Z900RS 2019
Honda Super Magna Vf750c 1987 (In Storage)
Suzuki GSX-R 750 SRAD 1996 (In Storage)
Gear: Street and Steel Anarchy 2 jacket
Lindstrand Jeans.
LS2 Storm(In Ireland) & HJC RPHA 11
Gloves: Lindstrad Orbital WP, Knox Orsa Leather Mk 2, Indie Ridge.
Boots: Oxford Continental WP Boots, Indie Ridge Commanches,
Indie Ridge Crows, Indie Ridge Crossfields.
Electronics: Cardo Packtalk Bold
Gopro Hero 7 Black
DJI Osmo Action
Insta360 One X2
Nikon D3500
Canon M50
The legend that is Chewie! He made me some musica which I love :)
/ hachewie
chewiepix?...
The magician behind my new graphics : / davidwright_photography
Mental State: I don't own near enough bikes.
#Indieridge #crossfield #comanche #crow #review

[@TheGorillaBiker]

It would seem I've upset some people pre release with my not cleaning the boots :P It was a test! I torture tested them on purpose 😂

[@Steve_IndieRidge]

Haha ok so having tried every conditioner in the world, here's my recommendations (I don't get a commission or anything, just my opinions): 1. Leather CPR for most styles. It won't darken the leather and it will replenish a lot of the oils (that you NEED for leather) and is just a good all around cleaning, protective and replenishment. 2. Aussie Leather conditioner. Cleans up scuffs and scratches really well, but help them develop a great patina over time. 3. Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP. This is your top of the line conditioner/protectant conditioner. It WILL darken your boots, but it's not absurdly expensive and a little goes a long way. So if you have a darker color, I'd recommend Obenauf's. Again, just my opinion but I've been lubin' up boots and gloves and all sorts of things for a while now.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

@@Steve_IndieRidge to be fair if anyone is to be listened to on what products work and are worthwhile, it's probably the guy who owns a leather goods company 😂

[@Steve_IndieRidge]

I'm just a guy who like rubbing leather. @@TheGorillaBiker

[@TheGorillaBiker]

@@Steve_IndieRidge 😂😂😂😂😂😂 Well, I'm very glad you do!

[@callandy100]

Very thorough, fair, and informative review (as usual). I always have difficulty finding boots that fit and offer comfort and protection. Size 11, wide, feet with high instep are a "not ideal" combination! My bike boots are Spada with the two front zips, which I find great for ease of onputting. I recently wanted some "Chelsea boot" style boots for walking/driving (wanted slip on, no faffing with laces). Ended up with a pair of Dublin horse riding boots (I use Dublin boots for horse riding anyway, great value at around £60, full leather upper, fully waterproof and really comfy) as I can get them on easily and they are high enough such that they don't "cut into" my shin when driving (clutch/brake operation). I couldn't find anything that fitted in "normal" shoe shops! Laced boots are always a good option for high instep, and your Comanches look great IMO (they all look good). Overly enthusiastic/hyper endorsements always make me suspicious, and I like to do my own research (probably far too much, in some cases, as I've been told - a lot!). Oh, and I've never been told that I'm a camera before, another new experience there 😂. Cheers, Andy.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Thanks Andy! Yeah I understand you, size 13, oddly narrow feet and a very high arch. Just the way it goes eh! Years ago I had a pair of spadas, really liked them actually. I got a pair of Thursday Chelsea boots for christmas from Santa :P Much the same reason, can't be arsed with laces :D Toaster approves of the Dublin boots btw :P Nice compromise :) Yeah I really love the look Indie Ridge has to all their stuff tbh!! Same, maybe it's just a large part of my job is finding issues and fixing them but I never ever trust anyone who says something is flawless, especially if they've had it for a week or so. (Unless it's a V4 bike in which case they're 100% correct) Haha I also research everything to death, the patrons would confirm this, it's generally a LONG time I talk about something before actually going ahead and getting it. Haha that's what I try to provide :D

[@Steve_IndieRidge]

Some of our supporters are super loyal. I dunno. I interact with a lot of them in general, so maybe it's that. BUT I don't pay people to hock my stuff. It would just hurt their credibility and mine. And to be fair, two of those pairs (I think) were my "Welcome to America" gift bag for GB. It also included a bottle of ranch and a pocket constitution. I do make it extremely clear to anyone who reaches out to me who has any sort of "reach": Yeah, I'll send you a pair, you are under zero obligation to say anything that's untrue. If you don't like them, I'd prefer you tell me why so I can fix it, but they're 100% free to make "these boots suck" videos. I make it very, very clear. If you ever talk about the brand rule number 1: you actually have to like the product. Don't jeopardize my brand, don't jeopardize your authenticity. Doesn't help anyone.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

That wasn't just aimed at supporters of Indie Ridge btw :) I've had some very abusive messages off people from the old video saying I didn't understand them and should have recognised them as perfect etc, that's not on IR tho, that's just people, a percentage of them are crazy :D I don't accept paid for things anyway tbh, I have a job, it'd make me miserable to ruin the one thing in life I can have control over by doing that. I'll still tell you over a beer some day how much that gift cheered me up, think worst news you can get and arrive home to find them at the door :D The ranch was delicious btw :D Also a very fair and good point on protecting your own brand, whether they meant it or not I think you can see how the paid for stuff damaged ruroc with some people.

[@BryTheBiker]

I fell into a pool with them on once, I now understand why my feet got so wet :-) Great stuff man, glad you are rocking the Comanche they are a great looking boot. Great review as always!

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Even worse they'd act as a big water scoop :P I'll be back to the Crossfield soon I hope it the weather heats up 😁 Thanks man!

[@Steve_IndieRidge]

Lol I literally had a zookeeper complain they weren't waterproof. He wears shorts all day and is up to ankles in god knows what. Miss ya, consigliere!

[@TheGorillaBiker]

What a silly goose :D The amount of messages I had about that exact issue is why I mentioned it......if rain gets in the top.......OF COURSE your feet will get wet.

[@Steve_IndieRidge]

Also he's AN ADULT PROFESSIONAL ZOOKEEPER. @@TheGorillaBiker

[@byDanimal]

Look at those massive boots! I support Hatter getting you to clean your boots. Clean and condition your boots man! They will last a lot longer. :P Sir, the "this is risky" and then sniffing your boot. Classic and grand!

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Heeeeeey they're not massive :P Wait....no you're right they are :D I cleaned them IN the video, this abuse in unwarranted. I was doing a test for science :P The test is complete now so I'll clean them yearly ;) I was honestly worried, I didn't know what was going to happen, I could have passed out on camera.

[@Smallbore2wheels]

Great video I love my crows and will be doing a long term review on them too

[@TheGorillaBiker]

They're a great pair of boots :) They cleaned up well too 😂

[@Steve_IndieRidge]

Thanks for the support!!!

[@claytonbasham8467]

Awesome review. Enjoyed your honesty and just overall awareness of the fact the product may or may not be the best or work the same for everyone.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Thanks! Glad you liked it :) Ah sure look, I've made a few reviews now so I'm glad I managed to pick a few things up 😂

[@bleekrides]

Very very nice video. Well explained, well shot, well articulated. This is a great video covering IR 👏 🍻 GB

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Thanks! Glad you liked it :)

[@Steve_IndieRidge]

Bleek! As always I appreciate your support of us. You rock!

[@stephencartwright5046]

The issue with any clothing is whether it fits you as an individual. Over the years I have tried lots of crash helmets but never bought several top brands simply because they do not fir my head shape. I to have large and much abused feet and would only buy a shoe or boot if I can try it first. It matters not what it looks like, I will buy it if it fits. A very good summary of your experiences with these boots. They certainly look the part. I prefer them un-cleaned by the way. I am suspicious of all enthusiasts ...🤔

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Very true, no one is the same really especially with foot shape, feet are mad really. Yeah I'm very particular about my helmets too, I would like to buy a Shoei at some point, trying them on they feel incredible. But they'd want to be for the price. Haha I've been known to buy 3 of the same shoe if I find them comfortable and in my size. I have been very happy with them, if I'd paid for them if also be very happy with them at this point. Haha they happily still look a little more distressed now even post cleaning 😂 Me too. Anyone who can't recognise everything has flaws is insane..

[@Steve_IndieRidge]

Lol I hear that. And we do only sell online, but that's why we have a VERY generous return/exchange policy. You can *gasp* actually wear them and ride with them. If you call me in a month and say, "Steve, these aren't for me." I'll say, "No worries dude! I'll refund your purchase and send you a pre-paid return shipping label. I want my customers to actually like their purchase, not regret it.

[@hatter_jbk]

"I've never cleaned them." Ya don't say? 😂 I'm bringing my leather care stuff with me on our next meetup trip and cleaning, conditioning, etc. your poor boots when you're not looking.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Well I've cleaned them now :P The test had to be completed!! All joking aside what leather cleaning stuff do you use? I have cobblers choice stuff.

[@hatter_jbk]

@@TheGorillaBiker Chemical Guys cleaner and conditioner. Also have some Lexol conditioner that works well.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

@@hatter_jbk I like chemical guys stuff, I'll look in to it!.

[@Steve_IndieRidge]

I do like Lexol as well. @@hatter_jbk

[@CaffeinatedCruiser]

Decided to give them a try after this review. Traditionally worn tcx but ready to try these.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Well I hope you enjoy them as much as I've enjoyed mine :)

[@OMGMOTO]

Great video, brother. I have the Crossfield and loves them.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Thanks! They're definitely my favourite summer weather boot.

[@Steve_IndieRidge]

Oh the 5.0s are even better...

[@TheGorillaBiker]

@@Steve_IndieRidge you tease 😂

[@Steve_IndieRidge]

Lol the whole point of all this is to make better boots. And that process will never end. So yeah I'm gonna send you the 5.0s and you can see if you like them better. It's actual feedback and it helps @@TheGorillaBiker . OH and we just got our final CE Results. If you can find motorcycle boots that has our CE results, that's less than $185, I'll eat your Crossfields.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I love that tbh, when we spoke previously about the iterative process it's the way it should be with any product. Sadly most companies and stamp and send and move on to the next thing now. I'll always be honest and let you know, whether by instagram or a video like this :D 5.0s eh! I'll have more boots than my wife :D That's a challenge, you may use hot sauce to wash them down if I do manage, also, congrats on the CE results!! That's massive!

[@gregrankins991]

Will be my next boots

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I hope you like them!

[@lunar-firefly]

I have a question. Can you hold the sole of the boot, and bend the ankle area sideways? If you can, it won't protect against an ankle break. The circle of armor is probably more for impact and slide than it is to keep your ankle for being tweaked and snapped if you land weird, or get your foot/ankle caught on something when you go down. On the flip side - I'm right there with you on comfort. And there's always compromises. Those seem like pretty solid boots for daily riding and if you're not going out into the woods, you probably don't need much more than that. But you had said your ankle is protected, and I wanted to challenge that a bit lol. So I hope none of that comes across wrong. Anyway as always, great video. Take care!

[@TheGorillaBiker]

If you mean twist, no they're very solid that way. If you mean sideways bend then there is a small amount there since they're a high top shoe more than a boot, but actually far less flex than my alpinstars goretex boots. I wouldn't shout something out as protective if I hadn't checked a few things, I just don't include any of that in the final videos as I am by no means a boot or safety expert :) The ankle protector is only for impact, but would stop you breaking an ankle which is why I specifically called that out. I've broken an angle due to a sharp impact in the past. Are these as good as my track boots for safety? No of course not, but as a daily boot that's ACTUALLY useable, comfortable and not hideous you'd be hard pressed to do any better. Challenge away! I do think you may have misunderstood what I called out the ankle protector for however, I will be more specific in future :)

[@Steve_IndieRidge]

Hey @lunar-firefly, I actually listed our CE test results above. And while you can't completely prevent ankle breaks even if you score a 2, shin-high boots are the way to go - but they're not great to walk around in. But here's our results for Height, Abrasion, Puncture Resistance, Transverse Rigidity and Waterproofing (optional test): 1 2 2 2 + WR (the highest they give for water resistance). Not saying it'll never happen and knock on wood, but as the guy who see's every post-crash email (some of them were horrific), 100% of them have said, "the doctor told me the boots saved your foot." So I guess take it for what it's worth. Hope that helps!

[@lunar-firefly]

@@Steve_IndieRidge It does! I appreciate the information. Thank you for taking the time to respond :)

[@markfortin8286]

This is helpful, as I have wondered about these styles of boots and how much protection they actually offer. Without worrying about safety ratings, how similar is the toe/heel strength compared to a composite toe work boot? I really need to get to a decent gear store and check this stuff out for myself. Around here, there isn’t much selection, and you can have everything in black, or nothing at all. 😂

[@TheGorillaBiker]

They do not have a solid toe, just good strong leather there that is pretty strong and would definitely offer a decent amount of protection. Heel strength in comparison to my actual work boots is very stiff tho, however there is no steel shank etc, also important to note. I think Indie Ridge is all online only unfortunately. Not 100% on that though.

[@Steve_IndieRidge]

So, we're redesigning the website now (to accommodate for more types of gear), but one thing that will be both on the site and every pair of boots, starting around March is our CE Test results for EN 13634:2017 (we submitted for testing for NOT because it's mandatory, but because I wanted people to know they're not just cool boots, plus I get all the emails/photos/xrays from riders who said, "thanks for saving my foot"). Here's our results - "1" is a Standard Pass, "2" is a Superior Pass. Height: 1 (you need shin high for a 2, and we're ankle high) Abrasion: 2 Puncture Resistance: 2 Transverse Rigidity: 2 Waterproofing: WR (Water Resistant is the highest score they give). Hope that clarifies. They're motorcycle boots first, and cool looking boots second :)

[@UpstateDS]

Do you ride your Vstrom with them?? I’m looking for a good “touring” boot for my strom 1000. Really don’t go offroad and I hate typical adv boots.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Yep, I thought I'd mentioned that in the video, the clips on the vstrom were me wearing them. I've been very happy with them for daily and touring boots.

[@Talhastalavista]

Do they bend sideways on thr top, at the ankles? Or its stiff?

[@TheGorillaBiker]

They're fairly stuff. Ankles don't bend, the very top will if your leg isn't in it.

[@beardedmarshmallow5590]

I’m as big as the lad and this crowd doesn’t do big enough sizes, 16US , feck it anyway

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Yeah they max out at 15 US, send them a message or email though, when they originally released they didn't do 14s either! Might eventually do it if there's interest!