A Choice of Boots

[Taz]

I'm going to be getting a new pair of boots and was wondering what are the best. As well as comfort and strength, I'm also looking for the boot that has the most flexibility for the foot when changing gear and walking around. Can any of you give me any advice on what is the best out of the two following boots?

The GAERNE SG10:



The Sidi Cross Fire:

[Richie B]

I bought a pair of these Diadora boots from Ebay:




Dead comfy and look good. There's a pair on Ebay at the mo (item 4612872599).

[Maverick]

My next pair of boots is going to be the Diadora Stone 2 trails boots.



They retail here for between £129-£160 depending whether you take the waterproof lining or not.

Alternatively the Hebo range is also looking very appealing even though it's more expensive at £179. My reason for trails boots is because most of my offroading is negotiating small paths and green lanes so that slighty less stiffness in the boot makes it easier to manouver. I also like them in the brown/tan colour.

[samwise]

Has anyone tried any of these on?

I've got reasonably large calves for my shoe size, so I've been having trouble finding any where the velcro bit at the top will do up (I understand that the buckles can be adjusted, but tis the velcro thing I'm cautious about) - I think I've seen Hebo in Road & Track over here, but they don't do Diadora AFAIK, so it'll be mail order hoping unless anyone can give some info on them.

[Taz]

Has anyone tried any of these on?

I've got reasonably large calves for my shoe size, so I've been having trouble finding any where the velcro bit at the top will do up (I understand that the buckles can be adjusted, but tis the velcro thing I'm cautious about) - I think I've seen Hebo in Road & Track over here, but they don't do Diadora AFAIK, so it'll be mail order hoping unless anyone can give some info on them.

As well as jointed ankles, I've been told that the Sidi's have calves that are adjustable; one thing I need 'cause I too have large calves for my foot size.

And please remember all, my question is about top of the range stuff like the ones above or other makes' equivalents. And naturally (well, for me anyway), they need to come in black.

[Muckybill]

Got a pair of the Hebo boots pictured above, tan with red guard.
Extremely comfortable.
I use mine only for serious offroad on my enduro bike and they get a good workout. They come with a waterproof membrane.
The reason i use trials boots for offroad is the treaded sole. With motocross boots there is a smooth sole for sliding with the foot out but when standing on soft ground they give no grip.
I replaced a pair of Gaerne trials with the Hebo boots, both exellent boots.
They are not cheap but the quality is top notch.
The only down side may be the fit at the top for fat calves the velcro on mine just meets but i do wear shin/knee guards under my trousers. Best to try first.

Bill

[willb]

Having "props" legs and very wide feet, I have also had trouble finding any of the regular bike boots I can actually get my feet in or do up!

I've ended up with a pair of Altberg Hogg All Weather boots as I can actually get my feet and legs in these!

[fewtrees]

I have Alpinestars Tech 4 which are a good boot but not waterproof. However.. they are very very comfortable!!

[Whealie]

Having "props" legs

That's nothing.
True story: Doctor about to perform vasectomy: "Do you play rugby?"
me; "Yes"
Him: "are you a prop froward?"
Me: "yes"
Him: " I thought so. You have a particularly muscular scrotum."
My wife: "That's the only muscles he's got."

[willb]

Well everytime I went to try on boots I had sales guys looking at my legs and come out with the "oh" comments followed by muttering.

It's not my fault!

I also row though and then I get lots of odd looks, when told to work on my power to weight ratio I'm sure they meant to pull harder.

On the main topic though, my boots should arrive in a week or so, all hand crafted in good old yorkshire!