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Alpinestars makes some real motorcycle specific boots that are perforated like a leather jacket would be to let air flow through . Would not be water proof . I do see alot of Harley riders here in PA in the summer wearing flip flops which would give some great air flow . Alpinestars are pricey $200-300.00
Living in NC and selling to industrial manufacturers including textile for many years I learned the valve of premium quality socks. Back in the early 90’s an engineer with Thorlo gave me some socks developed specifically for snow skiing as were were avid skiers. WOW they were fantastic. Changed the way I looked at socks for ever. Fast forward and I only ride with full leather CE rated “Waterproof” boots. The right socks make it possible year round. HD actually has some good socks in the $20 buck range that wick very well. But Klim for my winter socks are the best I have found and Rev-It Tour Summer Socks are the best I have found for hot weather. Like everything they have their limits but I have ridden all day in upper 80’s and low 90 degree temps in comfort with full protection. You can expect to pay close to $40 bucks for a good pair but they will last and they will pay you back. One trick I have also learned is to apply Gold Bond powder to my feet and legs where the socks cover before putting them on. Comfy all day!
Just food for thought.
I have close to 25, maybe 30 pairs of Thorlos socks. Some of them as old as my now adult kids. They take the guess work out of which boots to wear. What other sock company has a lifetime warranty?
Last edited by nobodyknowsme; Jun 20, 2020 at 05:46 PM.
im in the market for boot's now this was a surprise at a stop sign
Thos actually look like well worn-in, comfortable boots that are quality. A cobbler could make them proud and functional again.
I have hot feet and plantar hyperhydrosis so my quest for the perfect motorcycle boot is akin to hunting unicorns. Soft leather that is well worn in breaths and vents but doesn't provide much protection as the photo of my right foot after a low speed get off from my DR650 will show. Good quality motorcycle dedicated boots that provide protection always seem to come only in waterproof versions which always make my feet wet from sweat. At least non-waterproof boots only get my feet when when it rains and then they dry out thereafter. In my experience, YMMV, waterproof boots that breath are like virgin hookers ... an abstract concept that sounds good. Then, of course there's the whole "comfortable off the bike thing" which of course is desirably but without exception comes at the expense of protection on the bike. Boots are like motorcycles - a compromise of design competing and oftentimes opposing objectives.
To the OP's question, good socks with no cotton and frequent changes, foot power with soft, well worn in leather; just don;t expect protection that is available from real (not fashion statement fakes) dedicated motorcycle boots.
By way of illustration on my above post, the brown boot on my left was worn on my right foot at the time of the get off. They are sturdy and comfortable boots that have soft shafts. A careful examination will reveal a slight impression that didn't damage the leather that is exactly where my deep flesh wound is.
The black boot is a StyleMartin and offers a decent compromise between protection and walk-around-ability off the bike. They are waterproof with a so-call "breathable" membrane. I call BS on that - like all boots so claiming, but they are probably the best all around compromise I've found.
Sorry to get off track because I too would like hot weather venting boots that are comfortable off the bike and provide protection as well.
3 yrs ago I joined 3 other friends for a 4 day late June ride to the Twisted Sisters in Leakey Tx. 2 hours from home we came into a small Tx town and stopped at a red light. When I lifted my left foot off the ground to head out when the light turned green I didn't know it but the heel from my left boot came off and stayed there on the hot tar/asphalt. It took a few miles before I realized what had happened to my boot but there was no turning back to look for the missing heel.
So at our next gas stop I removed my HD Brand boots and put on the spare Wellington rough outs that I'd packed in my saddle bag and wore those the rest of the day. When we got to Fredericksberg, I stopped into the local Walmart and bought a $40 pair of size zip, ventilated duty boots that are an almost exact copy of one of HD's boots; cordura tops and ankles with leather trim on the toes & heels.
First thing I noticed was the wind coming thru the cordura and cooling my feet. Turns out they are very comfy and have stood the test of time. I've worn them a lot and no issues yet. $40 bucks well spent. Same boots at the HD shop are $200 bucks and I'd bet money they also come from China.
Check out stuff geared to military. I got pair of Rebook, were converse I think airforce boots with safety toe. Barry compliant. Were around $130. Not as much ankle support as leather boots.
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