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Anyone out there tried the H-D Tolman 8" riding boot? I know the heel spec claims 2 inches but what about the sole beneath the ball of foot (where it counts the most for me). Looking at decreasing my reach to the ground anyway I can.
Hopefully someone will chime in with a better answer, but until then, and for what it's worth, I just ran a small test with my Denslow boots.
Barefoot, standing on the ***** of my feet, measured my height. Then with boots on, on the ***** of my feet, measured again, and the difference was exactly one inch. Now, this doesn't mean anything necessarily, but just comparing the pictures, it looks like if both the Denslow and the Tolman have 2" heels then it looks like the front sole of the Tolman is actually thicker than the Denslow, so maybe you'd gain a bit more than an inch of leg reach.
I was lucky enough to find my Denslows in stock at Barnett's, which is a superhuge megadealer beyond all comprehension, as I was riding through El Paso. Point being, put out some calls to dealers within reach, maybe you'll get lucky and someone will have some Tolmans in stock in your size?
Last edited by FatBob2018; Feb 4, 2023 at 11:47 AM.
Hopefully someone will chime in with a better answer, but until then, and for what it's worth, I just ran a small test with my Denslow boots.
Barefoot, standing on the ***** of my feet, measured my height. Then with boots on, on the ***** of my feet, measured again, and the difference was exactly one inch. Now, this doesn't mean anything necessarily, but just comparing the pictures, it looks like if both the Denslow and the Tolman have 2" heels then it looks like the front sole of the Tolman is actually thicker than the Denslow, so maybe you'd gain a bit more than an inch of leg reach.
I was lucky enough to find my Denslows in stock at Barnett's, which is a superhuge megadealer beyond all comprehension, as I was riding through El Paso. Point being, put out some calls to dealers within reach, maybe you'll get lucky and someone will have some Tolmans in stock in your size?
Thanks for the personal and scientific research! I have run my fair share of boots over the years and never needed the height boost as much as before the Pan America. The Denslow appears to have a taller toe box than the Tolman. I am currently in Marlin Trax with a lift insole. Good room for the shifter but wish they were at least anther half inch in the sole. Heel isn't as important to me. Thanks also for the Barnetts tip - will look in to them. I am at the point where I will take any half inch I can get.
One thing I am noticing after riding the bike several times and / or just sitting on it in my garage, the ARH seems to be varying in sag. Sometimes I am almost flat footed when stopped, other times a noticeable height increase to the ***** of my feet and toes. Power on and the sag can also be unpredictable. But all in all, I am beginning to really enjoy my decision to get the Pan Am. Have a Sargent low seat coming and hope to gain an inch over the Reach seat.
Anyone out there tried the H-D Tolman 8" riding boot? I know the heel spec claims 2 inches but what about the sole beneath the ball of foot (where it counts the most for me). Looking at decreasing my reach to the ground anyway I can.
Thanks.
I have a 29" inseam. <-- Short.
So I have my boots custom made. By doing so, I have them add height to the sole/heel. (I can send you PIXs if u like.)
But not so much, it makes it hard to walk.
Plus my friend, I have them use the LARGEST Vibram lugs which also helps.
So I have my boots custom made. By doing so, I have them add height to the sole/heel. (I can send you PIXs if u like.)
But not so much, it makes it hard to walk.
Plus my friend, I have them use the LARGEST Vibram lugs which also helps.
Sure - send a pic or two. I am assuming you use a "cobbler" you are familiar with. I haven't thought of going that route but open minded. I usually do some walking during rest stops but always shed the boots at the end of day.
No. Rocketbuster out of El Paso. I tried several others. THESE guys are the best. If u like more PIXs, let me know.
.
.
You make your own design.
Pick your leathers or exotic's, and whatever colors you would like.
These boots are worn daily. Have been in MANY MANY MANY heavy rains. LOTs of S. Florida sun.
Abt a year or 2 ago, I sent them back for them to freshen it up. Really nice!!
These PIXs are just before I sent them back to them to rejuvenate the colors etc.............
AWESOME boots.
Someone else here took my recommendation and bot a pair from them and is very happy with the results as I recall.
Just visited their website - very nice stuff and never imagined cycle boots that were that "interesting". I didn't see motorcycle boots specifically. Your sole in the pic looks good. I am more traditional and boring - just a simple riding boot and not into the adventure fancy stuff, either. I am assuming your boots are very comfortable - and pricey?
Just visited their website - very nice stuff and never imagined cycle boots that were that "interesting". I didn't see motorcycle boots specifically. Your sole in the pic looks good. I am more traditional and boring - just a simple riding boot and not into the adventure fancy stuff, either. I am assuming your boots are very comfortable - and pricey?
Just over $3,000 back in 2017.
But you can use a different set of leathers so it may be cheaper. I made sure I had the right leathers or sharkskin or whatever the hell it is because I told him it had to hold up to a lot of rain (I love riding in the rain) and scorching hot heat for it is often over 90° here in South Florida. And it gets daily wear.
If you use one of your standard designs, that will probably also bring the price down.
It cost me just over $1,100 when I went to Mercedes Boot Company but working with them was nothing short of a nightmare.
I also tried JL Mercer Boots that they have supposedly done a lot of famous people like John Wayne and others. Working with them was like pulling teeth. He quoted me one year. Can you imagine? When year. But it was JL Mercer. I found out that it was the guys father not the guy was working with. The guys father passed away. They could not accomplish it in one year so I after them to give me my money back after having it for one year for which they refused. Refused! So I went to the credit card company and they made it happen.
Sorry, got off the main subject. But I guess it all points back to how good Rocketbuster Boot Company is.
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If you are interested (but likely you are not which is fine of course) I do have more paperwork like the type of leathers, the design paperwork, etc.
Last edited by BuzzCap7; Feb 5, 2023 at 04:37 AM.
Reason: Added last part.
I had custom boots made by JK Boots out of Spokane, WA. Had an extra layer of midsole added. Soles are 1 inch, heels about 2 1/2 inches thick. Custom fit to my feet and are rebuildable. These are based off of their 10inch high Wildland fire boots. Numerous build options. These cost $800.
But you can use a different set of leathers so it may be cheaper. I made sure I had the right leathers or sharkskin or whatever the hell it is because I told him it had to hold up to a lot of rain (I love riding in the rain) and scorching hot heat for it is often over 90° here in South Florida. And it gets daily wear.
If you use one of your standard designs, that will probably also bring the price down.
It cost me just over $1,100 when I went to Mercedes Boot Company but working with them was nothing short of a nightmare.
I also tried JL Mercer Boots that they have supposedly done a lot of famous people like John Wayne and others. Working with them was like pulling teeth. He quoted me one year. Can you imagine? When year. But it was JL Mercer. I found out that it was the guys father not the guy was working with. The guys father passed away. They could not accomplish it in one year so I after them to give me my money back after having it for one year for which they refused. Refused! So I went to the credit card company and they made it happen.
Sorry, got off the main subject. But I guess it all points back to how good Rocketbuster Boot Company is.
.
If you are interested (but likely you are not which is fine of course) I do have more paperwork like the type of leathers, the design paperwork, etc.
I THOUGHT THAT WAS A TYPO !! I am hesitant to spend even near $300!! But I would bet your boots are comfortable and look amazing. To wait a year requires more patience than I have - a lot can happen in a year.
We do share a common quirk - I have never been bothered by rain. One of my best riding memories was being caught by remnants of hurricane Helen in 2018. It was a great day, great ride in mountains of TN and best after ride beers we have ever had!
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Boots!
