I am planning a cross country trip and am debating between a pair of water proof work boots or boots made specifically for M/C touring. I wear boots (timberlands in the winter, jump boots in the summer) whenever on the bike but have not done long trips, what issue or tips shoe wise can you pass on? What do you guys think? Is there really a difference?

And what do you all wear for long distance multi-day rides?

 

OK I am big on boots and bring more than one pair whenever we travel. I like to ride long distances have many pairs of boots boot riding and personal. You will hear many people say put mink oil on boots and off you go.
Ok so if you want better advice, DO NOT USE MINK OIL. Mink oil smothers the leather taking away its natural breathing ability and will eventually dry the boot out if you dont keep putting it on. Find a good waterproofing product like Nikwax or Kiwi waterproofing... Riding with wet boots is the worst. At least two pair will keep your boots fresh each day and your feet will love you for it at the end of the day. I have many pair of boots and while that doesnt make me an expert, I wear boots all the time and have found out after many years of trial and error what works on boots and makes them last a long time. I take care of all my boots and shoes so call me **** if you want but my feet are dry at the end of the day.

So to answer your question, riding boots make the most sense but if its comfortable to you, where them. My best piece of advice is to bring more than one pair.

 

I will add: Work boots or anything that has a good slip proof, oil proof sole. I bought some HD boots on sale that were not intended for driving (??) and I regret it. Not much traction but hey, they look good. I prefer my work boots or my cowboy style boots with slip proof soles (added later).

 

Keep the jump boot's,just put a few plastic bag's and roll of tape in your bag's.I avoid riding in the rain anyway but, still manage to get wet at least 3 or 4 time's a year.Slip the bag's over your boot's and,tape them to the top,then put on your suit.The bag's will last about 100 mile's,usually enough to get you out of it.Boat shoe's or moccasin's work fine for most walking around and don't take much room.Truckstop's generally have paper towel's in the men's room,stuff your boot's with them ,slip on whatever you have and get a cup of coffee or eat,put on dry sock's and,go.

 

I wear these:


Rocky Eliminators. They are light weight, pull on/off fast, and are very comfortable to ride AND walk in. They are supposed to be waterproof. And they do fine while standing around in a light rain. Or stepping in the occassional ankle deep puddle. They are not so good at 70 mph in a downpour. So....

Totes. Get yourself a set of zip up Totes that will fit over your choice of riding footwear. They roll up small, easily fit inside my rainsuit bag, and are 100% waterproof.

I've run thousands of miles in the rain, mostly for 7-10 hour stretches on long interstate trips. I've been wet, and I've been dry. I prefer dry. I've assembled my raingear through trial and error, so everything I put on keeps me dry for hours on end. At the first indication of rain (I like to check on-coming traffic to see if they're wipers are on), I pull over and get the gear out/on. It's always in the 'high side' bag on my FLHS. If it only 'feels' or 'looks' like it might rain, I put on the Totes and the bibs. And leave the rubber gauntlets and jacket until I feel the rain.

 

A new pair of combat boots made of leather and cordura (with Gortex). I used these for a cross-country trip and they worked very well. My feet stayed completely dry.

 

Mind if I ask the brand of the boot? Did you find you needed to add any thing? Did you use after market waterproofing or any thing like that?


@ HACKD - the totes idea is a good one - didn't know they made 'em big enough for boots...

And more water proofing ideas? For say keeping water being driven at 50-60 MPH from being driven down your neck and back through the collar area?

 

SCUBA diver's gear. Get a drysuit head piece that will go under the helmet, and over the rain jacket.

 

purpose made rainsuits ( I use H-D high-vis, but there are tons of companies around) almost invariably have a snug hood attached to the jacket. Pull up the hood, put on your helmet, no rain down the neck, and you stay warm and dry. As for boots, I wear a pair of Alpinestars waterproof boots for touring. Velcro closures, very comfortable on long rides, then a pair of sneakers in the luggage for after the riding is done for the day.

 

If you're inclined to get a new set of boots, ensure they have Gore-Tex or one of the other waterproof membranes built in to them. A lot of manufacturers have gone back to the old days and state their boots are "guaranteed waterproof", and it's a lie. You have to keep treating them with something for them to remain dry inside. To me, that's "water resistant".

If you keep your current boots, Sno-Seal is the best "waterproofing" stuff I've ever used. Just don't use too much. Just rub in enough to soak into the leather. Glob it on, or don't rub it in, and it will be a mess in short order.

Gore-Tex is worth the money. Spend it and be happy. And many boot makers make them with or without insulation. I usually like 200 grams of thinsulate, even in the summer. Remember, insulation protects against heat just as it protects against cold.