These boots are made for... ríding.

[Petrus]

But which ones actually?
Sofar done with desert booties and sturdy nubuck lace up ankle boots. Both from deep in the previous century and both are well beyond their end date. Both were very worn in so ditto comfie but in all honesty a bit low.

So looking at boots.

Not keen on dedicated motorcycle boots looking that part so the only BMW ones on my short list are the ´Rockster´ model in black nubuck.



Other boots are mixes of canvas & leather or leather & felt like the old Wehrmacht field boots, now Jägerstiefel. Also like the lamb skin lined marine boots which are the same as what I started with back mid seventies.









Ah and set my budget at about 200€. Double that if for two nice dífferent boots. It is not that I do not have the funds, just think 200 for a set is enough.

What do you wear, why and what´s the verdict?

 

[ccmjr77]

I wear a pair of riding shoes/high tops. I have a pair of bigger boots, but between my size 12 and the boxer motor and floor boards, these are more comfortable and I do not hit my toe on the cylinders any more...

 

[Petrus]

Thanks, I have two pairs of Vans but those are more Vespa. Very comfortable but a bit drafty on/above the ankles. For the R18 I want sturdier footing and for the Nimbus it needs to look a bit more ´authentic´.
My gloves are unlined yellow ranch hand gloves. So basic horse riding ones looking like yellow gardening gloves. Have some wear and stains so look the part

My size is 41 EU like 7 or 7.5 in AngloSaxon number so no interference issues.

 

[LBV]

For the cruiser bikes, I prefer cruiser-style boots. When I'm on my sportier ride, I'll use the high-tops.

 

[Petrus]

For the cruiser bikes, I prefer cruiser-style boots.

So that is like the nubuck top ones?

Not doing sports bike anymore. Both the R18 and Nimbus are sidecar rigs btw.

Seriously thinking about twó sets. Even though there is no réal winter here I think I do ´need´ a winter set.
Not going for the sheep lined sea boots though, however back to the roots nostalgic that is. Did weekly commuting between Amsterdam to Munich with those during a pretty harsh winter on my 1953 Norton 77 Woolen socks in plastic bags in the very well oiled boots. Imprinted very deep in my brain that.

 

[Petrus]

Right, going for these below. Still thinking if and which second set.

 

[emgarciax]

Alpinestars Ridge v2 WP Boot
https://www.alpinestars.com/products/ridge-v2-waterproof-boot

Lee's Spencer Hybrid Sneaker Boot
https://www.lee.com/shop/mens-spenc...Category=search&dwvar_M4A3256_color=112379795
these you can get for $40 at Walmart
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lee-Men-s-Spencer-Sneaker/15975108761

 

[LBV]

So that is like the nubuck top ones?

Similar to the ones you posted a pic of just above. Mine have a bit of a heel too which is good when you're only 5'7".

 

[bdalameda]

Last year I bought a pair of KLIM Outlander boots with the BOA lacing system. I am very happy with them. I really like the BOA - just pull up to loosen the boots and when you slide them on a couple of twists tighten them right up.

https://www.klim.com/Outlander-GTX-Boot-3926-001?quantity=1&color=1172

 

[Petrus]

The BOA system is só handy. Had it on cycling shoes.
IThe ease of on/off is why a zipper is a MUST.
As I observed want a bit sturdier on the motorbikes. Sneakers are my Vespa shoes.
Well and as I fell for the R18 in base retro guise, it has to be a bit in classic style. Never mind the Nimbus. That is obvious.
Anyway, one down.
Still considering íf on a second pair.

 

[Manhattan Matte]

My aging boot collection: Red Wings, Indie Ridge, Aerostich. Have had the Red Wings resoled a few times.

 

[Petrus]

My aging boot collection: Red Wings, Indie Ridge, Aerostich. Have had the Red Wings resoled a few times.

Thanks for sharing. Love the patina only use gives. The RedWings are the most suited for the current purpose.

Btw @Manhattan Matte I now hold YÓU responsible for me telling myself I could buy thréé pairs

 

[Petrus]

Just as a perspective.
Found a pair of properly vintage Wehrmacht boots for sale.
Felt and leather. Have the bronze Wehrmacht rivets, steel heel surrounds and the multi layered soles are wooden pegged.
Imagine how much time a craftsman spent on these.
I see these as works of lost art.

 

[Star-Lord]

I solely wear the BMW high-top sneakers, which are water resistant (feet stay dry ...):

 

[Petrus]

Thanks.

Having done enough wet riding and racing to last me the life time, being a pensioner and with over 300 sunny days per year I can wait

Weirdly enough, in this often rather warm country it is actually useful to have half hight boots.

For the R18 I simply feel more sure footed with sturdier footwear than the sneakers. Mind I do ride with them but that is because my old booties gave up hence now shopping.
Just asked a seller if there is a discount/combined shipping if I buy two pairs.

edit 10% discount and combined shipping so looks like it will be three pairs

 

[KAus]

I live in Canberra where it can be well above 40 C in summer and gets down to - 8 C or so on a winter morning, with the occasional bit of sleet and snow. So, two pairs of boots: one pair for short hops to the shops, the daily commute and in the office, or a quick weekend excursion along the back roads; and a second pair for longer rides (and those commutes when its absolutely pouring, snowing, or anything below -5 C.

Preferences: Thistle Shoes Scotland's Ghillie Boot, and an older set of BMW touring boots that I've had for quite a few years and still look pretty much brand new.

 

[LBV]

Just as a perspective.
Found a pair of properly vintage Wehrmacht boots for sale.
Felt and leather. Have the bronze Wehrmacht rivets, steel heel surrounds and the multi layered soles are wooden pegged.
Imagine how much time a craftsman spent on these.
I see these as works of lost art.



View attachment 20435

View attachment 20436

Those are nice vintage boots but you'll be sliding if you ever put your foot down in the rain or a wet patch ... I've had a close call or 2 from boots withOUT proper grip on the sole.

 

[Petrus]

The vintage boots are just as illustration and I would not remotely consider them for motorbike use. I do want to observe though that I will be using the for sidecars riding.

Nice ones with different details @KAus :
The brogue stiefelettes have a very neat extra imo.
Noticed that the high boots are for both left and right gear shift. Don´t see that much either!

 

[Petrus]

Right.
Bought the BMW Rocksters first. Those are as motorcycle boots as I wanted to go and are nice ´cruiser´ half high.
Just now the two below.
One being full hight felt shaft. Typically German befitting both the BMW and the Nimbus.
The other a sturdy sheep lined bootie for as @KAus mentioned shorter rides. Will suit also other leisure uses. Only laces though.

 

[Petrus]

That should cover my (perceived) needs

Thank you all for pointing out into which direction to go astray