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Best riding boots under $200?

7K views 58 replies 24 participants last post by  Prunepicker 
#1 ·
After 5 years and 100K miles my riding boots are toast. They were a compromise at best anyway. One of the major issues I have is walking around like Herman Munster after I get off the bike.:smile2:
I don't always have time to swap to some "walking" shoes during group rides. So I clunk around until everyone is finished eating or whatever.

Can someone recommend a riding boot that is great for riding and reasonable at walking ? Also, the boot must be under $150- $200.
 
#2 ·
I wear two styles of riding boots, depending on how much walking.

Most weather, reasonable hikes, ie couple miles and back - Bates Tahoe. Waterproof zip up boots.

Most weather, exploring canyonlands, arches, hiking to view points, I wear Danner Gortex, hiking boots. I forget which model they are as they have lasted years.
 
#3 ·
i just use redwing work boots, composte toe, not steel
 
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#4 ·
The Redwings are just too darn heavy for any kind of hiking. I started out with those, but after a mile or so I'm done.
 
#5 ·
really? did you check out the hiking line?
 
#7 · (Edited)
No I did not. I thought they only had work boots ! 0:) My bad.

Ouch those Redwings are $320 bucks ! I do like them though
 
#6 ·
There are my go-to boot for everything. Riding, hunting, hiking, working in the yard, etc...

Product Detail

I also have a pair of these which I use in the summer months. Just as comfortable. I've had this pair for 22 years. Had them resoled three times, if that give you any indication of their durability...

ENGINEER, AMBER HARNESS, 2991 - Oil Tanned Leather
 
#8 ·
You get what you pay for.... A $69 boot from WalMart isn't even in the same ZipCode as a boot from RedWing.
 
#9 ·
I've used my Danner hiking boots. Great traction that you'd expect from a high quality hiking boot. Plus I work on a concrete floor all day. Have worn these for a year and a half almost exclusively at work. Not cheap but really worked nice for me all around.
 
#10 · (Edited)
I use LaCrosse Quad Comfort 11" Wellingtons. Water proof and semi insulated (lined). I wear them for work (even though I don't work anymore) and riding. About $175 and they were lasting about 3 years for the combined use. I'm expecting to get much better wear out of them now.

LaCrosse 670020 Waterproof 11 Inch Quad Comfort Work Boot
 
#11 ·
I have been wearing Milwaukee Afterburner boots, in fact I'm on my second pair. They have zippers on both sides for easy on/off, and I've found they are comfortable for riding all day. I would NOT want to hike or walk a long distance in them however, so if that is your intent be aware. You can find these for under $150 at various online supply outlets.

 
#12 ·
I've had the Milwaukee's with the zipper in the back for over 8 years and 75,000 miles of riding. I don't go dancing with them but are fine for riding. I don't remember the model name but I think were $89 at the time. I rub them down with mink oil when they get dried out and are still in great shape.
 
#13 ·
I've used the Milwaukee trooper boots for 3 years now . With a comfy insole I bought I wear them for riding, work and walking around.
They're not waterproof with the 2 zippers but my chaps cover the zippers and keep my feet drier than I expected.
 
#14 · (Edited)
Hey guys are we hiking or riding here?

I got some nice boots at Tractor Supply. They do have laces but they are extremely comfortable and were only $79 or $89 bucks.

Great road grip, steel toe and a little Herman Munster walking. They are boots not flip flops or sneakers. The brand is C.E. Schmidt Workwear boots and I really like em.

Unbelievable what people will pay for s4it.
 
#19 ·
Evidently, your entire life is spent in bed or on the back of the bike. You never stop at road side attractions, browse an event or take a walk to a remote overlook not accessible by your bike. Wait, I get it. You don't ride a motorcycle, you ride a hoverround mobility scooter. That's why you don't need comfortable footwear.

I really laugh at guys like you who show up to places like Washington DC with your buddies, then have to sit and take a break after only walking a half mile through the national mall because your feet hurt. People pay a good penny for good footwear because it not only protects their feet while riding, but it is also all-day comfortable for walking around once you get there.
 
#16 ·
#24 ·
I have the same boots and added the gel inserts. They're not bad, but they were sized a bit weird. I usually were a 12 in tennis shoes and 11 in boots, but I had to go down to a 10 or 10.5 to get them to fit reasonably. They do look good though. :shades:
 
#17 ·
I wear Ariat work boots on the bike. The boots are slip on and super comfortable. Not sure I would hike a mountain in them but probably great for as much walking as your groups seems to do from your post. I got mine on sale for about $75 on sale but the list price is around $200. You can find sales easy enough. Ariat is known for making comfort.
 
#33 ·
I wear ariat composite toes when riding and at work. I walk my plant all day putting out fires and directing traffic. They are not made for hiking the mountains but I do feel comfortable just walking. I used to wear the Bates tactical boots that zip up the side. Super comfy and would hike anywhere in them! To me everyone has different tastes and comfort levels when it comes to boots.

Sent from my Z987 using Tapatalk
 
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#23 ·
I love SIDI boots. Hand stitched by by Italian virgins in the verdant countryside while fat little cherubs play their lyres... At least they're priced like they are.... :blackeye:
 
#25 ·
XElement sized weird for me, too, and stretched in a great deal. Decent value, but I suspect better values are out there.

I don't like taking my shoes off and changing to walking shoes. I don't like laces. So I don't like any of the options! I have a big cruiser with floorboards, the VL800 with pegs, and a VStrom with pegs and a different position. Only the VL800 really tolerates my redwings! My Guzzi with floorboards likes relatively low-profile Harley (Milwaukee) boots). My VStrom only has room for touring boots I can't walk in.

So this question bounces around and around with me. I'm studying the numerous suggestions above! Thanks for providing input.
 
#27 ·
As I am financially anemic due to kids, cars and college the $ 200 is pretty much my limit. $500 for a pair of boots is just not feasible according to my financial planner.(aka the wife). That's over half of an ultimate seat! or a set of Cobra crash bars, lowers and a decent meal at Waffle House for goodness sakes!

So far the Danners and a few others appear to be what I want. I do like the security of the big ole biker boots but after about 30 minutes of walking I'm done!
 
#28 ·
IMHO, I think the best under 200 dollar riding boot is the Jupiter Evo GoreTex boot from TCX. They are stout, italian, have ankle pucks and cost' generally, 189. I wear them and I love them, so comfy but so good and they are water PROOF, not resistant...

And there is no way I would recommend you buy them. Go to a military surplus store, find old leather combat boots and soak like 7 coats of nik wak imto them. I have a pair... After waxing they are waterproof enough. The last time I crashed I was wearing jungle boots, with the nylon uppers, and they protected my feet and ankles just fine. I like the issue combat boots because they are cheap, I dont care how badly I scuff them and they are guranteed comfy to walk in. 50-75 bucks. Done.
 
#29 ·
Also, dont buy motorcycle specific boots if you want to walk in them. My TCXs are as comfy as they get... Like sneakers... And they still suck for walking. Combat boots, impregnated with nik wax.
 
#30 ·
#32 ·
I wear the LaCrosse quad comfort pretty much all day every day and ride in them. Comfortable enough but I usually add some dr. Scholls or equivalent.

I give 120-130 for them.

I usually wear a pair out every 2 to 3 years.

I'm looking hard at the Red Wings but for the money the LaCrosse are tough to beat
 
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