Boots

[Feasty]

Since I've been commuting 5 days a week for the past couple of years, I've always worn biking boots for proper protection. The type that have zips and velcro on the sides so I can wear them either under my waterproof trousers or over my waterproof trousers depending on the weather.

One thing I've noticed though is how quickly they seem to wear out. The extra panel on top of the left foot for gear changing always gets worn through, and I keep getting gaps appearing around the edges of the boots on the join that eventually lets water in and my feet get wet.

Is this acceptable wear and tear after 6-8 months of continuous use? Or should they be replaced by the manufacturers as they are still within the 2 year guarantee period? As far as I'm concerned when I pay upwards of £50-£90 for a pair of boots I'd expect them to last for a couple of years at least!


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Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).

[Itchy]

Thats just normal wear and tear tbh , Sidis are renowned for the soles wearing out quickly though I've made mine last quite a while , that said I don't walk about in them much.
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[FreshAL]

What brand are they?

My Hein Gericke "HG Race" own brand boots have done 30,000+ miles in all weathers and survived two offs. They're looking a bit tatty now, but still ok.

I'd be disappointed if a pair wore out in less than a year.

[Feasty]

Well I can't remember the make of my first pair, they were a known make from my local dealers though. My current pair are Spada...
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Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).

[c_dug]

My SIDI's are the boot equivilant to a ducati, bits are falling off all over the place!

Zip snapped
Heal shock protector fell off (twice) is now held on by B&Q screws
Side airvent slidy bit fell off.

Ok so thats it, but for a pair of boots less than a year old its pretty appauling, i lost my reciept and cant find the right bank statement so theres no chance of claiming on the warrenty.

SIDI vertigo's but they do look

c_dug
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[Knacker]

[arry]

[the grim reaper]

The tips I would follow, from years of experience and loads of crap boots are:

1) Sidi for summer boots, not for winter, black rains are crap.
2) try to get soles that at least partially wrap rond the boot for winter boots, black rains always leak round the flat sole edges, if you stub your toe, instant leak at the front.
3) Alpinestars SMX winter boots are the best I've had, waterproof after 4 years.
4) Do NOT buy Shelltex, or any other copy, Gore-tex only for true waterproofing.

Cheers

Grim
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