Footwear Choice

[Serendipity]

I’m off this weekend for some touring\walking\camping in the North West Highlands. My dilemma at the moment is whether to wear my walking boots on the bike or wear normal bike boots and carry the walking boots in the luggage.

Both types of boots are waterproof, but the lower fit of the walking boots means having to wear gaiters on the bike in wet weather to stop water ingress around the ankle. I probably have better feel and control in the bike boots, but the walking boots will take up a hell of a lot of luggage space when I’m trying to keep things to a minimum.

I’m leaning towards wearing the walking books so I can carry a pair of smaller spare shoes for wearing around campsites etc.

Anyone got any thoughts?
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2016 CBF1000F - Commuter heaven | 1994 CBR600FR - Awaiting defibrillation

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

Heyup, if we could trust the weather then I'd probably suggest taking just the walking boots(although I dislike the grippy treads on footpegs). Given the option I'd take both types of footwear. Not nice putting on soaked boots in the morning for a days walking.

In short. I don't consider appropriate footwear a luxury.
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[Derivative]

I would go for the camping boots and wear gaiters.

I generally wear my issue army boots when touring for this reason.

They are dual purpose. Bring a pair of flip flops or similar for walking around camp sites. Job done.

[Charlie]

I wore walking boots last time I went up on my bike and did some walking/climbing. But my over-trousers would just cover the top of my boots. I hate wearing gaiters and the thought of riding a bike in them sounds horrid!!

I hardly wore my other shoes in the end. Wore my walking boots around the campsites and only put on my shoes to go to the pub.

After a full 10 or so hours out scrambling, coming back to the bike and having to carry on wearing my boots wasn't great. What made it worse was everyone taking theres off and saying how nice it was.
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Past: Honda x8rs, Honda City fly, Honda Hornet 250, Honda VFR750, Yamaha xt600e.
Current: Honda CBR929RR & Yamaha XT660Z Tenere

[Serendipity]

I’ve previously toured with walking boots and that was fine, but that was with my old boots that had a harder, flatter sole. My new boots have very textured grip and aren’t as comfortable to wear on the bike. I’ve been using them all week to commute and wander about in.

The other difference is speed of getting them on and off. Bike boot = 5-10 seconds per boot. Walking boots with gaiters is more like 2-3 minutes per boot. Also, while I’m not usually bothered by the way I look, the combination of new boots, gaiters and textile trousers makes me look like an arctic explorer wannabe. Not a look that I would relish at random M6 services.

I’m having a review of luggage space today. The CBF1000 has a lot of room for carrying unnecessary crap, but I’ve been hoping to keep things to a minimum. I’ll be using the top box for lighter, moisture sensitive stuff like clothes and sleeping gear. Then I’ve got a big-ish Ortlieb dry bag to strap to the pillion seat. If I think that I can afford the luxury of squeezing the walking boots into the dry bag, that may be the way I go.

I’m expecting some fairly significant wind and rain on Sunday and Monday off the back of this Hurricane Nadine. Looks like now would be a good time to head North!
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2016 CBF1000F - Commuter heaven | 1994 CBR600FR - Awaiting defibrillation

[Moo.]

I wore a pair of these German Paratrooper boots for a few bike camping trips. Comfiest boots i've ever worn, you'll have to buy an inner sole, but for the money, these things are the bee's knees.

I just used some leather waxed and they kept all water out. Went up the lake district in them, climbed scafell pike in them, did a trip to glasgow and back from northampton too!


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GERMAN-ARMY-PARA-BOOT-GENUINE-MK5-MK6-PARATROOPER-MILITARY-CADET-COMBAT-LEATHER-/300691122340?pt=UK_Men_s_Shoes&var=&hash=item46029668a4

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-original-German-army-Para-paratrooper-combat-assault-boots-/180975397305?pt=UK_Men_s_Shoes&var=&hash=item2a22f969b9

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-original-German-army-Para-paratrooper-combat-assault-boots-/120977363026?pt=UK_Men_s_Shoes&var=&hash=item1c2ad01052
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