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Petemate
Trackday Trickster



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PostPosted: 20:07 - 11 Jan 2017    Post subject: Boots - soft. Reply with quote

As per title. I have a problem mainly with my left ankle. Due to a nasty accident back in 1990, I ended up with a severely arthritic ankle from the foot being rotated 180 degrees in addition to both the lower leg bones being broken a few inches above said ankle. (the foot is now the right way round lol)
Result is that within a few minutes of getting up daily the ankle swells making it difficult to get shoes on. This has made it impossible to find a pair of suitable boots. I have tried many, new and used (many thanks to Blade Honda Abingdon for the parts man's time letting me try several)
The foot has limited movement and up changes are mainly made by lifting the whole leg once I have the toe under the gear lever; down changes are simply made by placing the foot over the lever and pressing down. These are procedures I have got used to right from years ago, on my XBR (which dropped me on diesel and did the horrid deed) through two Reveres, one XJ750 Seca and on to the present LA250 Custom.
What I need is a pair of boots which are VERY soft, to allow my left foot to move around as far as it can after doing up the fastenings. Laces are out, though I can see that most boots are zip or clasp or a combination. While I realise that most leather boots will soften in time with treatment with good leather food etc., I am looking for leather that is extremely soft to start with if there is such a thing. I do realise that the softer it is, the less protection is likely, but anything is better than an ordinary pair of shoes, which are not much in the cred stakes along with my leather leggings lol.
If anyone has an idea of where I can look (inexpensive is the name of the game too) or even anyone with an old pair of boots, very soft and size about 10/11? please advise.
Long shot but nothing ventured.....
TIA
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G
The Voice of Reason



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PostPosted: 20:46 - 11 Jan 2017    Post subject: Re: Boots - soft. Reply with quote

What about triathlon laces? I've got some in one pair of army boots. They are elastic so allow a good bit of movement while staying pretty firm.
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BTTD
World Chat Champion



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PostPosted: 20:49 - 11 Jan 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have a pair of boots from Bikers Paradise that are a few years old and now feel like slippers. Can't remember if they were always soft, or if they've just broken in like that. Might be worth a look.

I also have a pair of Sidi Goretex Adventure. They were as supple as concrete when I first put them on, and one year later they have improved enough to not be brutally annoying and restrictive. They're taking some breaking in, but provide significant protection. Probably not going to work for you.

If you happen to suddenly find yourself with hundreds to spend, then maybe a visit to Altberg for a custom pair?
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Rogerborg
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PostPosted: 21:08 - 11 Jan 2017    Post subject: Re: Boots - soft. Reply with quote

G wrote:
What about triathlon laces? I've got some in one pair of army boots. They are elastic so allow a good bit of movement while staying pretty firm.

+1, I've upgraded my whole wardrobe to rubber bondage now.
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stinkwheel
Bovine Proctologist



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PostPosted: 21:15 - 11 Jan 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

Why no laces? Lacing well can can allow boots to flex in some places and not in others.

Not motorcycle boots but Magnums spring to mind which are part fabric. They do laced magnums with a side zip.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.
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G
The Voice of Reason



Joined: 02 Feb 2002
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PostPosted: 21:29 - 11 Jan 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

I was just thinking about Magunms; a good bit softer than Army issue boots, though I'd worry soft leather it's self may offer less good protection.
Have crashed a few times in them way-back (20 years ago) and were ok for those.

My well-worn goretex Army boots are now quite supply. Would be less if I'd kept them in good nick (the ones with the tri-laces are used for all sorts of daily stuff, with mortal, paint etc splattered.)
So maybe a second hand pair is worth a look.
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Baffler186
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PostPosted: 21:37 - 11 Jan 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/400794403268 and being a bit cheaper they soften up quite a bit. They are still 100% waterproof after 3 years of constant use

For you, both upper and lower clasps could be adjusted loosely. There's no zip, just single upper velcro on the calf.
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tom_e
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PostPosted: 21:46 - 11 Jan 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

Dainese C2 fulcrum boots are very soft leather if you can find a pair, although they are zip up.
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Rogerborg
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PostPosted: 23:27 - 11 Jan 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

G wrote:
My well-worn goretex Army boots are now quite suppl[e].

Mine were, until the soles finally gave out, and now I'm having to break in a new pair. I don't know if they've made the tongue less generous, or if I've got a bad pair, or if I'd just forgotten about it, but they're absolute sods to get on and off. I couldn't in good conscience recommend them to someone with a gimpy foot.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike
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Petemate
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PostPosted: 00:06 - 12 Jan 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks guys for some very quick and useful replies. I've got a pair of Magnums, bought for me for Xmas 2015. Too stiff yet. I was supplied with some Nikwax but this has not softened them at all. I had to reposition both gear and brake pedals and they were still too awkward to use. I may try some actual dubbin and persevere over a few months just treating them to try to sort it. While they have some lacing, this is not too much of a problem as on one side of them there is a nice long zip which makes putting them on and off easy.
Meanwhile, I have been looking at ankle boots, and may pop into one or two shoe shops to try some. I do realise that protection with soft boots will be nowhere near proper but whatever I go for I'm sure will be better than the casual shoes I'm using ATM.
Thnx again all!
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talkToTheHat
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PostPosted: 04:13 - 12 Jan 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

Talk to AltBerg, not the cheapest option around but they are prepared to make all kinds of fit adjustments. I've got an old pair of their clubman classics, which are quite easy to get into and despite being very thick leather and well padded, movement feels quite natural in them unlike in my other pair of boots which are thin, light and stiff.
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UncleFester
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PostPosted: 08:25 - 12 Jan 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

For me - https://www.ghostbikes.com/2386-alpinestars-hydro-sport-drystar-motorcycle-boots.html

These were lovely and soft / flexible - not overly armoured and waterproof. My first pair of boots, only bought SMX-6 because i wanted Goretex for winter / wet/

Maybe see if you can find someone who has a pair you can try on.
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Petemate
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PostPosted: 19:27 - 13 Jan 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

Update.
After searching Oxford for dubbin, even in the sports shops (dubbin? oh yes, we used to stock it but not now) I finally got a nice tub of it from the Saddling peeps in the Oxford Covered Market. So from this evening I will be warming my Magnums with the hair dryer, and warming some dubbin, and soaking the boots thoroughly, repeating the operation daily for a week, and another week, and until I can wear them and flex my feet as far as I am able with the restricted left one, and further with the free right one, and can operate the gear and brake pedals satisfactorily. I will persevere and intend to beat this ruddy problem. Updates to follow lolol.
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2005 Stirling Eccles Topaz 2-berth
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virus
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PostPosted: 19:56 - 13 Jan 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'd also go for altbergs, if you don't fancy shelling out for the custom ones I highly recommend the altberg defenders. One of the current brit issue army boots, they only come in brown leather but they are the softest most comfortable 'issue' boots I've ever used. Laced but speed laced on the top half, they were going for around £35 on ebay last time I looked.


Cheers
John
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stinkwheel Well I just had my hands up a pigs fanny. Which makes your concerns pale into insignificance.
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stinkwheel
Bovine Proctologist



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PostPosted: 20:46 - 13 Jan 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

virus wrote:
I'd also go for altbergs, if you don't fancy shelling out for the custom ones I highly recommend the altberg defenders. One of the current brit issue army boots, they only come in brown leather but they are the softest most comfortable 'issue' boots I've ever used. Laced but speed laced on the top half, they were going for around £35 on ebay last time I looked.


I'm rocking a pair of these. Very rigid boots with the exception of the ankle area which is very soft and flexible. The laces are even arranged to "miss out" the ankle area.

Another boot which is very flexible is the Wellco jungle boot. The sides are nylon. They are however, not even slightly waterproof.

Have you considered fitting an airshifter?
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.
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neptune8
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PostPosted: 21:15 - 13 Jan 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

I would guess that you have several pairs of boots. Find a good cobbler. Get him to modify a pair of your boote by actually cutting out part of the "leg" of the boot and replacing it with a piece of soft leather which he will have on stock. After a good polish, it will be barely noticeable. Function matters more than appearance anyway. Will be a cheaper option than new boots.
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Rogerborg
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PostPosted: 22:58 - 13 Jan 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

neptune8 wrote:
Find a good cobbler.

Do people not already have a favoured cordwainer?
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike
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Petemate
Trackday Trickster



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PostPosted: 23:55 - 13 Jan 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the further advice guys. I only have the Magnums and my normal daily shoes. Tried a pair of m/c boots a couple of years ago, and while they were good to get in and out of (clip fasteners and generous openings) I just couldn't move around in them so I sold them on at no loss. I do like the Magnums for ease of fitting as they have zips right down almost to the sole and while I find the laces a slight pita for a quick trip down the shops, if I can get the boots supple enough then maybe I'll be OK.
I will start the dubbin process tomorrow, got busy today and ran out of time.
Ta again.
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82 not out....1983 Honda LA250 Custom
2008 Saab 9-3 1.9 Tid 150 Vector Sport estate
2005 Stirling Eccles Topaz 2-berth
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