[ebonho]

Originally Posted by hikozaru

I appreciate this thread for shining light on the dark side of riding gear, end of life, disposal, repairs. I have since reconsidered trackdays with how expensive gear is to repair and replace after a crash, it costs more than fixing up the bikes.

The "fashion shoe" shelf life may well be because the manufacturers know but do not tell us that the plastics they use are so fragile and short lived. I understand the point about them being structural components in the area of the heel, shin and toe areas, and as long as the sole and uppers are good, I have seen tons of videos of very good work being done to refurbish riding boots back to new with alternate materials and good quality cobblery. Lots of them from South East Asian countries (where track and motocross are much bigger than un India) and some from the US as well.

Cheers, Doc

[ebonho]

Using my riding boots thread for an update on a new addition to my foot gear.

Been commuting on my Duke for 6 months now and two things stand out as lacunae in my kit.

A decent summer jacket.

And mid top above ankle 6" tall leather boots that are either laced up or zippered (or both).

Riding in my office formals was making my feet feel really naked and unprotected.

At the same time I dod not want to go down the path of riding boots. And a formal pair kept in the office. The shoe had to be worn at home and taken off once back home.

So it has to offer some basic protection. But also look formal and not out of place with formal trousers.

After ordering a pair of suede boots that did not quite cut it (returned immediately), I found exactly what I was looking for in a pair of Red Tape boots. Toe and heel cap reinforcement. 7 eyelet laced up with a decent leather looped tongue. Pure leather upper (this was a must). Goodyear welted (or pattern) Gowan sole with a flat one inch heel. Side full length zipper for easy in and out.

They are basically civilized DMSs (that I love)!

The upper is super comfortable and will not need much of a break in. Just regular polishing to condition the leather as it beda into the foot. But the soles are squeaky on wooden and marble/polished granite flooring at work and that's something I'm hoping will go away with use.

Out of the box ...











Some Cherry Blossom TLC later ...



The Alpha dog and the puppy!



All 4 riding boots (10.5 inchers and 6 inchers)



Feel good in jeans ...



At work, for which they are to do duty ...



Cheers, Doc

[ebonho]

Boots are bedding in beautifully. Perfect on the bike. After the first sweaty day, perfect all day at work too. Just the squeaky soles persist as an embarrassing annoyance. Maybe I'll finally sandpaper them lightly and see if there is any improvement. Other than that, they fit great. The leather is soft and barely needed much breakin. And they sit great on the pegs and shift great too. The side zippers are really convenient for entry and exit and the front bar lace pattern and Oxford tips keep things looking formal.

Cheers, Doc

[cosmic_ocean]

I've been a race track rider on superbikes from 2014 and have used most brands of Racing and riding boots. From my personal experience, even the premium Dainese, A-star and TCX boots I've used have rarely lasted in prime condition beyond a year and half, at most two. The issues start at the sole joint and run upto the shifter pad cracking on the left toe. Once the sole starts to unstick, its a losing battle.

In my personal opinion, the heat from the engines and our tropical climate don't help. Any repairs are shortlived and don't match the requirements.

I had my A-stars done up at Pune from Ratan and he fixed a rubber sole that wore out within two track days. The rubber also started to unstick.

Stitching the sole all round is an option which doesnt really work with racing boots at the PVC/Hardcup areas, which crack.