Sub £130 waterproof, all year round boot?
 

Hi guys, I’m learning to ride at the minute, and picking up gear a little at a time. Trying to get a few bargains along the way if possible!

I’m looking for a pair of waterproof boots with good protection, preferably a little sporty looking, but not full on Power Ranger. I’ll be wearing them year round with textile trousers and jacket for the 20 minute commute in and out of work. Priced below £130 – ideally under £100 if possible.

So far I’ve come up with: Spada Slipstream, Sidi Black Rain Evo, Alipinestars SMX 4

Anyone any recommendations? I looked at the puma boots, and I’d be tempted (big puma fan), but I’d rather have boots which looked reasonable and did the job in an ‘off’ rather than cool boots which do sweet F.A. for my feet and ankles when it all goes wrong.

Cheers guys!

Re: Sub £130 waterproof, all year round boot?
 

I'd be looking at the spada's or swifts for a budget boot, however for £30 more you could have the goretex TCX boot which I bet would last you a fair few more (dryer) miles! TCX boots are also safety tested to a higher standard than most(/all?) other brands I believe.

Re: Sub £130 waterproof, all year round boot?
 

Any particular reccomendation for a model of TCX boot? Looking at the Explorer and Airtech ones... seem quite good for the money?

Re: Sub £130 waterproof, all year round boot?
 

Can only recommend the ones I own which are then TCX competizione-GTX (goretex) never had a drip of water, never had cold feet, feel protective,look sporty, have toesliders. Had them about a year now, 12000 milesish not had a problem.

Re: Sub £130 waterproof, all year round boot?
 

You would need to add another £20, but these have been my daily use boot for the last 18 months, and are still keeping the wet out, and that includes 2 ARs.

Sidi Canyon Goretex

http://www.bikersdirect.co.uk/Sidi-C...x_200_EQY0.jpg

Re: Sub £130 waterproof, all year round boot?
 

You could also consider buying a pair of 'normal' summer boots along with a couple of pairs Sealskinz waterproof socks (available in normal & thermal).

I gave up on 'waterproof' boots as I found that :-

(a) They weren't !!
(b) I couldn't justify the expense of 2 pairs of boots @ £150+ each

In anything other than a serious downpour I find that my Sidi Vertebrae are fine on their own, but tend to wear a pair of Sealskinz anyway.

Re: Sub £130 waterproof, all year round boot?
 

I'd rather opt for waterproof boots than have to organise smelly socks in the office every morning... I wouldn't be a popular bloke. :D Just waterproof enough for 20 minutes of riding is plenty.

I DO like the TCX boots, but they're a little pricy for my taste. The competizione ones are around £190 for gore-tex. The Spada Slipstreams are £70 by comparison. Are they decent enough boots with adequate protection, or should I dismiss them completely?

Re: Sub £130 waterproof, all year round boot?
 

You can buy goretex waterproof socks btw. I tested mine in the bath lol, i have only used them a few times for walking though.

Re: Sub £130 waterproof, all year round boot?
 

The SMX4 WP are very comfy, last a long time and look pretty decent too. I have some as does Luckypants and many others. Not heard anything bad against them. Mine survived a 70mph face plant and role down the motorway with just a scuff.

Re: Sub £130 waterproof, all year round boot?
 

i have the sidi black rain evo. great boots warm comfy and dry. i only use them for 1 day a week but have been caught in some foul weather while out and about. i usually do between 150-350 on my weekend rideouts and they have never let me down. ok so after about 6 hours they start to make your feet sweat a bit but apart from that you would be hard pushed to find better boots at the price.