Looking at used boots: motocross boots vs. ....?

stinkycheezmonky · 10-07-2012, 06:58 PM

I am considering "upgrading" my boots to something a bit more riding-appropriate. I've been using some heavier Merrell hiking boots for the past few years, which leaves a lot to be desired from a safety standpoint. I've been lucky up to this point and have crash-tested them only into grass or softer dirt, but the more street riding I do the more I want to not grind away my ankle bones. This is what I'm currently using for reference:

In poking around here and on some other forums, I'm seeing motocross boots coming up used WAY cheaper than other ones. This is one example of several I found:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ONeal-Elemen...593875&vxp=mtr

Why am I looking at used boots, you ask? Because I'm on a pretty dang tight budget. In addition to the boots I would LIKE to get, I need to get a decent jacket and helmet for my woman, and just bought a pair of Draggin jeans for myself (used on here, like my jacket :) ).

So the question is: will a $30 used Motocross boot be usable and ok for riding around in now and then on the street? They may occasionally see offroad duty, but not until a friend trailers his dirtbikes up here. They also won't be walked around in, as I'll bring a spare pair of shoes with me. Waterproof isn't a factor either, as I don't plan on riding in the rain currently. From the research I've done here, it sounds like they're less comfy for walking in (and sometimes not waterproof), but otherwise fine. The used condition is the biggest thing I'm unsure of.

All suggestions are welcome, as long as they are not, "Pull the trigger on those $300 Sidi XXX's, it'll be worth it." I KNOW they'll be worth it, but my wallet (and SO...) will castrate me if I so much as think about it

So let's pretend my max budget is $100, and consider realistically that it is actually lower than that.

Mr. B · 10-07-2012, 07:31 PM

Unless there is something wrong with them, I don't see how you can go wrong spending $30 on those boots.

BTW, I have probably bought 7-8 pairs of MC-specific boots over the years. Only two pair were new. The rest I found used online. There are always quality used boots in the FM.

stinkycheezmonky · 10-08-2012, 04:22 AM

Cool, thank you :) I have seen used boots here in the marketplace, but finding a cheap pair in my size has been difficult mostly because they go quicker than I can message the seller.

Mr. B · 10-08-2012, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stinkycheezmonky

Cool, thank you :) I have seen used boots here in the marketplace, but finding a cheap pair in my size has been difficult mostly because they go quicker than I can message the seller.

They may be out of your range, but I'm selling a pair of Oxtar Infinity boots in the Flea Market now!

stinkycheezmonky · 10-08-2012, 07:14 AM

Thanks Mr. B, I'll take a look at those.

Kommando · 10-08-2012, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stinkycheezmonky

I am considering "upgrading" my boots to something a bit more riding-appropriate. I've been using some heavier Merrell hiking boots for the past few years, which leaves a lot to be desired from a safety standpoint. I've been lucky up to this point and have crash-tested them only into grass or softer dirt, but the more street riding I do the more I want to not grind away my ankle bones. This is what I'm currently using for reference:

I just picked up a pair of Fly Racing Maverik ATV boots. Cycle Gear, Motorcycle Superstore, Bike Bandit, Iron Pony, and a few other vendors probably have them for less than $100US, and I know that at least Cycle Gear can get replacement parts if you break a buckle or something. They are WAY more toe/instep/ankle/achilles/shin/calf protection than hiking/work boots. I can wear them all day, offroad or on. I had to move my shifter up a notch though, even with lowered footpegs. I wear a 9EEE, and they fit my width OK, running fairly true to size. Allow some time to get used to shifting with stiff boots. It's definitely not like riding with hiking/work boots.

There is also a MX/Enduro version of the boot that is full height, but the ATV version works well with my knee/shin armor. The full-height version wouldn't work as well with the shin part of the armor. These are a simple boot. There isn't much to them besides shell/padding/buckles/sole, so don't expect a $300 MX raceboot, but they work great for the budget-minded commuter that wants to ride trails for fun after work/school. I even wore them for a 600-something-mile trip to ride trails in N GA for a weekend, then back. I might add a gel insole for walking-around comfort, but they don't really NEED it. Try a pair on at a local vendor. Cycle Gear, and several of the others, have a great return policy if they aren't your thing.

Wargasm · 10-09-2012, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kommando

I just picked up a pair of Fly Racing Maverik ATV boots. Cycle Gear, Motorcycle Superstore, Bike Bandit, Iron Pony, and a few other vendors probably have them for less than $100US, and I know that at least Cycle Gear can get replacement parts if you break a buckle or something. They are WAY more toe/instep/ankle/achilles/shin/calf protection than hiking/work boots. I can wear them all day, offroad or on. I had to move my shifter up a notch though, even with lowered footpegs. I wear a 9EEE, and they fit my width OK, running fairly true to size. Allow some time to get used to shifting with stiff boots. It's definitely not like riding with hiking/work boots.

There is also a MX/Enduro version of the boot that is full height, but the ATV version works well with my knee/shin armor. The full-height version wouldn't work as well with the shin part of the armor. These are a simple boot. There isn't much to them besides shell/padding/buckles/sole, so don't expect a $300 MX raceboot, but they work great for the budget-minded commuter that wants to ride trails for fun after work/school. I even wore them for a 600-something-mile trip to ride trails in N GA for a weekend, then back. I might add a gel insole for walking-around comfort, but they don't really NEED it. Try a pair on at a local vendor. Cycle Gear, and several of the others, have a great return policy if they aren't your thing.

I have a pair of the Maericks as well and I agree they are a well made boot, I have one problem though. If you walk any distanc ein them the plastic on the inside of the boot will dig into your leg something fierce.

stinkycheezmonky · 10-08-2012, 07:12 PM

Thanks for the suggestion, Kommando! I'll definitely check that out.

montanaman · 10-09-2012, 10:10 AM

They look like good every kind of riding boots with some old school MX flair for 230 bucks. Just wondering?

cliffy109 · 10-09-2012, 10:30 AM

MX boots are not the most enjoyable thing when not riding MX. I just bought and then returned a pair of Sidi Adventure Rains because I thought I could live with a boot that offered that kind of protection. Mind you, the Adventure Rain boots are not full MX boots. They are intended as a crossover boot, but they crossed WAY too far to the MX side for my street riding and commuting. Downshifting was an absolute chore. With little to no ankle flex and s stiff sole, you can't raise your toe and that means you have to lift your foot from the peg and mash the shifter down. If you're standing on the pegs, maybe this isn't such a big deal, but it is to me.

Another consideration is how easy they are to take on an off. I know you said you'll be carrying shoes, but honestly that isn't as easily done as you think. For instance, if you are just running into McDonalds, would you change? How about a stop at the grocery on the way home? Walking in tall ski boots with no flex is clumsy and uncomfortable.

I'm not saying not to do it, but I am saying that unless you are riding motocross, you may really hate MX boots and you will have wasted money that could have gone toward boots that actually meet your riding needs.

Morton's BMW is having their Octoberfest open house this weekend. I know they have some boots that will be on a sale rack. IIRC, they have some older model BMW boots that are going well under retail. Sizes may be small (there is a reason they still have some of them). They also have the BMW All-Around which are great boots for about half the price of the top end touring boots. They are still beyond your budget but maybe you can find something you like. Come on down. I volumteer to work the used bike tent so stop in and say hello.

stinkycheezmonky · 10-09-2012, 08:14 PM

If I'm around this weekend I'll definitely stop by, and thanks for the suggestion. I might be going back to MD to visit my girlfriend though.

1911fan · 10-11-2012, 05:31 PM

I've got a pair of Icon Field Armor boots. Good armor, comfortable, easy on & off. I've also got a pair of Fox Tracker motocross boots that I'll wear if I think I'm going to be flogging it offroad.

1911fan

10-07-2012, 06:58 PM	#1
stinkycheezmonky ^OP Deep Fried Monkey Joined: Feb 2008 Location: Winchester, VA Oddometer: 49	Looking at used boots: motocross boots vs. ....? I am considering "upgrading" my boots to something a bit more riding-appropriate. I've been using some heavier Merrell hiking boots for the past few years, which leaves a lot to be desired from a safety standpoint. I've been lucky up to this point and have crash-tested them only into grass or softer dirt, but the more street riding I do the more I want to not grind away my ankle bones. This is what I'm currently using for reference: In poking around here and on some other forums, I'm seeing motocross boots coming up used WAY cheaper than other ones. This is one example of several I found: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ONeal-Elemen...593875&vxp=mtr Why am I looking at used boots, you ask? Because I'm on a pretty dang tight budget. In addition to the boots I would LIKE to get, I need to get a decent jacket and helmet for my woman, and just bought a pair of Draggin jeans for myself (used on here, like my jacket :) ). So the question is: will a $30 used Motocross boot be usable and ok for riding around in now and then on the street? They may occasionally see offroad duty, but not until a friend trailers his dirtbikes up here. They also won't be walked around in, as I'll bring a spare pair of shoes with me. Waterproof isn't a factor either, as I don't plan on riding in the rain currently. From the research I've done here, it sounds like they're less comfy for walking in (and sometimes not waterproof), but otherwise fine. The used condition is the biggest thing I'm unsure of. All suggestions are welcome, as long as they are not, "Pull the trigger on those $300 Sidi XXX's, it'll be worth it." I KNOW they'll be worth it, but my wallet (and SO...) will castrate me if I so much as think about it So let's pretend my max budget is $100, and consider realistically that it is actually lower than that.

10-07-2012, 07:31 PM	#2
Mr. B Contrarian Joined: Oct 2004 Location: Minneapolis Oddometer: 1,574	Unless there is something wrong with them, I don't see how you can go wrong spending $30 on those boots. BTW, I have probably bought 7-8 pairs of MC-specific boots over the years. Only two pair were new. The rest I found used online. There are always quality used boots in the FM. __________________ '07 DR650, '12 Moto Guzzi Stelvio NTX

10-09-2012, 10:10 AM	#9
montanaman Traveler Joined: Oct 2003 Location: CA,AZ,MT..USA Oddometer: 171	Anyone have the Icon Elsinore boots? They look like good every kind of riding boots with some old school MX flair for 230 bucks. Just wondering? __________________ Quit dreaming, get on and start living.

10-11-2012, 05:31 PM	#12
1911fan Master of the Obvious Joined: Aug 2007 Location: North Central Washington Oddometer: 1,651	I've got a pair of Icon Field Armor boots. Good armor, comfortable, easy on & off. I've also got a pair of Fox Tracker motocross boots that I'll wear if I think I'm going to be flogging it offroad. 1911fan __________________ Read The Patriot Post -- It's Right. It's Free. http://patriotpost.us/subscribe/ Sometimes the light to see your way forward is provided by the bridge burning behind you.

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10-08-2012, 04:22 AM	#3
stinkycheezmonky ^OP Deep Fried Monkey Joined: Feb 2008 Location: Winchester, VA Oddometer: 49	Cool, thank you :) I have seen used boots here in the marketplace, but finding a cheap pair in my size has been difficult mostly because they go quicker than I can message the seller.

10-08-2012, 07:14 AM	#5
stinkycheezmonky ^OP Deep Fried Monkey Joined: Feb 2008 Location: Winchester, VA Oddometer: 49	Thanks Mr. B, I'll take a look at those.

10-08-2012, 07:12 PM	#8
stinkycheezmonky ^OP Deep Fried Monkey Joined: Feb 2008 Location: Winchester, VA Oddometer: 49	Thanks for the suggestion, Kommando! I'll definitely check that out.

10-09-2012, 10:30 AM	#10
cliffy109 Beastly Adventurer Joined: May 2009 Location: Spotsylvania, VA Oddometer: 1,283	MX boots are not the most enjoyable thing when not riding MX. I just bought and then returned a pair of Sidi Adventure Rains because I thought I could live with a boot that offered that kind of protection. Mind you, the Adventure Rain boots are not full MX boots. They are intended as a crossover boot, but they crossed WAY too far to the MX side for my street riding and commuting. Downshifting was an absolute chore. With little to no ankle flex and s stiff sole, you can't raise your toe and that means you have to lift your foot from the peg and mash the shifter down. If you're standing on the pegs, maybe this isn't such a big deal, but it is to me. Another consideration is how easy they are to take on an off. I know you said you'll be carrying shoes, but honestly that isn't as easily done as you think. For instance, if you are just running into McDonalds, would you change? How about a stop at the grocery on the way home? Walking in tall ski boots with no flex is clumsy and uncomfortable. I'm not saying not to do it, but I am saying that unless you are riding motocross, you may really hate MX boots and you will have wasted money that could have gone toward boots that actually meet your riding needs. Morton's BMW is having their Octoberfest open house this weekend. I know they have some boots that will be on a sale rack. IIRC, they have some older model BMW boots that are going well under retail. Sizes may be small (there is a reason they still have some of them). They also have the BMW All-Around which are great boots for about half the price of the top end touring boots. They are still beyond your budget but maybe you can find something you like. Come on down. I volumteer to work the used bike tent so stop in and say hello.

10-09-2012, 08:14 PM	#11
stinkycheezmonky ^OP Deep Fried Monkey Joined: Feb 2008 Location: Winchester, VA Oddometer: 49	If I'm around this weekend I'll definitely stop by, and thanks for the suggestion. I might be going back to MD to visit my girlfriend though.