I have a pair of fox forma pros....Their fine when Im riding, But I stop and like to hike around a little and do some trail Maintenance...They are not conducive to walking. What boot offers mobility and Protection...??? Thanx in advance for any Replies...

I dont know why you by "MOTOCROSS OR OFF ROAD" boots,, but I buy them for PROTECTION!!! Who cares if there hard to walk in!! Learn how to ride over the nasties on your trail then you wont have to get off your bike. :bonk:

"MOTOCROSS,,,BECAUSE ITS HARD"

:prof: Sounds like you need a pair of Nike, some spandex, and a Mountain Bike! :thumbsup:

there's a well thought out post..... yeah.


I've heard that Viberg boots are pretty good with a fair bit of protection... this is the Dual Sport pair:

http://www.workboot....dualsportbb.htm


I think they are a bit suspect on the looks side but hey... life ain't a fashion show... is it?

The easiest to walk in that still offered a decent amount of protection that I have actually worn were these:

http://www.rockymoun...ONABOOT_ATV.JPG

These were almost as comfortable to walk in as my work boots. And they cost less than my work boots. So, for a casual trail ride when I knew I would be doing some walking, these were what I grabbed rather than my work boots.

I replaced them with a pair of MX boots that are probably great for MX but too much for my dual sport riding that usually involves some hiking or camping. So I plan to eBay the not even broken-in MX boots and buy another pair.

I wear my Tech 4 with ATV sole all day without issue. Comfortable and good protection, IMO.

Several boots come to mind. Sidi Discovery, Gaerne Explorers, Oxtar Infinity (if you can get them). Granted, all of these don't offer the protection of an MX boot, but are comfortable to walk in. Check the Equipment thread at ADVrider and search for boots and you will get more responses than you can ever read. And they will contain useful information. :thumbsup:

Dual-Sport boots - easy break in, easy walking, slightly less protection:
Gaerne Explorer - $149
Sidi Discovery - $250
Oxtar Infinity - $299 (no longer manufactured :confused:
Aerostitch Combat - $257 (Wedge or cleated)

Full on motocross(ATV) boots with cleated(lug) soles:
Fox Tracker - $140
Thor Quadrant - $140

I went with the Gaerne Explorers for a few reasons:

The bulk of my riding is commuting. They are easy to walk in.
I wanted one boot I could use for multi-day adventure touring.
I already have a pair of motocross boots if I'm going to pull the mirrors and do a lot of dirt-only riding.
I really like my Gaerne motocross boots.
I like the way they look.
The buckles/bails are replaceable.

bg10459 said:

Yep. Tech 4 with ATV sole. Just your basic made in Italy offroad boot. Get some spare buckles too.

I wear the Diadora Express Boots, since I have 18" calves (years of bicycling and soccer), I have yet to find a standard, knee high motocross style boot that fits, without going too large in the foot area (10 1/2 EEEE, which is a pain, in and of itself to find something that fits).

I also like these, since they have a hiking boot style lugs, and are waterproof. They are comfortable to walk in, as well.

Here's a good picture of the boot: http://www.gmo1.com/...e=dia%5Fexpress

Plus, they were pretty reasonably priced at a local shop, for about $120, if I recall.

Good luck.

ridered55 said:

Boy, you are an a hole..

I just replaced my 30 year old Hi-Point MX boots with a pair of FOX Pro-Forma.
I don't know about you guys, but I fall a lot and run into things. My last 2 day ride from Bear Valley to Carson City I hit a rock with my foot/ankle that hurt like hell! I didn't know till later my whole foot was black and blue. And the previous one day dual sport ride a girl going backwards on the course hit me and I couldn't get my bike off my foot (I'm old, O.K.?). I don't think I want to wear "work boots" for riding my off road bike! The Hi-Points were state-of-the-art in 1974, and I believe the Forma Pro are today. I choose protection for this 67 year old body over comfortable walking shoes. :prof:

ridered55 said:

I didn't see any part in his thread about having to walk around bad parts of the trail. I read he gets off to hike around or do mantience on his private single track......:bonk:

That kind of response always comes up. A lot of people are hard core offroad and dual sport to them means hanging a license plate on an offroad bike so they can legally ride to the trails. Nothing but full on MX gear will suffice for them.

But to me dual sport riding means covering all kinds of ground and all kinds of situations. Sometimes it is all street and I am in a mesh jacket and street helmet. Sometimes it is all offroad and I am in full MX gear. Other times it is just poking along trails in work boots, jeans and gloves. It depends on what I am doing.

I read the original post like the guy needs to be able to walk around. I am a land surveyor so I can relate to walking around in the woods. And MX boots absolutely suck for that. Since I happen to think that most people know to ride according to how they are prepared, I don't mind looking at alternatives.

If you are poking around on a trail to do maintenance then it stands to reason that you aren't in full on blitz mode. So a little bit lighter gear is fine in my opinion. Not every ride requires dressing like an action figure. That is why I have different types of gear for different situations. If I felt like I had to armor up totally for every ride, I would hardly ever be on the bike.

Really depends on how much you want to spend.

I picked up a pair of Fox Trackers for $$$120 out the door.

I did not get the ATV sole but I should have.

Your two requirements are conflicting, it's tough to get the level of protection you need for riding AND the level of comfort you want for walking.

Good luck!

ridered55 said:

Wow That was the---- WOW, We have here the worst reply ever!!!
I checked out your profile and your not even 15 but in your 30's!

Go do a bunch more bong hits and let's see the real answers- I would like to know as well which boot sor this purpose.

CRT_Leech said:

FYI Sidi crossfires will accommodate up to like a 22" calf. I just got a pair and can at last buckle up my entire boot, with room to spare. My calfs (or cows) measure 19.75", from hauling my fat carcass around.

I'm going to look into Diadora Express Boots because I need a pair of Light duty dual sports boots. :thumbsup:

ridered55 said:

you mister are a ##%#% !@#%!^@ joke. dee dee dee :bonk:

I'm looking for the same kind of footwear. I too have MX boots for the trail but still need to run to Home Depot or the Kwik Stop now & then & would like something which you can walk in comfortably. Something not too hard to get on & off would be nice too for removing at work to switch to tennies.

ICON field armor boots...I just got a pair and I wear them all day at work and feel great, they offer superb protection, you got to check these out!

grreatdog said:

To me, too. :applause: