Like everyone else I have been trying to find the "perfect" boot. Waterproof, cool in the summer and warm in the fall. I read quite a few reviews and then forked out the $350 for a pair of boots.
The boots were stiff and felt extremely big. My feet felt like they were swimming inside. A pair of insoles filled in some of that space and made the boots much more comfortable. It is hard to believe what they include as an insole on an expensive boot.
It took several hundred miles before my boots really felt comfortable and flexed in all the right places.
I just returned from a trip from Washington State to the Grand Canyon, over to Vegas and back up. During that trip I got rained on for 3 hours. Rode in the desert in 100 degree weather and then only days later 31 degrees.
First the rain. I got rained on heavily for 3 hours. My goretex gloves weren't so hot, but my feet stayed both dry and warm during the ride. The boots performed as I expected them to in the rain.
When I got into Arizona I got to experience 100 degree weather and the heat from my 09. Living in the Pacific Northwest I never really understood what you guys were talking about with the 08-09 heat issue. I now understand. The heat was rolling off of the engine. My shins did not burn and I was pleasantly surprised that while my feet were definitely warm, they were not sweltering in those boots. I was wearing just a plain pair of black mid weight cotton socks. ( After that experience I know what my next $49 heat resistant foam farkle will be
The boots, once broken in, were decent to walk around in and didn't feel big and clumsy.
Several days later on my return trip I found that I did not bring enough gear. I was making good time in the middle of the night at 80mph on back desert roads, but I was freezing. My fingers were numb in my goretex gloves and my feet cold as hell. When I finally stopped and checked my app for the temperature...it was 31 degrees. I would speculate that a decent pair of wool socks would have helped considerably. I don't tend to ride when it is under 40 degrees so I am not too concerned. (It should be noted I was glad that I did not have the foam inserts in the tupperware to divert the heat..I wouldn't have been able to insert my hand in the fairing in a feeble attempt to save my fingertips from frostbite
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So is this the perfect boot? That remains to be seen. I am happy with how it has performed. The true test will be how long they last and how they wear over time. If they hold up at least a person can justify spending the money for the boot.
