Boots

Terribly sorry to be on topic and all but...

Just (last week) got a new pair of boots shipped in from the US - with
the current exchange rate I got what would have cost me $500 to $550
for $355 landed.

So, on a limited amount of usage so far, but I'd like to
enthusiastically endorse the Sidi Vertigo (not Vertigo Corsa) boots -
very happy. Due to being a genetic freak or sumthin' my feet are
proportional to my (short) height but my calf muscles are way outside
the normal range for that foot size. The Vertigo's have adjustable
tops which will accommodate everything from skinny chicken legs to
porky ones like mine. They were the only pair I've found in a fully
armoured style that I could get into and still do up. It was the same
when I bought my last pair - the Gaerne's were the only ones that fit
then (none of theirs I found did this time).

These are the boots and these are the guys I bought them off - very
good and very helpful to deal with. Great service.

http://www.newenough.com/boots/racing_boots/sidi/vertigo_race_motorcycle_boots.html

(Hmm they've gone up $25 I guess the US import prices are biting !)

My only complaint is they only use paypal for international orders
(who charge a fortune in fees - far more than my credit card).

JL

 

Hey not so fast!!

I was singing the praises of those comfy SIDI Vertigo boots too until they
started falling apart after less than three months use. Sent them back
through the dealer to McLeods the distributor who refused to replace them!!

Took them to a boot-maker and he explained why: "They are so badly designed
that the same things would go wrong with the replacements". He couldn't
think of anything to do to prolong their life (although he still has them on
his shelf 'to think about').

There is not enough strength nor protection in the big-toe area so that that
area wears quickly and then the rubber sole separates at that point. Sadly
the materials they use cannot be repaired "nothing sticks to it . . . it's
like glass" . .

If you look at other boots the sole wraps generously around the big toe area
.. . . on these boots it stops short and is very vulnerable to the forces at
work when we put our foot down from a tall bike.

I then tried to get my money back but they insisted 'normal wear and tear'.
Right!! On three month old boots driven leisurely by an old fart on a boxer
.. . .

So: shit boots, shit AU distributor . . . Damn them. I have never spent so
much money (a$470) on boots and I thought they'd last a lifetime . . .

JK

 

There used to be a boot maker in Fitzroy, Melbourne years ago who hand made
motorcycle boots . used to be in Gertrude Street I think
don't know if he is still in business as it has been years since I got him
to make me a pair, still have them and wear them occasionally, 30 years old
(03) 9419 4374

 

He hasn't retired yet, but I spoke to him a couple of weeks ago and he's
currently on holidays for 2 months and won't be back till Sept.

Nev..
'07 XB12X

 

Thanks for that tip

You and me both

JL

 

Thanks for the warning. I'll look closely at the construction and see
if there's anything I can do to mitigate the problem before it occurs

JL

 

I bought my first pair around 1971, they cost me $30, took almost forever to
have made, just on three weeks
next pair a few years later cost about $48, took four weeks to make.

 

Last time I heard his waiting list was up over 3 months...


G-S

 

No problem . . . I will let you know if the bootmaker comes up with
anything. They are so comfortable it would be good to get them reinforced
early if there is a way. Once they come apart they let the water in too!!!
One idea might be to buy a pair of the scuff strips that fit on the outside
of the boots (little toe area if you like) and fit them opposite way around
to the inside (big toe area)! This might be a stupid suggestion (as I cannot
look at them at the moment) but might just work, even if it just provides a
way to hold any reinforcement in place.

Cheers,

JK

 

wonder what chances you have of gettin this story into a bike mag?

Naaa, not the mags, guess who pays heaps for advertising in them!! Better
just to use this wonderful place, (together with Google where it should show
up soon) . . . should help any buyer doing even basic research as to what to
buy.

Cheers,

JK

 

Errrm they're called toe-sliders, and the need for them is the reason
I had to replace the 5 year old gaernes which now have a large hole in
them there from my trackday at Eastern Creek in March.

No it won't work, the toe sliders screw on the outsides of each boot -
there are no screw fittings to put them to the inside.

On the other hand gluing a rubber reinforcement which can wear away
and be replaced before the integrity of the boot is compromised is
probably the best solution (noting I've yet to get them out of the box
and check out your issue).

I might just buy a different pair for road use and keep these for the
track where your issue won't arise.

JL

 

and fit them opposite way around

It looks like our best chance . . . but yes we would need to add a plate
inside.

Apparantly nothing will stick, especially if it wrapt as it will gradually
unwind . . . Maybe a latex moulding? All sounds like it's too hard . . .
Main thing is to avoid buying a pair if you can . . . Pity because they are
very comfortable boots . . .

That's a plan JL . . . . but if they come to bits under normal use, don't
come off yer bike! 8-(

JK

 

Mate, I've closely examined the boots on the weekend and I can't
possible imagine how they could be damaged in the way you describe.
You would have to be doing ballerina toe walks every time you put your
feet down AND be doing them on the inside portion of the toe to do the
damage you describe.

I carefully examined the scuff marks on the boots from the twice I've
worn them and they are all on the soles and the toe sliders (btw -
apologies there - the doco does call them "scuff guards" a term not
used in Oz as far as I'm aware"

Bottom line I may go belt and braces and try and get a little rubber
patch glued on - just in case - but quite frankly I can't blame the
distributor for refusing to replace them.

JL

 

Mate, I've closely examined the boots on the weekend and I can't

You looked at the wrong boots sport. Have another look at yours when you've
done 6,000km touring.

That is a stupid and insulting thing to say when you haven't seen mine and
haven't put yours to the test.

My only purpose in bearing my sole (!) is to stop people from falling over
themselves to buy these boots after seeing your wonderful accolades -
Strange when you hadn't even seen them nor worn them at that point . . .

Enough.

Jim

 

6,000 kilometres....is that all you have done??

If I only got 6,000 out of a rear tyre when it is on the ground constantly,
then I would think I was lucky,
but 6,000 out of a pair of boots which are on the footpegs 99% of the time
Think you have to change your riding style, boy...

 

My Rossi Senoras have been worn every single day since I bought them and are
still going strong after about 80,000kms and one slide down the
road...(Repairs to stitching needed after that, but otherwise ok). Only
problem is that the lining inside the heel has worn, and I had to put gel
heel inserts in them.

Mega-comfortable, they are, too.

betty

 

Don't be a woos, take those gel heels out and then say they are comfortable

 

Just shows you how inflation has taken over and we are now a downtrodden lot

 

6000km over 5 years or 6000km in 1 week? What about 6000km commuting?

Nev..
'07 XB12X

 

6000 kms walking? Pushing? Could ride an old pommie twin or a
harley...


Bill