Product test: waterproof short boots

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Product test: waterproof short boots
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Product test: waterproof short boots

Product test: waterproof short boots
Waterproof short boots in comparison

Through the city on a motorcycle and on foot – waterproof, comfortable short boots as all-rounders should best master this balancing act. But the short ones can replace a full-fledged motorcycle boot?

Thorsten Dentges

04/29/2010

With a red head: “It’s hooked, it’s stuck, bastards that!” – Putting on boots can be a real test of patience. Under certain circumstances, even quite balanced people can run out of skin. Riders know a thing or two about it, and so do some motorcycle riders. At least if you prefer tight-fitting boots that are fully trimmed for safety. The above disgruntled exclamation escaped one of the MOTORRAD testers while trying on one of those short boots that are supposed to offer full comfort.

Actually, because in the case of the at least outwardly quite casual Polo PT-P Lacer, the boot only wanted to adapt to the tester’s foot after minutes of tugging and fumbling. But the Streetfighter and Icon models, which deliberately deviate from classic motorcycle boots in terms of fashion, caused frustration on the street and in the pedestrian zone. Only ski boots offer so little walking comfort that long city tours become torture.

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There were only a few such failures in terms of comfort; the majority of the models tested recommended themselves to be very comfortable. And that’s good, because anyone who travels by motorcycle may want to cover longer distances on foot, for example to do some urgent shopping. Or have a comfortable shoe on your foot for commuting to the office, which can be worn loosely all day, but at the same time offers sufficient security for the way home. And on longer tours, there are sometimes longer marches from the hikers’ parking lot to the lookout point, etc., so it would be great if the shoe allowed at least small off-road excursions without causing blisters on the feet. We are looking for the top all-rounder who can do everything: city, country, motorcycle. And also some river, or rather, it shouldn’t shy away from wetness.

The providers have focused on these needs and now offer a good repertoire of waterproof short boots. From the sneakers that reach just above the ankle “Biker boat” with switching reinforcement and protectors up to more or less “cut off” classic touring boots. These models are priced between 100 and just under 200 euros. Money that hurts when the newly acquired shoe pinches or does not hold tight. A detailed fitting is therefore also advisable for the apparently very comfortable short boots. If possible, take a test drive as well, because models with thicker soles that are more geared towards leisure are at the break and take a lot of getting used to when braking and shifting gears.


Product test: waterproof short boots


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Rasthof: During the breaks, the boots are carefully examined by the testers.

Fortunately, none of the tested boots were really off the mark in this most important discipline for motorcyclists. In the wet test, however, there were outliers. It is not easy to cobble a waterproof boot, but with lace-up boots there are apparently more problems in this regard than with the more classically cut short boots. The classics also offer more security, protect the skin, bones and joints better thanks to an overall stiffer structure and predominantly leather as the outer material. The less abrasion-resistant textile variants, on the other hand, tend to create a better climate in the shoe – and in terms of fashion they are clearly ahead in any case.

But there is probably no such thing as the perfect all-rounder. At least not in this test. Daytona wins because it is the best motorcycle boot, Difi follows with a similar approach, but both models are not necessarily recommended as leisure all-rounders. Manufacturer Kochmann with his Redbike is closer, and Hein Gericke would have what it takes to be a super all-rounder without the minor mistakes in the test. The bottom line is that it is a well-intentioned idea to build a boot for everything. Most of the time, however, a compromise remains.

This is how MOTORRAD tests


Product test: waterproof short boots


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If you simply fill it with water, leaks will quickly become apparent.

Test area pedestrian zone? Exactly, because short boots shouldn’t afford to go wrong on this floor either. At temperatures between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius, all boot models each completed a test lap (approx. 1500 meters) through downtown Stuttgart in order to determine any pressure or chafing points and to check the interior climate of the shoe. In the south of France, with cooler but sunny weather on an extremely curvy pass with hundreds of shifting and braking operations, it was already evident whether the boots, some of which were similar to hiking boots, spoiled the fun on the motorcycle. During the breaks, the testers recorded practical and nonsensical handling and checked all specimens carefully for quality defects. Finally, the wetness test: For this, a pair of water-filled pairs of each model should hold tight for three hours, another pair had to prove themselves in the immersion bath for ten minutes.


Product test: waterproof short boots


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Thorsten Dentges, 39, editor, prefers to be short and sweet when it comes to boots.

“Be more free.”
Going shopping or going to the cinema with thick motorcycle boats? No thanks, because it really pisses me off to be immediately outed as a biker. That’s why I’m an absolute fan of leisure-oriented boots for short trips that are also fashionable. Motorcycling is dangerous, but motorcycling is also spontaneous and – as naive as it sounds – a form of freedom. If I think of all the imponderables every time I turn the ignition key, I prefer to leave the machine at a standstill. I am so free to knowingly accept the undisputed greater risk of injury from sneaker-like boots.


Product test: waterproof short boots


Lohse

Jorg Lohse, 40, editor, is not only on high heels when biking.

“Only the length counts.”
Have you ever seen Heidi Klum sluff across the catwalk in Birkenstocks? Or Schweinsteiger in Adiletten when shooting on goal? Even. For me, there is also no alternative to motorcycling – a full-fledged, high boot is simply part of the basic equipment. Even on short journeys, I want to be safe when I stop at traffic lights. And with the “Long” There are now really enough models that have real hiking boot qualities. Which also do not drown in bad weather and offer great comfort. If I come out as a biker in high boots on the boulevard, that’s no problem.

Alpinestars Africa XCR


Product test: waterproof short boots


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Alpinestars Africa XCR

providers: Alpinestars, phone 0039/04235286, www.alpinestars.com
price: 149.95 euros
To dye: Black, gray
Sizes: 38 to 47

Practice:
The Afrika XCR cuts a fine figure in the pedestrian zone. Even on warm days, comfort and climate on the feet are not neglected. Whether the light, sneaker-like boot is also suitable as an honest hiking boot is rather unlikely. The quite short shoe can withstand motorcycle rides and is particularly pleasing in everyday use thanks to its very easy entry and stress-free handling.

Security:
Here the comfortable, but not exactly tight-fitting Alpinestars weakens. The shaft barely extends over the ankle and only provides moderate support for the outer ligaments in the event of a fall. The protectors also provide insufficient protection.

Quality:
At the level of conventional everyday boots. The cheap suede is not very convincing.

Wetness test:
Despite the high-quality XCR membrane from Gore quality guarantee (which, however, only extends to the middle of the simmer), water seeped in after a few seconds during the immersion test, and when filled it gushed out of the ventilation holes like a spring. Poor performance.

Conclusion:
The super comfortable and airy boot is afraid of water despite a good membrane due to a construction flaw. In addition, weaknesses in security and workmanship, and it is also not a special offer.

MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory

Daytona Journey XCR


Product test: waterproof short boots


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Daytona Journey XCR

providers: Frey Daytona, phone 08321/66460, www.daytona.de
price: 174.95 euros
To dye: Black
Sizes: 38 to 49

Practice:
Even very sporty motorcycling is easy with the Journey XCR. If you get off the machine to take a stroll, it works reasonably well. However, the thin sole is not suitable for longer excursions on foot, and it also rubs something on the heel, which only becomes noticeable in the long term and is then annoying. In any case, boots cannot replace casual shoes. When it comes to handling and the indoor climate, the airy (perforated leather) boot is in the first league.

Security:
The anti-slip protection is perfectly fine for a short boot, even if the Journey is not crack-proof with its comfort-oriented fit. Proven protectors on both sides of the ankle and a high proportion of comparatively thick leather bring many pluses.

Quality:
Gore-Tex membrane, supple, high-quality cowhide, the finest workmanship – in terms of quality, the expensive Daytona clearly stands out from the competition in the test.

Wetness test:
No weaknesses, absolutely waterproof.

Conclusion:
Summery top comfort touring boot with limited everyday qualities, which offers the best workmanship and good safety and therefore wins the test. Costs a lot, but also offers a lot.

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

MOTORCYCLE test winner

Difi Freedom AX


Product test: waterproof short boots


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Difi Freedom AX

providers: Motoport, phone 04451/915200, www.motoport.de
price: 129.95 euros
To dye: Black
Sizes: 37 to 47

Practice:
Hooked zippers and the fiddly flap on the Velcro fasteners bothers you when you put them on. On the motorcycle, however, the Freedom AX offers great comfort, and apart from the only mediocre rest stop in wet conditions, the boot is a good companion even for brisk pass surfing. The moderate indoor climate was noticeable in the walking test, but there is nothing to criticize about the rest of the walking comfort. Fluffy lining and a thin and hard, but easy-to-roll sole make long city excursions possible.

security:
A very good, slip-proof fit, reflectors and shafts that wrap around the ankles and ankle protection on both sides make the Difi look good with this criterion.

quality:
No-name climate membrane, thin leather, pasted with a thick protective layer, and under the term “Anti-scratch leather” pure plastic material is hidden on the switch protection. The economy mix in terms of equipment is, however, processed very decently.

Wetness test:
No complaints, all test boots held tight in the tough wet test.

Conclusion:
The Difi is not equipped to a very high standard, but it is definitely worth its price. Inconspicuously, he scores in the top field. An all-round comfortable motorcycle boot that won’t leave you out in the rain when it’s wet.

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

MOTORCYCLE buyer’s tip

Hein Gericke Forano GTX


Product test: waterproof short boots


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Hein Gericke Forano GTX

providers: Hein Gericke, phone 0211/98989, www.hein-gericke.de
price: 129.95 euros
To dye: Black with red
Sizes: 38 to 47

Practice:
As a pure lace-up boot, the Forano comes across as a casual casual shoe. Comfort and indoor climate are good, but the ankle protection is a bit uncomfortable over time. The narrowly cut shoe gives you a somewhat bony, stilted roll-over feeling when walking, but it doesn’t stop long journeys. In addition, the boot allows all movements necessary for motorcycling and impresses with its perfect restraint.

security:
The shoe can be firmly attached to the foot by means of the laces, but the laces themselves are not secured. The textile upper material is reinforced with leather at crash points. Ankle protection on one side only.

quality:
Successful, properly processed textile / leather mix with Gore-Tex membrane without any particular abnormalities.

Wetness test:
In the case of one of the test specimens, water was clearly noticeable in the immersion bath after just a few seconds. It makes sense that if there was a heavy downpour on the motorcycle, then the fun would soon be over.

Conclusion:
A well-balanced all-rounder with good equipment, but minor weaknesses (water resistance, driving comfort, laces securing). Makes a slim foot and does not stand out broadly in terms of price.

MOTORRAD verdict: good

Hero paddock


Product test: waterproof short boots


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Hero paddock

providers: Held, phone 08321/66460, www.held.de
price: 109.95 euros
To dye: Black
Sizes: 37 to 47

practice:
At normal country road speeds on the motorcycle, the foot climate is airy and pleasant, almost too cool. When walking, on the other hand, a sweaty climate develops in the shoe after a very short time. The fit is only moderate and different on the left and right foot. This model is not suitable for longer walks. The laces came off after a short time despite a Velcro fastener.

Security:
Overall, the seat is a bit loose and not particularly easy to wipe off, and the quality of the leather also inspires little confidence.

Quality:
Seams and glue points are okay, an oil- and fuel-resistant sole as well as large-area gear lever reinforcements made of rubber meet the expectations of a motorcycle boot, but everything does not look very pleasurable.

Wetness test:
In the water bath he had to hero leave a few feathers. Slight leaks occurred in two test copies, but they could only become a problem on long trips in the rain (over an hour). The other test boots held tight.

Conclusion:
Externally trimmed for leisure and everyday life, but not very convincing in practice. Satisfactory as a motorcycle boot. The price speaks for it, but the bottom line is that the cheaply made paddock is not very attractive.

MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory

Icon accelerant


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Icon accelerant

providers: Parts Europe, phone 06501/96950, www.ixs.de
price: 100.80 euros
To dye: Black with red
Sizes: 38 to 48.5

practice:
Short journeys on the motorcycle are easy to manage, but on real tours, the voluminous boot does not convey a good feeling with frequent shifting and braking. If the wide and thick soles touch the asphalt on extreme inclines, they have a stopping effect like brake blocks. In the long run, painful pressure points also develop on the ankles. These turn out to be almost unbearable away from the machine. Longer ways than from the pump to the cash register should be avoided.

security:
Thanks to a combination of laces and ratchets, the boot can be securely attached to the foot, and the very stiff shaft (including protectors) securely encloses the ankles. Recovered.

quality:
The lightest pair in the test (1320 grams) with a large textile content is very neat and solid for the comparatively low price.

Wetness test:
Compared to the other lace-up competitors, the Accelerant passed the tough wetness test without any problems. It works, bravo!

Conclusion:
For the fact that the Icon From the outside, it looks like a casual casual shoe, but it is very disappointing when it comes to comfort. On and off the motorcycle, you want to have these waterproof boots off your feet quickly.

MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory

IXS Fury II


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IXS Fury II

providers: Hostettler, phone 07631/18040, www.ixs.de
price: 99.95 euros
To dye: Black
Sizes: 35 to 48

practice:
Good balance between leisure and motorcycle boots. Very comfortable on the foot, nothing negative is noticed when driving, almost only positive when walking through the city – sneaker feeling. Only the very thin sole, which is an advantage when changing gear and braking, is a bit irritating for the first few meters until you get used to it. Also good: great climate on the foot even on longer marches.

Security:
In comparison, the shaft is kept very short, the ankles are barely protected enough. The protectors are thin and soft. The thin suede leaves a queasy feeling at the thought of a fall.

Quality:
No-name climate membrane and a cheap material mix of leather, rubber and textile, the whole thing is moderately processed. Not very convincing.

Wetness test:
After a few minutes after filling, it dripped from the seams and the bond between the sole and leather. And water penetrated into one of the specimens after a short time during the immersion bath. Sobering test result, because in practice the Fury II should bend its knees even in small rain showers.

Conclusion:
The cheap, but also cheaply made Fury II garnered a lot of sympathy on the motorcycle and in the pedestrian zone, but then clearly weakened in the wetness test. It’s a shame, good result playful.

MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory

Polo PT-P Lacer


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Polo PT-P Lacer

providers: Polo, phone 0211/9796600, www.polo-motorrad.de
price: 129.95 euros
To dye: Black with red
Sizes: 36 to 48

Practice:
Getting started is always a cramp, and walking on foot with the highly open-minded PT-P Lacer is no pleasure either, because it presses, rubs and a sweaty climate quickly arises inside. It behaves a little better on the motorcycle, but it is far from glossy grades.

security:
A comparatively high shaft for a short boot, the laces covered by two Velcro strips, the ankles ideally protected – safety is by no means neglected with this boot.

quality:
The leather, which is comparatively thick, is of acceptable quality, but has been processed according to Far Eastern standards with minor flaws and negligence. The firm sole makes a good impression.

Wetness test:
While the polo boot survived the immersion bath without any complaints, weaknesses became apparent when it was filled. After a while, the water squeezed out drop by drop at a seam (transition from textile to leather). Small, insignificant point deduction.

Conclusion:
The safe, but somewhat lumpy, lace-up boots are complicated to handle and cause lame legs in the pedestrian zone. That goes against the actual idea of ​​being leisure and motorcycle boots in one.

MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory

Redbike Trophy


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Redbike Trophy

providers: Kochmann, phone 02241/39420, www.kochmann.de
price: 139.95 euros
To dye: Black with red
Sizes: 37 to 47

Practice:
Due to the comparatively thick sole, the contact with the brake and gear levers is somewhat indirect, and even when grinding briefly on the asphalt (for example in very tight serpentines), the soft rubber rubs off extremely quickly. Nevertheless, the very comfortable Trophy can be considered a full-fledged motorcycle boot that will become a favorite on foot: easy rolling, zero pressure points, easy handling. And the Sympatex membrane ensures a good climate in the comparatively thick and warm shoe, which is also the heaviest candidate (pair: 1720 grams).

security:
The seat could be a bit narrower, but on the plus side there is the shaft that surrounds the ankle high, plus protectors and clearly visible reflectors. Overall good security.

quality:
The mix of nubuck leather and abrasion-resistant textile is solid and cleanly processed. Wetness test: After about an hour, a small amount of the water poured into a test boot ran out of the sewn-on switch protection, otherwise everything was tight.

Conclusion:
A motorcycle boot that is very suitable for everyday use, which is also a pleasure to use as a leisure and winter boat thanks to its great walking comfort and very easy handling. The price is absolutely fair.

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

MOTORCYCLE buyer’s tip

Streetfighter Attack II


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Streetfighter Attack II

providers: Louis, phone 040/73419360, www.louis.de
price: 99.95 euros
To dye: Black
Sizes: 41 to 47

Practice:
Street cramps with the Streetfighter – the adjustable plastic buckles are annoying when you put them on, they press like ankle cuffs while walking. The feet roll off in a woody manner, and in addition, in warm weather in the extremely closed, lumpy boot, a sweaty climate like in the sauna arises after just a few meters. The inadequate walking comfort is put into perspective when the motorized vehicle continues. Then the Attack II behaves like a normal motorcycle boot with a grippy (but slightly softer) sole and a neat fit.

security:
A tight fit, good ankle protection on both sides and an acceptable leather quality at crash sites result in a safe shoe.

quality:
The closures look very cheap, the synthetic lining is not very kind to the skin. Otherwise good average.

Wetness test:
As little body moisture penetrates to the outside (see criticism of the indoor climate above), on the other hand, rainwater cannot penetrate inward through the climate membrane. So it passed the wetness test with flying colors.

Conclusion:
Walking comfort like ski boots, only tough guys like them. The boots, which work well on the motorcycle, are absolutely waterproof, but the advertised breathability is hardly noticeable.

MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory

Vanucci VTB 4


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Vanucci VTB 4

providers: Louis, phone 040/73419360, www.louis.de
price: 149.95 euros
To dye: Black with red
Sizes: 37 to 47

practice:
The shaft is a bit too wide, but during the test the sole is on the peg with a good grip, and shifting and braking are easy from the foot when walking through tight bends. During the walking test, the VTB 4 cannot offer the comfort of a casual shoe, and climbing stairs in particular is not its discipline. However, it does well, especially since the climate remains pleasant even on longer distances despite the membrane.

security:
Thickly padded shin protection, exemplary ankle protection and an overall slip-proof seat. The full leather boot leaves little to be desired in terms of safety.

quality:
High-quality cowhide, Sympatex membrane, carbon inserts, reflectors – good equipment, and the workmanship is okay, except for small flaws (see next point).

Wetness test:
After about an hour, the water poured in squeezed out of the seam on both sides of two test specimens. Obviously the shoemaker (or rather the machine) damaged the membrane with the needle.

Conclusion:
Even on the outside, it does Vanucci it is clear that his territory is more on the footrest than on the sidewalk. A comfortable and – apart from the mistakes in the wetness test – great motorcycle touring boot.

MOTORRAD verdict: good

Conclusion

The podium places go to short boots that are more similar to classic motorcycle boots (Daytona, Redbike, Difi). More leisure-oriented test candidates with great all-round potential are wasting their chance and disappointing with lousy moisture protection (the lace-up boots from Alpinestars and IXS patzen embarrassing here). Or they offer only very moderate walking comfort (Held, Icon, Streefighter). Which is very surprising, however, because that’s exactly why one wants to buy this type of motorcycle boots.

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