Comparative test of winter boots from 150 to 180 euros

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Comparative test of winter boots from 150 to 180 euros
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Comparative test of winter boots from 150 to 180 euros

Comparative test of winter boots from 150 to 180 euros
Touring boots in winter check

Pack yourselves well, because winter is approaching. There are heated grips for the hands, for the feet …? Actually only good shoes. MOTORRAD has therefore examined nine pairs of boots for cold and wet days.

Jorg Lohse

10/26/2007

Experienced winter drivers know the problem well enough: The quickest way to freeze your hands and feet. While there is practical support for the fingers in the form of heated handles in addition to thickly insulated three-finger mittens, the lower extremities are usually mercilessly exposed to the freezing wind ?? maximum boxer fans can still enjoy some heat from the engine radiating from the cylinder ears.

In order to avoid chilblains on cold days, sturdy footwear is essential. Of course, weather protection is at the top of the requirement profile for a solid boot for the cold season. In the tested price range of 150 to 180 euros, almost no pair of boots are offered without a waterproof climate membrane. The membrane itself is definitely tight, but there are always sloppy workmanship. If the seams are not properly welded, the dam can break quickly when driving in the rain, and your feet swim in the boot. You can’t afford to fail like this on a winter tour.

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Comparative test of winter boots from 150 to 180 euros

Comparative test of winter boots from 150 to 180 euros
Touring boots in winter check

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Comparative test of winter boots from 150 to 180 euros


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Nine pair of boots had to prove themselves in the MOTORRAD test.

Therefore, you should check your new pair for leaks immediately after buying them: fill a large bowl with water about ankle-high and take a footbath with the boots on. After a few minutes it is clear whether the boots have a leak. If so, you should complain immediately. In our test, by the way, out of a total of 36 specimens examined, only six failed the wetness test: a rate that was clearly too high. There are no thickly insulated boots.

For effective protection against the cold, the underwear has to be right. For this test, we examined the fit with thick winter socks (from Held, 17.95 euros / pair) and also tested whether the boots can also be combined with a second pair of socks. What you should pay attention to when it comes to winter equipment can be found compactly in the box on the following page. The test result is impressive with four very good boots. Nevertheless, not everything is in the towel with the manufacturers. Almost every model could be improved in details.

Furnishing


Comparative test of winter boots from 150 to 180 euros


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One of the nine pairs of boots: DANE Vesborg WP.

Lots of leather, little textile trim, a waterproof climate membrane, a shaft height of around 30 centimeters: the majority of the test participants move within this framework. Interestingly, the boots in which a noname or private label membrane was used in particular failed in the wet test. Boots with waterproof foils from well-known manufacturers (Gore-Tex, Sympatex), on the other hand, passed the test without failures. Some test participants can improve on the built-in protectors and reinforcements. The toe and heel protection of the Vanucci boot in particular should be optimized. The reflectors can also be improved. Practical relevance is also required: The reflectors of polo boots are located on the ends of the shafts and are usually covered by the trouser legs worn over the shaft.

Tips against cold feet

Motorcycling in winter ?? it is important to unearth old basic rules. The onion principle, i.e. the wearing of several thin layers of clothing on top of each other, has proven its worth in the cold, whereby the air between the different layers acts as an insulator. For the feet, thin socks with a high synthetic fiber content are recommended as the first layer, as they are also used by runners. Close-meshed, thicker socks made of wool or synthetic fabric are worn over them. Cotton socks are not suitable because they soak up moisture. Book author Thomas Sadewasser (“Winter Reisen mit dem Motorrad”) warns against packing yourself so thickly that you literally work up a sweat: “Once your feet are damp, nothing helps.” It is just as important that your toes are in them Let the boots move. Because this way you can stimulate blood circulation again and again. So that no cold can creep in from above, the trouser leg should be fixed tightly to the boot shaft. For those who are often out and about in winter, cordless heated insoles are worthwhile (in the picture from Hotronic, 140 euros, www.hotronic.de), which can be regulated in different heating levels and can give off heat for up to a day.

Conclusion


Comparative test of winter boots from 150 to 180 euros


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The MOTORRAD judgment was passed …

Four very good, three good pairings. The “worst” grade in the test only has to be given twice as “satisfactory”. So on the balance sheet a positive test result. However, there is still a lot that could be done better. Some manufacturers have some catching up to do, especially in the categories of “driving experience” and “safety”. Others could get significantly more points through more careful processing in the wetness test. The Dane Vesborg WP really has to give up here. Unfortunately, because in terms of comfort it can be the test winner of Alpinestars even minimally outbid.

Distribution of points

Processing (5 points):
A good shoe distinguishes its wearer. That is why we also look: How is the shoemaker performance of the test participants? If there are deficiencies in the quality and workmanship of the shoes, points are deleted.

Security (15 points):
A good boot must protect well. If the shoes are properly reinforced at the heels and toes of the boots, the sole is torsion-resistant and the boot sits tightly and securely on the foot?

Handling (10 points):
How easy is it to put on the boot, how quickly is it to close? If zips get stuck or entry is too difficult, points are deducted.

Practice driving (30 points):
One of the main criteria. It evaluates whether the stop is right, the gear and brake levers can be safely operated, the level of comfort on board, or whether there is an uncomfortable push somewhere.

Practice walking (10 points):
What about the boot comfort away from the motorcycle on short hikes?

Wetness test (30 points):
One pair each is examined for water resistance in a diving test (simulation of driving in the rain) and a filling test. In the latter test, the boots are filled with water and have to hold tight for eight hours. 7.5 points are deducted for each defective boot.

Dainese D23 GTX

Provider: Dainese, phone 089/35827270, www.dainese.com
Price: 179 euros
Color: Black
Sizes: 36 to 47


Comparative test of winter boots from 150 to 180 euros


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plus Extensively reinforced toe, heel and shin; softly padded inside, very comfortable to wear; Boot shaft with softly padded shaft edge; first-class support on the peg, gives a very good feeling of contact with the motorcycle; easy entry through wide opening; easy running zipper, completely covered with Velcro strip; enough space for a second pair of socks; passes the wetness test.

minus Tough, not supple leather, is somewhat bulky to wear; tapering at the forefoot, gives a slight feeling of pressure at the tip of the foot; Heel cap is a little too wide, offers little support; Insufficiently shaped footbed, insufficient support.

Conclusion Robust motorcycle boot from Dainese that can shine with its extensive reinforcements. The D23 also shows its best side when it comes to weather protection. The boot only has to accept losses in terms of comfort. There is a lack of an anatomically well-formed footbed here. In the overall judgment, that remains Dainese but in the top group.

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

IXS Stavanger

Provider: Hostettler, Telephone 07631/18040, www.ixs.de
Price: 179.90 euros
Color: Black
Sizes: 35 to 50


Comparative test of winter boots from 150 to 180 euros


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plus Great preformed footbed, very comfortable to wear; particularly comfortable thanks to the softly padded instep area; easy entry through the boot shaft that can be opened wide; Can be closed in a flash with Velcro and can be easily adapted to the respective calf size; clean and technically flawlessly manufactured; non-slip and at the same time very supple leather; also extremely comfortable when walking; no failures in the wetness test; enough space for a second pair of socks.

minus Not sufficiently adaptable in the clamping area despite the Velcro fastener; Heel cap is a little too wide.

Conclusion Convincing pair of boots from Ixs with a first-class finish and practical equipment. The Stavanger can also collect many points when it comes to wearing comfort. Outstanding is the softly padded interior, which makes the Ixs boot particularly comfortable ?? also away from the motorcycle. The sole is easy to grip and always gives the wearer a secure feeling of contact with the machine. In addition, the weather protection is very good and the size range is considerable.

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

Hein Gericke Maxwell GTX

Provider: Hein Gericke, phone 0180/5229522, www.hein-gericke.de
Price: 179.95 euros
Color: Black
Sizes: 38 to 47


Comparative test of winter boots from 150 to 180 euros


Sdun

plus Very well made; high, well-fitting boot shaft with a soft edge; enough space for a second pair of socks; slender boot tip, fits very well between notch and gear lever; sensible buckle in the ankle area for optimal width adjustment; passes the wetness test.

minus Slippery footbed, offers little support; very smooth sole, therefore no real grip on the rest; Zipper runs very badly; no reflectors; if the feet are in a strongly angled position, strong creasing with unpleasant pressure on the instep.

Conclusion Solidly built touring boots from Hein Gericke made of firm, but not very supple leather. Big drawbacks are the only average comfort with pressure points in the metatarsal and toe area and the barely preformed footbed, in which one cannot find proper support. The sole is extremely profiled, but offers little support on footrests. In terms of weather protection and safety, however, the Maxwell can convince and thus secure a good overall result.

MOTORRAD verdict: good

Polo Thermoboy Ultimate

Providers: polo Motorrad, phone 0180/5225785, www.polo-motorrad.de
Price: 149.95 euros
Color: Black
Sizes: 38 to 47


Comparative test of winter boots from 150 to 180 euros


Sdun

plus Top workmanship and well equipped all round; non-slip, profiled sole offers great grip on the notch; easy entry through wide-opening boot shaft; enough space for an extra pair of socks; certified as protective boots for professional motorcyclists.

minus Heel cap a little too wide, heel slips back and forth easily; slightly incisive at the instep / metatarsus; overall very stiff, not optimally mobile; Water ingress of a boot in the wetness test; Reflectors housed at the top of the shaft end are usually covered by trouser legs worn over them.

Conclusion Portrait motorcycle boot. With a shaft height of 35 centimeters, the Thermoboy Ultimate takes the lead in this test ?? at least in this category. Equally remarkable is the CE certification as protective equipment for professional bikers, which only the Alpine-stars can show in the test field. The comfort is okay, but overall the boot could be more flexible. Smaller weaknesses show up with a leaky copy in the wetness test.

MOTORRAD verdict: good

Vanucci VTB 1

Provider: Louis, Telephone 040/73419360, www.louis.de
Price: 169.95 euros
Color: Black
Sizes: 36 to 49


Comparative test of winter boots from 150 to 180 euros


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plus Very supple leather ensures high mobility; first-class shaped footbed, is comfortable to wear like a sneaker; very secure hold on the notch; can be opened wide with a zipper on both sides and is very easy to put on; no failures in the wetness test.

minus Heel and toe not optimally reinforced; small optical weaknesses in processing; with a second pair of socks it’s getting pretty tight; no reflectors.

Conclusion Highly posable pair of boots by Vanucci. In terms of comfort, the VTB 1 comes very close to the famous sneaker comfort. Even when walking, you don’t have the feeling of having a bulky motorcycle boot stuck to your heel. However, the processing could be improved: In some places it works Vanucci something carelessly cobbled together. The equipment could also be improved with harder inserts on the heel and in the toe area. The Vanucci survived the wet test without failures. All in all, the offer is convincing, which is reflected in a very good final grade.

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

Alpinestars Web GTX

Provider: Alpinestars, phone 0039/0423/5286, www.alpinestars.com
Price: 179.95 euros
Color: Black
Sizes: 36 to 50


Comparative test of winter boots from 150 to 180 euros


Sdun

plus Supple and at the same time firm, non-slip leather; very well shaped footbed, offers perfect support; are convincingly comfortable to wear, also extremely comfortable when walking; provide great support on the rest; easy and comfortable entry through wide opening; high shaft, softly padded at the edge, shaft width adjustable; offers enough space for a second pair of socks; easy running zipper with practical Velcro catch; Zipper completely covered with Velcro strip; passes the wetness test; nicely processed; certified as protective boots for professional motorcyclists; available in many sizes.

minus The toe of the boot is slightly chunky, sometimes difficult to bring between the detent and the gear lever.

Conclusion Robust pairing from Italy’s renowned shoemaker brand Alpinestars. The Web GTX offers good facilities to get through the winter with dry and warm feet. The supple, comfortable seat with a good fit and great wearing comfort are particularly impressive. As one of the few boots in this test, the Alpinestars is also approved as protective equipment for professional motorcyclists.

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

Dane Vesborg WP

Provider: Motoport, phone 04451/915200, www.motoport.de
Price: 179 euros
Color: Black
Sizes: 36 to 47


Comparative test of winter boots from 150 to 180 euros


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plus Very comfortable footbed that offers first-class support; extremely comfortable to carry, does not cut in even when the feet are strongly angled; great comfort even when walking; offers enough space for a second pair of socks; Zipper completely covered with Velcro strip; Reflectors applied both on the back and on the outside of the boot.

minus Heel cap is too big, offers little support, heel slips out easily; fails the wetness test.

Conclusion Extremely comfortable pair of boots from Dane. In terms of fit and comfort, the Vesborg WP are among the best in this test. In addition, they can be worn with a second pair of socks and are therefore one step ahead even on cold days. However, the Dane kickers failed with 75 percent failure in the wetness test. In both the immersion and the filling test, water penetrated into or out of the boot in three out of four cases. As a result, the Vesborg slipped significantly behind in the overall ranking.

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory

XPD Style H2Out

Provider: Spidi, phone 0039/0444/43641, www.xpdboots.com
Price: 164.90 euros
Color: Black
Sizes: 37 to 48


Comparative test of winter boots from 150 to 180 euros


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plus Anatomically neatly formed footbed; grippy sole with great grip on the notch; softly padded shaft edge; shows no weakness in the wetness test.

minus Overall very tightly built and very immobile despite the high proportion of textile; if the foot is bent, strong wrinkles in the instep area; too far formed on the heel, foot slips back and forth when braking or switching movements; no reflectors; narrow entry, very difficult to put on despite the short shaft, zipper runs very hooked.

Conclusion Solid all-weather boot from XPD, but not suitable for all motorcycles due to its comparatively short shaft length. Because with a sporty knee angle, the trouser legs can quickly slip over the shaft end. Then there is a risk of getting your feet wet in the rain. The boots themselves hold tight, they withstand the wetness test without blame or blame. The comfort and mobility of the XPD boot, which incidentally comes from the Italo brand Spidi, are less appealing. Overall, more of a weatherproof offer for scooter pilots.

MOTORRAD verdict: good

Hero Highlander II

Provider: Held, phone 08321/66460, www.held-biker-fashion.de
Price: 149 euros
Color: Black
Sizes: 39 to 47


Comparative test of winter boots from 150 to 180 euros


Sdun

plus Can be opened wide, making it easy to get into; very high shaft, perfectly adapted to the respective calf size via a well-positioned Velcro fastener; very good hold on the notch, gives a good feeling of contact with the machine; enough space for a second pair of socks; meaningful reinforcements from the shin down to the tip of the toe.

minus Footbed not optimally shaped, offers little support; slightly incisive in the metatarsal / instep area when the feet are in a sporty angled position; no reflectors; high failure rate in the wet test; Zipper without Velcro cover.

Conclusion Light and shadow with the Held Highlander II model. The cheapest candidate in the test can put itself in the limelight while driving. The comfort is also good. However, the Held boot loses a lot of points in the wetness test, where a pair turned out to be not waterproof. The bottom line is that the overall result is only satisfactory.

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory

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