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Waterproof gear recommendations?

93Bandit

93Bandit

Forum Mentor
Specifically, I'd like warm waterproof boots but I'm not sure what to buy. An online search reveals several options but how does one choose??? Seems like most have good and bad reviews so I'm at a loss.

Also, it'd be great if they were somewhat professional looking, and black. Does such a thing exist?
 
Opinions!? Look out!

I have two pair of supposedly waterproof boots. I wear a thin pair of cotton socks under medium to thick wool socks in either one depending on air temperatures. My feet are only about 9.5 and the boots come in 10 so it works out for me for socks. Both boots have given good service over the past 8-10 years with moderate use. Both have been through as much rain as you care to drive in. Both have remained mostly dry but maybe some dampness either from sweat and possibly some rain forced in from above or stitch lines. That's why I wear the wool socks which always retains warmth. Despite my jacket and pants claiming "waterproof" (Tourmaster and First Gear jacket/pant sets) I always put on light rubber rain gear if I'm expecting heavy rain. The Canadian climate I ride is cool enough that the extra rubber layer doesn't roast you but that might not work for more central or southern locations. A lot of time when water works it's way in it doesn't come from where you think but is forced in through or down pants or other seams from above.

Now that both boot sets are older I warm them by a heater and treat them with boot bees wax once per season.

Alpinestar Roam 2: Comfy for movement. Maybe had some water get through the middle flex section (above ankle front) during some crazy heavy rain but not enough to upset me. These are my main boots and I like them. Looks are a bit space age but I think they look OK under my textile riding pants. I find them a good all around boot.

Gaerne G-Adventure Boots: I think a much more technical style boot but have more support (stiff) for back country adventure riding. These boots did get wet during one ride in torrential heavy rain when I did not wear rubber gear over my First Gear suit. I haven't determined if the boots leaked or the pants. It was a tail-end of Eastern-seaboard hurricane rain when we were out in the back woods so it's hard to lay blame....

Bottom line for you in Michigan, I offer the Alpinestars as a possible suggestion for an all-around boot.
 
My TCX boots are pretty waterproof; went for two full days in the downpours while in Michigan this summer and feet were still dry when I got the hotel each night
 
cowboyup3371 said:
My TCX boots are pretty waterproof; went for two full days in the downpours while in Michigan this summer and feet were still dry when I got the hotel each night
Click to expand...

But how warm/uncomfortable are they during summer rides?
Seems like it is a trade off from my experience that if they are breathable for summer rides, then they might let water in.
 
alke46 said:
But how warm/uncomfortable are they during summer rides?
Seems like it is a trade off from my experience that if they are breathable for summer rides, then they might let water in.
Click to expand...
I have not had any more issues wearing them then I do with my regular boots
 
+1 for the TCX boots. Have been perfectly waterproof for me since I bought them in December 2018. I ride them year round. Personally don't find them too hot in the summer. They also seem to keep my feet pretty warm on all but the coldest rides.

TCX X-Five EVO Gore-Tex Boots | 31% ($90.00) Off! - RevZilla

If I know it's going to be a very cold day, I'll stick a pair of these to my socks before I head out. Work pretty well.

HotHands 9 Hour Adhesive Foot Warmers | 5 Pair Pack - Walmart.com

I used to have Gerbings heated insoles for real cold days. But they wore out and I switched to the HotHands method. Haven't missed the Gerbings heated insoles yet.

Good luck!
 
gbw said:
+1 for the TCX boots. Have been perfectly waterproof for me since I bought them in December 2018. I ride them year round. Personally don't find them too hot in the summer. They also seem to keep my feet pretty warm on all but the coldest rides.

TCX X-Five EVO Gore-Tex Boots | 31% ($90.00) Off! - RevZilla

If I know it's going to be a very cold day, I'll stick a pair of these to my socks before I head out. Work pretty well.

HotHands 9 Hour Adhesive Foot Warmers | 5 Pair Pack - Walmart.com

I used to have Gerbings heated insoles for real cold days. But they wore out and I switched to the HotHands method. Haven't missed the Gerbings heated insoles yet.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

The link for the boots show they are out of stock on all the popular sizes and not going to be re-stocked. Bummer!

+1 on the foot warmers. Used them a lot last winter for record snowfall removal.
 
My old Alpinestar goretex have worked well here on Vancouver Island. I'm not a sweaty guy so I wear them in summer too. never tried safety toed gumboots..it's the gearshift eh?
Wear winter socks when trying on. Toe-warmers mentioned are a help. Toewarmers work in gloves too.

In Raingear, its all about your azcrack on the seat puddle. Motorcycle pants wear out there so does rubber type but it's cheaper to replace... real rubber raingear is your best bet if you are really going to be OUT THERE. It can be quite thin and is an added wind/rain barrier even over a MC suit (see "evaporative") but a MC jacket mostly works (pants less so -azcrack)for say- 2hours. Mine have "waterproof breathable liners"- ok BUT the outershell gets heavier,stiffer and somewhat chills in evaporative circumstances. You can spray suits with tent waterproofing that helps for awhile...
 
alke46 said:
The link for the boots show they are out of stock on all the popular sizes and not going to be re-stocked. Bummer!

+1 on the foot warmers. Used them a lot last winter for record snowfall removal.
Click to expand...
I ordered my last pair of TCX boots directly from TCX for a good price
 
That's weird. I've never had a zip fail. I've alsways worn them out some other way first. I've had some pairs of the TCX (even back to when they were Oxtar). They make good boots. I've found the Waterproof tourmaster boots ok for a budget option. :)
 
salty_monk said:
That's weird. I've never had a zip fail. I've alsways worn them out some other way first. I've had some pairs of the TCX (even back to when they were Oxtar). They make good boots. I've found the Waterproof tourmaster boots ok for a budget option. :)
Click to expand...

I'm currently using the Tourmaster which is labeled as breathable / waterproof. I've enjoyed them as a good breathable boot, but while riding 2 days in rain a couple of weeks ago in Arkansas I will give this review. My feet felt OK all day long, not cold and wet. However, when I got back to the hotel and took the boots off, my cotton socks were soaked.
Had I known then what I know now, I would have just put a plastic store type baggie over my foot before inserting into the boot. Also, it took 3-4 days before the boots got back to their dry weight.

Guess I'll have to break down and sell a kidney to get some gore tex lined boots.
 
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