Chicago Region BMW Motorcycle Owners Assoccrbmw

I'm looking to replace my riding boots. My current pair is a terrific BMW touring boot that has seen 6 seasons of high mileage wear and is pretty much shot. The only problem with the boot is that the toe box is a bit narrow and the older I get the wider my feet get.

I always try to find wide shoes, so my toes don't get crammed together. My foot doc told me that my left foot has extra long metatarsal bones and that tends to generate pain in the sole of my foot when I cram my foot into an average width boot. A slightly higher toe box might also help, so I can slip in an orthotic.

I'm looking for a high quality boot that provides excellent protection and is goretex lined. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks, Larry

First you may want to get your feet professionally measured if you haven't in a while. On a Brannock scale (found at most better shoe and dept stores). In addition to overall length and width, get the length of your last (to ball of foot). Some have said Alpinestars handle wider feet well. Higher toe boxes, if you can find them, may interfere with getting under the shifter. A live try-on is your best bet. Keep in mind that after 6 years on the same boot any new boot will feel really snug especially over the instep. The width will stretch some. The length doesn't so get that right from the beginning.

Thanks for your input Mike.

I just started researching the widths issue. So far I found out that Sidi makes a few models in a Mega version that offers EE width as well as increased room all around the arch area.

I'm sure there are others manufacturers out there that make wide sizes too. The challenge is to find a shop that carries them and has them in the size you want so you can try it on to see if it fits before buying it.

Larry,

I've suffered with wide feet my whole life and as you mentioned, it gets worse as you get older. So after many years of trying to cope with boots that happen to be cut a little wider than most boots out there - like the BMW, I found a pair 2 years ago I've been very happy with...Tour Master's Response SC. They are definitely cut wider than other boots, both in the midfoot and toebox. They do however come only in whole sizes so you might end up in between sizes. Also, these boots are only over 3/4 height. However, I think TM may offer a similar boot in full height. Another option you might consider is Bates Leathers. years ago I had custom boots make up from a foot tracing. So they fit me well but I just didn't like the boots for a few reasons beyond fit. Not sure if they are even still in business. Hope this helps.

John

John, Thanks for your reply. I'll check Tourmaster's selections. Larry

From what I can gather so far here's a short list of candidates. The problem as Mike pointed out in an earlier post is that it really helps to try them on. It's hard to find a local place with any king of selection of Sidis. let alone Daytonas.

They are probably listed in ascending order of $$$. Larry

Sidi - You could visit the Sidi site, but it's cumbersome at best. The link below is from a vendor, but provides the necessary info. http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/boots/waterproof_sport_street_touring_boots/sidi/way_mega_wide_rain_motorcycle_boots.html

Daytona - In addition to the wide option, they also make boots for women -that made my wife smile - http://www.daytona.de/english/boots_e/gore/1_roadstargtx.html

Altberg Bootmakers made in England - so you won't able to try them on without a long trip - http://www.altberg.co.uk/Web/motorcycle.jsp