you got it !! that's totally right

New boots: http://www.alpinestars.com/Harlem_WP_Boot/pd/np/113/p/254409.html


Here's the story. I bought A-star Alpha Touring WP Boots back in August - http://www.alpinestars.com/Alpha_Touring_WP_Boot/pd/np/113/p/244109.html,

not knowing it wasn't made out of real leather. Very comfortable boot, warm enough in winter, and just on the "too warm" side for summer - I improvised by rolling up my pants to just above the boot and venting it that way.... Looked a little funny, but who cares... So having sported the Alpha Touring boots for 2 months now, and having a habit of putting my toes on the pegs (as opposed to the middle of my foot), I started seeing creases on the top of the boot. Upon closer inspection I found these creases to actually be stress-tears in the boot and I was like WTF? I noticed these because my feet got wet the last time I rode in the snow - usually didn't happen with the Alpha's. 2 months @ $160, no way! So I took them back to the store and together with the parts guys figured some things out.

1.) The Alpha is made out of a synthetic and a great boot for people who don't ride a lot. Which is why it's cheaper.
2.) Spooph needs an all-leather boot that he can wear every day, as he does, so that it will last him AT LEAST 2 seasons...

So the A-star rep took a look at the Alpha's and said he'd give me another pair of the same price for free - not bad, a straight trade-in for used equipment. I looked at the catalog and decided on the Harlem's, link posted above for their all-leather construction, and slightly more fitting design for street/touring riding and day-to-day minimal walking. They also look badass. Can't wait to get them and test them out. And I surely hope they last, for A-star's part, because if they don't, this will be the last A-star purchase I ever make...

My recommendation is that if indeed you need a high-cut boot like the Alpha's, and you ride more than 30 days out of the year, and you want A-star you step up the money to the WEB: http://www.alpinestars.com/Web_Goretex_Boot/pd/np/113/p/233507.html,

 which should last at least 3 seasons of hardcore, spooph-esque abuse, or if you got the green:

the Touring Tech: http://www.alpinestars.com/Tech_Touring_GoreTex_Boot/pd/np/113/p/233009.html, which should last some serious years, under some hard conditions...

I need to find an allpurpose walking/riding boot for next year.

Something that is safe for riding but i can trek off in the bush or go to shops in while i'm over there.

Felix

I'll let you know how those Harlem's are. I'm hoping not to have to take them off throughout the day, like I did my Alphas...

Don't be fooled by that boot guard stuff, it is caustic! I can smell epoxy, tar, and asphalt in it! "Wear Rubber gloves" no shit! I got the first coating done, time for 2, and then tonight late, 3....

Hmmm looks like a good find, I guess I would go the 'air' boots straight up. So you think they are 'hiking and walking' ready?

Felix

So just now getting around to organizing my pictures. This is boot-guard story:

I guess I'm really hard on boot toes.... Apparently I somehow cut the one on the left:
(http://www.mattwessels.com/bike/harlems/bootguard01.jpg)

(http://www.mattwessels.com/bike/harlems/bootguard02.jpg)

(http://www.mattwessels.com/bike/harlems/bootguard03.jpg)

(http://www.mattwessels.com/bike/harlems/bootguard04.jpg)

First coat, and repeat twice...
(http://www.mattwessels.com/bike/harlems/bootguard05.jpg)

Once it's dried, and has been abused for about a month. I can kick what I want, I can walk where i want, these toes are indestructible. You can however see the shifter wear on the left boot, just behind where the boot guard has been applied. I can't stop this, and it's part of the reason these boots are so comfortable, the leather is really soft, but thick. I think they'll hold up wonderfully in crash, offering the protection needed, but prolly not a second time.... That's the risk to run for comfort!

(http://www.mattwessels.com/bike/harlems/bootguard06.jpg)

(http://www.mattwessels.com/bike/harlems/bootguard07.jpg)

(http://www.mattwessels.com/bike/harlems/bootguard09.jpg)