Retro Motorcycle Boots

[Graemsay]

Since everyone seems to be talking about motorcycles today, I thought that I'd offer a few suggestions for boots.

I'm currently looking at getting a pair of Altberg Clubman Classics. They're a high-legged boot in a retro fashion. They've got a full European CE rating as protective gear, something that not a lot of boots offer, but lack any hard armour.

The cost isn't bad either - if you order direct from Altberg then they cost £135, rather less than the price advertised on the website. They're hand made in Yorkshire by men in leather aprons too.

I nearly ordered a pair at the weekend, but my calves are too big for the standard fitting (that'll teach me to exercise!), so I have to wait for my leathers to turn up before I get measured.

The Hogg Highs are another possibility:

If you're interested the Altberg site is at:

http://www.altberg.co.uk/

If Altbergs don't float your boat then might I suggest a pair of Vendramini Scrambler boots?

They're probably the nicest bike boots I've seen, but don't come up in my size. Their site is at:

http://www.vendramini.com/

There are a few other companies that make retro boots.

Alpinestars produce the Super Victory, as worn by Goose in Mad Max.

Possibly not what a lot of Fedora Lounge readers are after. But pretty cool nonetheless.

The West Coast Shoe Company boots are beautifully made, though they're a bit too CHiPS for my tastes. I don't know how they'd stand up in a crash, but the thickness of the leather would mean that they've got a lot of abrasion resistance.

Incidentally, their only stockist in the Netherlands is a shop called Rob in Amsterdam. It caters for alternative lifestyles...

Their website is at:

http://www.westcoastshoe.com/

 

[jamespibworth@n]

I’m very close to getting a pair of these:

http://www.lewisleathers.com/store/boots/product34.html?PHPSESSID=193bcdead03754c7b6af8d96a0d42662

Not cheap but I don’t think I can resist much longer.[huh]

James.

 

[Twit]

For actually riding a bike you cant beat Altburgs. I have two pairs, one normal bke boot and one the lace up bike boots. The lace up boots are basically hiking boots that are adapted for bikes.

I rode a bike from the UK to Australia and my traditional altburg boots were worn as my only shoes for a year. They were not polished etc once during that time and went through sub zero temperatures and desert temperatures. They held up fantastically, when I got home I cleaned them and they came up like new!

Another thing with Altburgs is that the factory offer a full refurbishment if they wear out. I can't recommend them highly enough!

 

[BellyTank]

Alt-berg.
I have a pair of hiking boots that I probably bought from them in 1997.
The Skywalk sole separated from the boot. I really should return them and have them fixed for free. I hope they have improved since then.

Check out vintage Swedish army motorcyclist boots.


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