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Boot issues

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3.8K views 24 replies 8 participants last post by  Wayward son  
#1 ·
Okay I've have asked this in a similar post but you guys didn't seem to actually answer my question just had recommendations.

So my boots seem to still get wet as in i put them on with my jeans over them but then surface spray gets on them then it seems to even get on the outer materials seems the outter part isn't waterproof just the inside sleeve thing aren't waterproof just the inner layer so my jeans then wick up the surface spray from the parts of the boots it touches then thein goes doen the boot tongue and surrounding area then wicks this down into the boot.

Surely it shouldn't be doing this as this is like a massive flaw what do you guys do to stop road surface spray getting you bottom half of your jeans socked then going into your boots?

Below it a photo of my boots
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#2 ·
what do you guys do to stop road surface spray getting you bottom half of your jeans socked then going into your boots?
I wear overpants that keep my jeans dry.

I know on another thread you've expressed your frustration over the poor performance of your riding pants. If you want to keep your feet dry, you're going to have to get the pants problem solved.

My solution has been to buy top quality gear used. Sometimes you can find a good deal on eBay. Here in the U.S. I can also use shopgoodwill.com to find some bargains. Finally, I've had some success buying good used gear on poshmark.com. I would suspect there are similar channels in the U.K. for used gear.
 
#3 · (Edited)
Critter spoke about it on the other thread.
Your boots will not do the job when it is really wet. They are too short. The road water spray, hits your boots and goes up. The jeans wick the water, and it goes up inside your rain pant leg. Two solutions. Foist. You can get rain covers for your boots. They will go a bit higher than your boots, but not entirely fix the wicking problem.
Two. Taller boots that your jeans can tuck inside. Rubber is best IMO. With jeans or sweat pants on, pull on a boot while tucking in a pant leg. Have the rain pant go outside the boot. Do not tighten the bottom of the rain pant leg too tight. It will creep up and stay up, defeating its purpose. Two finger slack or there about should work.
None of the armour in my gear lines up with my joints. So I have removed most of it. My pants are from the marine store anyway. Over the years I have collected and used many types. Most stuff leaks. That is an unfortunate reality of modern gear, and stupid marketing. Hype is the operative word. Ignorance abounds with many sales staff.

Often you will see an experienced rider, especially the road racers, stand up once underway, and wiggle their legs and butt. This is to get the pants to fall back down. The pants ride up as you get on the bike. The wiggle is to fix that problem. UK
 
#4 · (Edited)
Unless you've wearing full-rubber hip-boots, I don't think you're gonna keep water out. If i'm doing multi-day camping trip, I carry plastic boot covers in case it rains

 
#6 ·
Unless you've full-rubber hip-boots, I don't think you're gonna keep water out. If i'm doing multi-day camping trip, I carry plastic boot covers in case it rains

This seems odd the boots pictured in my first post is designed to be waterproof for motorcycle riders and others ride and seem to have no issues.
 
#5 ·
Cheers guy I pull my waterproof trousers over my ankle and at least over the top part of my boot how is it still spreading if it is covered.

Is this because the fabric on the outside isn't waterproof like the insider and as one oart of the fabric... Think its goat skin gets wet it works its way to the bit that is covered and I get the issue I'm getting if it able to travel and then wick to the ankle wear it then works its way down via the fabric near the edges and tongue how are they then waterproof.

Like you said seem misleading marketing i see others ride in normal ankle boots they don't seem to have an issue.

I might have to buy a pair that goes up my leg more as it gets bad even just in light rain heavy rain I'm soaked.

Difference is my knee pads should sit on my knees and protect me the pads in the jacket/s sit fine.

I hear you both but by definition just buying more expensive stuff doesn't change the core materials but without having tried both I have no comparison to form an honest opinion.

I have brought some hiking garters things but again this is in the same place as the trousers so I shouldn't need to add an extra layer the main waterproof should work imho.

But what do you guys do when it's not raining but the roads are wet with surface water happens a lot here and then you get sprayed from cars and lorrys passing by or in front so what do you do then.

Surely you don't put full gear on for that?
 
#12 ·
What you have pictured above are not boots . They are just like my old high top sneakers .
Anyway , buy a can of Camp Dry and give your shoes a couple coats . Don't worry , they won't change to a forest green . LOL
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I think its fair to assume I have tired many things before I came here asking I used like 2 bottles of that stuff on my old boots didn't stop on drop from getting in when on my bike.

I used this stuff same brand just different colour. People just say buy this buy that but don't mention what that is

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#9 ·
All I can think of is do like we did when we were kids, and use bread wrappers under the boots.
And yeah, nothing is going to ever keep you completely dry. There's always going to be leaks, gaps, wind driven spray and that annoying gap where the water gets past your collar and down your back.
If you have to ride in the rain, get a decent pair of real boots, and if you can't afford them, get boot covers or use the spray that pdcomm suggested. The PFAS level in your body will go up, but you'll stay drier.
I bet the other guys with those boots that don't report issues either don't go out in the rain, or don't mind damp socks.
 
#10 ·
All I can think of is do like we did when we were kids, and use bread wrappers under the boots.
And yeah, nothing is going to ever keep you completely dry. There's always going to be leaks, gaps, wind driven spray and that annoying gap where the water gets past your collar and down your back.
If you have to ride in the rain, get a decent pair of real boots, and if you can't afford them, get boot covers or use the spray that pdcomm suggested. The PFAS level in your body will go up, but you'll stay drier.
I bet the other guys with those boots that don't report issues either don't go out in the rain, or don't mind damp socks.
Its not cost per say as I brought the ones I have its the constant buying of gear I have brought 3 different boots and still the issue carries on.

Why I'm grateful for the suggestions the question was that the jeans fabric wicks it up from the outter part of my boots then down them and as I see guys wearing boots and just jeans no waterproof over trousers and they stay bone dry. ( why aren't there jeans wicking it up also)

These are boots what else would you call them. If not what type of boot would people advise( links to them please)

And then wouldn't the same issue just happen again as my jean is going to wick up when the road has surface spray but again I waer my textile trousers over my boots so it shouldn't even get in to wick ( should it)

Also I asked the seller about spray they advised it didn't need an outer spray I have used outter spray on others and they aren't any good for that level of penetration at all. But i do believe there was a language barrier and they might be miss informed as they list it as cow hind on the outter but its actually goat skin I believe.

Then I see the road guys working in rain for hours and they seem to stay bone dry the only down side is they aren't designed f9r bikes aka knee protection but seeing as my current gear doesn't even sit where it is meant to seems odd they would make such a bad product put it into full production with such massive flaws.

Again I have listened and are mulling it over the issue is I listen take peoples suggestions buy somthing new just for that suggestion to not work and have to take it back.

As for not going out in the rain not an option this is my only form of transport and used for work also it rains eveyday here in the uk which isn't an issue for me prior to owning a bike.

The boots/shoes below are the same height as the boots you guys suggested not sure if people looked into the description of them and are designed for motorcycles they also seem to have a good reviews so not sure why I'm getting issues.

Also the white stuff I get on the outside guys is this salt buildup???? As obviously it rains alot so alot of salt coming down woth the rain and like I live in a port town but it only happens on my black boots
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#13 ·
If you are serious about boots staying dry, get some pvc over boots. Problem solved. I carry some with me all the time and if I can see I'll be riding in rain for hours they go on before I ever see the first drop.
 
#15 ·
Because the stuff that says it is waterproof leaks.
Boots in particular unless they are rubber or equivalent. I have worn many pairs of work boots in the rain. But if it is really pissing down the leather boots leak.
A lot of the waterproof gear may work for say an hour. But three and a half hours later it will be saturated. Unless of course it is the right gear.
Many bike boots will last for about 30 miles. At 40mph, that is a lot of force of water, from the sky, and from the road.
The boot covers posted by HC is one type. A bicycle store should have options as well. I carry boot covers with me in case of rain. A light drizzle and I will wear my leather boots.
If it is raining I wear rubber boots. Oil field workers wear Dunlop rubber boots. These guys are walking in slushy puddles all day, not unlike being on a bike.
They get an oversize pair so they can put on extra socks. At Fort McMurray, it gets colder than anywhere in England, a lot colder. I have a pair of these, but they are a bit tall to be comfortable riding. The height of the boot in the pic above is good, IMO. Most rain gear leaks, unless it is the right stuff, and some of that leaks and needs the Kiwi spray.
It has to be Kiwi, just because. Just thunked. You can get Lanolin in a can. Can be used as a waterproof grease. UK
 
#16 · (Edited)
#17 ·
Don't fall for marketing. "Buy our Magic Powder, Will straigten your teeth, grow back hair and trim your belly with refular use, call today!"

Only good 'ol set of gum boots will keep water out.


Hi thanks guys I can't really were wellies on a motorbike can I.?

Again no one really has seemed to answered my question specifically the issue seems they make the boots waterproof on the inside with a sleeve but then use material on the outside that soaks up water from the road surface as I ride this then inturn then gets soaked up by my jeans as it is touching the boot outter material then it travels up my jeans and back into the boot/shoe also this then doesn't make the boots waterproof does it.

I have seem many guys on bikes with just boots and jeans riding around and are roads will always have water on them even if it not currently raining so I will get surface spray but there jeans remain dry so why don't mine.

The fact you would make the innner part of your shoe/boot waterproof but then use a material on the outer part that soaked it up instead of beading off is stupid imo because this now make them not waterproof like did it not come about in production testing that what happens to me happens to everyone or is it just me.
 
#19 ·
You have indeed Krusty my apologies I wasn't using my eyes for some reasons and always just skimmed the replies in a rush now I've had a proper look it was like your first reply.

I understand whats happening just not how. I understand that by current boots outter first are 2 short and the material wicks up the road spray instead of beading it off.

I think also I have messed up with the trousers and they are baggy but I kept finding I had no stretch around the mid thigh/crotch area when I went to get my leg over and put my feet down either side to steady myself while at lights. This with the waist digging into me made it very uncomfortable and hard to shift gear and generally control the bike.

But I'm not sure I think I'm really not meant to wear anything under the textiles trousers I was just hoping for a quicker change instead of having to take them off then put jeans on when at work.

This obviously is a comfort thing and only adds 5 minutes onto anything but again I wanted the protection of the amour on my knees if heaven forbids I ever come off but as the gear/pads don't actually sit anywhere near my knees while worn this defeats the option this also happened on a smaller pair so know its not a size issue more a design issue.

What I'm obviously struggling with his seeing me in all this stuff and still getting wet then seeing someone else in just jeans and boots bloody dry to the bone and often they aren't wearing some £500 boots just normal workers boots.

So how is it getting in how is it then travelling and how to stop it and why doesn't it happen with theirs.

Obviously this is part in parcel with being new and learning but obviously if I keep taking stuff back shops aren't going to best pleased I have taken many peoples suggestions on here but the issue persist.

Yeah that would be great the posting of your gear that is.

Can I ask do your jeans not wick up surface spray not to sure what the weather is like in Canada but it rains basically everyday in the uk which is great for farm land but not so much for ridding motorbikes obviously the only 100% is a car but I ain't going to get 300 miles for less than £20 from a car but if you factor in the cost of the accessories I'm probably on par with car owners lol. Jokes aside.

Does your jeans get wet.

Am I meant to wear jeans under textiles yes or no? I have been previously advised that its just meant to be and my birthday suite is this correct as I ignored the advise obviously.

Like I say I see construction guys just getting soaked day in and day out they seem to stay dry and the gear is like half the price despite having no actual protection in a crash but seeing as my pads don't sit in the correct position the difference is void.

Again my apologies skimming is never a good idea when reading lol.
 
#20 ·
Also the sizing issue of say jeans or what ever I wear I was advised that i lose a inch or 2 when I'm up on the bike but I'm unable to see it at a side view some I'm not sure how I go about selecting the correct size tbh but guess I will learn this through trial and error also but it was hard at first as neither of the shop has a model bike to sit on but I now have my own and have tried this but not sure if this is also a factor.

As for how tight do I tight them at the bottom I have been running losts of test with regards to seeing what happens I've had my jeans rolled up, one side rolled up, one rolled down, the bottom bits are lose not to tight if they are any loser they look like a slip hazard or I worry will get caught on something on my bike.
 
#21 · (Edited)
Maybe looking at only boots may be too specific. Let's back up a little. I used one of these for close to decade for commute to S.F. Plenty of rain and cold days. I would wear my office clothes underneath. Upon arrive, change out boots for dress shoes, brush my hair and I'm ready! Even gone to several weddings in tux this way.

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#22 ·
Yeah thats a rain suite thats was my first thoughts when I first got my bike aka we call that a one piece I went with the 2 piece one because the jacket has amour on elbows etc and the trousers have knee pad protection but the trousers turned out to be useless for any form of real protection.

Its a hard one as we haven't many motorcycle clothing shops up here and most don't seem to have the space to house all the gear in fact even online its constantly saying out of stock so I can't go and try stuff on as as I have found no one seema to use a ruler lol.

Jokes aside it is a bigger problem than it ought to be and if I order online it often has to go back as most sites just use a generic size chart which differs from the brand you are buying so it's weeks off sending things back and forth.

Definitely a very good idea just no protection and some car drivers are just crazy out here.

No I don't think its my boots as I have carried out tests I've rolled up my jeans and my socks still got wet so my textile trousers let surface spray in which it shouldn't and the jacket if its very heavy rain and its a hour ride or so ride. it will collect about mid belly button and then seeps through.

Untimely this is just learning cruve.
 
#23 ·
Probably the route I'm going to go till I can find gear that works and the doctors will just have to give me a new knee if anything happens 🙄 hopefully not tho construction gear seems a good way to try but seeing I haven't worn any before I don't know how good the stuff is or like the other guy said army or marine stuff. As all these motorcycle companies make so much in black which is probably the worst colour when you want to be seen by car drivers as so many drive like nutters they just pull over or turn last minute and wont even warn me with a indicator all they think your going slow when actually your just sticking to the limit so they speed around you or don't like you cue skipping on your bike so try and knock you off and break testers are the worse.

Seriously question is it just me or does this stuff happen to you guys 2.

Who ever said when it comes to Motorcycles you have to drive defensively! was bloody right. I don't think they understand if I have a bad crash I'm probably dead and it will be there fault.
 
#24 ·
Olympia Moto Sports Sz L Padded Motorcycle Jacket - shopgoodwill.com

This is similar to the one I wear. With the zip-in thermal liner it's good (for me, anyway) down to about 2° C. Without the liner and with all the vents open I wear it in the summer at 30° C. And I can ride in the rain for an hour without getting wet.

Olympia, Klim, Aerostich. These brands, and maybe a few others, work. Buy them new for hundreds to thousands of dollars. Buy them used for 100 or less.
 
#25 · (Edited)
Olympia Moto Sports Sz L Padded Motorcycle Jacket - shopgoodwill.com

This is similar to the one I wear. With the zip-in thermal liner it's good (for me, anyway) down to about 2° C. Without the liner and with all the vents open I wear it in the summer at 30° C. And I can ride in the rain for an hour without getting wet.

Olympia, Klim, Aerostich. These brands, and maybe a few others, work. Buy them new for hundreds to thousands of dollars. Buy them used for 100 or less.
Cherrs an hour does seem on the sort side sometimes takes me just an hour to get near to one place I need to go lol.

Its probably best to invest in some pricer gear but I'm still not 100% convinced as cotton is cotton the raw materials used in a cheaper versions to say a more expensive one are the same the only things that might change are the seals are better and sown up and you either get a inner waterproof membrane like gore or a outtter laminated one.

But again mine says it is waterproof 100% which I have found out neither are so they shouldn't be allowes to advise them as such.

But have read a good article one another site that there seems to be no official regulation on what is waterproof and what isn't and often its up to the manufacturer to say and often they claims aren't matching.

Sadly I'm miles away from having a good range of shops to choose from as manufacturers seems to use different rulers and often the sites size charts don't match the actual manufacturing product when you get it you find yourself constantly having to return stuff either online or in person which is costly for both parties in the end.

But its all a learning curve

This guy goes into get depths about stuff and I've read like most of his reviews/editorials/articles sadly hes all the way in Surrey which is like nah I don't think my buttocks could take that its like 7.5 hours away lol.

Very interesting read