Not an ad for a particular brand or boot, but I took advantage of a sale on Revzilla and bought a pair of Alpinstars SMX-1R Vented Boots and think that these will be my everyday boots for the next few riding seasons. Unlike some that seem made for small European feet, these boots come a bit large. I wear an 11 shoe, and ordered the 10.5 size since there is no 11, and they fit perfectly. Very nicely made, easy access with a side zipper and velcro flap, and according to the reviews on Revzilla, let a lot of airflow cool the feet in summer. I won't say how many boots I have bought in the last decade or so, and most of them have disappointed me. Usually I feel like a boot needs to be broken in to feel comfortable, but these felt good right out of the box. Worth the $145 that was the sale price.
Several months ago I attended a training class and rented boots, they were the Alpinestars SMX Plus (non-vented full height). I wear a size 8 and these boots were the only boots I have ever wore that did not require a break in to feel good on my feet, and they were new in the box. Throughout the 2 days I pretty much didn't even think about them, they were there doing their job but without any rubbing, stiffness or sores. I prefer the mid-calf height over the 1R ankle height, but that is just my preference. Perhaps
@vito in the summer or fall, after you have put some miles on them you will return to this thread and write a review.
In all the years I have ridden in the east, northeast, midwest, south and southwest I only remember seeing one rider wearing leggings. He was riding an Indian bagger, and was wearing tan swede leggings with trim to match his tan jacket with trim, that all matched his saddle bags with trim. I did try wearing leggins during a land research many years ago (on foot, not riding) as we were in and out of some nasty infested rattlesnake areas. I tried leather and canvas, laces and velcro and could never find a pair that were comfortable that fit my boot ankles and calves. They added weight to the lower leg that was annoying during rock climbing and speed hiking the desert and of course they trapped the heat and added to dehydration. Leggings fail to support the achilles tendon (back of the heal) and the extensor tedon's (front of the heal), because they are not firmly attached to the boot like some motorcycle specific boots are.
@DRAWS As a part of the costume wear I can see their advantage and after all the years of wearing them you most likely feel undressed without them, where as I would feel over dressed. And, of course there is the convenience part, I slip on my boots, pull the zipper and I'm done with that part of my gear.