I am going to the dealer tonight to look at a pair of riding boots and was wondering what I should look for. I am hoping to spend less than $150 on them. Will I be wasting my money buying boots that costs under this amount or should I step up and spend $200 plus? I am not looking for the best boots on the market, just some decent riding boots that offer good protection and are comfortable.

 

as far as comfort...i have found the more you walk around in them the more broken in they get...you just have to give them time. i got a pair of AXO for $150 ($50 off) because they were leftovers from last year, because they were a small size and did not sell. besides my saftey gear...this is one of the best purchases on gear. you can stand in the mud/water and not get wet feet. i wish i had used a good waterproof spray to try to keep them clean. RIDE SAFE!

 

I have a pair of Gaerne Explorers. They were $189, and they are incredibly comfortable. When I first got an ATV, I went out and spent $100 on a cheap pair. They now sit on the shelf because they were so uncomfortable. Spend a little more, and be happy.

 

Magnum:

You guys must all ride a HECK OF A LOT FASTER than l'il ole me. I baught the $25 La'crosse pullover chore boots. I'll stand in the crick all day right along beside yuh. If it pays OK that is. LOL!

Maybe i'm cheap, but I think NOT. I think it's more of a practical thing. I have $100+ boots for sledding. And good gortex bibs. But anything beyond Carharts and chore boots for 4wheeling?!

I have thought of possibly getting a pair of those neat newer (more flexable) chest waders for riding in higher water during the colder months. But I soon grew weiry (sp?) of thinking,,,,so I quit it. Maybe I'll start again some day. LOL! If I do, there is a chance that I will understand $200 riding boots. But guys, and you too girlatvr2, I wouldn't bet on it happening!

 

I bought O'Neal Element boots through WWW.Rockymountainatv for about $90 and I think they're fine.

 

MMM
I ride with abunch of guys from time to time that all ride bikes. They all wear high-zoot riding boots and I wear a pair of Danners. I figure with full floor boards, I really don't have the danger of broken ankles. And I have yet to get a rapp on the shin by a limb poking out in the trail, my boots are water proof with a gortex liner, and twice as comfortable as any riding boot. At the end of a day in the mud and water I am the only one with dry feet.
I can walk all day in them and not have to worry about how much my feet ache.
If your going to spend that much on boots, I figure you might as well get some thing you can use for more than just riding, I wear mine to work, hunting, and wood cutting.
I think it gets to be a fashion contest with a lot of people, like anything else "keepin' up with the Jones'".
Just my two cents

 

ox

I also have some "chore boots" (I call them rubber knee boots) that I wear when we ride at the state forest and plan on playing in the mud. I am buying these riding boots to hopefully wear with the sport quad that I am trying to talk my wife into letting me buy.

 

Magnum,
I guess this is one of those personal preference things. I'm a protection freak, so I say get yourself some good boots. I ride with several bikers, and the swear that you can't pay too much for your helmet or your boots.

My first few times out, I just put on some duck ankle boots and went at. But after getting zonked in the calf from a few low lying branches, and treading deep water, I quickly sought something else.

After trying on several styles, I ended up with a pair of Gaerne SG1. Like Girlavtr, I got a good geal on them because they were a season or two old. I think they list for almost $300, but I got them for about $180. The Explorer that Quadfather wears are good ones too!! I'd have a pair, but my dealer didn't get my size in time.

From years of sports my ankles are shot, and these boots have excellent support! They have the steel toe plate and are hard as hell. Something you'll appreciate if your foot ever slips off a floorboard and your run your quad over your foot. Now they are HARD AS HELL. So the first few times you walk in them, your feet will scream how pissed they are. I took Tylenol before I went riding and that helped a lot (I think Quadfather suggested that along with a banana helps ya from being sore afterwards as well). They've been wet a few times, so they're a lot easier to wear now.

The only drawback to my boots is the sole. They are an MX boot, so there's not much for tracion. I don't know what I'll do if I ever get in some serious mud. But there are some great boots out there that have soles geared for ATVers.

Even if you go with a work boot, I say spend the extra money. Your feet will love ya for it in the long run!!

Good luck!!