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Bilt boots, any good?

It just comes down to what you can afford at this time, any of this stuff is always better then street clothes or shoes.
 
I have a pair of Frank Thomas boots similar in design as the Bilts shown. Used it for one track day. Real uncomfortable to walk around in. No cushion inside the boots and insole not really shaped for a foot. Now I just use them when I mow the lawn.

The pair of Sidis I bought about 8 years ago very comfortable. I could even last all day with it on at work. A bit pricey at $280, but I wont go out riding without them.
 
I went to Cycle Gear recently and frankly, I was shocked at the crap they are selling.

The Bilt stuff and the Sedici suits seemed like costumes more than actual moto safety gear.

I'd wear a decent set of Redwings or something before I'd buy those. Just my opinion.
 
i got a pair. better than nikes or chucks. and no laces like my steel toe boots. the a* fit better, but were $250 more. they run big, so i got a 1/2 size smaller. i put in the insoles from my running shoes underneath the bilt insoles. they fit alot better now.
 
I picked up a pair myself from CG...
Like everyone said, you get what you paid for.
I still like them though...
 
i bought the bilt waterproof boot for $50. then lowered to $40 because they aren't made with leather.
then returned them because they weren't actually waterproof
 
HIglesias said:
i bought the bilt waterproof boot for $50. then lowered to $40 because they aren't made with leather.
then returned them because they weren't actually waterproof
Click to expand...

:laughing
 
Roadstergal said:
I've yammered about this before, but a lot of 'moto' boots have zero protection for the ankle bending in a way it wasn't designed to. I got lucky and got a pair of first-gen Alpinestars Supertechs that have the interior plastic ankle bracing and came in my size. The Sidi Vertigo Corsa and Vortice have that externally (and don't come in my size, or I'd have one of them).

Most moto boots don't have that kind of protection; I can grab the sole in one hand and the upper in the other and bend away with just my hands. None of the 'ladies' boots that I've ever come across do. I'd be surprised if the Bilt boots do.

.
Click to expand...

+1 on this, folks!

It doesn't take much to snap an ankle like a twig, and most boots on the market will allow this to happen. Stick to Dainese, Daytona, or most other higher end boots for ankle protection.


6iduvn.jpg


Archimedes said:
No boots are perfect and no boots will protect you from everything. And a totally solid ankle pocket doesn't necessarily mean a better boot, it just means you might brake your lower leg instead of your ankle as the force is transmitted up the boot instead.

That said, after your head, feet are the most important part of your body to protect. Ask any ortho surgeon and they will tell you the feet are a bitch to put back together after they've been scrambled. This is one area I would not scrimp on when it comes to gear. I've seen crappy boots that don't pass the 'well, anything's better than tennis shoes' test, because they have no more padding or abrasion resistance than a pair of Nike's and they fit so shitty that they're 10x more likely to fly off your foot.
Click to expand...

It takes much more force to snap your leg than your ankle. If the force of the crash is strong enough to snap your lower leg, than, likely you are in a serious crash and will have significant other injuries as well.

Obviously, even the best gear on the market can't be 100% effective, but if the top names in the boot business have reinforced ankle protection, they must know something we don't and who are we to argue with them?
 
My first pair of boots cost 1/6th what my first motorcycle cost.

On the other hand, they were also more expensive than my first helmet, so maybe I'm just an idiot.
 
MotoStark said:
+1 on this, folks!

It doesn't take much to snap an ankle like a twig, and most boots on the market will allow this to happen. Stick to Dainese, Daytona, or most other higher end boots for ankle protection...


...Obviously, even the best gear on the market can't be 100% effective, but if the top names in the boot business have reinforced ankle protection, they must know something we don't and who are we to argue with them?
Click to expand...

i looked at all the boots at CG that day, and i'm pretty sure the Dainese goretex boots don't have this ankle protection (they can bend the same as the boot in your pic)...

and to the other posters, yes, the $40 'Waterproof" Bilt boots I def. wouldn't buy...
 
Roadstergal said:
I've yammered about this before, but a lot of 'moto' boots have zero protection for the ankle bending in a way it wasn't designed to. I got lucky and got a pair of first-gen Alpinestars Supertechs that have the interior plastic ankle bracing and came in my size. The Sidi Vertigo Corsa and Vortice have that externally (and don't come in my size, or I'd have one of them).

Most moto boots don't have that kind of protection; I can grab the sole in one hand and the upper in the other and bend away with just my hands. None of the 'ladies' boots that I've ever come across do. I'd be surprised if the Bilt boots do.

Did she have the Vertigo Lei? I was so excited to see that Sidi was making their race boot in smaller sizes - until I saw it wouldn't be a Vertigo Corsa or Vortice. Lame. I'm lucky that Alpinestars seems happy to continue to repair my Supertechs.
Click to expand...

This is actually the only thing I care about in a boot. I've broken well over 12 bones (and countless fractures) in my foot in a crash but my ankle is what I am really concerned about.

Daytonas are pricey but they are what you want.
 
1footdown said:
i looked at all the boots at CG that day, and i'm pretty sure the Dainese goretex boots don't have this ankle protection (they can bend the same as the boot in your pic)...
Click to expand...

The majority of boots from every manufacturer do that. Only a few specific models from a few manufactuers are braced.
 
I am now looking for gloves with rigid wrist protection.

And a rigid neck protector for my pencil neck.
 
Any input on the other Bilt gear CG carries. I was wondering how waterproof the $50 waterproof suit really is.
 
I used to wear hiking boots. I got these because these are definitely a step up and really good for the price, but there are better out there... of course with better hit to the wallet.
 
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