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Waterproof boots that are actually waterproof

M

MotoCat

New member
Joined
Jul 26, 2005
Location
Bay Area
Moto(s)
Yes
I have a pair of cheap Firstgear boots that are marketed as "waterproof," that are only so when it's sunny and dry.

I've been using boot covers which do work, but I hate dealing with those so I'm hoping to find boots that are actually waterproof.

A quick Revzilla search shows 100+ boots that are supposedly waterproof. Is there a particular brand or price point that's true to the description?

Are waterproof boots as effective as good boot covers?
 
When looking for waterproof boots, I generally narrow it down to Gore-Tex. They stand behind anything with their material in it. I sent in a pair of beat-to-hell Sidi On Roads a couple years ago, as a test. One had started leaking, and while I had already bought a new pair (of the same boots) I was curious if they'd honor the lifetime waterproofiness guarantee even though the boots were clearly worn out. They did, zero issues.

As for which ones... I like Sidi's On Roads. Which are no longer made. :laughing

I also have an older pair of Sidi Adventure Gore-Tex (not the Rain). Very good boots, a little more protection than the On Roads. The new version is presumably as good.

The replacement for the On Road is the All Road. We reviewed them back in June 0f 2015 (page 10). It's a synthetic boot—fine, if you're ok with that, aesthetically or whatever. It's becoming more and more common. I don't think they offer quite as much protection as a the On Roads, but they're still a good touring-style, waterproof boot.
 
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I'm assuming you have good overpants that go over the top of the boots to keep water from seeping into the top of the boot so unless you're wading in water, most should keep your feet dry.

I have an old pair of Dainese boots that are waterproof and I've been in some pretty good down pours and my feet were kept dry. However I'm not completely thrilled with the Dainese though, the fit is okay as long as I don't do a lot of walking. But waterproof, yeah, that parts good.
 
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TCX Airtech Evo with Goretex. I've been through more then one gully swamper and they kept my feet dry.
They are more of a touring boot so protection is on the light side. It works for me.
Anything with Goretex is going to work. I wouldn't settle for anything else.
 
Good to know there's hope that I can ditch the boot covers!

Next up, waterproof pants so I can ditch the spare underwear stash at work...
 
Another option - A good pair of synthetic socks go a long way, if the boots aren't cutting it. Keeps feed warn, if wet. Dry quickly.
 
I have ridden my Alpinestar Toucans through hours of rain and had my feet stay dry. I highly recommend them.
 
The customer reviews on Revzilla are pretty quick to point out if a particular boot that is advertised as being waterproof is not. For what it is worth, I am using the previous generation Alpinestars Ridge WP boot and, so far, it has held up well in the wet (30-45 minute commute). No wet feet to date including this mornings rather humid ride in :ride
 
As Surj mentioned above, the Sidi Adventure Gore-Tex are excellent- but they cost a ton.

I've spent weeks riding in Northeastern Canada in the cold rain without a drop of moisture getting in.
 
Before Goretex, people would make leather boots waterproof by applying boot waterproofing wax (Sno Seal etc.) to the leather, seams & welt.

Not all modern motorcycle boots can be made waterproof that way, but it's worth considering, and easy & cheap to try.

Most of my commuting has been done in Icon Patrol boots. The originals were mostly waterproof, and waxing made them fully waterproof. Now I have the newer Patrol 2, and they've leaked, wax or no.

I've used boot covers on various boots, and I don't think of them as an acceptable solution.

Do any of you ride in Goretex socks? I think it's either that or find a new rain day boot for me.
 
GordonGekko said:
Good to know there's hope that I can ditch the boot covers!

Next up, waterproof pants so I can ditch the spare underwear stash at work...
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I would start with the pants. If they are not waterproof, then water can get in through the top of the boot. As someone stated earlier, no water-proof boot will keep your feet dry if you do not prevent water from entering through the top.
 
two wheel tramp said:
I have ridden my Alpinestar Toucans through hours of rain and had my feet stay dry. I highly recommend them.
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+1 I really like my Toucans and they have kept me dry on my commute. If they ever wear out, I’m getting another pair.
 
Sidi Deep Rain on clearance at Revzilla. They work. $219 is a bargain for this level of quality.
 
My long-dead Daytona GTX boots were completely waterproof, as were my Sidi On Road Goretex boots before I wore them out. My current boots are Sidi Canyons, also Goretex and also completely waterproof. As Surj mentions above, Goretex can't be beat for waterproof boots. The downside of Goretex boots is they're expensive.
 
Alpinestar Web Gore-Tex are really good. I had my first pair last 10+ years and my feet never got wet. Very comfortable too. I'd sometimes just wear them at work rather than change shoes... lol!
 
SpiderNinja said:
Sidi Deep Rain on clearance at Revzilla. They work. $219 is a bargain for this level of quality.
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Too bad it's hard to buy this stuff locally. Everything Sidi I've tried (motorcycle or bicycle) was made for people with narrow, pointy feet. I've read that they make wider boots too, but I haven't actually seen it.
 
Been rocking the Sidi Adventure Rain, non-gore-tex, for a few years now and I've never had a drop off water in my boots.
 
TCX gore-tex boots ordered. A couple comments have mentioned the lighter protection on these boots as compared to, say, racing boots with all the armored plates and sliders. How much of a compromise in protection are we talking about?
 
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