Hmmm, maybe not one single thread. Just lots of derailed ones.

But for your reading pleasure
https://www.kawasakiforums.com/forum...oil-use-20063/

this one got fun too
https://www.kawasakiforums.com/forum...-filter-37192/

oh crap, there I go derailing another fine thread.

 

Alpine Scouts seem cool so far!!! TCX-X Deserts might fit the bill! Been checking out the SIDI Crossfires too. Ya protection is a must! For me flexibility when shifting or in a pinch where you really need to feel whats going on under your feet, and exactly how the bike feels and is reacting to that situation, far out weighs my thoughts of going down. I dumped this beast over at least 16 times........of those wipes, 14 of them happened when my ankles and toes and flexibility were so constricted that they hurt me far more then they helped me. There's no place around here to go and check out boots and really get started in the right direction to getting some answers. I figured on all of this, feed back wise, could see where it was headed right away. Maybe try some scouts, see where that leads.

 

Someone mentioned Gaerne Balanced Pro Techs. I thank you for that!!! Think I just decided FINALLY on a pair of boots. Might be my answer!!!

 

Daddy Jack 777.......thanks for the heads up on these!! Curious how you came across these?? PM me on the pros and cons...I'd appreciate it!!!

 

And I wasn't giving up. Just my style. Let all the people hash it out.....take what I want.....and leave the rest

 

I'd still rather miss a shift than lose a foot; perhaps that's just me though

Good luck in your search!

 

Derailing threads is what tiggers do best!

Thanks for that. Oil was less complicated back when I knew what was going on. Take a few years off and everything changes!

 

I have O'neal element boots, one of the cheapest, stiffest, least comfortable boot out there (all this I read after I had bought them ). But I love them, they loosened up a bit after a couple days of walking, raised my shift lever one notch. I can't imagine riding without them, they are comfortable as heck! I feel protected and secure, and that's what its all about right?

 

In my search, I decided that I wanted something I could actually walk in, that's comfortable, durable, and made by an American company. I didn't want high moto boots, but I did want ankle protection.

The Five-Ten Impact High... Five Ten | Impact High - Team Black

They fit great, the laces are not a concern, and they are burly. They are designed as a DH Mountain Bike boot, but I feel that they certainly can serve as a dual sport boot as well. The outer sole is flat (no depressed midsole or raised heel) and the dot pattern on the bottom isn't too topographic that my foot gets stuck, but has enough tread that the traction is great. They are made to 'bite' into flat MTB pedals. These things are awesome.

 

Dual sport riding presents specific challenges when selecting a boot. The rider wants all the impact protection possible when off-road which suggests an MX style boot, but most MX boots are quite heavy. Weight can be a real liability in a spill at road speeds by inducing high rotational forces on a flailing leg which can cause serious secondary injuries. Therefore, on road, the rider wants a light-weight abrasion resistant boot.

Personally I own several sets of road & MX boots. I tend to select the boot that most closely matches the style of riding I plan on doing that day.

I'd be interested in hearing any recommendations from folks who've found a light-weight, full-protection boot suitable for dual sport riding. I am not willing to sacrifice protection for walkability. I am prepared to haul a set of hiking shoes with me when I want to get off the bike to explore.