I have dreamed of owning a pair of boots like these since I was a kid in the 70's. They look alot like the Sidi boots I remember the guys wearing back then on their old CBs and Zs.
I now have over 5000 miles on mine, and they are AWESOME!!! I added a pair of work boot insoles, which helps make them much more comfortable on the soles of the feet, and a pair of stainless steel Sidi motorcross toe caps for extra protection. They fit in great with my retro 70's motorcycle gear and I get compliments on them all the time
Simply follow the break in instructions and be patient. It takes time, and yes they're heavy, but once fully broken in they become very comfortable. I wore these boots on Halloween to finish off my Mad Max "Toecutter" costume and was able to walk and stand in them all night without any discomfort.
I love these boots so much, I am seriously considering buying a second pair and stocking up on spare soles and buckles just so I would never have to be without them.
Thanks Aerostich for such a great pair of boots.
-Michael Foust
These are THE boots. You will never look back. Spend 1000 miles or so getting them truly broken in, cut out that annoying tag on the inside of the calf, and you are golden. I have owned them for 5+ years and I have not even looked at another bike boot in all that time. -David Cariddi
When I received my pair this winter, I was not certain that I made the right choice. Tall, stiff, and rather odd looking.
However, I am a complete and unalterable fan after a 6,500 mile trip. The tallness and stiffness actually supported my calves so that I could frequently relax those muscles.
Definitely wear socks that extend above the boots. When the socks slipped down, the boots caused some sweating when against bare skin.
Also plan to tuck your jeans into the boots unless you wear the very wide legged variety.
I did not waterproof the stitching around the soles but had only limited water infiltration during three hours of hard rain during a thunderstorm. -John Madden
I've had my CBTs for about 10 years now. They are a really nice piece of kit. I wore them on a trip that included about 2500 miles of rain riding. They did get wet eventually, but what wouldn't?
They really started to feel great after about 5 years. Now the boots are mine, before that I felt they still kinda belonged to Aerostich! Like an old couple we've grown together and now seem inseparable.
I am a library director and regularly wear these to work. They look fine peaking out from under work pants. The become quite comfortable after long use and are fine for the office.
Still they are not idea for doing lots of walking, so I think twice if I am riding the bike to a country fair, or something like that. Although these days they are getting pretty nice even for that.
Treat them with Snow Seal or Brooks Proofhide (for Brooks bicycle saddles) to speed break in, it wills till take a couple years anyhow. This is truly one of those things that is the last of its kind that you'll buy in your life. They become part of you. -Adam Novitt
I've had a pair of these for a couple of years now. I don't use them much. They're just too much boot for day-to-day riding. And here in Texas they're waaaay to hot all but two months out of the year.
I've taken them on a couple of long trips, to the Pacific Northwet and most recently from Anchorage back to Texas (I found a MZ Traveller on Craiglist) and they worked well, except for walking. And the waterproof bit.
Yeah, I know, they're water RESISTANT. And the Cascades are called the Cascades because.... well, guess. Wet cold feet are not happy feet. BRRRRR! (squish)
Good points: They're big enough. I'm a 14, and nobody else makes motorcycle boots big enough. My other choice is RedWings and they're water RESISTANT too. The 'Wings walk a lot better.
Bad points: If you're not doing 500+ miles a day and nothing else, they're too much boot. And they're torture devices when the temp is over 85. -Revill Dunn
Best boots I've ever worn! I've worn out numerous other pairs from other companies and there's no comparison. Definitly the most versatile, I ride all year, weather permitting(no snow), from 35 degree Celsius weather down to 0 in the rain, all in relative comfort.
As said above long break in and expensive, but have outlasted every other pair I've had worn in the past.
Will definitly buy another pair when and if these ever wear out.
Only gripe no womens sizes so my wife has to wear inferior boots on her bike.
Another great Aerostich product, thanks.
Brad Simmons
Chilliwack, BC -brad simmons
The guy at the order desk was right, these boots are not made for walking. But if you want a highly water resistant, combat tough boot that offers the best in protection, buy these.
Very long break in period. The cleated sole picks up and holds small stones in the tread, but provides a secure, no-slip grip. Poor footpeg and control feel and stiff leather makes upshifts slow and deliberate for a while. The buckles and speed laces work great. For peace of mind, I will buy another pair when these ones wear out. Great product. Thanks
Bob O.
Shelton, WA -Bob Okada
I have over 100k miles on mine.
The velco has worn out 3 times so I added buckles and I just replaced the souls.
I recommend these boots to everyone I meet. -zentropa
Love these boots. They are, as many say, subject to a long break in and it is difficult to shit gear during this time but after that they are great.
They are expensive but I have started to view most other boots as fashion statemements as opposed to functional protective motorcycle wear. -Lambretta
These could be the last boots I ever buy. I found the break to be tough; mis-shifted a lot for a while. But once the break-in is over the are great. They're tough, comfortable and seem to be indestructable. I applied some water-proofing and since been through two major down-pours, one of them was an all day bummer. They say the boots aren't water proof, but I never felt a drop in hours of wet riding. That was the only place I was dry! I got the cleated soles just in case I needed the extra traction. Love these boots and they'll love you. -Andrew de la Flor
I'm EXTREMELY scrawny; have been told I should
sue my legs for NON-Support. Wonder how these
boots would fit? I like bulky socks; but do need to
have the boots fit snuggly on my ankles and shins.
Haven't seen any reviews for someone with skinny
legs. That's why I am posting this question.
Normal boot size for me is 9.5. Usually I wear original
issue Army combat boots and/or Carolina Lineman boots.
In winter I use my Grander Mountain insulated boots.
I ride in all weather as long as there is no salt on the
roads to eat up the bike. -Katman
Have mine for about a year and 12000 miles now. Breaking in nicely. Comfortable on and off the bike; warm in the winter and comfortable in the summer. After 20 years in the Army I've had some experience with boots. These are the highest quality boots suitable for a wide range of bike activities. Considering that they will probably last another 10 years, they seem, to me, an incredible bargain. -David Yurchak
I've worn my Combat Touring Boots for YEARS, going through 3 sets of soles on them. In addition to riding all over the US, I wear my boots while teaching MSF classes (usually two, sometimes three classes a week).
The insides of the boots are finally showing signs of wear, now my only decision is whether to try the Lite version or stay with the ones I've used for so many years.
BTW, when I initially purchased my boots, I attempted to order "Imitation Totes" to go with them. The Aerostitch sales rep told me they weren't necessary; all I had to do was apply Aquaseal a few times a year and they would be waterproof. I actually tested that by standing in eight inches of water once when our MSF range was flooded. They ARE waterproof. -Marc Mauss
These boots were so stiff, they hurt when they were new! Thank god, I read the reviews beforehand and I waited patiently for the boots to soften, and it finallly did about two weeks after wearing them daily. DO NOT try riding your bike while the boots are brand new, as riding will be very awkward. When you get used to the boots, you realize how indestructable they are..These are exactly the boots you want to wear when rocks are glancing off your shin or if the motorbike (god forbid) falls on your leg. It's also tall enough to sheild your calves from the heat of the engine. When tucked under trousers, they look just like regular shoes/boots and will blend in any ebnironment. Overall, I've been very happy with these boots.
I have 10 1/2 4E (extra wide) feet and the size 11 shoe fit perfectly - especially after I added the sole insert, and I always wear thick boot socks whenever I put my boots on. -Santhosh Eapen
OK, I have owned a pair of Combat Touring boots for a few years and about 50,000 miles now. I thought they were a bit pricey but I am sold. Careful going down stairs when they are new (do you really want to know how I know?) and give them some aquaseal now and then and voila! The toe fits nicely under the shifter and my feet have only gotten wet when I rode from Nippigon, Ontario to the south side of St. Paul, MN in one long, hard-rain from start to finish, trip. And even then it was only the last hour out of 11, all on an unfaired bike. And this was the last leg of a Lake Superior circle tour over just 3 days. The boots only left my feet to sleep.
I have worn them in every kind of weather and every speed. To be fair, it is the only pair of motorcycle-specific boots I have ever owned as my riding before was always in some other "pedestrian" boot. I can't now imagine anything else.
They slide on and off easily yet feel extremely secure when strapped on. They show almost no wear and are sharp enough to wear anywhere. And innumerable amounts of road junk have glanced harmlessly off them in the miles I have traveled.
I consider them the best and well worth the price. If they should ever wear out, I'll be back for more.
Paul from Minnesota -Paul Hoffer
Way back in late August in the year 2005 I purchased some boots from our friends over at Aerostich and promised that I'd offer up an unbiased report for the Chaingangers and all the world to see.
NC, I know I know. There is no such thing as "Aerostich Combat Boots", but by jingly I have a pair in my room right now.
A plain brown box arrived, and within that box was a box that said "Sidi" on it. The boots are made by Sidi for Aerostich and, to my knowledge you cannot buy them anywhere else unless you get them used someplace.
Upon inspection I found a lovely looking pair of jack boots and a tub of sticky stuff to rub on them, but wait......... Read the Combat Touring Boots Guide enclosed before you do anything hasty. It's a two page read that tells you that they get hot, they are not waterproof (more on that later), how to walk, break in period, leather cleaning and care guide. It's very detailed, gives a good reason for not treating the leather immediately. The nice lady on the phone recommended Aquaseal over NikWax as a waterproofer/treatment for the leather. That should stir the nest up. I cannot give a solid opinion which works better because I have never used NikWax or Aquaseal in the past. The Aquaseal works very well on the boots and on my moto saddle.
The guide says to let the boots break in for a month before applying any type of treatment, I waited three weeks. The reason for my haste was the Jailbreak In The Clouds Trip. I am glad I used the Aquaseal because it rained pretty hard for the first few days of riding. The boot guide says they are not waterproof, but my feet remained warm and dry all day long. My former boots, First Gear Kilimanjaro "Waterproof" at $189 inc. shipping got wet as soon as rain threatened. I am guessing rain flowed in from the top because they really held water well inside and your feet remained wet and stinky all day long!
In the heat the Combats are hot, cos they're boots. My feet feel more comfortable in the heat than they did with the Kilimanjaro's too, much less sweaty because of natural leather without a "waterproof" liner I guess? The First Gear's also offered about as much protection as house slippers compared to the Stiches too. Feeling very safe about my feet now.
The Combats are based on MX boots, and are very very stiff at first. The guide says about a month to break them in for most folks. I found that after a week I was able to move my ankles enough to walk short distances without discomfort. But they never have worn any blisters on my feet. I had to move my shifter up right away because I could not get my foot under there in the stock position. For the first few weeks downshifts were accomplished by lifting my entire leg and tapping on the gearlever. Many many missed shifts later and about a month and a half and I feel right at home and am considering readjustment of the shift lever by one or two teeth lower towards the stock position. It was also a trick driving my pickup when the boots were new. Talk about lead foot!
After the first week I noticed the laces on the inside were beginning to fray in spots. Now after one month, they are still holding but frayed badly and should be replaced esp. if heading out on trip were finding some new boot laces might be a problem. Not really up to snuff on a pair of $257 footwear IMO. Replacements are $5 from the Stitch House. Given that there is a 30 day money back guarantee I am hoping for a free set of laces, they should not wear at all after a week, or a month if there is any quality involved. Other than this issue I have no complaints and love these boots. One other weakness that has been noted by others is that the buckles break, so I will order a couple of spares and carry them along in the toolkit.
At about a month and two weeks the soles show no signs of wear at all (and i walk hard on the outside of my heals) after wearing them almost daily. There are some good creases at the bend in the foot and around the ankles which allow for easy shifting and walking, and I can even drive my trucks five speed normally too. But they are not fully broken in even yet. Not uncomfortable at all, in fact they are my preferred footwear at this time just because they feel good, even if on the heavy side. One of the great features of this boot is that they sell replacements soles for $15. Having heard rumors of these lasting well over five years that is a value added bonus to be able to have your local cobbler resole your favorite foot friends!
Other than the small issue with the laces and buckles ( buckles yet to be a problem for my boots) I think these boots may well be some of the best on the market today. They are comfy enough now to wear all day long and walk miles if necessary, rugged enough for any kind of offroad moto adventures on an F bike or even a real dirt bike, and stylish enough to wear to work or out to eat without being too garish. The calfs are adjustable enough to wear pants over the top (don't try this with drainpipe jeans) or tucked inside.
Reason I bought these? If they're good enough for my hero Glen Heggstad, and good enough for my pal Thumper, then they're good enough for me, and I love them.
I will be back at three months, six months, a year, and two years for updates.
No I am not employed by Aerostich, nor receiving any kind of money for this review, solely for your information. I hope you find this informative and entertaining.
DAM
Posted on the Chain Gang Forum by Darren Malden -Darren Malden
I got these boots 5 years ago when I was still in Grad school in Boston. My girlfriend and I split the cost of them as my xmas present from her. These are the greatest boots I've owned.. I've lectured at Universities in them I have braved feirce rainstorms in KS and SNOW in Maine. The fit over my Vansons and under my straight leg Levis. A spot here and there of black leather dye and oil them now and again (this helps to break them in) and I still get compliments on them. When I first saw them in the catalog there was a shot of them with 35K miles on 'em.. I have those boots but they've got nearly 75K on them now, with the soles replaced (well over due) I'm sure I'll see another 75K miles! Thanks!
Jeremy -Jeremy Vaughan
Have never worn a more fantastic boot. Because of their high build quality they take longer to break in than a standard riding boot. Wear a tall sock and the stitching won't agitate your calf. You will be hard pressed to find a finer boot. -Jules Neale
Great boot but... about 1/2 size to small, don't like the stiching down the heal and the switching on the tag pokes into my leg. -Terry Clair
