Aerostich Combat Lite Boots #404-484

Customer Reviews

the jury is still out on these boots ... Review by Ran

I agree with other reviews that said, "I wanted to like these boots." and I may still get to like them. The pair I received last month is very stiff, and I walked around the house in them for several days to try to loosen them up before going for a ride.

Even with a break-in period, it was difficult to move the boot around enough to shift when I took my first ride on my '92 R100 GS. It is also very hard (so far) to nudge the trans into neutral at stop lights - the boots are so heavy that there's no feel in the toe. Of course, heavy boots are a good thing for crash protection, so I'm going to live with that.

I also agree that the laces are awkward and get snagged in the velcro closure flap, so I cut the laces off shorter and I don't use the plastic "speed lace" fastener. The large velcro flap seems to hold the boots on tight, so the laces seem redundant.

And I agree with the review that said the boot's rubber "tongue" material has no structure and so you have to hold it out of the way with one hand, and use the other hand to put the boot on. Annoying.

The edges and stitching of the Aerostich labels inside each boot were really irritating to my calves unless I wore tall socks. I used some 120 grit sandpaper to smooth down the edges of the labels.

I like the protective height of the boot and the grip of the sole. The reflective patch on the back is a nice touch, and so far I don't have problems with the buckles.

I may try the overnight soak-and-walk technique and see if that speeds up the break-in period, and then update this review. (Posted on 8/10/12)

Disappointing Review by Robert

I waited to write this, because I wanted to like these boots. I REALLY wanted to like them. I wanted to own them for several years before I could afford to spend this much on a pair of boots.
They're very thick, stiff leather. I'm sure this is great in Minnesota winters or for riding off road. However, I live in Texas and if I go off road, it's because I made an error in a curve.
The description says: "More ideal for general touring, everyday urban riding and all day street and general purpose wear." I disagree. They are *awful* for general use. They're too heavy and too stiff. Like I said, I waited before I wrote this review. I wanted to make sure I gave them a fair shot and made sure to break them in well. I've owned them a year and a half now. Most of the time, I've only worn them back and forth to work and home - I left a pair of sneakers at work because these hurt my feet, my legs and my back.
I'm sure they're great for adventure-touring and off road riding, but sadly, they kind of suck for walking/standing in an urban/suburban environment.
Another positive note: they do seem to be pretty much waterproof.

Overall, this has been the most disappointing purchase I've made, second only to the H-D Sportster that spent more time in the shop than on the street. I think my pair is going on Craig's List soon. (Posted on 7/11/12)

good boot with liner Review by boatman

i ware a usa 8.5 and had heard that the boot runs on the large size. The size 8.5 is the european size 42 which has historicly been a bit large for my 8.5 foot. I got the 8.5 and it was to large but after installing a THIN foot pad the boot fits fine and seems to be breaking in easily. Ware them around the for a day or two b/4 putting into full use. I put four days on the boot in the dirt and prefoum well. A good product. You can replace the laces with 550 cord. (Posted on 6/23/12)

Well pleased Review by Morthwyl

First the bad:
I find the sole of the boots a little "Sticky" on cleated footpegs.
Then the Good:
Well made, easy on and off, stiff enough to offer protection but cut low enough to not be too hot (California). I was between sizes, so rounded up and put an insert in place with no problem.
Flexible enough in the ankle to not interfere with breaking/gear changes.
I went with the wedge sole to get a little more leg room as i am a little cramped for space on one of my bikes.
Very happy and will be getting a pair for my wife.
(Posted on 6/22/12)

Great boots Review by Genz

Just got my boots. CBT lite. They weren't as stiff as everyone says. I wore them all day. They fit great. I rode the GS about 200 miles and shifting and breaking was normal. Both sitting and standing shifting was no problem. I almost didn't order these because of all the posts about how hard the break in was. Just put them on and ride. It's really no big deal. (Posted on 6/17/12)

Crash report Review by dogFM

New bike, freshly wet road - grabbed too much front brake and down I went! Low speed crash but my combat lites are just a little scratched on the toe whereas my riding suit (not my Aerostich) is totaled. I just wish I had been wearing my 'stich because I have cut my knee and it's badly bruised too. The combat lives live on :) (Posted on 6/14/12)

Fell short of expectations Review by KRB

I was hoping this new boot would be the replacement for my 10 year old worn out and tattered pair, regretfully not.

The draw string is awkward and gets snagged in the velcro closure. I was ending up rolling it in a loop and covering it with the velcro flap.

The buckle doesn't want to align easily, it ends up being a two hand job, and it pinches and folds the upper if I get it just a little tight.

The rubber tongue has no structure to it so tries to fold closed which is annoying when trying to slip your foot in the boot without two hands.

Compared to my suit, the boots seem like they weren't built by the same company. (Posted on 5/31/12)

typical Review by camargodave

Typical of what I've come to expect of Aerostitch--very good quality at a reasonable price. The standard laces are my only small gripe. The velcro eats them up quickly. That's why I also ordered a set of competition laces. I sized the boots as suggested and got a perfect fit. Break-in is slow, as expected. I've used SnoSeal as the leather protector of choice. NO problems other than the expected stiffness. I made another good choice with Aerostitch. Two dual sport weekend rides and still my feet are dry. Thanks Andy (Posted on 4/30/12)

Love 'em Review by Beau

I have now had these boots for about 6 months. I wear them daily, and commute daily. Once they are broken in they are the great. I am in school full time and wear them to class. After classes I go to work as a Paramedic and reluctantly have to don my work boots. After 12 hours at slipping into these is so much nicer than my work boots. I will need a sizing insole soon due to stretch, but that is to be expected. (Posted on 4/25/12)

Elastic band problem Review by Richard

Bought my Combat lights one year ago. Quite stiff but obviously very well made. Worth a couple of blisters to break in. My major problem was the elastic band around the top. After two hours of this band squeezing my calves my leg above the boots swelled up like a watermelon. I tried compression socks No help. I did not want to give up on this product so I took them to my local cobbler and she cut the top elastic band off. She then trimmed off the little leather tab, stitched them up to look like new and I could not be happier. I expect to get about 20 years of very happy riding out of these boots now. Where this is a will There is a way (Posted on 3/10/12)