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Looking for actual waterproof boots

670cc

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I have a pair of Alpinestars Roam 2 boots labeled as "waterproof". They may have been semi-waterproof at one time, but they might as well now be perforated sponges is a heavy rain. Water gets inside freely, but cannot get back outside, which is a recipe for severely wrinkled feet by the end of the day. I unloaded a can of waterproofing spray on them but they still leak freely. The sole and seams all appear intact.

Plenty of boots are labeled waterproof, but my experience and reviews say that many such boots are not. Can you people suggest a new waterproof, comfortable touring boot that you have actually experienced being waterproof when riding in heavy rain?
 

melensdad

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My Sidi Armadas are (so far) totally waterproof.

GoreTex costs more but has a reputation and a guarantee that other breathable products don’t match. Might be worth the extra $
 

MZ5

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FWIW:

I've worn my Forma Cape Horn boots in 2 heavy rains. There were completely waterproof, but I was just out for fun because I like to ride (or drive a car) in our infrequent rains. That means 15 - 20 miles in each of those rides. Also, my boots can't be more than a year old. They may be newer than that.
 

670cc

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Thank you all for the suggestions so far. I will be investigating those boot models. Just to be clear, I’m talking hours of rain like tropical storm stuff. Unfortunately, it’s not so rare these days. On my recent Newfoundland trip, we go caught in the remnants of three hurricanes. It rained, sometimes very hard, on 70% of the trip days. I began to fear for the health of my feet, so much that I thought I might have to end the trip early and head home, or buy new boots on the road.
 

potter0o

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I had the same boots. They were waterproof on my rides for about two years. They certainly are not any longer. When I was searching for new ones the dealer said that 2 years for the model is about their experience. I upgraded to their Gore-tex version about a year ago. No leaks so far. I only wear them in the rain currently. Which turns into almost everyday in the Fall and Winter. Too cheap, I mean environmentally friendly to throw out the boots that are fine for a dry day. The timing is ironic, I just commented about boots on another thread.

AS Web Gore-Tex
 

bigbird

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I had the same boots. They were waterproof on my rides for about two years. They certainly are not any longer. When I was searching for new ones the dealer said that 2 years for the model is about their experience. I upgraded to their Gore-tex version about a year ago. No leaks so far. I only wear them in the rain currently. Which turns into almost everyday in the Fall and Winter. Too cheap, I mean environmentally friendly to throw out the boots that are fine for a dry day. The timing is ironic, I just commented about boots on another thread.

AS Web Gore-Tex
I owned a pair of those Astars Web Goretex boots for 2 seasons.
They were great in cooler weather, but I found that from June through September they were just too hot.
On the plus side, they were also totally waterproof.
 

DirtFlier

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I've run into the same problem with many pairs of riding boots advertised as "waterproof" and tried the various waterproofing ploys then started carrying plastic grocery bags with me to slip over my feet then into the boots if rain was expected. They kept my feet dry in spite of sometimes being surrounded in the boot by water which does provide a weird sensation when you have to walk to the potty at a gas stop.

I finally tried Wolverine, lace-up work boots that claimed to be waterproof. They lack the protection and stylish flare of real riding boots but are comfy to wear all day, allow me to walk normally and not too hot plus they do stay dry inside. I've had them for 6-7 yrs now and they're still waterproof! ;)
 

Griff

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I have a very old pair of TCX Goretex boots that I continue to use despite having a new pair on the shelf. In their heyday they were all day waterproof. Even nowadays with the regular application of a good Wax/balsam (Modeka) they pretty much stay waterproof all day. We get plenty of rain here and at the end of a long day out in it, the boots are at worst damp inside.
 

potter0o

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I have found that applications of the Nikwax products can help improve the waterproof performance of gloves and boots. I use the Glove Proof for gloves. I would have to look up what the boot product is.

They were great in cooler weather, but I found that from June through September they were just too hot.
I have heard this as a concern. Kind of why I use my old ones for dry days. I would expect waterproof equipment in general to be warmer. Preventing water penetration would also impact airflow. When I consume my old boot I plan to get a proper summer boot with more airflow...curse my cheapness...
 

the Ferret

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If a pair of gloves say waterproof, look out. That may mean in a rain your hands will stay dry for at least 3 minutes. same with boots.
Bet I've bought 10 pairs of "waterproof" gloves over the years that weren't. Finally got some overgloves and the problem was solved. However, they are not a close fit over the gloves and therefore are kinda flappy, especially out at the fingertips.


My brother uses Tingley rubber rain over boot over his regular lightweight boots.

 

MZ5

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Thank you all for the suggestions so far. I will be investigating those boot models. Just to be clear, I’m talking hours of rain like tropical storm stuff. Unfortunately, it’s not so rare these days. On my recent Newfoundland trip, we go caught in the remnants of three hurricanes. It rained, sometimes very hard, on 70% of the trip days. I began to fear for the health of my feet, so much that I thought I might have to end the trip early and head home, or buy new boots on the road.

Have you ever tried some of the boot covers I've seen advertized for sale? I've not tried them; no need here.
 

Alias

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Have you ever tried some of the boot covers
I have used these on road trips with great success. As long as you keep the tops tucked under your rain pants, you will have dry feet. They are somewhat bulky to pack but well worth the trouble.

 
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670cc

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Have you ever tried some of the boot covers I've seen advertized for sale? I've not tried them; no need here.
Thanks for the suggestion and reminder on boot covers. I actually do have a pair of these stashed away somewhere, but neglected to take them on my long rainy trip. Maybe I can use the covers in severe rain events to stretch a little more life out of the leaky boots I have.
 
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Sandspike

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After flooding several waterproof boots I gave up and got Tourmaster boot covers at the insistence of a great rider. I’ve had great success with them. Why pay for expensive waterproof boots and destroy their waterproofing by riding them in dry weather?? Boot covers stay pristine in a paneer and make any boot waterproof when needed. Makes much more sense to me.
See patch on cut.
 

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DirtFlier

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"...Plenty of boots are labeled waterproof, but my experience and reviews say that many such boots are not...670"

If their test was to use a water hose directed at a boot, then it is probably fairly waterproof but riding a motorcycle in the rain is quite different as regards volume of the water and the velocity!
 
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