Alt Berg boots: worth it?
Discussion
I'm on my second pair.
The first pair were fantastic (clubman roadster) - lasted me for five years, totally waterproof and actually the boot is still fine but started to leak in some biblical rain. They'd probably be alright for most of the time so they're on the shelf as a spare pair.
I replaced them with the Roadrunner which have all the same build quality but I've found them to be slightly colder (closer fitting maybe?) and in another deluge there was a very minor leak. I've been meaning to send them back but to be honest the leak was so small it almost wasn't worth it but as the warranty will be up soon I suppose I ought to get on with it.
I've been very pleased and as I commute in most weathers I need a good all round boot.
If you're after massive protection then you may want to look elsewhere - they are pretty stout but there are certainly more protective options out there on teh market. But pound for pound they've been very good.
The first pair were fantastic (clubman roadster) - lasted me for five years, totally waterproof and actually the boot is still fine but started to leak in some biblical rain. They'd probably be alright for most of the time so they're on the shelf as a spare pair.
I replaced them with the Roadrunner which have all the same build quality but I've found them to be slightly colder (closer fitting maybe?) and in another deluge there was a very minor leak. I've been meaning to send them back but to be honest the leak was so small it almost wasn't worth it but as the warranty will be up soon I suppose I ought to get on with it.
I've been very pleased and as I commute in most weathers I need a good all round boot.
If you're after massive protection then you may want to look elsewhere - they are pretty stout but there are certainly more protective options out there on teh market. But pound for pound they've been very good.
I don't have any point of reference as I've only been riding for a year and haven't had any other dedicated boots, but I've had a pair of Roadrunners since late last year for my daily commute and they've been excellent. The ankle is quite stiff (better for protection I guess), so I have to adjust the gear lever up a reasonable amount on any new bike I ride. I bought them as I've been very impressed with the Altbergs I've been wearing for years at work.
I love mine, and while I don't commute (and have not ridden much for the past few years) they have been great in general, and kept me dry (mine have a non-goretex breathable waterproof lining which seems effective). Warm in snow, and temps of -7 at motorway speeds were just about tolerable. Comfortable to walk in - I once walked 1.5 miles to and from work in them one winter in deep snow as I didn't have any wellies.
Downside - thick sole took a bit of getting used to, and not so much feel for operating the clutch and brake as with lighter brands. (and I had to make a couple of trips to Richmond for fitting)
I have very wide feet though, so my principal reason for buying them was fit rather than anything else - if you have "normal" feet I would not necessarily prioritise them over other brands.
Downside - thick sole took a bit of getting used to, and not so much feel for operating the clutch and brake as with lighter brands. (and I had to make a couple of trips to Richmond for fitting)
I have very wide feet though, so my principal reason for buying them was fit rather than anything else - if you have "normal" feet I would not necessarily prioritise them over other brands.
recommended. I commute around 10 days a month all weathers and had my pair of clubmans 8 years. They are still in properly great nick but softening slightly too much at the gear select toe reinforcment, I will have this repaired at the factory when I get too cheesed off with it. Boots they replaced lasted 3 years..
kenloen said:
recommended. I commute around 10 days a month all weathers and had my pair of clubmans 8 years. They are still in properly great nick but softening slightly too much at the gear select toe reinforcment, I will have this repaired at the factory when I get too cheesed off with it. Boots they replaced lasted 3 years..
Before tubeless tyres, the trick was to cut a couple of strips out of 
I have had a pair for about 7 years. For three years I commuted 50 miles a day in all weathers, and they have been 100% dry and very comfortable. Plenty warm enough in winter without getting too hot in summer, with the right choice of socks. If you want the last word in protection look elsewhere, but the flip side is that they are comfortable walking around, all day if needed (which I have when I have forgotten to take shoes back to work after needing smart shoes at the weekend). I know for some people the idea of sacrificing any amount of safety for any reason is an anathema, but this is an oddly British thing. In the US and the rest of Europe they don't seem to have an issue balancing safety with comfort, but for a significant number of people in the UK wearing anything but full race leathers, race boots and a full face helmet means instant death. Same with these boots.
I've had my pair of roadrunners since they were launched 5 years ago. Never leaked once. They are also CE2 approved, so very robust should you need protection. OK, they don't have the colourful fandangles that you might see on other boots, but they serve a purpose. Also, as Altberg also make hiking boots, they know how to make a boot comfortable for walking in.
I have a pair that I ordered at the BMF show years ago, took 3 months to arrive, but are like heavy slippers to wear.
A mate was in the Police and he had three pairs, also said they are like slippers to wear, but with more weight to them.
I wear them all day during the summer (go to work in them, wear all day, go home in them), tbh, they are more comfortable than some trainers that I have worn.
Never had them leak on me, I used to tour in them back when, I'd never but another make of bike boots.
A mate was in the Police and he had three pairs, also said they are like slippers to wear, but with more weight to them.
I wear them all day during the summer (go to work in them, wear all day, go home in them), tbh, they are more comfortable than some trainers that I have worn.
Never had them leak on me, I used to tour in them back when, I'd never but another make of bike boots.
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