I can't afford to make a costly mistake in my choice of boots. I want/need the right boot, the first time around.
What I want
a boot for mild dual sporting and street riding. It must include sufficient protection for the ankle. Not just padding. I want protection.
What I'm trying today:
Aerostitch Combat Tourer.
How They Fit:
(They don't make them in women's sizes, so I got the smallest man size. )
1. They are about a 1/2 or 1 size too long, but with a thick sock on (which I wear when I ride anyway) they feel fine everywhere except are a little wide in the heel. But no shoe or boot (women's or men's) fits me in the heel. I have skinny heels and ankles. However, I do like the width in the toe box area.
2. The area around the ankle does not fit snug (skinny ankles)
3. With jeans on (still looking for women's mc pants that aren't high waisted and too short), the boot fits a little better with the jeans tucked inside, but jeans can go over the outside just fine.
Related questions:
1. Does 1/2 or 1 size too long make that much difference when riding? See #5 question below too.
2. Is this boot going to give me enough protection for my ankles? I don't want a shattered ankle/foot.
3. Will BMW fashion police bust me for wearing pants tucked inside the boot? One reason this is important to me is this: mc clothing manufacturers have neglected the fact that women's legs are longer than men's, so mc pants are always too short on me, which is another reason I don't wear them. If I could tuck them inside; problem solved.
I sat on all three bikes with them on.
4. I can't flex my ankle enough to stand on tip toe.
5. It's difficult to move the boot under the shifter.
Related Questions:
4. Will the leather eventually give so I can flex the foot more, or is this caused by that external buckle?
5. How do you re-learn to shift with boots like this? Does it happen, or is the fact that the boot is 1/2 - 1 size too big going to hinder me from ever being able to shift correctly?
And finally:
6. Is there a better boot for riding both off road and on road that offers ankle protection, comes in women's sizes, and looks as decent as the Aerostich Combat Tourer?
The reason I went with them was because they seemed to be one boot for all purposes, and were a thicker leather, and advertise as being more protective than usual street boots. Here is what Aerostich says about them:
The tougher your riding, the better this boot will feel. Combat Touring boots are as strong as the bulkiest specialized off-road footwear, yet are designed to fit easily under your pants for everyday wear. As soon as you put them on you will feel more support and protection than ordinary street boots can offer. Combat Touring boots are manufactured exclusively for us by Sidi using the best materials and their most experienced bootmakers. They feature quality full grain leather throughout, a Davos competition motocross sole, Scotchlite™ reflective in the heel gusset, generous internal ankle and toe padding, and a special padded collar at the top. The inner speed lace/cordlock setup with micro-adjustable arch buckle and outer hook & loop calf closure insures a protective, comfortable fit. Combat Touring boots will take somewhat longer to form to your feet compared to cheaper boots, but they will outlast them by years. From time to time, apply any good waterproofing product and they will mostly eliminate the need for carrying rainboots. Whenever regular motocross boots are too clumsy and street boots are too wimpy, these are perfect. A great value. Black.14" tall (2.7 lb. per boot)
So...... Should I keep this boot and wait for it to break in and learn to shift in it, or try another. If 'try another' - which should I try next?
And after a few years of wear they appear to have many years of life in them (+ you can get replacement parts 
)
