My red wings are awesome. They are laced with the side zipper and a nice non skid sole. I tried to make them slide in some oil and they stood their ground and did not slip. I have the second one from the left on the link below. I think I paid $100 and they don't have all them buckles on them unless you like them, but that's the reason I bought these.

http://www.redwingshoes.com/ProductR...SubType=Zipper

 

You have all the the great boot makers is your back yard.

West Coast Shoe
Danner
White Bros.

 

you hit me in the gut with the "affordable" comment. What the hell is that? Something you can afford with the money left over, after bills, from one paycheck? Or the absolute cheapest you can find?

That aside, the first thing I look for is "Made in USA." Not as difficult to find as you would think, listening to people who say "you can't find anything made in america any more" at walmart.

If you are looking for good quality American made boots then look to spend a minimum of $150.00. I have Chippewa snip toe harness Boots in black. I am not a big boot wearer normally. Only wear them when riding. These have enough room in them to be able to fit 3 pairs of socks when tempatures are below freezing. I am not a big fan of buckles, zippers, laces, buttons or the HD logo being emblazened on everything I own.

One thing I did notice when shopping for boots is that you can pay the same thing for the same boots made in USA as you can for made in china. Same company, same style, only difference is the Harley logo on the "Made in China" boots.

 

I found the TourMaster riding boot to be the best for me. Feel like wearing a tennis shoe, but designed for protection while riding.

Waterproof but breathe, and warm in winter.

about $120

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...oad-Boots.aspx

 

+1 on Milwaukee boot. Affordable and zipper went out after about a year on pair and exchanged for brand new pair without hesitation or question. Very comfortable.

 

Waterproof's the way!Golden Retrievers.

 

+1 on walking comfort being the first consideration. My HD boots are awful for that. Learned that lesson a long time ago when I went to a rally. No problem riding, but the boots killed me off walking around all weekend.

 

Redwings last forever, but as far as cheap goes, with most boots you get what you pay for. do you want cheap for a year or cheap for 10 years?

 

My vote is for Danners, I wear them everyday for work and riding.

 

rode runr,
I have been looking at that boot, did you get the boot in the normal size you wear or did you have to go up a size for proper fit? I will be using a heated insole in this boot on occasion. thanks