Riding Boots for the Vertically Challenged

by Toolie
(Sacramento, CA)

I've been on the hunt for a good pair of riding boots for a few months now and just couldn't seem to find anything that was comfortable, waterproof, kept my feet warm in the winter, cool and dry in the summer, had a slight heal/lift, slip resistant, non-laced, and looked stylish. I started to think such a boot didn't exist for a woman with a size 6 foot (can't fit into mens) until I ran across a forum article about the Daytona Lady Star GTX with Gore-Tex boots. These boots seemed to good to be true so I began my research journey (I never buy anything on the internet without doing thorough research).

These boots provide 3/4"-1" lift and really make a difference between standing on the balls of your feet and flat-footing. Check out the Daytona website to get all of the specs.

http://www.daytona.de/deutsch/stiefel/_pix/stiefel_bilder/thumbs_gtx/2_ladystargtx.gif

I don't normally hesitate to spend good money on quality products, but when I saw the price of these boots I definitely hesitated - $449!! I live about 150 miles from the only distributor in the US, Helimot, and as a somewhat new rider, wasn't willing to spend an entire day riding (or driving) to San Jose (the cagers are crazy there!). I considered having them shipped, but they charge $35 for shipping which seemed a bit steep.

So my search for a better priced Lady Star began. If you're familiar with these boots you know that you can't get them on sale and the price seems to keep going up - guess that's what happens when there's no competition (I couldn't find anything else like these boots). Well, I managed to find a website that sold Daytona Lady Start GTX with Gore-Tex boots for less than $350....that's right ladies, LESS than $350!

The company is in Germany and I don't usually purchase something that I haven't even tried on, from another country nonetheless, but the price was so good that I figured I had nothing to lose - I could always put 'em on eBay if I didn't like them or they didn't fit. It took exactly 3 weeks from the time I placed the order to when they arrived on my doorstep. I ended up paying $310 total - seems I ordered at the right time because the Euro had dropped by the time they shipped and charged my card. WOOHOO!!

So far, I am VERY happy with them. They are a little stiff, but that's expected. I ordered a size 36 as I normally wear a ladies size 6 shoe and the fit is very good - there is a slight slippage in the heal, but it doesn't cause any issues with walking, and it's nothing that a heal pad won't fix, if necessary.

I am in no way affiliated with this company, nor do I have any grudges with Helimot. I am simply a consumer who tries to get the biggest bang for her buck and this time it paid off BIG TIME.

The company name is FC-Moto and their website is in German, but I could swear it was in English when I placed my order, though I am unable to find an English version now. In any case, you can select your currency to get the up-to-date price (it will change depending on how the Euro is doing).

https://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/de_DE/?ViewObjectID=4421325&Currency=USD"]https://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/de_DE/?ViewObjectID=4421325&Currency=USD

To be fair, you can also checkout the same boots at Helimot's website. They are VERY nice people - I've spoken to Linda a couple times on the phone and she has been very nice. From what I've read on different forums, they have great service and will ensure a proper fit if you come into the store.

http://www.helimot.com/shopbootsdisplayproducts.asp?page=2

Happy, safe riding to all!