Thanks
@arj.
I am aware of trip machine and did have their boots for a couple years, then I gave those away. Not sure if their quality has improved, but even though they were OK for what they were charging for "MOTO BOOTS" their quality & overall experience of using that boot was Meh.
I have used a lot of motorcycle gear over 2 decades + of riding, and like everything else there is a lot of gear out there sold as "the gear", but turns out to be absolute cheap garbage. That includes some high end manufacturers too.
My current shoes include -
KLIM Outlander GTX - for weekend trips - where you need a single shoe for riding + a lot of walking and all your luggage is in a backpack - 5 years - though my batch had solid QC issues. In the US they have no questions asked return/repair policy, but in India it is tricky to get.
Gaerne G-Dakar - for long trips - specially reserved for Himalayas where you need solid waterproofing, a lot of torsional rigidity, stiffer sole for standing on the pegs etc etc - 4 years + exceptional boots, just impractical for almost everything off the bike.
TCX Hero - waterproof leather shoes - riding around town - 7 years - brilliant stuff, surprisingly waterproof, look good, feels brilliant. One shoe was left outside in the rain by mistake. So this is what needs replacement - I can always get the TCX Hero 2, but I want to try something different, but comparable.
I am looking for another pair of leather boots, that is - Ankle Length, full grain, reinforced around the heel & toe (not steel/composite, just extra leather), not waterproof (feet get too hot) - definitely GY/hand welted so changing the sole is always an option. They should also be able to take some beating and something I do not have to baby up. No point paying for something and then have to baby it up.
I have owned a number of bike specific boots and in my experience -
- Most shoes that are called "riding boots" aren't really meant to be ridden in. They are just tough looking shoes but will fall apart at first sign of trouble.
- If you really want bullet proof riding boots - there are MX & Enduro boots - but you really need to get used to them, they are stiff, hard to walk in, you can't really feel the controls of the bike. I tried and gave up - settled for something a little more comfortable and a lot more convenient - the Gaerne above.
I was very keen on the Craft & Glory - as they do have a full grain trekking, water resistant boot - that seem to have some of the features I am looking for. However, I was hoping I get some opinion from people who have tried these homegrown brands to vouch for their "abusability".
***this is just my opinion and what works for me - not what the standard is - not too ruffle any feathers.