My requirement was a adventure waterproof boot that I could ride in rain or wade through deep puddles or water crossings, be comfortable enough that I could walk a bit if I'm on a multi-day tour, and have enough protection for moderate offroading.
I have Tech7's and they're excellent. Smashed my foot on stumps and rocks, dirtbike has fallen on my leg/ankle countless times, and they've saved me from a few injuries for sure. They're also hot and you can't walk more than a few steps in them (they're comfortable for sure but they're completely solid and don't flex to allow you to walk so not really something you can tour in).
So on recommendations I bought the Corozal's from GPbikes (phoned in the order). Took about 3secs after delivery to see these put comfort first and safety second. They're comfy, waterproof, and will protect your shin from a bee hitting it at speed but that's about it. Like the Forza Adventure boot it's got the protection of a tennis shoe but costs $450. There's nothing to protect your ankle from twisting, hyperextending, getting smashed by a rock/stump, and if your fullsize ADV bike falls on your ankle you're getting injured and wished you'd bought boots with actual protection. Decent choice though for a touring boot that doesn't go offroad and pretty well made.
Returned them and bought the Toucan from FCMoto (hey I did try to support local but apparently my multi-year history of supporting GP only garnered me 10% off the Toucan which left it $250 more expensive than FC including shipping so they had their chance).
The Toucan is a better boot in every way. It's got a higher-quality stitched-on sole, is Gore-tex waterproof, the toe-box/ankle/and upper are all 80% of what the Tech7 offers in protection. Same self-cleaning aluminum buckles as well (I've had my Tech7's for over 6yrs now and never had to replace a buckle). Given all the protection they're also very comfortable to walk in. Stiffer than the Corozal but not uncomfortable (you could easily tour all day in these and wear them into the pub for dinner and a pint at the end). They're not as rock-hard as the Tech7 but the boot upper won't flop to the side like the Corozal and has excellent twist/crush protection. There's a bit less plastic protection on the boot inner (most likely to allow you to have some feel of the bike) than the 7 but ample crush protection. These are more money but worth it.
I have Tech7's and they're excellent. Smashed my foot on stumps and rocks, dirtbike has fallen on my leg/ankle countless times, and they've saved me from a few injuries for sure. They're also hot and you can't walk more than a few steps in them (they're comfortable for sure but they're completely solid and don't flex to allow you to walk so not really something you can tour in).
So on recommendations I bought the Corozal's from GPbikes (phoned in the order). Took about 3secs after delivery to see these put comfort first and safety second. They're comfy, waterproof, and will protect your shin from a bee hitting it at speed but that's about it. Like the Forza Adventure boot it's got the protection of a tennis shoe but costs $450. There's nothing to protect your ankle from twisting, hyperextending, getting smashed by a rock/stump, and if your fullsize ADV bike falls on your ankle you're getting injured and wished you'd bought boots with actual protection. Decent choice though for a touring boot that doesn't go offroad and pretty well made.
Returned them and bought the Toucan from FCMoto (hey I did try to support local but apparently my multi-year history of supporting GP only garnered me 10% off the Toucan which left it $250 more expensive than FC including shipping so they had their chance).
The Toucan is a better boot in every way. It's got a higher-quality stitched-on sole, is Gore-tex waterproof, the toe-box/ankle/and upper are all 80% of what the Tech7 offers in protection. Same self-cleaning aluminum buckles as well (I've had my Tech7's for over 6yrs now and never had to replace a buckle). Given all the protection they're also very comfortable to walk in. Stiffer than the Corozal but not uncomfortable (you could easily tour all day in these and wear them into the pub for dinner and a pint at the end). They're not as rock-hard as the Tech7 but the boot upper won't flop to the side like the Corozal and has excellent twist/crush protection. There's a bit less plastic protection on the boot inner (most likely to allow you to have some feel of the bike) than the 7 but ample crush protection. These are more money but worth it.
